Discovery Flight
Your first flight in a glider
A winch launch to about 1,500 feet in a two-seat glider, with an experienced club pilot at the controls. $50.
For yourself or as a gift. Groups of 4 or more: $40 each.
What happens
The winch pulls the glider into the air in seconds. At about 1,500 feet your pilot releases the cable, and the flying goes quiet. Depending on the day and the weather, you'll be up for 5 to 30 minutes.
At a glance
- Price $50, or $40 each for a group of 4 or more
- When weekends and holidays, about 11 am to 5 pm, weather permitting; some weekdays too, often on request
- Where Birch Hills Airport, 25 minutes from Prince Albert and 1.5 hours from Saskatoon
- Who can fly maximum weight 230 lbs. No experience and no membership needed.
- Season spring through fall, with occasional winter flying
How it works
1. Buy your flight
$50 by card or by e-transfer, for yourself or as a gift.
2. Pick your day
Book ahead on the booking calendar below, or join the standby list and we email you when the weather is good and flying is confirmed.
3. Come out and fly
Check the day is on before you leave home, then meet us at the field.
Book your flying day
Bought a flight or been given one? Choose a day and a time, and enter the code on your certificate. Weekend spots are held for paid flights until the club opens a day to the standby list; then anyone can book the spots left and pay at the field.
Flying depends on the weather and on volunteers. A booking holds a spot for you, not a guaranteed time. If the day changes we'll email you, and you can rebook at no charge.
Loading the flying calendar…
Checking for the latest spots…
Or wait for a good day
Join the standby list. When the club opens a flying day to the standby list, we email everyone on the list, and any spots left are open to book, first come, first served. Pay online or at the field.
You're on the standby list.
We've emailed you the details. When the club confirms a flying day, we'll email you, and any spots left are open to book, first come, first served. Every email has a link to take you off the list.
Your first day
Bring
- Hat, sunscreen, sunglasses
- Water, lunch or snacks
- Layers; it is cooler at altitude
- A way to pay (e-transfer or cash), if you haven't paid online
- A phone or camera, if you like
How the day runs
- Meet the crew and get a safety briefing.
- Fly: a winch launch to about 1,500 feet, with an experienced club pilot at the controls.
- Stay, watch and learn.
Gliding depends on the weather. If your day is cancelled, we rebook you at no charge, and a flight you've paid for carries over to the new date. Prepaid flights don't expire, and we refund on request.
Thinking of learning to fly?
This flight is also your first lesson. Choose "A first lesson" when you book so we know, and ask your pilot anything on the day.
Give a flight as a gift
A Discovery Flight makes a good present for anyone who has looked up and wondered.
Buy it online and we email you a printable certificate with its own code. Gift flights don't expire. The person flying books their date with the code on the booking calendar above, or by emailing pa.gliding.soaring.club@gmail.com.
Before a first flight
Do I have to join first?
No. Try a $50 Discovery Flight first and join only if you love it.
Is it safe to just try once?
An experienced club pilot or instructor is in command. Gliding carries risk similar to other small-aircraft flying, and safety is the club's first priority.
What if the weather cancels my day?
It happens. We rebook you at no charge, and a flight you've paid for carries over to the new date.
Can I pay at the field instead?
Yes. Weekend spots are held for flights paid online until the club opens a day to the standby list. Join the standby list and we email you when that happens; then book any spot left and pay at the field (e-transfer or cash).
Do I need my own gear?
No. The club provides the glider, the winch and free instruction.