The sport of gliding is an exhilarating, spectacular yet serene flying experience and is the purest form of recreational aviation. The aircraft are designed to fly hundreds of kilometres across country without the aid of an engine, relying solely on harnessing the force of nature by using currents of air to stay airborne. Gliding is an all-inclusive and very social sport attracting men and woman of all ages and walks of life. In Australia you can fly solo from the age of 15 and some pilots continue gliding into their eighties. It is never too late to learn to glide and many pilots take up the sport in their 40s, 50s or even 70s.
On your first flight you will learn the basics of flying gliders by an experienced instructor in a two-seat glider. They will even hand over the controls once airborne to give you a feel of what it’s like to control an aircraft.
A lot of Gliding Clubs offer a range of gift vouchers with flights to suit everyone; from the cautious, to the adrenaline junkie who likes the idea of pulling G’s with the thrill of aerobatics, as well as those aspiring to learn to fly. Ask about our Air Experience Flight vouchers today and we will tailor a flight to suit you, your friend or loved one.
This varies for everyone as people learn at a different rates. Going solo can take between 20-40 flights but some students learn faster and others take longer. The learning experience is a good one and you’ll be flying with engaging and friendly people that love to teach people to fly.
With any form of aviation there are risks, hence we provide you with an experienced, qualified pilot to teach you the safe procedures. Gliders have been designed and built to the same standards as normal passenger aircraft, and undergo regular maintenance according to the requirements of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and the Gliding Federation of Australia.
Typically, gliders fly as slow as 75 kph when circling in lift or up to 130 – 230 kph between thermals.
Any weather except low cloud, rain and very strong wind.
Have you ever seen a flock of pelicans circling high in the sky or a seagull hovering motionless over a headland? The pelicans are flying in a column of rising air called a thermal, and the seagull is flying in the rising air deflected upwards by the cliff face. In both cases the birds are in an air mass that is rising faster than they are descending through it. Gliders exploit the same natural phenomenon.
The cost will vary for individuals and clubs. A trial lesson with a typical club costs around $200*, A ‘flying solo’ course will cost from $1,800*, and If you decide to learn to fly and become a member of a gliding club, you can fly for as little as 30 cents per minute. * *Cost varies by club
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Gliding Federation of Australia
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