The NCSA has a common set of lesson plans that are used for all students. Certificated pilots would be expected to progress through the lessons at a faster pace than non-pilots, but everyone needs to end up with the same knowledge and experience, so the same lesson plans will work for all. Rated pilots may choose to add a private or commercial rating to their certificates. Again, the same lesson plans will work. Just the amount of flight experience and the completion standards are different.

If you do not hold a pilot certificate issued by the FAA, you will need to obtain a student pilot certificate. The lesson plans address the appropriate time to do this and any of the instructors will be glad to answer any questions. Also, you will need to take a knowledge test administered by an agency designated by the FAA. Usually the appropriate time to start studying for this test is after you have soloed. If you currently hold a pilot certificate issued by the FAA and hold a rating for powered aircraft, you will not have to take the knowledge test.

Everyone must take a written quiz before soloing a glider for the first time. Information regarding this quiz is included in our lesson plans.

Our training program goes beyond the minimum requirements for a glider rating. Our experience is that thorough training is the best way to avoid unpleasant incidents. Therefore you will see some maneuvers and procedures that we have found useful to new glider pilots, but not necessarily required by the FAA.

A folder with a set of lesson plans for each student is kept at the airport. The instructor will record notes on them as you complete each lesson. That way the following instructors will know what has been covered and any additional instruction that is needed.