Learning To Soar With FRS

Welcome To the World of Soaring!

First of all let me say welcome from a diverse group of soaring enthusiasts scattered throughout this great world of ours.  Whatever country you are in and whatever continent you are on you will find enthusiasts like yourself who are eager to share their interest and knowledge with you.  Soaring is a sport that demands much and returns much.  You have now joined that wonderful group that predates the Wright brothers.

Why have you chosen to join us?  You may have seen a glider overhead and become intrigued by the beautiful form or you may desire to command your own aircraft.  As you progress through your training you may find that the sport interests you in ways you never dreamed.  Some enjoy lazily circling in soft thermals directly overhead the airport.  Some pilots enjoy taking spectators aloft for their first aerial adventure.  Others enjoy the challenge of flying hundreds of miles in a single flight.  Whatever your motivation I can guarantee you that soaring will never bore you!

Is it expensive?  Like most sports the sky is literally the limit on what you can spend on this sport.  Some of our members started out intending to make the occasional flight in the club ship and later wound up purchasing a fiberglass/carbon fiber ship with all the bells and whistles.  You can count on being able to enjoy the sport by spending less than your child spends on baseball or gymnastics.

Is it safe?  Soaring is a dangerous sport.   You can get hurt.  You and your instructor will remain close to the airport and keep many options open for an uneventful conclusion to each lesson.  It is very rare for new pilots to have anything other than a wonderful uneventful training program.  Your instructor will ensure that you progress at a measured pace that prepares you for all eventualities.  With that being said, soaring is not “the minor leagues”.  Soaring is less forgiving of sloppy technique than powered flight.  Soaring demands study, careful preparation and thoughtful execution.

What are my responsibilities?  Your first responsibility is to enjoy yourself.  Get ready for a breathtaking experience that will change your view of the natural world around you.  Beyond that, glider clubs rely on volunteer labor to function.  You will be expected to show up when you say you will, be prepared for your day by studying the material your instructor gives you beforehand, and remain alert and vigilant while near the flight line.  Oh, hopefully you will share this sport with others and help us grow and prosper.

Welcome again, we are glad to have you with us:  The members of the Flint River Soaring Club.

We get some questions about cost so here it is in a nutshell.

Introductory Flights and Sightseeing Flights:   $60

 These flights are intended to let you experience the thrill of the sport without the commitment of membership.  These flights are generally less than 30 minutes and the duration of flight depends on current weather conditions.  Your pilot will be licensed as either a certified FAA flight instructor or as a certified FAA commercial pilot.  You will not receive flight instruction that you can document in your logbook; for logbook entries and flight instruction, we encourage you to become a member of FRS.

FRS membership:  $500 for 2024 season and $80 for the Soaring Society of American (SSA).

Cost of  a 2000 foot Tow/Flight Instruction Members: $45;  non-Members : $60

Cost of  a 3000 foot Tow/Flight Instruction Members: $55;  non-Members : $70

Cost of an intermediate altitude tow are prorated from the above rates.

 Instruction:  Free

Check Ride:  $300-$500 check with examiner.

No Monthly Dues

Questions Anticipated by the Author to be Frequently Asked:

 What happens to my insurance proration, if the policy has already been paid?  If you join FRS after the annual insurance premium is paid for the current season, you will pay a prorated amount.  Our club is still relatively young and we want to encourage new members at any time. The big picture: we want to encourage new members and we will endeavor to make the cost equitable for all involved.

 What if I am already a member of the SSA?  FRS requires that you pay your SSA dues through the club, unless exceptions are approved by FRS leadership.  The SSA membership department will calculate the amount you need to pay to align your membership renewal with the FRS common renewal date in June.  Depending on when you join FRS and when your current SSA renewal date is, this could either increase or decrease your FRS membership fee.

  What is the membership period?  Membership is not calendar year- based, but rather runs concurrently with the FRS’s insurance policy.  The renewal date for insurance is currently in June.  Annual membership is July 1 to June 30.