First flights
Do I have to join before my first flight?
No. Try a $50 Discovery Flight first and join only if you love it.
Do I need experience or my own gear?
No. The club provides the glider, the winch and free instruction.
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.
How long is the flight?
About 5 to 30 minutes, depending on the day's conditions. The winch launch takes you to about 1,500 to 2,000 feet.
Is there a weight limit?
Yes. The maximum weight for an introductory flight is 230 lbs.
What if the weather cancels my day?
It happens. We rebook you, and there is no charge for a flight that didn't happen.
What should I bring?
A hat, sunscreen and sunglasses; water and lunch or snacks; layers, because it is cooler at altitude; and a way to pay (e-transfer or cash).
Can I give a flight as a gift?
Yes. Buy a Discovery Flight online, then email us or use the request form to arrange the date for the person flying.
When do you fly?
Weekends and holidays, about 11 am to 5 pm for guest flights, weather permitting. Some weekdays too, often on request. The main season runs spring through fall, with occasional winter flying.
Learning to fly
How old do I have to be?
There is no minimum age to start training. You can fly solo at 14 and hold a full Glider Pilot Licence at 16. Students need to reach the controls comfortably (roughly 5 ft tall) and be ready to learn (typically 12 and up).
What does a lesson cost?
About $10 for a typical 10-minute instructional flight: a $5 launch plus $5 of glider time. Instruction is free.
How long does it take to go solo?
Most students go solo after around 40 instructional flights. With previous aviation experience or a pilot licence, it can be as few as 10 to 20. The licence itself needs 20 solo flights.
Do I need a medical?
Most students use a Category 4 medical, a self-declaration with no doctor's visit. Do it early in training. A Category 1 or 3 medical also counts.
Is there ground school?
Yes: 15 hours, self-directed or with pilottraining.ca, followed by Transport Canada's GLIDE written exam.
How often should I come?
As regularly as you can. Skills fade between visits. Flying as many weekends (and even weekdays) as you can over a stretch of the season gets you solo sooner and costs less in total.
I already have a pilot licence. What carries over?
With a PPL(A), ground school and the written exam are waived and you need 3 flight hours, not 6.