Cost reduction is achieved through the Club concept; MITSA is a volunteer organization where each member is expected to do his or her share in the considerable amount of work associated with soaring. Club policies and procedures are made by an elected board of directors.
MITSA strives to provide a complete soaring environment. Primary instruction is available for the first time pilot as well as advanced training and activities in cross country, badge and contest flying for the more experienced member.
MITSA flies regularly Saturdays and Sundays throughout the year from Sterling Airport, about 35 miles Northwest of Boston. Midweek operations may be arranged and trips to other regional soaring sites are occasionally made. Members are expected to either help starting the day or help putting away the gliders in the evening when flying club gliders. Depending on demand for the aircraft and weather conditions, a member can expect 1-4 flights in a club glider ranging from 10 minutes to an hour or more.
The club owns one Super Blanik L-23 two seat trainer (N118BB), a Blanik L-33 single seat glider (N120BB), and two Schweitzer single seat gliders, an SGS 1-26E (N32982) and an SGS 1-34 (N7660). Several members privately own sailplanes. Launching is by aero-tow using a club owned Cessna 182. (N8615T).
Flight instruction is done by members who are FAA certificated instructors. Towing is done by members who meet certain FAA rating and experience criteria.
Preparations for flight normally start between 8:30 and 9:00 AM. Access to club gliders is determined by a list made according to order of members arrival at the field ready to participate.
Tow fees: See Greater Boston Soaring Club Web Site
MITSA is a chapter of the Soaring Society of America (SSA). All MITSA members are encouraged to become SSA members.
$55 SSA annual dues. $27 SSA annual dues for family members and full time students under age 22.
To get a private pilot license for gliders, a person must be 16 years old (see FAR 61.103) and fullfill the requirements specified in FAR 61.105, FAR 61.107 and FAR 61.115. This means for a beginning pilot to have at least ten solo glider flights and at least two hours of solo flight time. For a transition from a power license, the pilot must have at least ten solo flights. For a transitioning power pilot, no writen test is required.
To get a commercial pilot license for gliders, a person must be 18 years old (see FAR 61.123) and fullfill the requirements specified in FAR 61.125, FAR 61.127 and FAR 61.133. This means for a beginning pilot to have at least 100 glider flights as pilot in command and a total of 25 hours in gliders. For a transition from a power license, the pilot must have at least 200 hours of pilot in command time in aircraft and at least 20 solo flights in gliders. For a transitioning power pilot, no writen test is required.
Requirements for towing gliders are specified in FAR 61.69.