Training
General - NOTE: It is MSS's policy that it's members who hold a private glider rating (or higher) maintain their own currency per the Federal Air Regulations. Members are reminded that if they have not flown for an extended time that they consider having an instructor (or another rated member who is current) ride with them as a safety pilot.
Pilot Ratings - FAA Minimum Requirements - We often get questions surrounding what it takes to get a particular rating. Whether starting from scratch or transitioning from a power rating one can start to understand by reviewing the regulations. The Soaring Society of America has a useful discussion and summary that can be found HERE.
Individual lessons with MSS instructors are conducted at the discretion of each instructor. Duty instructors are assigned on Saturdays in the months of April through October. The following resources will be employed in varying ways by the instructor and are here for reference for members to study and maintain currency.
Glider Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083 - The Handbook has a variety of information which can be useful. It is available under the Member Resources > Handbook menus.
Aircraft Manuals
Tow Pilots - Memphis Soaring Tow Pilots can review the following link to the Soaring Safety Foundation's tow pilot course to learn and refresh important aspects of towing:
Safety Officer Duty - Memphis Soaring requires its members who are rated as a private glider pilot and are not either an instructor or tow pilot to serve as a Safety Officer in rotation with other members. Safety Officers are required to be rated, at a minimum, a private glider pilot. All members should review and maintain an understanding of wing running which can be seen at the following links: