About

About the Club
Our club offers four gliders for club members to use. We have two training gliders; an ASK21B - GCP and a Twin Astir - GME. We also have two single seat gliders; a  PW5 - GSD and an ASW28 - GSS, which you move onto once you can fly solo.

Our club operates with a Pawnee 25/235 tow plane only.

Our instructors are available to you all the time. They are happy to teach you the basics to advanced soaring.

The airfield is private and the club is responsible for all flying operations and maintenance. Taupo has excellent conditions for gliding. High altitude, long distance and long duration flights are all possible from our airfield.

Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays are official club days, the other days are by arrangement.

Contact Club Manager,
Thomas Anderson 07 378 5627 - 0274 939 272 

FAQ

What is gliding?
If you like flying you will LOVE gliding there is no other activity like it. From the age of 14 gliding is an inspirational sport that can be enjoyed at all levels.

At club level, to aerobatics, to international racing competitions -the sky is yours.

Gliders fly using the same air currents that birds use to fly. The
aerodynamic efficiency of a well designed glider enables speeds of up to 250 kph and heights up to 40,000 feet.

You can strive to achieve records or enjoy gliding as a casual hobby, and a way of meeting new people. It can be an inexpensive way to get airborne and take in the birds eye view and discover a different perspective of the earth and the sky.

Of course it is also the most silent and graceful way of flying since there is no engine noise. You are using mother nature and your skill to stay up there.

Is it safe?
Yes. Gliders have normal aircraft controls. They are easier to fly than most aircraft and can safely fly at lower speeds. Gliders are regulated by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) of New Zealand.