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Flight Instruction

Exploring the skies over Gregory

Take a seat in one of our gliders…

With one of our experienced instructors in the back seat…

And you'll be flying sooner than you ever thought.

Flight Training in Gliders

Cockpit of the Grob G-103 Acro

Student flight training is a primary emphasis of the Sandhill Soaring Club. Weekends and holidays during the flying season, between 8:00 am and 1:00 pm, are reserved for member flight training. Instructional flights are also frequently taken during the week when summer days allow flying long into the evening.

There is no extra charge to members for flight instruction, which is provided by FAA Certified Flight Instructors (CFIGs). New students who take lessons every week can solo after 35 to 50 flights and could complete the flight requirements for the private rating in gliders after another 25 to 35 flights.

Who Can Be a Glider Pilot?

Just about anyone! Basic requirements to operate a glider are within the reach of most individuals:

  • 14 years of age to solo
  • 16 years of age to receive a Private Pilot Glider license
  • Pass knowledge (written) and practical (oral and flight) examinations as required by the FAA

Winter Ground School

Winter flying at Sandhill

Each winter the Sandhill Soaring Club conducts a 13-session Glider Pilot Ground School and Refresher Course. The course is an excellent way to begin preparing for the FAA written test for the Private Pilot Glider rating. Ground school begins in mid-February and runs for 13 weeks, with classes held each Monday from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm at the Ann Arbor Airport. The nominal cost is $135, which includes all 13 sessions.

For Current Sandhill Members

Login to the Sandhill Yahoo! Groups site to arrange for instruction and flight time, or contact one of the club's instructors.

  • Arrive at Richmond Field at 8:00 am on the scheduled day.
  • Fill out the sign-up sheet by printing your last and first name, rating (N, S, P, or C), launch method, CFIG required, and glider type.
  • Assist the crew in getting the aircraft and equipment out of the hanger and onto the flightline.
  • Assist the crew in conducting preflight inspections, laying out the tow rope, etc.
  • The first three club members who do all of the above have priority for flight instruction on that day, based on the order they call in.
  • The club instructor will determine the number of consecutive instructional flights that each student may take on that day.

This system depends on instructors, tow pilots and crew to be on time.