FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

I’m new to flying, how much does it cost to get my glider license?
For youth – we approximate around $2000 to go solo (this is not a set rate, but an approximate calculation based on the $236 youth annual membership fee, plus the cost of the 35-40 flights you’d need to go solo) and around $3000 to get licensed. We offer youth bursaries, check our learn to fly page for more details.

For adults – around $3000-$4000 (based on similar calculations to the youth fees, but with a higher annual membership fee).

If you’re interested in flying, you should budget for ~ 30 dual tows with 10$ tow discount + 30 flights of about 30min each to go solo, plus another 20 tows at normal rate + per minute rate to complete the licence. How often you fly, how long you fly for, and how quickly you can progress through the required training will determine how much your license ends up costing. Students that fly regularly tend to progress faster + complete their licenses more quickly than those who show up infrequently. Please consult our “rates” chart breakdown for a more in detail cost explanation.
Not sure if you’re fully committed to getting your license yet? No worries, you don’t have to pay for all flying costs upfront if you’re unsure. We also offer a 5 flight introductory packages, which can lead into further training.
2. Can I schedule a flight?

There is no “scheduling.” Right now we are operating with covid restrictions and ask that intros or students let an instructor know that they will be showing up on a day, but the flying rotation is determined by first come, first serve. By showing up first and helping push the planes out and setting up in the morning, you can secure first flight and you’ll be more likely to get more flights throughout the day. We highly discourage coming out for an hour or two and then leaving after they’ve got a flight in, as we are a volunteer-run club, and need members to help with operations throughout the day.

3. When should I show up? What should I bring for my first day of gliding?

Most weekends we start at around 10am in the mornings. If you’re flying midweek, you should coordinate with your tow pilot and/or instructor to see what time is best to come. We encourage you to come out for the day (we usually operate from 10am-4pm/5pm) and bring sunscreen, water bottle, sunglasses, your ADB (if applicable/a power pilot or already licensed glider pilot), and a packed lunch.

4. What do I have to do to get my glider pilot license?

The Glider Pilot License (GPL) requires you to participate in a ground school (theory lessons) run by a qualified instructor, do a number of pre-solo training flights with a glider instructor, and at least 20 solo supervised flights, culminating into a final written licensing exam and flight test (done with one of our club CFIs or senior instructors).

To hold a glider pilot license, you must pass the English proficiency test, have a valid CAT 4 Aviation Medical, and be at least 16 years of age by the time you finish your training* (note: you can start training at any time, see our age requirements question below). For more information please see the glider licensing requirements listed on the Transport Canada website: https://tc.canada.ca/en/corporate-services/acts-regulations/

5. I’m interested in towing for the club. What’re the requirements?

As a glider club, our primary focus is gliding. Our tow pilots must be members of the club and either have a glider license, or start their glider training with us. We ask that prospective tow pilots be fully licensed PPL pilots and have 10 hours taildragger time (your 10 hours of taildragger time does not have to be PIC, however we encourage pilots to get some real experience landing and taking off in taildraggers before doing their checkout with us). If you are close to the requirements and are very familiar with flying taildraggers, then we encourage you to contact us, as some exceptions may apply. Please note: we are not a power flying club, we do not offer “taildragger” training and we are looking for tow pilots that have flown taildraggers before, we will train taildragger pilots how to tow but we do not offer the 10 hour taildragger requirement on the towplane.

6. How do I pay for my flights?

You can pay by e-transfer to the Toronto Soaring Club Treasurer email.* Please note this is not the same as the torontosoaringinfo email. If you are unsure of who to email, contact us.

7. How old do I have to be to start my license?

You can start your training at any time (although flight training requires a level of maturity, hands-feet coordination/some physical aspects). To go solo, you have to be at least 14 years of age. To be licensed, you must be at least 16 years of age, however, you can start you license before you turn 16, so long as by the time you finish your flight test, written exam, and apply for the licensing you have past your 16th birthday. We are willing to take on students at any age from 14-16 years old.