Pilot Training
We welcome people to enjoy the fun and sport of gliding. The gift of a flight is a great way to be introduced to the sport. Even better is to become a student and we will teach you through all the steps to your solo flights and beyond.
Our qualified instructors provide their time and tuition free, your costs are Club and Gliding Federation membership and for the launching fee (winch or aero-tow) and the glider hire. Typically, gliding instruction to first solo is easily one third cheaper than powered flying in (say) a Cessna 180. It is a great way to get started if you are thinking of a career in the military or civil aviation. We can run special personalised courses over 7 or 8 days and you can expect to reach solo standard.
Unlike a motor car licence, you only have to be 15 years old to go solo in a glider! Come and discuss gliding flying with us, have a flight and see what you think.
Trainee and Pilot Suitability Requirements
Although we will always do everything we can to make gliding accessible to as many people as possible, there are some limitations. This limitation is aircraft dependant: we cannot take people over 105kg due to aircraft and cockpit limits. Very tall people (over about 6’6” – 198cm) might not fit either.
Youngsters(as passengers or students) are again limited by weight – minimum weight this time. They can be seated in the back to overcome the weight and balance needs but because visibility is not as good as in the front it is probably best to wait a few years and get the best from a front seat view. Tuition is always done with the student in the front seat. As a guide, children above 8 years may be able to be passengers, but please check with us first.
Older people always seem to emerge from a gliding flight 30 years younger. Of course, you need to be able to get into and out of the glider, but we can go over this with you before the flight.Disabled people can be flown depending on the disability(and we genuinely welcome them) but they must be able to obey instructions. Pregnant women may be more susceptible to motion sickness, and the waist and shoulder harnesses may not fitso it is advisable they wait until after the birth before flying.
Scholarships
Scholarships to help defray flying costs are available from time to time. Typically they are awarded to the junior members who have fewer financial resources. Contact any committee member.
Operations Manager: 0439 621 081
John O’Neill – Chief Flying Instructor: 0400 552 147
Kevin Owen – Instructor: 0439 621 081
Max Speedy – Instructor: 0413 384 625