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Just about anyone! The requirements to operate a glider are less than that for powered aircraft, and the FAA allows individuals as young as 14 to fly as solo students. Additionally, medical certification is not needed to become a glider pilot. It's safe to say if you can drive a car, you can probably fly a glider.

With that in mind, no, you can't take your first ride on Saturday and walk off with your license on Sunday. Proper instruction is required, as is passing a written FAA exam and demonstration of piloting skills to an FAA examiner. A certain amount of solo time is also required before a pilot certificate is received. Most people find they can easily get to the solo stage of training in a summer of weekend flying, while dedicated individuals can go from novice to licensed pilot in the same season.