Williams Soaring Center, Williams, CA
- OPEN: Thu-Fri-Sat-Sun-Mon 8am-5pm
- Call: 530-473-5600
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- Alexander Schleicher Sailplanes
New Pilot Training
Williams Soaring has FAA certified instructors and an FAA examiner on staff to help you earn your glider pilots license.
Be a glider pilot
- For first time pilots: Estimated cost $6500-$8500.
- Medical: there is no requirement for a medical certificate for any glider rating.
- Start to Solo usually 30 to 50 flights.
- Minimum of 10 hours flight training, including 20 training flights that include 2 hours and 10 solo flights.
- FAA knowledge test in areas including weather, aircraft operation, aerodynamics, and applicable FARs (FAR 61.105).
- Check Ride - Flight exam consists of oral & flight portions.
Student Pilot - Initial Training
Age
Requirement: The
student glider pilot must be at least 14 years old
and be able to read, speak, write, and understand
the English language. There is no upper age limit.
Medical Certificate: An applicant who intends to pilot only gliders, including self-launch gliders, does not need to have an airman medical certificate. (See FAR 61.23 - Medical certificates)
Identification: When applying for a student pilot certificate you must present identification that contains your photograph, signature, date of birth, and actual residential address. This can be a problem for students without a driver's license. If you do not have a driver's license, you should make sure to apply for a government ID card (apply at DMV) or a passport well in advance of when you expect to solo.
Training consists of flight training and ground training.
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Student Pilot Solo Requirements
To
Solo a glider (be the sole occupant of the glider) a
student pilot must:
- Be at least 14 years old.
- Be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language.
- Demonstrate satisfactory aeronautical knowledge as defined in FAR 61.87 and have the appropriate logbook and student certificate endorsements from his instructor.
- Start to Solo usually takes 30 to 50 flights.
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Private Glider Pilot
The Solo student may qualify as a Private Glider Pilot once they:
- Are at least 16 years of age.
- Have at least 10 hours of flight time in a glider and that flight time must include at least 20 training flights.
- Have a minimum of 2 hours of solo time and 10 solo flights in a glider.
- Have passed the FAA knowledge test in areas including weather, aircraft operation, aerodynamics, and applicable FARs (FAR 61.105).
- Pass a practical flight test with a FAA examiner, consisting of both oral and flight portions, which will cover FARs, launches, aerodynamics, performance maneuvers, emergencies, and landings (FAR 61.107).
Experience has shown that each pilot learns at their own pace, so these times are estimates.
*We also offer Commercial and CFI training.
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Recommended Flight Training Books and Materials
(Books and Materials are available in our Pilot Supplies Section).
The following books are recommended for flight training and are available from Williams Soaring Center.
To get started:
- Flight Training Manual for Gliders by Russell Holtz (available in the front office or from publisher as an e-book)
- Glider Pilots Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge by Russell Holtz (available in front office or from publisher as an e-book)
- Glider Pilot Log Book
- Federal Aviation Regulations - (FAR) (also available online)
- Aeronautical Information Manual - (AIM) (also available online)
As you progress in training:
- Practical Test Standards for Gliders - FAA website private_glider_pts_22.pdf (faa.gov) Current as of November 2023
- Glider Flying Handbook - FAA (also available online)
- San Francisco Sectional Chart
- Private Glider Pilot Check Ride Made Easy by Bob Wander
- ASA Written Test Prep (link)
How do I start?
- Call Williams Soaring at: 530-473-5600
- Or email: info@williamssoaring.com
The friendly staff will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
Have your private pilots license? Get your Glider Add On or continue to Advanced training, learn Cross Country soaring, earn your SSA Badges. You can move up to Commercial Pilot, and then go on to obtain your Certified Flight Instructor ratings.
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Williams Soaring Center - Copyright © 2001-
- BUSINESS 
PARTNER - USA Dealer for Alexander Schleicher Sailplanes
2668 Husted Road, Williams, CA 95987-5220 - Phone (530) 473-5600
Updated: August 29, 2025 10:36 AM