Training System Update

The Ops and Soaring Development Departments have been working for over a year to modernise the Gliding Australia’s flying training system. The training system update is intended to provide greater consistency in training delivery and standards, across regions, clubs and instructors/coaches. Instructors and coaches will train the relevant units of the Glider Pilot Certificate (GPC) syllabus based on their areas of expertise which will result in an improved training outcome.

The components of the new training system are:

GPC Syllabus

Lists the 44 Units of Competency and provides a sequence of training flowchart

Training Manual

Part 1 is the reference guide for How to instruct with Training Principles and Techniques for trainers

Part 2 is the reference guide for What to instruct with each Unit of Competency broken into Elements of Competency and Performance standards which identify the required standard to be achieved. Part 2 also contains an overview of theory briefing, flight sequence and delivery, advice to Instructors, outline of student flying exercises, and Threat and Error management considerations.

Instructor Flip cards

Memory jogger of items for instructors to deliver each lesson. A good reference prior to take off or even during flight to ensure that all key aspects are covered.

Theory courses

1-2 hour courses covering key theory in support of the syllabus. Typically will include a formal assessment. Self-paced option or can be delivered to a group in the classroom. Completion of the theory assessments is required to achieve the Glider Pilot Certificate (GPC).

Pilot Guide

The student’s reference book, one chapter for each unit of competency. Will refer to key textbooks where appropriate. Includes explanatory diagrams. Available to the student before flight as pre-reading, or as an explanatory document to reinforce the lesson.

GPC Logbook

The student’s first logbook which leads them through the Training System and records achievement of units and elements, Courses, Certificates, Instructor feedback, and flight records.

Webinars explaining the new training system will be scheduled for instructors and coaches in mid-November. Small group tryouts will be run by active training clubs in each region for three months over summer to identify improvements in the syllabus. Instructors and coaches will be refreshed and upskilled prior to full rollout of the new training system to all clubs by the end of 2021.

More information will be released in coming months. If you have any questions, please contact Chair of the Ops Panel or Chair of Soaring Development.