I have read that, once BCT is out of the way, a cadet can either jump or soar and that, if they choose to soar first, then they won't have the opportunity to jump again until their senior year. But, if they choose to jump, then they can soar at any point after that. (correct me, if I'm wrong)
How does the soaring program work, and how does it potentially affect things if my son enters the academy already having his soaring license? My son completed two glider academies before his 15th birthday and completed all the requirements to be licensed to soar. In the grand scheme of things, that fact may not have any bearing on what he is allowed to do in the Academy, but I thought I'd ask if that makes it easier to fast track to solo flights at the Academy.
Also, given that he does already have soaring experience, would you (in your opinion) think it would be best for him to take the opportunity to jump first (right after BCT) and open up the opportunity to soar the rest of the time he's there? Again, I know it all boils down to what he WANTS to do, but that one is just more of an opinion question. For current or former cadets, which did you choose to do first, and are you happy with the way you chose?
How does the soaring program work, and how does it potentially affect things if my son enters the academy already having his soaring license? My son completed two glider academies before his 15th birthday and completed all the requirements to be licensed to soar. In the grand scheme of things, that fact may not have any bearing on what he is allowed to do in the Academy, but I thought I'd ask if that makes it easier to fast track to solo flights at the Academy.
Also, given that he does already have soaring experience, would you (in your opinion) think it would be best for him to take the opportunity to jump first (right after BCT) and open up the opportunity to soar the rest of the time he's there? Again, I know it all boils down to what he WANTS to do, but that one is just more of an opinion question. For current or former cadets, which did you choose to do first, and are you happy with the way you chose?