Learn to Fly at Byron Bay

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Have you ever dreamed of flying, soaring the ridges and thermals just as the eagles do? Have you been inspired by the books of Richard Bach and Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, but never knew how to go about taking the first step? It’s a lot easier than you may think, and quite inexpensive.

Byron Bay Gliding Club offers training in robust Scheibe MotorFalke self-launching gliders. This training will be conducted by instructors from our  Flying Instructor Panel including  Ian McPhee, one of the  best gliding instructors in Australia. That’s not just advertising hype – ask anyone who is knowledgeable about the Australian gliding movement, and they’ll tell you that Ian (known to one and all as Macca) is regarded as literally a national treasure, a man who has devoted the greater part of his working life to promoting the art of soaring.

Brian Marshal - Instructor

Brian Marshall – Instructor
You may be able to arrange a bulk flying period from a day to several days with club instructors depending on their availability. A concentrated period will give you an introduction to the joys of the air and a very good idea of whether the sport is for you. Currently initial training costs $180 per hour on the Falkes in which you will learn. Once you go solo then the rate reverts to the standard club flying rate based on engine time and flying time. Gliding with the engine off is very cost effective and once solo you would expect to halve your flying costs depending on how much engine you use. Additional costs include memberships of our club and of the Gliding Federation of Australia, both of which can be purchased for a short term period initially. There will also be a small additional cost for books (Pilot’s Logbook and Basic Gliding Knowledge) 

The best times for student courses are in Spring and Autumn when the air tends to be generally calmer. Summer brings strong sea-breezes which make circuit training difficult for the novice pilot. These same North Easterlies are a blessing to the experienced soaring pilot, as they produce ridge lift – we have one of the best ridge sites in the country, and certainly the prettiest. Coorabel ridge was the site of two Australian records flown some 80 years ago.

6 Responses to Learn to Fly Gliders

  • Greg Eggert

    Hi, I’d like to enquire about doing some initial flying lessons to see if it’s for me. Could you let me know the best time to conact you. I work 5 days a week but am planning to be able to have some 2-3 hours off per week on a weekday to do some flying. I’m an established local resident and keen on learning to glide.
    Thanks and regards,
    Greg

  • brough

    The club will be delighted to help, Greg, but you’ll need to use the contact form at http://www.byrongliding.com/contact/

  • malcolm doughety

    Hi, I would be interested in learning to fly a glider. I have a RA-Aus licence which I have only just reactivated after not flying for 15 years. I am in the process of obtaining a student PPL. I live locally and am a member of the Northern Rivers Aero club at Lismore. I understand the costs involved but would like to know what I have to do before I start and when I would be able to come to fly. Thanks for any information you can give me. malcolm

  • brough

    The club will be delighted to help, Malcolm, but you’ll need to use the contact form at http://www.byrongliding.com/contact/

  • Brian Marshall

    Hi Malcolm,
    In case No-one has answered you, I can advise that you need to make contact [me via the contact page].
    Typically our club instructors are available on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays- it would be wise to make arrangements for your first lesson/flight directly with an instructor. Before you start lessons and fly gliders(in Australia) you must join GFA(our governing body)and a club- either temporarily or over long term. You will need a GFA log book (available at clubhouse) and you will need to complete and sign a medical declaration of fitness or provide a doctor’s certificate for same. You should then be ready to start.
    Lessons, for you, should mainly be to help you convert to gliding and to become proficient with our motorgliders. How long this takes is dependent on how well/quickly you pick up the necessary skills and assume the necessary responsibilities etc.
    For more info you can call me on [see the contact page]. for a chat. My day at the club is usually on Sundays.
    Cheers, Brian.

  • Nestor

    HI.
    I am interesting in learn to glidnig,how much is the fees and how long take the course.

    Nestor.

    Cheers.

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