Learn to Fly
Gliding is one of the most affordable forms of recreational aviation. There are a few initial expenses such as the Gliding Australia joining fee, the Club join fee and Club membership fee (charged pro rata throughout the year).
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The flight fee is made up of the aerotow fee and glider hire. These vary depending on how high you take a launch and how long you are airborne. During the training phase you can budget roughly that each flight on average will be near $100.
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This is a very cost effective way to fly, in comparison power flight training is 3 or 4 times this amount. Our fully qualified instructors are all volunteers and there is no instructional fee per se. Our gliding training is very well structured and all instructors are qualified and regularly revalidated.
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Intensive short courses are available on request.
Advice for Parents
Gliding can be a rewarding activity for young people, helping develop confidence, responsibility, teamwork and aviation skills.
Parents should consider their child’s physical and emotional maturity, enthusiasm and ability to commit to regular training. They should also understand that gliding is a club activity and that supporting a child’s training may require attending the club for a full day of operations.
In Australia, a pilot must be 15 years of age to fly a glider solo. For younger children, parents should consider whether they will be able to maintain regular training until they reach solo age, as lengthy interruptions can affect progress and continuity.
However, every child is different, and many successful pilots began gliding at a young age. Parents are encouraged to discuss their child’s readiness with the club’s instructors before committing to regular training.
Frequently asked questions
