PILOT ADD-ON RATING |
Sugarbush Soaring encourage pilots with recent flying experience who are licensed in powered aircraft to visit us and learn to soar. We offer a variety of instructional packages suitable to different scheduling needs. We are not a "rating mill," and, because of the challenging conditions of mountain soaring, require a high level of competence by our students and a mastery of the techniques of soaring as specified in the Pilot Flight Test Standards. We make no promises of a rating in a specified number of flights, but it has been our experience that a competent pilot will have progressed to solo and beyond in twelve flights. CFR Part 61 specifies the minimum requirements for the add-on glider rating. Although a written " Knowledge Test" is not required, a specified minimum number of flights and hours and an extensive oral and flight examination are mandated. We have an FAA Designated Examiner on staff. Instruction will be in the LET Super Blanik L-23 for both dual and initial solo flights. Later solo flights may be in the Blanik or the single-place Schweizer 1-26. At the discretion of the student and the instructor, a familiarization flight in the Schleicher ASK-21 may be an option to experience the higher performance fiberglass aircraft. We have available for instruction and rent: 2 Super Blanik L-23's, 1 Schleicher ASK-21, 1 Schweizer 1-26, 1 Grob 102. With the exception of the occasional pattern tow to perfect the landing, and a simulated "rope break" at low altitude, every flight will be a "soaring" flight - we will work on looking for, identifying, and sustaining flight in the lift conditions that prevail on any given day. Depending on conditions, some flights may be of an hour or so in duration. In most cases, two or three flights a day is the maximum for optimal progress; on many days, one flight may suffice. Instructors will make every effort to work closely with a student on a one-to-one basis, individualizing instruction and tailoring the lesson to the soaring conditions and the stage of progress of the student. Remember - this is FUN!The reason to add the rating is to experience the thrill of aviation in its most pure - and demanding - form!
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