Experience Gliding

Come fly with us!

You’re invited to come fly with us!

Taupo Gliding Club is always delighted to welcome people to the exciting and challenging sport of soaring! Gliding Instructors are qualified volunteers and do not charge for their instructional time. There are three options available.

Options

  • Option One: The "Instructional Trial Flight"

    A trial flight consists of one flight with an instructor in a two-seat, dual-control glider. Each flight consists of a ground briefing prior to launching followed by 20 to 30 minutes in the air. After release from the tow plane, your instructor will demonstrate the controls to you and from there you will be able to take the controls and experience the joy of gliding.

    The cost for an instructional trial flight is $250.00 including a short-term 3-month membership to the Taupo Gliding Club and a further five flights at club rates.

  • Option Two: "NEW" - The "One Day Introduction to Gliding"

    ​Interested in becoming a glider pilot? This option could be for you. Available on Wed, Sat, and Sun from November to April - weather permitting.

    You will experience a full day at the club, preparing the gliders in the morning through to reflecting on your experiences with other members in the evening.Y our experience will consist of; airfield safety orientation, pre-flight briefings, flight exercises, ground operations and socialising with like-minded people. You will get two flights to 4500 feet with an instructor in a two-seat, dual-control glider where you will be guided through in-flight exercises and at the end of the day, you will be issued a certificate showing your accomplishments.

    The cost for the "One Day Introduction" is $415.00. This includes a short-term 3-month membership to the Taupo Gliding Club and a further four flights at club rates.

  • Option Three: The "Go For Solo Pilot"

    How about going for Solo Pilot? Each student will progress at their own speed. It is anticipated that "Solo Pilot" status can be achieved in 7.5 to 15hrs of in-flight instruction. We cannot guarantee that you will go solo within your time frame but you will be well on the way with this well-structured training package. You must be a member of Gliding NZ or the Taupo Gliding Club. The course will include Instructional Training Flights and Instructional Theory Briefings and should be taken as a focused course preferably daily depending on weather and aircraft availability.

    The cost of this option is likely between $3000 and $4000 but may be more or less depending on aptitude.

    *** This is weather-dependent and alternative arrangements will be made in case of bad weather. Please call to discuss this in-depth with an instructor.

With all options, you get access to one of the best-situated gliding clubs in New Zealand offering some of the best soaring conditions. There is cheap onsite accommodation for visiting pilots and their families, excellent club facilities, and a modern fleet of gliders.

SO! Why not come fly with us?

Bookings

Call 07 378 5627 to book
Or you can just turn up but may have to wait a little longer
Allow 1-2 hours for your flight including ground time.


What to bring

Sunglasses
A hat or cap if you have one
Sunscreen - Essential in summer
A camera
Warm clothes in winter