YOUR FIRST FLIGHT

Please read the following, and contact us via our “Contact” page for further info or to make a booking.

Trial flights are a way for you to experience the joys of soaring to see if you think learning to fly a glider is something for you.

Our trial flights cost $200 and are undertaken in our tandem training glider.  The instructor will sit in the rear seat and you will sit in the front seat.  Weight and balance is very important in any aircraft but especially so in a glider.  Therefore, if you weigh less than 40 kg you will sit in the rear seat and the instructor in the front seat.

The trial flight will involve a ground briefing and a flight during which you may be given the opportunity to try flying the glider (should you wish).  The glider is towed by a light aircraft to 2500 feet and released.

After the flight you will be given a temporary log book in which this flight is recorded.  You are entitled to return to the club and undertake a further five flights at a reduced rate before you are required to join the club.

We operate Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays.  It is difficult for the club to specify exact times for a flight.  The reason for this is two-fold:

  • Gliding is an activity that is very dependant on the weather conditions which can change minute to minute.
  • We are an Air Force club and operate from RNZAF Base Auckland at Whenuapai. This is an operational Air Force base and therefore we are subject to Air Force flight movements which can occur with little or no notice.
We ask that you call in the week immediately prior to the day you wish to fly so that we can advise you of known weather conditions and any last minute changes to our plan.  At this time we will advise you of the best time.  We suggest that you put aside a half-day for your gliding experience.  We will attempt to fly you as near as possible to that time.

Please note that the club has no EFTPOS facilities.  The best means for payment are either a direct deposit into our bank account (please use the contact form to arrange), or the purchase of a voucher.


One Final Note:  RNZAF Base Auckland is a secure NZDF base.  We will need to see a form of photo id such as a drivers licence or passport to allow access.