Soaring!

usafahopeful1

Prospective Cadet 2017
5-Year Member
Joined
Mar 15, 2011
Messages
224
I would really like to soar at USAFA and hopefully become an IP. I am working on getting my Glider PP Certificate right now.
Is there any way to soar as a 4 degree (join the USAFA club, or local one?), or do we have to wait until we have done Basic Soaring?

I am wondering if some cadets/grads who have become IP's at USAFA could share their stories, especially if you have also worked with the local club to get all your FAA certifications when you get trained through the military.

Thanks a bunch!
 
Your first opportunity to get in a glider will be during BCT, you will have one day in Jack's Valley dedicated to exploring the different airmanship activities, the highlight of that is a short glider ride. If your lucky, the IP may let you have the controls briefly. Other than that you will not be in the cockpit again until the summer after 4-degree year during basic soaring, and then you move on to your IP upgrade, from there you may try out for the advanced soaring teams (Aerobatic and Cross Country Teams). The selection process for the advanced teams happens twice during your 3-degree year, one selection in the fall and one in the spring. The only opportunity to fly during 4-degree year would be if you tried out for the USAFA Flying Team, you would have one, one hour sortie in the T-41D (modified C172) as a tryout flight for the team. However for that you would need a Private Pilot's License. I highly encourage you to pursue airmanship at the academy, especially if you desire to be a pilot after graduation! Airmanship is one of the things that really makes the academy unique from other schools and the other SAs and is a great experience for cadets.
 
Flying Team

So if I get on the flying team I can soar? Sounds good to me!

How hard is it to make the team?

Thanks for the info!

Edit: Wait, I just re-read that, you said modified C172. That is powered :( So there is not a way for a licensed glider pilot to soar their first year?
 
So if I get on the flying team I can soar? Sounds good to me!

How hard is it to make the team?

Thanks for the info!

Edit: Wait, I just re-read that, you said modified C172. That is powered :( So there is not a way for a licensed glider pilot to soar their first year?

The answer to your question is yes. If you have any more questions about airmanship feel free to pm me!
 
BCT Airmanship day is not going to happen this year due to lack of funding (confirmed at our last BCT prep meeting), so you won't have a chance to fly at the academy until the summer after freshman year.

Request Soaring when you put in your summer activity preferences (usually in February).

After taking soaring during the summer, you will be able to apply to upgrade to soaring instructor pilot. The selection process is usually an application and interview. Good luck!
 
falcongirl, while I am sure they will miss the chance to soar, I am sure they will miss even more the chance to have a 'chill' day and borrow a phone to call home. Hope the cadre can work this into the Jack's schedule :smile:
 
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