In order to provide the best possible training we have standardized:

  • the training program
  • the material used for training and instructing
  • flight training and progress records
  • a “Cross Check”, where a student is required to fly at least twice with another instructor during the training period
  • a liability release form which includes the instructor as well as Utah Soaring Association

Instructors

Instructors must be club members, FAA certified and approved by the club.  See approved instructors. You will also see this link under Club Info.

Glider Training Manuals 

All Students 

The FAA Glider Flying Handbook will be used as a reference material for all students. You can download a free copy of this handbook here: FAA Glider Flying Handbook

Initial Students 

In addition to the FAA Glider Flying Handbook we have adopted the Holtz Flight Training material as additional training material for new members who do not currently have a pilot certificate. The Holtz flight training material includes:

  • Glider Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge. It contains all of the information that a student must learn to meet the FAA requirements and to pass the FAA written test.
  • Flight Training Manual for Gliders.
    Each chapter addresses a separate stage of flight, such as takeoff, landing.

Both items are available online at gliderbooks.com.

Transition Students 

In addition to the FAA Glider Flying Handbook, for training new members who currently are certificated airplane pilots, additional refernce material will be:

  • Transition to Gliders, by Tom Knauff
    It contains the pertinent information a previously trained power pilot will need to learn to fly gliders.

This book is available at: Knauff and Grove Soaring Supplies.

Flight Training and Progress Records

To keep track of training progress we use an Aeronautical Knowledge and Flight Training record. Notes, comments and cross checks are documented as well.
The primary aeronautical knowledge and flight training record can be found in the list below, along with some other useful training records:

Winch Training

Release Form

Every student must sign the Liability Release and Assumption of Risk Agreement form.

Required Instructor Sign-Off

There is quite a laundry list of required sign-offs needed to operate club gliders. Please read the FOR document for details, but a concise list is below:

  • Aerobatic flight (not currently available)
  • Wave flight
  • Ground launch
  • Ridge soaring
  • Airport familiarization
  • Cross country flight (more than a safe soaring distance from the departure airport)
  • G-103 Twin II
  • G-103 Twin Astir
  • Pilatus
  • Rear seat
  • Spring check
  • Currency restoration if greater than a six-month lapse in flying