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If you have a power aircraft license, you can be recommended for your glider certificate after as few as 10 flights, without a second written test. It's worth noting that obtaining a glider license is an acceptable substitute for your biennial flight review, and most pilots feel glider experience improves their power flying.

Glider Pilot Rating Requirements

per FAR Part 61

 61.31  Launch methods (ground, aerotow, self-launch) are by instructor endorsement per  additional training.

 61.109  Private pilots

* For private pilot glider with less than 40 hours in power:

Minimum 10 hours and 20 flights in gliders.  2 hours solo including minimum of 10 flights in the areas of operation of FAR 61.107(b) (6). 3 training flights with an instructor within 60 days preceding the practical test.

* If candidate has more than 40 hours in power:

Minimum 3 hours and 10 solo flights in areas of operation of FAR 61.107 (b) (6) and 3 training flights with an instructor within 60 days preceding the practical test.

 61.129  Commercial Pilots

* For applicants with less than 200 hours in power:

25 hours in gliders including at least 100 flights as PIC including at least 3 hours or 10 training flights with an instructor in areas of operation of FAR 61.127 (b) (6). 2 hours solo including minimum of 10 flights in areas of FAR 61.127 (b) (6). 3 training flights with an instructor within 60 days preceding the practical test.

* For applicants with more than 200 hours in power:

Minimum 20 flights in gliders as PIC including 3 hours or 10 training flights with an instructor in areas of FAR 61.127 (b) (6). Minimum 5 solo flights in areas of FAR 61.127 (b) (6). 3 training flights with an instructor within 60 days preceding the practical test.

Before flying solo in any Soar Truckee aircraft, pilots must have proof of non-owners insurance, commonly called renters insurance, with a loss of revenue clause payable to Soar Truckee in the amount of $30,000.00. Applications for 2 or 3 companies are available in the Soar Truckee office.