Bibliography of Glider Training Books and Resources
The books or resources listed here are currently in print. Many of them are updated or revised periodicly. It is important that you obtain current editions, specifically the FAA publications, on which the questions or tasks of the FAA knowledge or practical tests are based.
All pilots should maintain a current edition of the FAA Regulations (FAR's) and Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM). These publications are available both in print form and electronically via the World Wide Web. Almost every FAA publication is available online, the FAA main web page makes a great jumping off point for finding FAR's Advisor Circulars, the AIM, and even full color PDF copies of the Glider Flying Handbook. As Pilot In Command, you are required to understand and comply with all the rules, regulations and procedures applicable to every flight you make. Using the resources on this page can help you meet your obligation.
Index | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Pilot Specific Publications | ||||
Students | Private | Commercial | Transition | Flight Instructor |
General Publications | ||||
Launch methods | Advanced Soaring Skills | Soaring Safety | Soaring Weather | On-Line Training |
Out-of-Print and Club generated Publications | ||||
Out of Print | Training Guides |
Publications for the Student Glider Pilot
The Federal Aviation Regulations that list the minimum training requirements for the student pilot – glider include FAR 61.87Title | Author | Source |
---|---|---|
SSA/SSF Glider Pilot’s Logbook with applicable endorsements | SSA | |
FAA Glider Flying Handbook | FAA | SSA |
Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge | FAA | SSA |
Glider Basics from First Flight to Solo – a training syllabus for initial glider instruction to solo | Tom Knauff | SSA |
Understanding Gliding | Derek Piggott | SSA |
Gliding – a Handbook on Soaring Flight | Derek Piggott | SSA |
SSA Standard Signals – SSF YouTube Channel | SSF | SSF |
Learning to Fly Gliders, a Training Syllabus– a training syllabus with lesson plans for both the student and the CFIG | Bob Wander | SSA |
Safer Soaring | Bob Wander | SSA |
Glider Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge | Russell Holtz | GB |
Flight Training Manual for Glider Pilots | Russell Holtz | GB |
Publications for the Private Glider Pilot
The Federal Aviation Regulations that list the minimum training requirements for this rating include FAR 61.103, 61.105, 61.107, and 61.109Title | Author | Source |
---|---|---|
SSA/SSF Glider Pilot’s Logbook with applicable endorsements | SSA | |
FAA Private Knowledge test Questions and Answers | ASA | SSA |
FAA Glider Flying Handbook | FAA | SSA |
FAA Practical Test Standards (PTS) Private Glider | FAA | SSA |
After Solo | Tom Knauff | SSA |
Understanding Gliding | Derek Piggott | SSA |
Gliding – a Handbook on Soaring Flight | Derek Piggott | SSA |
Discover Soaring - DVD | Niche Videos | SSA |
Glider Pilots Ground School - Private | Dave Seymour | SSA |
SSA Standard Signals – SSF YouTube Channel | SSF | SSF |
Learning to Fly Gliders, a Training Syllabus– a training syllabus with lesson plans for both the student and the CFIG | Bob Wander | SSA |
Private Pilot Glider Checkride, Made Easy | Bob Wander | SSA |
Safer Soaring | Bob Wander | SSA |
Glider Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge | Russell Holtz | GB |
Flight Training Manual for Glider Pilots | Russell Holtz | GB |
Publications for the Commercial Glider Pilot
The Federal Aviation Regulations that list the minimum training requirements for this rating include FAR 61.127 and 61.129Title | Author | Source |
---|---|---|
SSA/SSF Glider Pilot’s Logbook with applicable endorsements | SSA | |
FAA Commercial Knowlege Test Questions and Answers | ASA | SSA |
FAA Glider Flying Handbook | FAA | SSA |
FAA Practical Test Standards (PTS) Commercial Glider | FAA | SSA |
Discover Soaring - DVD | Niche Videos | SSA |
After Solo | Tom Knauff | SSA |
Understanding Gliding | Derek Piggott | SSA |
Gliding - a Handbook on Soaring Flight | Derek Piggott | SSA |
Glider Pilots Ground School | Dave Seymour | SSA |
SSA Standard Signals – SSF YouTube Channel | SSF | SSF |
Commercial Glider Pilot Checkride, Made Easy | Bob Wander | SSA |
Learning to Fly Gliders, a Training Syllabus a training syllabus with lesson plans for both the student and the CFIG | Bob Wander | SSA |
Safer Soaring | Bob Wander | SSA |
Glider Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge | Russell Holtz | GB |
Flight Training Manual for Glider Pilots | Russell Holtz | GB |
Publications for the Glider Flight Instructor
The Federal Aviation Regulations that list the minimum training requirements for this raiting include FAR 61.183, 61.185, and 61.187Title | Author | Source |
---|---|---|
Current years FAR / AIM | ASA | SSA |
FAA Written Test Questions and Answers | ASA | SSA |
Aviation Instructors Handbook guide to the fundamentals of instruction | FAA | SSA |
FAA Practical Test Standards (PTS), CFI Glider | FAA | SSA |
Accident Prevention Manual for CFI's | Tom Knauff | K&G |
Cockpit Guide for Glider CFI's | Tom Knauff | K&G |
Glider Instructor's Handbook | Tom Knauff | SSA |
Stick & Rudder | Wolfgang Langewiesche | K&G |
Gliding Safety | Derek Piggott | SSA |
Glider Pilots Ground School (CFIG) | Dave Seymour | SSA |
SSA Instructors Handbook | SSF | SSF |
Flight Instructor Checkride, Made Easy | Bob Wander | SSF |
Guide to Becoming a CFI-G | Russell Holtz | GA |
Publications for the Pilot transitioning into Gliders
Pilots adding a glider category rating to their existing FAA airplane pilot certificate may benefit from these specific resources, in addition to the resources listed for the PVT / COM glider ratings. The specific Federal Aviation Regulations regarding minimum training requirements depend on whether the already certificated pilot is adding the glider rating in the Private or Commercial category. See the references herein to the FAR’s for PVT and COM. No “written test” is required for PVT / COM “transition” pilots. The FAA regulation that allows an already certificated power pilot to fly solo as PIC (but no passengers) in gliders is FAR 61.31Title | Author | Source |
---|---|---|
SSA/SSF Glider Pilot’s Logbook with applicable endorsements | SSA | |
FAA Glider Flying Handbook | FAA | SSA |
Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge | FAA | SSA |
FAA Practical Test Standards (PTS), Private/Commercial Glider Private or Commercial as required | FAA | SSA |
Transition to Gliders - for Power Pilots | Tom Knauff | SSA |
Understanding Gliding | Derek Piggott | SSA |
Gliding – a Handbook on Soaring Flight | Derek Piggott | SSA |
Discover Soaring - DVD | Niche Videos | SSA |
Private/Commercial Glider Pilots Ground School Private or Commercial as required | Dave Seymour | SSA |
Transition to Gliders - DVD | Sporty's Pilot Shop | SPT |
SSA Standard Signals – SSF YouTube Channel | SSF | SSF |
Learning to Fly Gliders, a Training Syllabus– a training syllabus with lesson plans for both the student and the CFIG | Bob Wander | SSA |
Private/Commercial Pilot Checkride, Made Easy Private or Commercial as required | Bob Wander | SSA |
Safer Soaring | Bob Wander | SSA |
Glider Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge | Russell Holtz | GB |
Flight Training Manual for Glider Pilots | Russell Holtz | GB |
Launch Methods
The FAA requirement for an endorsement for the type of launch is found in FAR 61.31 Resources on the specific types of glider launch include the following:Title | Author | Source |
---|---|---|
Aerotow Launch | ||
Towpilot Manual for Towplane pilots – a Mentor Series book published by Bob Wander | Burt Compton | SSA |
End of the Line for Glider pilots – a Mentor Series book published by Bob Wander | Murray Shain | SSA |
Ground Launch - Winch or Vehicle | ||
Ground Launches | Derek Piggott | SSA |
Self-Launch - Motorgliders & Self-Launching Sailplanes | ||
Motorgliders for Glider Pilot Training | Derek Piggott | SSA |
Motorglider Instruction - audio tapes | Derek Piggott | SSA |
Transition To Gliders – DVD | Sporty’s | SPT |
Self-Launch | Pete Williams | SSA |
Advanced Soaring Resources
These resources may enhance your skills, knowledge and enjoyment of flying gliders.Title | Author | Source |
---|---|---|
Cross Country Manual for Glider Pilots | Dean Carswell | SSA |
Thermals | Rolf Hertenstein | SSA |
Sailplane Aerobatics | Les Horvath | SSA |
Landing Out – The Final Four Minutes | Don Ingraham | SSA |
Off Field Landings | Tom Knauff | SSA |
Ridge Soaring the Bald Eagle Ridge | Tom Knauff | K&G |
Practical Wave Flying | Mark Palmer | SSA |
Breaking the Apron Strings | Phil Petmecky | SSA |
Cross Country Soaring | Helmut Reichmann | SSA |
Art of Thermaling | Bob Wander | SSA |
Badge Soaring series | Bob Wander | SSA |
Polars and Speed To Fly | Bob Wander | SSA |
Transition to Single Seat Gliders | Bob Wander | SSA |
Exploring the Monster - Wave Flying | Robert Whelan | SSA |
Thermaling Techniques | Russell Holtz | GA |
General Safety Publications
Several books discuss specific safety issues and risk management.Title | Author | Source |
---|---|---|
Soaring Accidents That Almost Happened | Stephen dupont | SSA |
Accident Prevention Manual for Glider Pilots | Tom Knauff | K&G |
Glider Emergency Procedures | Tom Knauff | K&G |
Gliding Safety | Derek Piggott | SSA |
Stop Worrying About Stalling and Spinning | Derek Piggott | SSA |
Sub-Gravity Sensations and Soaring Accidents | Derek Piggott | SSA |
Safer Soaring – Made Easy | Bob Wander | SSA |
Soaring Weather
Understanding weather, specifically soaring weather, is essential for passing the FAA Knowledge and Practical Tests, and for safe, enjoyable soaring.Title | Author | Source |
---|---|---|
Meteorology & Flight | Tom Bradbury | SSA |
Aviation Weather | FAA | SSA |
Aviation Weather Services | FAA | SSA |
Understanding The Sky | Dennis Pagen | SSA |
Understanding Flying Weather | Derek Piggott | SSA |
Weather for Soaring | Russell Holtz | GA |
On-Line Training
On-Line Training programs provide pilots and students an opportunity to learn new skills or refresh those skills that may have been learned months or years ago.Title | Author | Source |
---|---|---|
Introductin to Soaring | Russell Holtz | GA |
Glider Familiarization | Russell Holtz | GA |
Airport Familiarization | Russell Holtz | GA |
Aerodynamics | Russell Holtz | GA |
Performance | Russell Holtz | GA |
Flight Instruments | Russell Holtz | GA |
Weather for Soaring | Russell Holtz | GA |
Regulations | Russell Holtz | GA |
Airspace for Glider Pilots | Russell Holtz | GA |
Thermaling Techniques | Russell Holtz | GA |
Glider Training Books - out of print
Many glider flight instructors regard these books as excellent resources:Title | Author |
---|---|
Soaring Flight Manual | SSA |
Flying Sailplanes | Helmut Reichmann |
American Soaring Handbook (ASH) | |
Vol 1. A History of American Soaring | Ralph Barnaby & Victor Saudek |
Vol 2. Training | William Fuchs |
Vol 3. Ground Launch | William Fuchs |
Vol 4. Airplane Tow | Tom Page |
Vol 5. Meteorology | Harner Selvedge |
Vol 6. Cross Country & Wave Soaring | Richard H. Johnson & William S. Ivans, Jr. |
Vol 7. Equipment: Instruments & Oxygen | Harner Selvidge |
Vol 8. Equipment: Radio, Rope & Wire | John Ryan, Harold Drew, Bernald Smith |
Vol 9. Sailplane Aerodynamics | Theodore Falk, Frederick Matteson |
Vol 10. Maintenance & Repair | Robert Forker |
ASH was in continuous print throughout the 1960’s and ‘70’s this was a numbered series of ten handbooks addressing specific training topics, authored by experts in the specific topic. You might find these handbooks separately or the bound edition in the used book market. They are still a valuable training reference for flight instructors and students. |
Flight training Guides
No club or school can effectivey teach pilots to fly gliders without a comprehensive training guide or training syllabus. Students should obtain copies of these documents when training begins. If your club or school doesn't have one already, consider bringing in one of these and discussing with your flight instructor how to use this important resource. If your club or school would like to share their training guide or syllabus with the SSF, then contact one of the trustees or send email to the SSF Webmaster.Title | Organization | format |
---|---|---|
Student/Instructor flight record check list | Skyline Soaring | Syllabus |
Ground Launch Training Syllabus | Dean Carswell | |
Flight Training Progress Record | Russell Holtz | |
Knowledge Training Progress Record | Russell Holtz |
Key to retail vendors and sources: | |||
Source | Organization | Phone | Web Site |
---|---|---|---|
SSA | Soaring Society of America merchandise department | 505-392-1177 | www.ssa.org |
SSF | Soaring Safety Foundation - the safety and training arm of the SSA | www.soaringsafety.org | |
SPT | Sporty’s Pilot supplies, charts, DVD’s and books | 800-776-7897 | www.sportys.com |
K&G | Knauff & Grove Soaring Supplies | 814-335-2483 | www.eglider.org |
GA | Russell Holtz Glider Books |   | www.gliderbooks.com |
GB | Russell Holtz Glider Academy |   | academy.gliderbooks.com |