Simulation-based Online Flight Training Experience (SOFTE)

Simulation-based training offers a dynamic and risk-free approach to learning complex skills and procedures. Whether training to be a surgeon or maintaining proficiency as an airline pilot, simulation-based training is a proven and effective approach.

Learning to fly gliders is no different, and over the past few years CFIG Scott Manley has developed and deployed the SOFTE program for the express benefit of the SSA community. In a recent interview he provided the following update.

By replicating real-world scenarios in a controlled environment, simulation-based training allows individuals to practice, experiment, and learn from their mistakes without facing real-world consequences. From a learning perspective, students need a fair amount of time to grasp a concept. Take airspeed control for example. It is one thing to be told the relationship between pitch and airspeed, but quite another thing to fully understand it.

In a typical training flight, the student is trying to fly – as he’s receiving instruction – and working to establish the relationship between his control movements and what the aircraft is doing. His main perspective is the view from inside the cockpit. Quite a lot is happening simultaneously.

Contrast this with a simulator-based approach. In a typical presentation, the instructor can pause the program, elaborate on the concept and then show both the outside view (external view of what the glider is doing) and the inside perspective (how it looks from the cockpit in relation to the horizon). The instructor and the student can take the time needed to dive into the details. There is no pressure to get the idea across before the glider gets low and needs to get into the pattern.

There are obvious advantages in terms of cost effectiveness. Additionally, simulator-based training is not constrained by the availability of instructors, fair weather, tow pilots or gliders. It can be practiced almost anywhere and at any time. Trainees can often get more done in an hour of simulator training than they would if they spent the entire day at the airfield.

The program was originally offered in the fall of 2023 and since then has been upgraded and refined leading to the recent announcement of it’s next run starting in November of 2025. The program is webinar based and typically consists of a series of one-hour presentations that are conducted on a weekly basis. Additionally, each session is recorded, to enable participants to review the material if they miss a particular instance. The participants are required to have their own Condor based simulation environment. This is vital as trainees are expected to complete follow up exercises on their own after each session.

It is also recommended that trainees work with a mentor. Ideally someone who is local and can be present at each practice session, either online or in person. Flight training mentors could be Certificated Glider Flight Instructors (CFIGs) or even private/commercially rated glider pilots. It is having the second set of eyes that matters. Mentors can watch what trainees are doing and provide constructive criticism and advice.

Scott leverages his professional background as an educator to ensure each webinar is carefully scripted and painstaking crafted. The webinars emphasize the use of visual elements such as animations and videos to effectively engage the viewer. Developing each hour of webinar content often requires over 80 hours of preparatory work.

The 2025-26 series of webinars are scheduled to kick off in November. The program consists of two parts. While Part 1 focuses on the basics, Part 2 addresses the more advanced aspects of primary flight training for a glider category rating.

Part 1 webinars are conducted on Wednesday and Part 2 on Tuesday evenings. Both are scheduled to start at 8 p.m. central time.

For registration, please contact Scott Manley at: smanley@wisc.edu