Experience Gliding

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 30 to 40 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.

​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.

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.