Q:    What is the difference between a glider and a sailplane?

A:    For practical purposes the words glider and sailplane are used interchangeably.  Europeans more often use the term sailplanes and Americans are more often using the term glider.  To use the more technical difference between the two words, a sailplane usually is associated with better performance or the ability to soar.  For example the Space Shuttle is a glider, it can glide to the ground without power, however it lacks the performance to ever maintain or gain altitude on its own accord and will never be referred to as a sailplane.

Q:    What does it take to start flying?

A:    Almost anyone can be taught to fly a sailplane.  You must be 14 years old in order to solo and 16 years old to be eligible for your Private Pilot Glider certificate.  It is never too late to learn to fly either.

Q:    How much does it cost to fly sailplanes?

A:    The answer is .... it depends.  Transitions pilots can expect to pay up to $1500.00.  Initial students can approach $3000.00.  In the simplest of terms;  each flight requires a tow, each tow is $15.00 to $19.00 depending on the height of the tow.  An average training flight is 18 minutes.  The training aircraft is $25.00 and hour as is your instructor.  Transition pilots will average 20 flights.  Initial students will average 35 flights.

Q:    Are there any hidden costs?

A:    I wouldn't call them hidden costs as much as other items that you will need.  For a transition pilot you are pretty well set with the addition of a text on sailplanes.  Initial students will need a few additional reference materials that should not run more than $50.00.  Initial students will also be required to take a knowledge exam which runs around $70.00.  When you are ready to take your Private Pilot practical test you will also be charge a fee from the area Pilot Designated Examiner unless you make arrangements to take your test with the FAA.

Q:    Where can I get definitive answers to how to become a sailplane pilot?

A:    There is a publication referred to as the FARs (Federal Aviation Regulations).  The exact requirements need to obtain a certificate for saileplanes is listed in Part 61.  Your instructor can go over each of the requirements in detail for you.

Q:    How long can you stay in the air in a sailplane?

A:    The world record was almost broken in May of 2005 with a 2000K + distance and a little over 13 hours sitting in the cockpit over the Sierra Mountains.  In Kansas our conditions are not the type that world records are made but there are several Kansas records available for the adventurous.  I am familiar with at least one 6 hour flight at our gliderport in Wichita in a training aircraft.