How much does a glider pilot license cost?
The cost of flight training can range widely based on time commitment and how quickly you learn. Learning to fly in gliders is generally a more affordable option than powered aircraft, and teaches you excellent “hands and feet” flying skills which will benefit you if you decide to continue your aviation journey into powered aircraft. Many airline pilots, astronauts, and military jet pilots all started out flying gliders (see the movie “Sully’!)
Here is an approximate overview of costs associated with training at the Vancouver Island Soaring Centre for someone brand new to aviation with no prior experience.
Glider + Instructor = $140/hr ($2.33/min)
Solo Glider Rental = $95/hr ($1.58/min)
Most training flights are between 10 and 30 minutes, and are billed by the minute.
Tow Fee: $50 for first 1000ft, $2.00/100ft higher
Most training flights are between 2000 and 3500 feet.
Example Training Cost:
45 Dual Flights: $4,725
20 Solo Flights: $1,740
Logbook & Training Record: $25
Ground School (online): $240
Transport Canada GLIDE Exam: $125
AVSA/SAC Membership: $210
TOTAL: $7,065 CAD
Conversion training for licensed pilots usually costs around $2,500-$3,500 CAD.
5% GST tax applies to all training costs.
So, you’re ready to take to the skies? Here’s how to get started!
Pick a date or two when you will be available to come to Port Alberni for your first intro flight(s).
Call or email us to let us know you would like to start flight training, and what date(s) you are available for your first intro flight. We will confirm instructor availability and set a time to get you started. We will also discuss what your goals are and how often you would like to fly. info@gogliding.ca / 250-730-7627
What Comes Next?
You’ve gone through all the hard work, and you’ve earned your glider pilot license...what’s next?
As a glider pilot licensed in Canada, you will be welcomed with open arms around the world at other gliding clubs. Europe, New Zealand, America... there are many amazing opportunities to fly in different environments. Often these clubs will extend “member rates” to visiting pilots.
Closer to home, our sister club, the Alberni Valley Soaring Association (AVSA) offers a PW-5 single seat glider for rental to its members at affordable rates.
A flying membership at AVSA costs $420/year, plus $80 for a Soaring Association of Canada membership (required for insurance). This then allows you to rent the club glider for $70/hour (or $60 when bought in 10-hour blocks).
Including tow fees, you could fly 20 hours a year (an average of 1 hour every weekend of the season) for about $3,600. That’s a very affordable way to fly!
If you get addicted like many club members, your next step would be purchasing your own glider. Good used gliders can be found for as little as $15-20,000, or all the way up into six figures.
