INITIAL GLIDER TRAINING 
SUMMARY OF FAA REQUIREMENTS

The training necessary to acquire an FAA pilot’s certificate to fly gliders is outlined in the Code of Federal Aviation Regulations and is divided into three levels of accomplishment. The first level is receiving the training necessary for solo flight.  The second is additional training to obtain a Glider Private Pilot’s Certificate.  And the third is to obtain the training and experience necessary to obtain a Glider Commercial Pilot’s Certificate.  The CFR allows previous experience as a pilot of heavier than air aircraft of at least 40 hours may reduce the necessary training.

 If you have not obtained 40 hours of flying experience, the following items must be accomplished before gaining an instructor’s endorsement to solo:

1.      Approximately 25 to 35 training flights with an instructor covering the required tasks and maneuvers I/A/W FAA regulations.

2.      Apply for a Student Pilot Certificate from the FAA or designated representative.

3.      Complete ground school training as assigned by your instructor.

4.      Demonstrate to your instructor a level of skill and knowledge that will allow safe flight in a glider.  The minimum age to solo is 14 years.

After solo, to obtain a Glider Private Pilot’s Certificate with no previous experience the following must be accomplished:

             1.   Log 10 hours of glider time practicing skills outlined in CFR 61.107.

2.      This flight experience must include at least 20 flights with an instructor.

3.      Three flights with an instructor within 60 days prior to the practical test.

4.      Two hours of solo flight that include at least 10 launches and landings.

5.      Successfully complete FAA Knowledge Test.

6.      Successfully complete FAA Practical Test.  The minimum age is 16 years.

To obtain a Glider Commercial Pilot’s Certificate with no previous experience the following experience must be obtained:

1.      Log 25 hours of flight time in a glider including 100 flights as pilot in command.

2.      Log 3 hours of glider flight training or 10 training flights with a glider instructor, including 3 preparatory flights with an instructor within 60 days of the practical test.

3.      Log 2 hours of solo flight that includes at least 10 solo flights in a glider.

4.      Successfully complete FAA Knowledge Test.

5.      Successfully complete FAA Practical test. The minimum age is 18 years.

Refer to CFR 61.87, 61.93, 61.107, 61.109, 61.127, and 61.129 for details.

Note: No FAA medical certificate is required to fly or instruct in gliders. However, the pilot self-certifies that he/she has no conditions that would interfere with safe flight.