Gliders are just another aircraft - without the engine bit! They have the same aerodynamic controls - plus a set of air brakes (not found on power aircraft except for high-performance jets).

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They are substantially more efficient in their aerodynamic design than most power aircraft - hence the requirement for air brakes. The best gliders have a "glide ratio" of well up to 60:1 compared to a standard power aircraft of about 7:1 - that is about 8 times more efficient!

 

Our training gliders have the best glide ratio of about 27:1 and 34:1, so if you are at a height of 1 Km above your decision height for landing, you could fly 27 Kms not counting the effects of wind and air currents.

 

 

Learning to fly a glider is a great precursor to learning power flying. You will learn how to judge and relate your flying to the outside environment better than in basic power flight training which is much more procedural and more focused on instruments and engine management.

Several of our young trainees have gone on to successful commercial and Air Force flying having had an excellent grounding in gliders.

The club provides training from ab initio level in our three twin-seat training gliders. We have several fully qualified GFA Instructors.

 

Instruction is free with all the instructors providing their time and services voluntarily.

 

To commence learning to fly a sailplane in Australia you must:

 

a) Join an Australian gliding club which is authorised to provide training.

 

b) Join the GFA (Gliding Federation of Australia).

 

c) Medical Requirements: Be physically fit to a similar level for driving a motor vehicle. Once qualified, if you wish to take passengers or become an instructor you will need a medical examination (either a CASA medical or an official driver licence medical from a doctor). If you have any health issues which may affect your ability to fly, the club may request that you obtain a medical certificate.

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You can find our list of fees and charges on the Fees page. Learning at CCSC will generally be significantly cheaper than at an aero tow gliding club because our launch costs are significantly less.

 

You should budget for about $1,500-$2,000 (including club subs and GFA charges). This will generally be enough for at least 50 flights.

 

Some people, though not all, may get to solo standard within that time. Some will take longer. 

 

The beauty of the the program is that you have an instructor to guide you with your best interests at heart, and will train you to be a safe and competent pilot step by step.