Youth have been participating as line crew interns and learning to fly gliders at Soar Truckee for over 30 years.
Here are some of our line crew interns in action
Our Youth Line Crew and Flight School program is an immersive experience as all interns participate in almost all aspects of TTSA's glider port operations. This program which we offer free of charge, youth participants attend ground school, help on the flight line to stage and launch gliders, help our adventure flight customers in and out of our gliders, and help TTSA member private pilots assemble their gliders. They are part of the "eyes and ears” on the flight line, helping ensure safe operations. They are engaging in all STEM disciplines. They learn critical thinking, also other life-long skills in leadership, responsibility, communications, mentoring, and teamwork.
Youth Line Crew Intern and Flight School
Flight instruction is expensive. While our youth participants earn flight instruction credits for their line crew work, it does not cover our costs for their flight instruction, which can cost up to $8,000 to achieve a private glider rating. This and our other Youth STEM Soaring Academy programs would not be possible without charitable donations, grants, and other community support.
You can help us deliver this and other Youth STEM Soaring Academy programs with a tax-deductible donation today by clicking on the link below:
Our 2025 program is now full, with thirteen youth participating. Join our mailing list below to be notified when applications for next season (2026) open up.