Line Crew Program
The Line Crew Program is a vibrant youth program funded by Flight Experience For Youth (FEFY). It provides multiple opportunities for youth, including extensive job and flight training, as well as incentivized club membership and access to a diverse fleet of gliders.
In this season-long program, qualified students, typically ages 13 to 18, work on the field under the supervision of a flight instructor, and earn credits toward instructional or solo glider flights at the rate of one flight per day worked. Duties include shepherding commercial ride passengers to and from the gliders, positioning gliders on the flight line, fetching and attaching tow lines to the gliders and the towplane, signaling to launch the gliders when the pilot signals he/or she is ready, recording flight data on the “day sheet”, retrieving the landed gliders, and performing other field chores for which the member has been trained.
Read what current and former line crew students have to say about this program
The Line Crew program is a serious commitment (it is a real job!). Attention to safety, clear communications, strict procedures and excellent situational awareness are critical. You need reliable transportation to and from the airport, and need to be on time (Line Crew work 9-5:30 weekdays and 8-5:30 weekends).
Interested in applying?
This is a popular, performance-based program. Right now we have a number of youths on the waiting list but we welcome new applications. To apply, the youth (not the parent) should email or mail a letter of interest to linecrewprogram@sugarbushsoaring.com with the following information:
Why are you interested in joining the Line Crew?
What are you looking to get out of this experience?
What do you think you can bring to Sugarbush Soaring?
When we receive your application, we will place you on the waiting list, or, if we have openings, will contact you to set up an interview at the airport. We select Line Crew members based on the applicant's interest, motivation, maturity and work ethic. We also consider academic standing. Applications will be approved by the Youth Committee headed by the Chief Instructor. New Line Crew members go through a formal training process. Maturity, interest in aviation, willingness to learn, sense of adventure. This is the real deal, with no “re-set button”; our goal is to make you the best pilot you can be.
To learn more, please email linecrewprogram@sugarbushsoaring.com.
Requirements:
Our maximum passenger weight is 242 lbs.
Applicant must be between 13 and 18 years old.
The Line Crew Program is funded by charitable contributions to FEFY, a 501(c)(3).