Membership Types
We offer the following membership types:
Introductory Package Membership
Curious about getting a glider pilot rating? Not sure if flying gliders is right for you? The Willamette Valley Soaring Club has a special introductory package that might help you decide. This package allows a new student to complete five lessons without paying the initiation fees or joining WVSC as a full member. The training package includes:
5 lessons with an FAA Certified Instructor
Ground Instruction
Flight Instruction
Flight Time (including glider rental and tow fees)
Log Book
Package of Student Materials
Introductory Glider Instruction Textbook
The cost of this package is $750, $50 of which can be applied directly to the initiation fee if the student decides to join WVSC and continue training. The package must be completed within 4 months of the first lesson date; the student must be in good health and at least 13 years old. For more information, contact us at fly@wvsc.org.
Regular Membership
One time Initiation fee $500 ($250 each additional family member)
Annual dues $350 ($175 each additional family member). (Dues are per calendar-year, due on January 1st and must be paid prior to any flying.)
Instruction fee is set by the instructor. Most are charging around $45 per hour.
Rental fees are $30 per hour
Tow charges are $24 hookup + $1.60 per 100 feet (a tow to 3000 feet AGL will cost: $72.00)
Every member is expected to assume the duties of the operations officer twice a year.
Family Membership
For additional family members
Initiation and dues are 1/2 of Regular Membership
Junior Membership
For younger members who are not eligible for the Family Membership
Age 13 to 26 (if full time student)
Pay annual dues of $175 and initiation of $500 (payable in three annual installments of $167)
Ground Crew Membership
For individuals or family members wishing to participate on the field in glider launching and retrieval.
$25 annual dues
Tow Pilot Membership
Initiation $100 plus $200 training deposit (refunded after 100 tows)
Annual dues $25
Daily Membership
Allows use of your own personal aircraft
For visiting glider pilots who live greater than 100 miles from North Plains
$30/day
Visitor Membership
For visiting glider pilots who live greater than 100 miles from North Plains
Allows use of club aircraft
$60 for a maximum of 1 month
$500 deposit
Membership Benefits
Affordable Instruction and Soaring Opportunities
Safaris (popular destinations include Montague, CA, Ephrata, WA, and the Alvord Desert, OR.)
A large pool of experience (hundreds of combined years of aviation experience, tens of thousands of combined flight hours)
Social events (year-end Banquet, Summer BBQ, etc)
Online Services facilitate sharing of news, stories, pictures, videos, and other data.
How to Apply
If you are new to the sport, we recommend first taking a ride, then using our special introductory package. Your instructor will provide you with membership application forms. If you are already a pilot, then you will just need to be checked out. To get a copy of the Membership Application, click this link (Membership Application) or contact us at Membership@wvsc.org or fly@wvsc.org.
* To download the Membership Application, right-click on the link above and open it in a new window. Then, use the File option to download it to your computer.