Steps Involved
Transport Canada defines the requirements for a glider pilot’s license.
You will initially take dual flight instruction with one of our experienced flying instructors. Our instructors are all enthusiastic volunteers! The number of flights required to master the skills needed will vary depending upon how frequently you fly. Typically students, that are flying most weekends, can achieve solo flying status within one year (approx 35-45 flights).
You will also need to attend our ground school which is taught free of charge. Printed materials are provided at cost to students.
You will be issued a Student Pilot Permit at Toronto Soaring prior to going solo. You will also need to certify that you are medically fit to fly.
In order to obtain your license, you will need to:
- fly 20 supervised flights solo
- write the Transport Canada Exam
- take a flight test
The basic training manual (Ed. 10 2023) is SOAR & Learn to Fly
Costs
You can be flying solo (by yourself) for as little as $2000 and complete your licence for approximately $3000-$4000. Please refer to the rates on the Join Toronto Soaring page.
The Soaring Association of Canada offers a Youth Bursary – for details see SAC Youth Bursary Program
The costs of learning to fly include:
- Membership & Soaring Association Fees
- Dual flights: approx 35-45 flights (tow charge + glider rental)
- 20 Solo flights (tow charge + glider rental)
- Transport Canada Licence and Exam fees
Learning never ends in Soaring
Going solo and getting your license are the two first milestones to soaring. After mastering the basic skills, you will challenge yourself to use lift sources, such as thermals, to stay aloft for hours and travel cross-country! On a good soaring day in Ontario, experienced glider pilots will fly more than 300km! On the ridges of Pennsylvania, experienced pilots will fly more than 1000km!
