On Monday, October 6, 2014 8:29:13 AM UTC-4, wrote:
Is it strange to reply to your own post? Anyway here is the rest of the details that might help get a junior program going.



Critical mass - We have found that you must have a critical mass of 3 or more juniors on the field on a given flying day. That means a club should have a junior program of at least 8-12 young people. I would estimate that 40-50% of those that start will solo and this would vary with instructor availability. Encourage kids to sign up with a friend.



Ownership - There must be a way for the young people to own the experience. Give-aways don't work. At Harris Hill junior members work 4 hours for each pre-solo flight. Think of 4 hours at the field instead of 4 hours of continuous work (however, some days it is non-stop.) If you think of $5/hour for their time, they have nearly as much as a senior member invested in a flight. The more you link the work with the flying, the more they own the experience. Post-solo the juniors pay more for each flight and only have to work two hours per flight.



Pricing - Here are the 2014 prices for a 20 minute 2-33 instructional hop at Harris Hill. Includes 2000' tow, hook up, glider rental, and instructor time (volunteered). These prices are made possible only by selling rides to the public (ASK-21 @ $96) and that ride business becomes a priority at times - which can be a pain.



Senior member $30.40

Junior post-solo $16.20

Junior pre-solo $5.00



You club's costs will be different but here is a good ratio. Post solo juniors pay half of what seniors pay and work 2 hours for each flight. Pre-solo pay a quarter of the full cost and work 4 hours per flight.



Does anyone else have anything to share about their club's junior program? I know UH is doing a great job at Valley Soaring.



XC

Critical mass is important because nobody wants to be the only kid(or adult, or lady/girl) in the group.
The young people are tasked with bringing the new ones up to speed on how things work and how to do stuff.
Parents are amazed that the kid that won't get off the couch jumps up to tow gliders out and launch them or get them off the field.
Our juniors are responsible for all activities related to their 2 gliders (1-26 and Std Libelle), except for inspections and paying the bills.
Our costing structure is set up so Jr cost to fly is equal to the variable costs of the flight( gas, oil,etc.) Use of the 1-26 and Libelle are at no cost beyond tows.
UH