Glider Schools

[cessna172]

Hey,

Just wondering if anyone out there knows of some reputable places for learning to fly gliders. Always wanted to get into it but not really sure where to start. Also is there a gliding season... I'm assuming that most activity is in summer when there's a lot of thermal activity but again I'm not sure. As for location I'm in Sydney atm but I'm probably moving up to round Brisbane soon.

Thanks in advance

J

[smiley41]

I cannot personally vouch for them but the following may be worth investigating Gliding & Soaring, at Southern Soaring - New Zealand, Omarama, Glide, (http://www.soaring.co.nz)

[Kickatinalong]

Try Narromine Gliding Club, our school went out there last year and they made each and everyone of us feel welcome. Great bunch af people men & women, you can get good, clean, cheap accommodation on the airfield try them you will like them. Food is also available.
Kickatinalong.:D:D:D

[Blanik3]

cessna 172
My advice is to look up the Gliding Federation of Australia on google (I would give you the link but late dinner and too many wines etc).
Their site will give you the clubs that will be nearest to you.
I think you will find that most clubs will be very welcoming.

[shadowoneau]

Have a look at The Gliding Federation of Australia Inc. - New South Wales (http://www.gfa.org.au/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=226&Itemid=105) for the NSW GFA clubs.

[Bunyan Wingnut]

While you are still in Sydney, you might consider trying a few flights with Southern Cross GC, based at Camden airport. They fly Fridays through to Wednesdays in the better weather, and have a pretty good operation. Their Club President is Don Palmer, a real good bloke and excellent pilot and instructor. See Southern Cross Gliding Sydney (http://www.gliding.com.au/) for info. Hunter Valley GC is a good fun operation at Warkworth near Singleton, weekends only. Many Sydneysiders fly at Bathurst GC, a great club, see Bathurst Soaring Club (http://www.bathurstsoaring.org.au/default.asp)

I am CFI Canberra GC at Bunyan near Cooma, weekends and public hols, see Canberra Gliding Club (http://www.canberragliding.org) for info.

If you want to do a gliding course in a short period, you should consider Narromine but also think about Lake Keepit SC, up near Tamworth. Welcome to Lake Keepit Soaring Club (http://www.keepitsoaring.com/LKSC/) and they know their stuff.

I am not as familiar with the Qld scene but many Brisbane folks fly at Darling Downs Soaring Club, near Jondaryan, west of Toowoomba. It is a very strong and well equipped club with excellent conditions much of the year.

See Darling Downs Soaring Club - Welcome (http://www.ddsc.org.au/) and http://www.ddsc.org.au/documents/club-brochure.jpg - Caboolture is another option closer to Brisbane, by the Bribie Island turnoff. CABOOLTURE GLIDING CLUB - Soar like an eagle on silent wings! (http://www.glidingcaboolture.org.au) refers

I hope this helps. If you want more info contact me direct. :ok:

[carro]

The closest place would be Central Coast Soaring Club, which has a great bunch of guys, and theres also aerotow gliding at Camden.

[Mark1234]

I can comment on southern soaring - flew with them a bit over a year back. Fantastic experience, great bunch of guys, insane flying. Rather a long way to go, and somewhat different skillset to flatland flying. probably less useful for the purposes of this post sadly :)