Training
The following are resources for students of all experience levels, from the beginning glider student to CFIG applicant. This page also contains resources for tow pilots and flight instructors.
All Pilots
2024 Glider Flying Handbook (FAA)
Thermalling Techniques by Dick Johnson
Airspace on a sectional (AOPA)
Aviation Weather for Pilots (FAA)
Aeronautical Decision Making (FAA) An older Advisory Circular
Aeronautical Decision Making (FAA) Chapter 2 of the Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge
Common Pilot Errors, by Ken Sorenson
Jim Burch's Study Guide This webpage is an amazingly good resource for beginning glider students. Includes quizzes.
The Soaring Page, Bill Palmer’s website with tons of training material and videos
Checklists
L-23 Blanik Preflight and Pretakeoff checklist
The Beginning Student
Beginning Student to Licensed Glider Pilot "Roadmap" in Microsoft Word with links
Beginning Student to Licensed Glider Pilot “Roadmap” in pdf format
Taking an Active Role in Your Flight Training
Welcome to GHSA - Ground Crew Training
Instruments and Flight Controls
Solo checklist (before going solo you must do this)
Ground Instruction
Flight Instruments (2018/12, Prigge)
Skew-T Plots for Soaring Pilots (2019/01, Hahn)
Glider Math by Two’s and Three’s (Intro to Cross Country) (2019/05, Hahn/Prigge/Brickner)
Soaring Weather Links (2019/06, Hahn)
The Post-solo Student
Private Pilot's flight exam checklist (before taking the practical exam you must do this)
Flight Examiner Expectations - One perspective
Private Pilot Practical Test Standards for Glider
GHSA Guidelines/Prerequisites for Flying Association Gliders
The Post-Private Student aka "Crossing the Country with Ease"
From Private License to Cross Country pilot “Roadmap”
Cross-Country Flying Instructional Material
GHSA Guidelines/Prerequisites for Flying Association Gliders
The Commercial Pilot
Commercial Pilot's Flight Exam Checklist (before taking the practical exam you must do this)
Commercial Pilot Practical Test Standards for Glider
The Flight Instructor
Flight instructor checklist (before taking the practical exam you must do this)
Flight Instructor Practical Test Standards for Glider
Introduction to Fundamentals of Instruction (Courtesy of Jamie Shore, SCOH. Material from Soaring Magazine)
Aeronautical Decision Making for CFI's
TSA Flight Training Requirements for Flight Schools and Independent CFI's
SSA Cross Country Instructor Program (CCIP)
GHSA Flight Instructor's Material
Training Syllabus - January 2014 revision
Certified Flight Instructor Glider Study and Reference Materials
Guidance and Ideas for Giving Flight Reviews
GHSA Guidelines/Prerequisites for Flying Association Gliders
To-do: Introduction to Pilot Judgement
The FARs (Complete and online)
Tow Pilots
Experience Requirements to Tow Gliders
Tow Pilot Online Training Course
Changing the oil on an AgWagon
The Transition Pilot
This article from the FAA explains soaring and the benefits of glider experience and training to all pilots:
Gliding Your Way to Greater Pilot Proficiency
Challenges of Powerless Flight (AOPA)
Transition Pilot Syllabus (12/13/24)