COMMERCIAL PILOT CERTIFICATE

For glider pilots who hold private pilot certificates and want to progress with their FAA ratings, SSA offers advanced training towards the commercial pilot glider certificate. This certificate allows you to carry passengers for compensation and hire. Our highly experienced, FAA-certificated flight instructors will customize your flight lessons to best suit your individual needs. We will help you achieve greater mastery of soaring techniques and can broaden your experience (if desired) in a variety of gliders (including high performance fiberglass gliders).

In order to obtain a commercial pilot glider certificate, you must log a certain number of flights (both dual and solo), pass a FAA written exam, and then pass an oral exam and practical test with a FAA-designated examiner. For more detailed information on minimum requirements for FAA pilot certificates, click here.

We conduct commercial instruction in the most appropriate glider (or gliders) for each student. Click here to see rates on glider rentals and instruction. Costs of the commercial pilot certificate vary widely depending on each individual’s skill level and prior experience.

As we are first and foremost a club, we look for new students who have the potential to develop a long-term relationship with Sugarbush Soaring.  This season we anticipate first accepting students (primary or advanced) who have the ability to commit to regular lessons, and with a desire to become active members of the Club. Club membership benefits the student through reduced instruction rates, rental fees, and insurance coverage in SSA gliders.  As resources permit, we will gladly accept students who have short-term goals, are visiting for a limited amount of time, or are not interested in Club membership.

If you would like to pursue flight training with us this season, please complete the 2025 Prospective Student Application form to give us an understanding of your goals and availability, and a  member of our team will be in touch to discuss your interest.

Restrictions:

  • The maximum passenger weight in SSA gliders is 242 lbs.
  • You need to be at least 18 years old before you can obtain your FAA commercial pilot certificate.
  • A FAA medical exam is not required for glider pilots. However FAA regulations prohibit pilots from flying if they know they have a medical condition which would make them unsafe to fly.