I transition from SEL, single engine land to glider. At the time (80s) you started with a Private license, none of the newer license types. I learned in the Schweitzer 2-33 'Safe as Houses' two seat and got checked out in the 1-26 single seat. Fun, relaxing flying.
In continental Europe are usually a bit lower than costs in UK. But from what I have seen many clubs in UK employ paid staff for e.g. fly the tugs, or being winch drivers. At typical continental European clubs (you guessed it, I am from Germany) all tasks including upkeep of buildings and equipment, mowing grass, instruction is done by the members voluntarily. The currency that you pay is your time in lieu of cash. You seem also coming from a power pilot‘s perspective, seeing gliding as cheap stepping stone to getting in power. But you are describing what gliding is about quite accurately. For many gliding is the goal in itself. Many airline pilots fly gliders in their free time, not power for the challenge of finding and using lift to get you cross-county, or sometimes not ending a flight on a different airport or farmer‘s field. Glider pilots fly for the sake of flying, not for eating the famous 200$ burger at the next airport‘s restaurant (when you include the cost of the flight).
Nice how you're breaking it down..
I transition from SEL, single engine land to glider. At the time (80s) you started with a Private license, none of the newer license types. I learned in the Schweitzer 2-33 'Safe as Houses' two seat and got checked out in the 1-26 single seat. Fun, relaxing flying.
In continental Europe are usually a bit lower than costs in UK. But from what I have seen many clubs in UK employ paid staff for e.g. fly the tugs, or being winch drivers. At typical continental European clubs (you guessed it, I am from Germany) all tasks including upkeep of buildings and equipment, mowing grass, instruction is done by the members voluntarily. The currency that you pay is your time in lieu of cash.
You seem also coming from a power pilot‘s perspective, seeing gliding as cheap stepping stone to getting in power. But you are describing what gliding is about quite accurately.
For many gliding is the goal in itself. Many airline pilots fly gliders in their free time, not power for the challenge of finding and using lift to get you cross-county, or sometimes not ending a flight on a different airport or farmer‘s field. Glider pilots fly for the sake of flying, not for eating the famous 200$ burger at the next airport‘s restaurant (when you include the cost of the flight).
Nice thumbnail!
Do You can get a job with the SPL or light craft license??
Not really
Ultralights can tow banners which might give you 50$ per flight .
If you want to earn anything substantial, get yourself a CPL(A)
… or a instructor‘s license and hire at a commercial flight school (power or glider). Pay will not be exciting.