Greater Boston Soaring Club

GBSC Introductory Flights - 2009

GBSC offers everyone the opportunity to experience un-powered flight for themselves in one of 2 ways.

For those that are quite interested in taking up the sport, we recommend the Fast program offered by the Soaring Society of America.

If you chose to take an introductory flight via the FAST program we do require that you contact GBSC in advance to ensure we have a certified instructor available for your lesson.

As an alternative to the FAST package, GBSC offers an Introductory Flight package for $100. With this package, GBSC provides a certified commercial pilot (or certified instructor if available) for your flight If you wish, a gift certificate can be purchased for an Introductory Flight package.

In both cases your flight with be in a two-place glider with a 3000 foot aerotow.

If you join GBSC anytime after your introductory flight, whether via the FAST package or the GBSC Introductory Flight package, 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. Your flight will last approximately 20 minutes or longer depending on the soaring conditions. 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!

Introductory Flight "Frequently Asked Questions"

Q: What are the big differences between taking a flight via the FAST package and the GBSC Introductory Flight package?

A: The FAST (same link as above) package is purchased through the SSA (again link this). It comes with a flight log book, the Glider Flying Handbook (a standard text used by most students), a copy of the SSA Soaring magazine, 3 month membership to the SSA and ground instruction and flight with a certified glider flight instructor.

The GBSC Introductory flight package includes a flight with a commercial glider pilot, or if available, a certified glider flight instructor. Flight materials, such as those provided by the FAST package are NOT provided with the GBSC Introductory Flight package.

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: If I take a flight via the FAST program do I need to make a reservation?

A:Yes, you must contact the GBSC membership coordinator to ensure a GBSC flight instructor will be available for your flight and ground school.

Q:Can I make, or do I need to make a reservation for a flight via the GBSC Introductory Flight package?
A: Reservations are not needed, nor does GBSC take reservations for the GBSC Introductory Flight Package. We are a volunteer organization, and introductory flights are given after 2pm on weekend days.

Q:Can I take my GBSC 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 GBSC 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 or via a GBSC gift certificate?
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 knowledgeable members, who are always happy to answer any questions you may have about flying or the operation itself.

Q: Will I be able to fly as soon as I show up when I schedule a flight via the FAST package.

A: You may still need to wait until both an instructor and glider are available. Again the reservation is needed just to ensure a flight instructor will be available to take you up. Flights are made based on the order that people sign up.

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. The winds at the airport are generally stronger than around your house so during the spring and fall be sure you bring a warm jacket.

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 for any questions you have or would like to purchase a GBSC Introductory Flight gift certificate.