MSC members receive free training from a staff of volunteer
MSC FAA Certified Flight Instructors. Flight instruction includes basic training for new pilots,
transition training for a power pilot glider add-on rating, training for a commercial or CFI
rating, and ongoing training including biannual flight reviews. Training for tow pilots is
also provided. No medical certificate is required to fly gliders.
Scheduled training is every Saturday and Sunday during the season from 8am –noon. All students
must arrive by 8am in order to prepare the aircraft for the day. This includes washing the
gliders and doing a daily inspection. Anyone desiring instruction must call the MSC message
by 7pm the night before. The message line phone number is published in the newsletter. The
sign-up sheet in the morning will determine your flight priority so make sure you sign in when you arrive.
New pilots – In general, a student will take one season and about 20-30 flights before they
will be endorsed to fly solo. While solo, they then practice for another 20+ flights to prepare
for their Practical Test with the FAA which includes taking a written test and a Flight test.
Once these tests are passed, you will have a Private Pilot Glider rating and will be allowed
to take up passengers. To retain legal currency to act as pilot in command, you will have to
take a flight review with a flight instructor at least once every 24 months.
Transition Pilots/Glider Add-on - In general, a transition pilot is taught the same
material and procedures as a new student, but because of prior experience they will progress more
quickly. A written test is not required.
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