Acquiring gliding silver badges
Posted: Thu Mar 06, 2014 7:17 pm
Hello everyone, long time no speak!
I have been held captive by university work for quite a while so I've not had much time for forums nor flying. I am trying to apply for some sponsorship, but one of the criteria is that you are competing at a regional level in a sport - I figured it would be fantastic to get involved with gliding competitions. The only problem is that my feet are on the ground and I would require a silver FAI badge to apply for a competition licence.
I am in the process of applying to some aerospace companies for internships, so I should hopefully be able to fund this venture. I am just not sure on the timeframe I should expect to reach this gliding standard. So I was wondering if anyone had any insight into gaining these badges and how much time you would suggest it takes to accomplish this. I am assuming good flying competency, good weather, good availability for training and flying, etc. I'd like to be spending 2-4 days a month at the airfield to get the initial training out of the way. I also approached an Air Cadet gliding squadron last summer and they seemed quite interested in hiring new pilots to train as instructors, but I just needed a qualification (solo or hopefully PPL) tp join up, so I could acquire extra stick time this way.
So any information would be appreciated. I know it must vary quite a lot, but estimates are fine. Just so long as it fits in my rough timeframe, I think that should be good enough to get me going.
Cheers!
I have been held captive by university work for quite a while so I've not had much time for forums nor flying. I am trying to apply for some sponsorship, but one of the criteria is that you are competing at a regional level in a sport - I figured it would be fantastic to get involved with gliding competitions. The only problem is that my feet are on the ground and I would require a silver FAI badge to apply for a competition licence.
I am in the process of applying to some aerospace companies for internships, so I should hopefully be able to fund this venture. I am just not sure on the timeframe I should expect to reach this gliding standard. So I was wondering if anyone had any insight into gaining these badges and how much time you would suggest it takes to accomplish this. I am assuming good flying competency, good weather, good availability for training and flying, etc. I'd like to be spending 2-4 days a month at the airfield to get the initial training out of the way. I also approached an Air Cadet gliding squadron last summer and they seemed quite interested in hiring new pilots to train as instructors, but I just needed a qualification (solo or hopefully PPL) tp join up, so I could acquire extra stick time this way.
So any information would be appreciated. I know it must vary quite a lot, but estimates are fine. Just so long as it fits in my rough timeframe, I think that should be good enough to get me going.
Cheers!