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Trial Flights

The Auckland Gliding Club offers introductory gliding flights. The fee is set to allow for the variances of the weather and it will be at the discretion of the instructor, on the day, to decide what type of launch is used, winch or aero tow, and to what height we may operate to.

Experience the freedom of almost silent flight, with a Gliding New Zealand qualified instructor sitting behind you in a large two-seat sailplane. Both aero tow and winch glider launch methods are in use at the Club - all are offered for air trial flights, subject to availability.

Note that, whilst we always endeavour to give you the best experience possible, there can be days when the weather won't cooperate, so flight times and launch heights may vary from the ones described below.

Trial Flights

Call 027 694 29 42 for all enquiries, availability and gift vouchers.
Circuit $80 for approx. 3 to 5 minutes airtime.
This is a very short flight. You'll experience an exciting winch launch, and a glide back to earth.

Soaring

$150 for approx. 20 minutes airtime.
You will get launched by aero tow to 2000', and will experience a longer flight to get a feel for what soaring is all about.

High Flyer

$200 for approx. 30 minutes airtime.
You will get launched by aero tow to a height of 3000', and will get to experience a typical soaring flight.

Availability    The club operates on a volunteer basis with no paid staff and we have limited facilities. However, Trial Flights can be available on most Club flying days (weekends and Public Holidays), and it is suggested that enquiries for Trial Flights are best made by telephone to the Club (09 294 8881) on the morning of the proposed flight, when we are more confident about the likely flying conditions for that day. We do not accept bookings but ask that you come out to the club where we will conduct trial flights as and when aircraft become available. Please realise that this means that you may have some waiting time before a flight, and also, that we cannot guarantee that a flight will be available, although we will do our outmost to satisfy you.

Safety    Gliding is a well established sport, with an excellent safety record. At the Drury Airfield, we take everyone's safety seriously with all aspects of flying. Each glider is inspected for airworthiness before its first flight of the day by a Qualified Glider Pilot or Instructor.

Please bear in mind that other gliders are likely to be landing on the airfield during your visit; they can be difficult to hear and see!

Weight    Depending on the glider, body weight of up to 110kg can normally be accommodated. For front seat weights much below 70kg, one or more lead ballast weights will be fitted to balance the aircraft correctly.

Clothing    It is usually warmer in the cockpit of a glider than on the ground, so no additional clothing is required than for outdoors. Flat bottomed shoes are recommended, as are trousers for the ladies to ease climbing in and out of the glider. The control stick is positioned between the legs!

Photography    You are welcome to take a small camera up with you in the glider, but it must be kept clear of the controls for safety reasons. The views are stunning on a clear day. If you have access to a video camera, you may consider asking a friend or family member to record your take-off.

Further Training    If you enjoy your introductory flight (and we sincerely hope you will!), your flight voucher includes temporary membership for up to three further instructional flights, charged at member flying rates. These flights can not be booked; flying with an instructor is normally on a first come, first served basis. Please ask for a Mini-Log Book following your trial flight, if you wish to exercise this option. This must be brought with you when you return to the Club to record your subsequent flights and progress. This is an excellent way to determine if gliding is for you too, without the immediate commitment of a year's membership expense. If you want to know how much it costs to join the club and hire gliders, click here.

Corporate Events    Whether you are organising a team building day for your staff, or just want a company day out something different from the usual, the Auckland Gliding Club can help you with an unforgettable experience for everyone involved. Spend a day with us and get a tour of the airfield and hangars, experience a real taste of gliding with adrenaline rushing winch launches and fast aerotows above the South Auckland landscape - all in club gliders with highly qualified flying instructors. End the day with a barbeque on the deck of our licensed bar. Kitchen facilities (with or without chefs) available, fully licensed bar, ask for lecture room and presentation equipment. For more information please email Neville Drake.


Want to join the club?  Click here.