Minnesota Soaring SUPER SITE
The Training Programs
Starting Orville Wright in glider, Oct. 10, 1902.
Wilbur Wright at left, Dan Tate at right.
Everyone needs a little help when they are first trying to fly. The process usually involves getting signed up with a set of club instructors or with a private instructor. The club route is usually free of charge for instruction where a private instructor generally will run you $40/hour or about $1000 -$1500 for his time to get you to the point of solo. The club path is much slower as it must occur on weekends, and most flights are done in the mornings which means flights are glides of less than 30 minutes (not soars) and you have to wait for your turn in line. A private instructor is usually available almost anytime, and can instruct even on a moments notice.
Both a club instructor path or a private instructor will yield excellent training. You just pay for the convenience and personal attention when going with a private instructor.
A third option is a Soaring School. These have fast-track programs for all rating classes and are open year round. Many rave about these programs. It is a good option.
FREE INSTRUCTION
- Minnesota Soaring Club - Stanton MN Stanton Sport Aviation (between St. Paul and Rochester)
- Red Wing Soaring Association (RWSA) - White Bear Lake MN Bensons Field (North of St. Paul)
PRIVATE INSTRUCTION
- Jim Cunningham at Faribault airport. 612-823-4462.
- Lee Bradshaw in the Twin Cities. Instructs at Osceola Wis airport. Call 1-612-464-8264.
NATIONAL SOARING SCHOOLS
- Bermuda High Soaring - a private soaring sight in South Carolina with a great staff and prices.
- Estrella Soaring - a private soaring school in Arizona south of Phoenix. They have on-sight housing too!
- Turf Soaring School - a private soaring school near Reno.
- Seminole Soaring School - near Orlando, many give this school high marks.