Whether you are a rated glider pilot, have aviation experience and want to learn to fly gliders, or are completely new to aviation, TSS welcomes you!
Perhaps the best way to get a feel for soaring is to come to Garner Gliderport, talk to club members, and watch operations. Visitors are always welcome! Soaring is quiet, peaceful, and the great visibility from inside a glider will offer you an amazing view of the world below. Flying a glider is pure flying – it is recreational, or sport aviation. There are few instruments and few procedures compared to transportation aviation. Your goal is to stay aloft and reach a destination using the power of the sun. It’s amazing what a glider can do!
Interested in Joining?
Membership requires a one time application fee and ongoing payment of dues. The membership application can be printed at home and filled out, then brought with you to the gliderport for board member signatures. Our fee schedule describes all costs for members but the cost to get started is summarized in the table below:
Membership requires a one time application fee and ongoing payment of dues. The membership application can be printed at home and filled out, then brought with you to the gliderport for board member signatures. Our fee schedule describes all costs for members but the cost to get started is summarized in the table below:
Membership Fees |
Cost |
Initiation fee (1 time charge) |
$300 |
Deposit (Refundable upon resignation in good standing) |
$200 |
Family Member, Each (1 time charge) |
$50 |
Yearly SSA Dues (Required of all members) |
$75 Adults / $42 Youth (22 yrs) |
Monthly Dues |
$45 |
The typical cost to join for an adult member is: $620.00
For insurance reasons, all members must maintain membership in the Soaring Society of America (SSA).
Members must be checked out in each of the gliders and are required to have an annual check ride with a TSS CFIG (FAA Certified Flight Instructor - Glider).
For insurance reasons, all members must maintain membership in the Soaring Society of America (SSA).
Members must be checked out in each of the gliders and are required to have an annual check ride with a TSS CFIG (FAA Certified Flight Instructor - Glider).
Instruction Q&A
Instruction is free for all club members.
(Q) How old do I have to be to fly?
(A) There is not a minimum or maximum age to fly in a glider and take lessons. However, you must be able to get in and out of the glider and you must also be able to reach the controls. You must be 14 years old to solo and 16 years old to get your certificate.
(Q) Do I need a medical certificate to fly a glider?
(A) No you do not, however you should not have any medical condition that would make you unable to operate an aircraft in a safe manner. The requirements are listed under 14CFR 67.301 - 67.315.
(Q) How long does it take to get a glider certificate?
(A) It all depends on you, the weather, aircraft availability, and YOU!! If you are motivated to study and fly regularly, you can do it more quickly than if you do not. Each person and situation is different.
Instruction is free for all club members.
(Q) How old do I have to be to fly?
(A) There is not a minimum or maximum age to fly in a glider and take lessons. However, you must be able to get in and out of the glider and you must also be able to reach the controls. You must be 14 years old to solo and 16 years old to get your certificate.
(Q) Do I need a medical certificate to fly a glider?
(A) No you do not, however you should not have any medical condition that would make you unable to operate an aircraft in a safe manner. The requirements are listed under 14CFR 67.301 - 67.315.
(Q) How long does it take to get a glider certificate?
(A) It all depends on you, the weather, aircraft availability, and YOU!! If you are motivated to study and fly regularly, you can do it more quickly than if you do not. Each person and situation is different.
Membership Q&A
(Q) Do you operate during the winter?
(A) TSS does not shut down for the winter. We operate on weekends and some week days throughout the year, weather permitting.
(Q) Do you only fly on weekends?
(A) TSS has scheduled operations with an assigned duty crew and tow pilot every weekend. Weekday operations are ad hoc.
(Q) Are there member duties?
(A) Yes, TSS relies solely on members to operate and maintain the club. This includes scheduled duty days (usually 2 or 3 days per quarter). Members are also expected to help with maintenance of club property and various other projects.
If you are interested, but still uncertain about becoming involved, we encourage you to purchase a FAST certificate (Fly A Sailplane Today program sponsored by the Soaring Society of America) and experience soaring for yourself.
(Q) Do you operate during the winter?
(A) TSS does not shut down for the winter. We operate on weekends and some week days throughout the year, weather permitting.
(Q) Do you only fly on weekends?
(A) TSS has scheduled operations with an assigned duty crew and tow pilot every weekend. Weekday operations are ad hoc.
(Q) Are there member duties?
(A) Yes, TSS relies solely on members to operate and maintain the club. This includes scheduled duty days (usually 2 or 3 days per quarter). Members are also expected to help with maintenance of club property and various other projects.
If you are interested, but still uncertain about becoming involved, we encourage you to purchase a FAST certificate (Fly A Sailplane Today program sponsored by the Soaring Society of America) and experience soaring for yourself.
Club Aircraft
TSS currently owns:
Tow planes include:
Only Members of TSS are permitted to fly TSS owned aircraft. Members must be checked out in each of the gliders and are required to have an annual safety check flight with a TSS CFIG (FAA Certified Flight Instructor - Glider). Sailplanes privately owned by club members operate from Garner Gliderport using the club tow planes.
TSS currently owns:
- Schweizer 2-33A training glider
- Schleicher ASK 21 dual-place sailplane
- PZL Swidnik PW-6 dual-place sailplane
- Schweizer 1-26D single-place glider
- PZL Bielsko PW-5 single-place sailplane.
Tow planes include:
- Piper Pawnee 235
- Champion Scout
Only Members of TSS are permitted to fly TSS owned aircraft. Members must be checked out in each of the gliders and are required to have an annual safety check flight with a TSS CFIG (FAA Certified Flight Instructor - Glider). Sailplanes privately owned by club members operate from Garner Gliderport using the club tow planes.