After the Practical Test

After the Practical Test

What a relief, what an achievement! Congratulations! And so what next? Some are happy just to soar locally, others will want to progress further. Many acquire their own glider, opening the way to much longer flights. One particularly rewarding extension is cross-country flying, often well beyond gliding distance of the home airport.

SCOH encourages this and generally runs, in the Spring, a series of seminars covering specific knowledge for this activity. Specific cross-country flight instruction is also available and, in fact, required by the club for cross-country soaring in club gliders. SCOH has an active and welcoming cross-country section catering for the beginner as well as the more experienced. Beyond initial cross-country flying there are badge flights, competitions and records to go for. Another possibility is obtaining the more advanced Commercial and Instructor ratings. The path is similar for the Private rating, each stage requiring a Knowledge Test and a Practical Test. SCOH can provide the training for this too.

Conclusion

Obtaining your Private Rating is challenging and requires time, effort and determination. But the reward is well worth the effort. The effort can be reduced by working closely and cooperatively with your instructors. Listen attentively; ask when you do not understand something or don’t quite know what the next step is. 

Cross Country Stepping Stones

More on badges from the SSA

Silver BadgeThe FAI Silver Badge involves 3 required elements. Silver Altitude is a 1,000-meter (3,281-foot) altitude gain above an in-flight low point; Silver Duration is a 5-hour flight time after tow release and Silver Distance is a 50-km (31.07-mile) cross country flight. More...