Introduction to Flight Training (IFT) - Gliders

Gliders are fixed-wing aircraft that rely on aerodynamics and "lift", not engines, to soar through the sky. The IFT Gliders program offers an immersive flight training experience for students ages 13 and up, combining expert instruction, ground school, and unique aviation education opportunities. Each student progresses through a series of lessons and completes 20 glider flights, all designed to build the skills and confidence needed achieve their first solo flight.

Students in the IFT Gliders program receive hands-on training from experienced soaring instructors. Each student has the opportunity to participate in ground school sessions and complete up to 20 glider flights, preparing them for their first solo flight. Since we launched our first glider program in Colorado in 2018 we have maintained an impressive solo rate with 95% of our students soloing.

Program Details

  • The Glider Program takes place at a private airpark in Maricopa, AZ (ZIP 85239). This location offers open skies, wide runways, and the ideal environment for safe, effective glider training. Specific directions and access details will be provided upon registration.

  • Ground school is the classroom-based portion of flight training where students learn the theory behind how aircraft operate. In the Glider Program, ground school covers essential topics like aerodynamics, weather, flight controls, airspace, safety procedures, and FAA regulations. This foundational knowledge prepares students to make confident, informed decisions in the air and is a critical step toward their first solo flight.

  • Final pricing for the IFT Gliders program is still being confirmed and will be announced soon. The cost will include all flight instruction, ground school, materials, and 20 glider flights per student. There are no hidden fees, everything needed to train and fly is included.

  • At this time, we are working on what day of the week the program will occur. For now, please view the “week of” schedule below.

    Week of Schedule for 25/26 School Year

    Fall Semester

    9/22/25- Kickoff and Introduction

    9/29/25- Ground School

    10/6/25- Fly Day

    10/13/25- Fly Day

    10/20/25- Ground School

    11/3/25- Fly Day

    11/10/25- Ground School

    11/17/25- Fly Day

    11/24/25- Thanksgiving Break

    12/1/25- Fly Day

    12/8/25- Fly Day

    12/15/28- Fly Day and End of Semester

    Spring Semester

    1/5/26- Fly Day

    1/12/26- Fly Day

    1/19/26- Fly Day

    1/28/26- Ground School

    2/2/26- Fly Day

    2/9/26- Fly Day

    2/16/26- Fly Day

    2/23/26- Ground School

    3/2/26- Fly Day

    3/9/26- Fly Day

    3/16/26- Spring Break

    3/23/26- Fly Day

    3/30/26- Fly Day

    4/6/26- Ground School

    4/13/26- Fly Day

    4/20/26- Fly Day

    4/27/26- End of Semester Class