named programs · 4 · from sources
What they call their work
Gliding Training Program
Comprehensive flight instruction program for student pilots leading to FAA glider certification, including ground school, dual flights, and solo preparation
Introductory Flight Lessons
Public-facing program offering $175 trial lessons to introduce non-members to glider flying, serving as both outreach and revenue source
Junior Membership Program
Aviation training pathway for youth ages 13–21 that combines flight instruction with hands-on maintenance and operations experience in exchange for reduced fees
XC Soaring Progression Program
Structured advancement program guiding pilots from basic training to cross-country flying using the Grob 102, requiring board approval and badge completion
activities · 1 group
What they do
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Aviation Training and Soaring Programs 7 activities
- Conduct research on soaring techniques in local conditionsConducts research on soaring techniques specific to local meteorological conditions and shares findings publicly to advance knowledge in motorless flight.
- Facilitate aerotow operations through Tow Pilot membershipOffers a Tow Pilot membership that enables certified pilots to operate the club-leased towplane to support aerotow operations for glider launches, ensuring sustained flight operations.
- Maintain and operate fleet of sailplanes and tow planesOwns and operates a fleet of six club-owned sailplanes, including high-performance models like the G103C Twin III, and three tow planes, ensuring aircraft are maintained in airworthy condition through regular cleaning, waxing, and operational readiness.
- Offer introductory glider flights to the publicConducts 15- to 45-minute introductory glider flights using Grob 103 sailplanes with FAA-certified flight instructors, available on weekends from April through November at Saratoga County Airport. Flights are offered for $175 per session and include a 30-day membership; gift certificates and flight vouchers valid for one year are also available.
- Operate glider flight training program for members and studentsProvides one-on-one flight instruction for glider pilot training to students and members through a scheduled booking system, using a fleet of club-owned two-seat training gliders and a flight simulator. Instruction is offered at the student's pace and includes complimentary flight lessons for Regular Members, with no hourly rental fees for club gliders.
- Provide educational outreach on motorless flightOffers educational programs and training materials on motorless flight to students, pilots, youth organizations, and the public to promote broader understanding and interest in glider aviation.
- Support youth participation in glider aviation through Junior Membership programOperates a Junior Membership program for individuals aged 13 to 21 that includes flight instruction and access to gliders in exchange for participation in flight line and maintenance duties, fostering youth engagement in motorless flight.
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financials · form 990EZ · fy2025
revenue
Total revenue$91K
Contributions & grants$00%
Program service revenue$00%
Investment income$5K5%
Other revenue$0
expenses
Total expenses$57K
Program expenses—
Admin / overhead—
Fundraising—
Salaries & benefits$0
Grants paid out$0
balance sheet
Total assets$413K
Cash—
Investments—
Liabilities—
Net assets$413K
5 years on record · 2021–2025 · YoY revenue -30.0%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2025
Who runs it
board members · 1
- Tim Hanke — Treasurer & Operations Director
relationships · 8
Who they work with
- Click N Glide Partner — Platform used for flight sign-ups, scheduling, and daily operations coordination.
- Click n Glide Partner — Partners with Click n Glide to manage student flight instruction scheduling.
- DPE Edward Winchester Partner — FAA Designated Pilot Examiner who conducts practical testing for glider pilots from Private through Instructor levels.
- Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Government — Issues private glider licenses and conducts certification through FAA-designated examiners for members.
- Flight Creative Group Partner — Design and development partner for the organization's website.
- Saratoga County Airport Partner — Primary airfield location for flight operations and member activities.
- Soaring Society of America Network — Required membership organization for all members, providing national and international connections, insurance, and advocacy.
- Soaring Society of America (SSA) Network — Recognizes and awards SSA badges for duration, distance, and altitude achievements to members.
strategies · 5
How they approach the work
Named approaches extracted from this org’s sources. Where others share an approach, follow it to see the full set of orgs running it.
- Experiential Learning with Community Mentoringmethodology: experiential_educationBy providing hands-on flight experiences and pairing learners with experienced pilots through a community mentoring model, the organization increases engagement and skill acquisition because direct participation and personalized guidance accelerate learning and build confidence in new pilots.
- Learn-by-Doing with Labor Participationmethodology: learn_by_doingBy requiring Junior Members to participate in flight line and maintenance operations in exchange for access to aircraft and instruction, the organization builds practical skills and operational awareness because integrating work with learning reinforces responsibility and deepens technical understanding.
- Member-Run Cooperative Model with Shared Responsibilitymethodology: member_cooperative_modelBy operating as a member-run cooperative where all participants contribute labor and share operational responsibilities, the organization sustains low-cost access to flight training and aircraft because collective ownership fosters accountability, reduces overhead, and strengthens community commitment.
- Research-Based Education in Soaringmethodology: research_based_educationBy integrating scientific research on local soaring conditions with public education and resource sharing, the organization advances understanding of motorless flight because combining empirical data with outreach creates a knowledge foundation that enhances both safety and pilot capability.
- Structured Progression and Safety Culturemethodology: structured_safety_progressionBy enforcing a badge-based progression system and embedding safety as a core cultural value through regular protocol reviews, the organization ensures safe advancement of pilots because structured milestones and habitual safety practices reduce risk and build disciplined flying habits.