ClubvsComml

A Club Versus A Commercial Flight School

There are 2 routes to earning your glider pilot license - a club or a commercial flight school. There are advantages and disadvantages to each. Note that what follows are generalizations and some points may not apply to specific environments.

club advantages

It's less expensive (most clubs are non-profit).
You are a member of the organization and you'll gain many friends.
Your lesson does not go by the clock. If the soaring conditions are good, you can stay up an hour or more.
You get to fly with a larger number of instructors since different instructors are assigned each day. Because each instructor may stress important points a little differently, you will get a more thorough flying education.
Because members help out with club duties, you'll learn more things - like assembling gliders and performing simple maintenance (as permitted by the FAA).
Most clubs have high performance single seat gliders that you can transition to after you get your license.

club disadvantages

Many clubs operate on weekends only.
Clubs are volunteer operated (including instructors and tow pilots) and you are expected to "volunteer" for club duties and chores.
Because sailplanes can stay up for a long time on good soaring days, you may have to wait for your lesson.
It may take longer to get you license (for the above reasons).
Some students learn better by having a single instructor (this can be arranged at GBSC but is not typical).

commercial school advantages

Many are open 7 days a week
Fixed price and/or accelerated courses may be offered.
It's possible to get your license faster.
Lessons are made by appointment - you show up and fly.
You typically have one instructor.
No commitments - you pay your money and leave.

commercial school disadvantages

More expensive than a club (they are there to earn a living, after all).
Many commercial schools lack the cohesive social environment, typical of many clubs.
You typically have one instructor.
Lessons are often by the clock because the glider and instructor need to be back in time for the next scheduled lesson. If the soaring conditions are great, that's just too bad.

For a list flight schools in the United States, visit the Soaring Society of America web page.

Also understand that getting your license is just the first step in your soaring career. If you learn at a commercial school, what will you do after the license is earned? You'll likely want to fly higher performance single seat gliders instead of the trainers. Will the school have suitable equipment for you to rent?