Flight Training

From your first flight to advanced competition training, we offer comprehensive soaring services for everyone

Adding on a Glider Rating to Pilot’s License

If you already hold a Private Pilot certificate or higher in airplanes, adding a Glider rating is typically much faster than initial flight training.
Most airplane pilots can add a glider rating in 10–20 glider flights, often completed over a few days to several weeks, depending on scheduling, weather, and training intensity.

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What’s Different for Airplane Pilots?

Because you already hold a pilot certificate:

No FAA written (knowledge) test is required
No minimum flight-hour requirement applies
Training focuses on glider-specific skills such as energy management, thermals, ridge and wave soaring, tow procedures, and off-airport decision making


To earn the rating, you will complete:

Glider flight training with a certified instructor
Required solo or supervised experience
A FAA practical (flight) test (checkride) with a Designated Pilot Examiner, conducted under Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) standards
A Different Kind of Flying

Many airplane pilots find that glider flying sharpens their stick-and-rudder skills, weather awareness, and judgment — and brings a renewed sense of connection to the fundamentals of flight.

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First Solo

Most students are ready to solo a glider within 20–40 flights, depending on aptitude, training frequency, and weather conditions. Solo flight means flying the glider alone under instructor endorsement after demonstrating safe takeoffs, landings, and basic soaring skills.

Private Pilot – Glider Rating

Earning a Private Pilot – Glider certificate typically takes 6–12 months for pilots training consistently. Some progress faster; others take longer based on availability and goals.
To earn the rating, pilots must complete:

  • Flight training with a certified glider flight instructor
  • Solo flights meeting FAA experience requirements
  • A FAA knowledge (written) test, covering aerodynamics, weather, regulations, and soaring techniques
  • A FAA practical (flight) test, commonly called a checkride, which includes an oral exam and a flight evaluation with a Designated Pilot Examiner

All testing and certification are conducted under Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) standards.

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A Flexible, Enjoyable Journey

Soaring training is often more flexible and less time-pressured than powered flight training. Many students find that even before earning a rating, each lesson is rewarding — combining hands-on flying, real-time weather strategy, and the unique satisfaction of quiet, engine-less flight.

Meet Our Instructors

Why Pilot’s Love Soaring

1.

Pure Flying Skill

Soaring rewards energy management, coordination, and precision. Pilots quickly discover that glider flying sharpens stick-and-rudder skills, improves landing accuracy, and builds a deeper understanding of how lift is created and sustained.

2.

A Deeper Connection to Weather

Glider pilots don’t just fly through the atmosphere — they fly with it. Reading clouds, wind, and terrain becomes second nature. Many pilots say soaring transformed how they understand weather in every aircraft they fly afterward.

3.

Challenge Without Rush

Every soaring flight is a mental puzzle, but without the pressure of fuel limits or engine management. Flights can last minutes or hours, making soaring both intellectually engaging and remarkably relaxing.

4.

Quiet, Efficient, and Sustainable

Soaring is one of the most environmentally efficient forms of aviation. Once airborne, gliders produce zero emissions, allowing pilots to experience long-duration flight powered entirely by nature.

5.

A Unique Community

Soaring attracts pilots who love learning, mentoring, and sharing experiences. Clubs like the Minden Soaring Club foster a strong culture of safety, volunteerism, and camaraderie — on the ground and in the air.

Safety, Skill, and a Love of Soaring

This is what our instructors bring to our students. Every lesson is tailored to the student’s experience level and goals, ensuring steady progress and a positive learning experience. Our instructor team comprises dedicated pilots with diverse backgrounds in soaring, instruction, and aviation. Each instructor brings unique experience and teaching style, united by a shared commitment to excellence and mentorship. Explore individual profiles below to learn more about their experience, certifications, and passion for flight.

Minden Soaring Club Instructors

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Ruth Ann Van Vranken

Providing instruction to new students pursuing Private or Commercial certificates, pilots seeking glider add-on ratings, flight reviews, or club checkouts

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Ruth Ann Van Vranken

Providing instruction to new students pursuing Private or Commercial certificates, pilots seeking glider add-on ratings, flight reviews, or club checkouts

Ruth Ann has a deep passion for aviation learning, operational safety, and mentoring the next generation of pilots, whether that generation is 70 or 14.

She holds Ground Instructor (Advanced), Flight Instructor (Glider), Commercial Pilot (including Airplane Single Engine), and Aircraft Dispatcher certificates, bringing both instructional and operational experience to every flight.

In addition to the Minden Soaring Club, she is an active member of Civil Air Patrol, Women’s Soaring Pilots Association, the Soaring Society of America, and a host of other local and national organizations. She is a strong advocate for mentorship and access to aviation for all.

Ruth Ann is dedicated to supporting pilots of all levels and is recognized for her limitless enthusiasm for all things flying.

 

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Elizabeth Tattersall

Instruction for new students, add-on ratings, commercial glider, & CFIG. Flight Reviews.

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Elizabeth Tattersall

Instruction for new students, add-on ratings, commercial glider, & CFIG. Flight Reviews.

Elizabeth learned to fly in 2002.  She is single-engine-rated and has a CFIG.  She has given over 300 hours of flight instruction.

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Ivan Altunin

Youth Program Advisor & Instructor

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Ivan Altunin

Youth Program Advisor & Instructor

Ivan received a scholarship from Minden Soaring and has been instructing for the past 5 years.  He works closely with our junior members.  He graduated from Berkeley and is working on his PhD in Physics at UNR.

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Tim Gardner

Chief Flight Instructor

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Tim Gardner

Chief Flight Instructor

Chief Flight Instructor – Tim has twenty years of experience as an instructor.  He actively instructs in airplanes and is an A&P.  He is a joint world record holder for the highest altitude ever in a sailplane as part of the Perlan project.  Tim also fills in as a towpilot.  He owns an ASW-27 sailplane for when he can get up and fly by himself.  He particularly enjoys aerobatic and cross-country instruction.

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Audrey Topp

Training New Students

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Audrey Topp

Training New Students

Audrey is a winner of the Minden Soaring Club scholarship and is excited to give back to the club.

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Jim Lee

President & Chief Safety Officer

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Jim Lee

President & Chief Safety Officer

President of MSC and Chief Safety Officer – Jim is the reigning National Open Class Champion.  He has represented the US twice at the World Championship.  He has been a flight instructor for more than 20 years, and he teaches in motorgliders as well as sailplanes.  Jim also fills in as a towpilot when needed.

Our Training Fleet is Constantly Expanding

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Blanik L-13

Our primary instruction aircraft for student pilots.

Flight Manual

Wt & Balance

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Schweizer SGS 2-32

Our back-up aircraft for training, but it is primarily used for giving glider rides. It is the only
certified sailplane that can carry two passengers and a pilot.

Flight Manual

Wt & Balance

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Duo Discus

Our Due Discuss is used for training for pilots who already have a glider rating and is used
by students and club members for cross-country soaring.

Flight Manual

Wt & Balance

Ready to Get Started?

Contact us today to schedule your first flight or learn more about our competition

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