The following are some of the most commonly asked questions concerning soaring with the LSC. For additional information, feel free to contact us.
How does a club differ from a commercial glider operation? The LSC is a non-profit organization composed of dues-paying members.  Everyone involved is a volunteer, with no paid positions.

The result is significantly lower flight costs. Typical commercial flights in a 2-33 with a 3000 foot tow will run anywhere between $60 and $90 depending on the location in the country.

And since all of the labor is volunteer, the hours of operation and the availability of instructors are relaxed.
What are the flying fees? The current rates are on the LSC Flight Fees webpage, and consist of a combination of a tow fee plus an hourly rate for the sailplane.  For example, a typical tow to 3000 feet including the glider charge in the SGS 2-33 would be approximately $30.

Sailplanes offer some of the most fun and affordable flying available.
What is the minimum age to fly sailplanes? 14 years old.  Two years before you can legally drive a car in most states, you can fly a sailplane.  This offers some insight into how safe the FAA considers glider flight to be.
What is required to obtain my private glider pilot license? Typically a student with no prior flight experience can solo in 30-35 flights, with a typical training flight lasting 20 minutes or less.  Following solo, another 20-25 flights, including at least 10 solo flights are needed to be ready for the FAA private pilot checkride.

A FAA written test must be also passed prior your checkride.  The checkride for the glider rating is given by an FAA designated examiner.
I already have a Glider rating, how do I get checked out to fly with the club? For insurance reasons, you must be a LSC member and SSA member to fly club owned sailplanes.  After joining the LSC you can be checked out by one of our member instructors.
What if I already have a private license for powered aircraft? A typical transition to gliders can take from 20 to 30 flights, including 10 solo flights.  A FAA written test is not required (aside from a pre-solo quiz).  A checkride with an FAA designated examiner is required.
Can I get training through the LSC? Yes, presently the LSC is fortunate to have three CFIG instructors.  Some patience is required as these instructors are volunteers, and they have jobs around which they must schedule.  With both work schedule and weather delays, flight instruction scheduling can be a bit erratic.
So what is the best way to obtain my glider rating? The fastest method is to schedule with a commercial glider operation to take their course.

An alternative, is to begin flying with the club's instructors, learn the basics, and finish with a commercial operation.
How do I schedule glider time? There are no reservations. The LSC is not run like commercial operations or even big flying clubs.  We are very informal, and do not operate on a rigid schedule.  Members start by checking the weather and the website to determine if there will be flying that day, and see who is planning to be at the field.  Gliders go out on a first come, first serve basis.

We fly on weekends and holidays, typically beginning around noon.  During summer months we usually put the gliders and equipment away around five to five thirty.  Members who want to fly on a given day come out early to assist in pulling the gliders from the hangar, then spend the day alternating flights with other members, socializing, and helping to move the gliders as needed.  At the end of the day, those who have the time help put the gliders and equipment away.
How can I make a visit to check out the operation? You are welcome to join us on any flyable weekend or holiday.  Before traveling to Seymour, check to make sure that we are flying that day.
What does membership cost? Click here for details on club membership.
Does Mr Beck still visit? Rarely in the winter, as he is not a fan of cold days.  However on warm, summer afternoons he often stops by to socialize as the gliders are being put away, catching up on the latest club gossip and discussing the day's flying activities.

Ed Note:  Mr Beck put in a rare appearance on Dec 31, 2011, capping off a most unexpected and enjoyable afternoon of soaring.  Fortunately there were numerous members on hand to welcome him.