New Members Needed List

It is time for you, if you have not already, to start building your soaring library. There are a couple of books that you will need to start reading so that you have the knowledge you need to fly sailplanes safely. Start off with the following:   

SSB Document Library is a good source for SSB specific documents and procedures. These are in addition to your instruction and the FARs (Federal Aviation Regulations).

Other books are available on line at the Soaring Society of America under merchandise. http://www.ssa.org/default.asp or by calling or writing the SSA at:

Soaring Society of America, Inc.
P.O.Box 2100,
Hobbs, New Mexico 88241-2100
Phone: (505) 392-1177
Fax: (505) 392-8154 
 

Glider Basics/First to Solo - Tom Knauff - SSA under Basic Instruction
Written by Tom Knauff, who holds numerous World and US National Records in soaring. This book gives the student pilot and flight instructor the information needed to complete a pre-solo flight instruction course. The suggested pre-solo syllabus is a typical chain of events in one student's training program. $29.95  

After Solo - Tom Knauff - SSA under Intermediate Instruction
The solo flight is a never-to-be-forgotten experience. You should be justifiably proud of your accomplishment. However, the solo flight is just another stepping stone toward your goal of becoming a safe, competent pilot. This book by Tom Knauff, will provide you with much of the information you need to gain your next goal, the private glider license. $29.95 

Soaring Flight Manual - SSA - SSA under Basic Instruction
A training manual prepared under the sponsorship of the Soaring Society of America to be used as a primary source for a ground school test. Also a good place for reference material is Dave Seymour's web page.

If you have an old copy of the Soaring Flight Manual, it is divided into two parts. The first part covers the academic areas required by FAR Part 61 for the written examination. The second part contains a review of glider operations, including assembly, pre-flight, launch, flight maneuvers, traffic patterns and landings. A workbook section follows the text and a final examination is provided as well, but hard to find since it was replaced by the Glider Flying Handbook text book. 

Soaring Flight Manual has been replaced with the Glider Flying Handbook put out by the FAA as the basic Glider text Book. It can be ordered on line at the SSA book store and MHG carries them as well. This book is also available as a .pdf file on the FAA web site. .pdf file on the FAA web site. 20.14 Megs

Sailplane Pilot Logbook - SSA under Basic Instruction
Logbook designed to assist the pilot in logging in all flights and total time spent soaring. $14.95 
SSA Store Link to Logbook

Discover Gliders Video (VHS) SSA under Entertainment Videos
This video is your window to the extraordinary world of motorless flight. You'll learn about the challenges and rewards of being a glider pilot. Sit in the pilot's seat and prepare for a discovery flight! (25 Minutes)
$24.95 This is optional but is a fun video if your new to soaring.  

You should also purchase a couple of other items at some point as well. A good soaring hat, sunscreen, a water bottle, note pad, pens and a small flight case. You will need the Denver and Cheyenne sectional maps as well. These maps can be picked up a Dakota Ridge or Flat Irons Aviation on the South side of the Boulder airport.  

For Transitioning Power Pilots:
If you are a power pilot and would like to transition to gliders here is the book to start with:

Transition to Gliders - Tom Knauff - SSA under Intermediate Instruction
This book written by Tom Knauff, was the first book written expressly for the power pilot who is going to transition to gliders. In the past, power pilots were asked to purchase text books that were written for the beginning pilot. These books were filled with information that the power pilot already knew. Now, transition pilots have a book of their own! Available in Paper back only. $24.95  

Discover Soaring - Transition to Gliders Video (VHS)  SSA under Instructional Videos Glider pilots delight in the beauty, challenge and thrill of soaring flight. But the world of the glider pilot has virtually remained a mystery to others - even seasoned power pilots - because of the unique experience of flying sailplanes. Now, this comprehensive new video shares soaring with other aviation enthusiasts by introducing viewers to soaring's rich history and beauty. Soaring flight maneuvers - from basic moves to the more advanced stages - are discussed, illustrated and explained with some spectacular footage of flights. This video can be enjoyed by all - the present glider pilot, other aviation enthusiasts or your next door neighbor or co-worker that you might want to introduce to the sport of soaring! A great way to tell the story of soaring! (39 Minutes) $26.95 This is optional but is a fun video if you are new to soaring.   

Happy Soaring