Soaring IP
From USAFA Folklore
A Cadet Soaring Instructor Pilot or Soaring IP is a cadet who has completed a formal training syllabus that allows him to pilot a sailplane (glider) and act in the capacity of an instructor in the same aircraft. Soaring IPs (more commonly upgraders) are sometimes called "Melvins" by other cadets.
Every semester, 40-50 cadets are selected from a pool of applicants for IP upgrade training. The syllabus is approximately 90 flights long, and is divided into three phases, modeled to a large extent after the UPT syllabus. After the upgrading pilot masters flying the aircraft, he is trained in the fundamentals of instruction and various teaching techniques. The Academy's Soar-For-All program, and the instructor upgrade course itself, is taught by cadet soaring IPs, with rated officers overseeing the operations. Because of the similarity of the Soaring IP syllabus to the UPT syllabus (at least administratively), and the large amount of stick time and airmanship experience that soaring IPs get while working the program, USAFA graduates who have been soaring IPs historically do very well in pilot training.
Soaring IPs will often wear a flight suit every day all semester, and in many cases identify with the 94th more closely than with their own Cadet Wing squadron, much to the disdain of other cadets.
Following their checkride, soaring IPs are fully qualified to act as pilot in command and give instruction in their aircraft; it is not uncommon to see cadet IPs flying as pilot in command with a rated officer as the student.
Advanced soaring IPs also have several opportunities for additional training and new qualifications. Stan/Eval IPs are highly experienced cadet IPs who are authorized to administer phase checkrides to students. Spin IPs teach students how to depart and recover the aircraft to controlled flight. Cadets can also apply for one of two advanced programs teams--the Cross Country team and Aerobatic Team--which represent the Academy in national flying competitions.
