Youth Program
The Minden Soaring Club Youth Program is designed to inspire, train, and mentor the next generation of aviators. Youth members (age 25 and under) are welcomed into a structured, hands-on learning environment where they can experience world-class soaring while developing skills in aviation, teamwork, leadership, and personal responsibility.
Learn to Fly
The Club actively promotes young people learning to fly and significantly reduces the financial barriers to entry:
- Instructors’ Fees – Free
- Sailplane Rental Fees – Free
- Students pay only for the towplane costs
Tow fees are $10 per minute of towplane time. Standard instructional tows are typically about $60, with costs ranging from approximately $20 to $100 depending on the lesson plan.
This structure allows motivated students to focus their resources on actual flight experience.
Scholarship Opportunities
Minden Soaring Club (MSC) offers a competitive scholarship pathway:
Pre-Solo – Students may qualify for support covering up to all costs through their first flight. First solo is a major milestone in every pilot’s logbook.
Post-Solo to Private – After passing the FAA Private Glider written exam, students may apply for additional scholarship funding to complete their Private Pilot with a Glider Rating..
MSC Scholarships are awarded through a competitive process that includes a written essay and interviews with the scholarship committee.
Two of our Instructors were awarded Youth Scholarships and are now giving back to help train our next generation of pilots. We also have arranged for support from the Pathways to Aviation Foundation to support our Youth Program.
Earn Your Way
Students who demonstrate commitment stand out. One of the best ways to position yourself for scholarships is to volunteer on the flight line — typically from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM on weekends and most summer days.
Flight line work builds practical aviation knowledge, operational awareness, and strong relationships within the Club community.This structure allows motivated students to focus their resources on actual flight experience.
Leadership & Projects
The Youth Program is growing, and it is common to see multiple students volunteering on any given day. Beyond flight training, students, as a youth organization, are encouraged to meet, socialize, and organize joint projects under the guidance of advisor Ivan Altunin.
A current youth-led initiative includes upgrading the Club’s soaring simulation hardware and software — combining aviation training with technology and engineering skills.
Youth Application
Application for members 25 years and younger.
Ready to Get Started?
Contact us today to schedule your first flight or learn more about our competition