Junior Soaring
SSA CADET MEMBERSHIP
- Ages 10-18
- US Resident
BENEFITS
SSA JUNIOR SCHOLARSHIPS (Ages 13-24)
US JUNIOR SOARING TEAM (Under 26)
US Junior Soaring’s purpose is to foster the development of pilots under 26 and offer them resources to earn new ratings and develop cross country experience. The Team is chosen every two years at the SSA Convention preceding the next World Junior Gliding Championships and is primarily based on Junior Nationals performance, SSA Contest Ranking, total glider hours and type experience, and desire to contribute to the team effort.
JUNIOR CAMPS (Under 26)
Camps allow experienced soaring pilots to take a small group of gliders out on course to build cross country experience and confidence. Daily goals of flying 2.5 hours and up to 150 miles are typical. There are two cross country camps and/or contests on the East Coast & West Coast. We offer camp grants to make it affordable to all juniors.
SSA PARTNER YOUTH ORGANIZATIONS
The Civil Air Patrol (CAP) has been a partner with SSA since 1996 and thanks to CAP adult volunteers, cadets learn about the fundamentals of aviation through classroom activities, self-study texts, orientation flights, and formal flight training. Every CAP cadet under age 18 is eligible for five flights in a glider aircraft.
Modeling is a great indicator of success in youth showing an interest in aviation. SSA and AMA have partnered to provide opportunities for youth in aviation education and experiences through free digital memberships and scholarships.
Launched in 1992, the Young Eagles program has dedicated more than 25 years to giving youth ages 8–17 their first free ride in an airplane. The 2 millionth Young Eagle was flown in 2016. SSA members who met EAA’s easy guidelines added thousands to the total in gliders. EAA membership is now required to enroll Young Eagles.