Introduction to Soaring

GBSC offers everyone the opportunity to experience un-powered flight for themselves with our Introductory Flight package. With this package, GBSC provides a certified Commercial Pilot (or Certified Instructor if available), a two-place glider, and a 3000 foot aerotow, all for $100. If you join GBSC anytime after your introductory flight, the full cost of your first flight is credited toward your membership fee, and you are then charged for your flight at the member rate.

An Introductory Lesson starts with a relaxed introduction to glider flight on the ground first. The flight itself ordinarily lasts 15-20 minutes. . If you're enjoying yourself, no one is waiting for the glider, and the conditions are right, your pilot can extend your flight indefinitely by Soaring instead of just gliding. Unlike flight in a small powered plane, glider flight is quiet, so you can easily converse with your pilot during the flight. Afterwards, there is plenty of time to discuss any questions that you didn't think of during the flight.

Of course, club members have equal priority for glider access, so on busy days, some Introductory flights require an hour or more wait. But the time passes quickly if you spend it talking to glider pilots and observing the operation!

Also, we always suggest that visitors bring water, sunglasses, sunblock, and a hat with them to the airfield.

Introductory Flight "Frequently Asked Questions"

Q:When does GBSC give introductory flights?
A: GBSC gives introductory flights on weekend days between mid-April and mid-November, weather permitting, starting at 2pm in the afternoon.

Q:Can I make a reservation for a flight?
Q:Do I need to make a reservation to take a flight?
A: No, GBSC does not make reservations for introductory flights.  We are a voluntarty organization, and Introductory flights are given after 2pm on weekend days.

Q:Can I take my introductory Flight during the week?
A: No, introductory flights are given on weekend days only (weather permitting), starting at 2pm in the afternoon.

Q:Do I need to buy a gift certificate for an introductory flight?
A: No, you don't need to have a gift certificate to take your introductory flight.  Simply come to Sterling Airport after 2pm on the weekend day that you'd like to fly.

Q:Will I be able to fly as soon as I show up at the airfield and pay for my flight?
A: Not usually.  There is normally a wait of anywhere between a half-hour and a couple of hours for a flight.  You can use this time to watch the operation and chat with our friendly and knowledgable members, who are always happy to answer any questions you may have about flying or the operation itself.

Q:Do I need to take anything with me to the airfield?
A: We do recommend that you take water, sunglasses, sun block and a hat with you to the airfield.  Sun and heat exposure can be quite significant at the airfield, especially during the middle summer months.

Q:Can I take my young children to the airfield with me?
A: Yes, children are always welcome at the airfield, as long as they are accompanied by an adult in your party while you are visiting (this includes the time you are flying!).  Please remember that Sterling Airport is an active general aviation public airport, and therefore children must be supervised at all times while they are there.  Sterling airport is always frequented by families with children of all ages that come to watch airplanes and gliders coming and going! 

Q:Do you accept credit cards as payment?
A: At this time, we are unable to process credit card transactions.  We do accept personal checks or cash.  

Contact Eric Foertsch at (508) 366-1095 or via email at membership@soargbsc.com if you would like to pre-purchase a flight certificate or gift certificate.

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