Experience the joy of soaring with a Trial Lesson Flight
To try out gliding, you can join the club as a temporary member and fly up to 6 times with us over a 90 day period.
Our flight packages include:
- Temporary membership to test out all our facilities, bar and the social side.
- Information sheets (how to get here, what to bring etc) and support (via telephone and e-mail).
- A pre-flight briefing with your instructor.
- A temporary logbook to record your first flights.
- Flight voucher(s) to print out and use on your visits to the club.
- Online booking, to select the date and approximate time of your visit(s).
- Between 1 and 6 flights you will start to learn to control the glider.
- A feature of our 5 flight package is the option to convert part of the purchase price to a full membership. This option is available up to the completion of your 3rd trial lesson
After 90 days or 6 flights, you have the option to join the club and continue to learn to fly.
Youth and family discounts are available for full membership.
All instruction is free. Full members have the option of unlimited time in club gliders for a fixed fee (tow or winch charges still apply), or paying per-minute.
Your 90 day trial period will start as of your first flight. The vouchers are valid for 2 years so can be ordered in advance, for a present etc.
To get started, please select from one of the two options (single trial lesson or 5 Flight package) below to purchase your flight lesson experience.
If you order one flight, then decide to buy more later when you visit then that’s no problem, we have an EFTPOS machine on site.
All trial lesson flight packages include launch costs and time in the air.
Trial Lesson
5 Flight Soaring Package
$495.00 INC GST
Trial Lesson
Single Soaring Flight
$250.00 INC GST
We see the most progress in students when they fly at least once per week, the multi-flight packages below can not be used in one visit.
Availability
- All flight times are approximate as some weather conditions may result in shorter flights.
- Flights must be undertaken within one year of the payment.
- Two flights maximum per day to be flown on introductory packages.
- Trial lesson flight recipients may not exceed 6 flights in a 12 month period without joining a Gliding Club, as per Gliding New Zealand requirements.
- The club operates on a volunteer basis with no paid staff. Trial lesson flights are available most weekends and by arrangement.
- If on the morning of your flight, you are unsure if the weather is suitable, please text 0276 942 942 after 10am to check if flying is cancelled.
- You could be on the airfield 1-2 hours; we ask you to be there 30 minutes before your scheduled time, so we can complete your pre-flight briefing.
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 weights 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. For weights below 50kg, you will need to ride in the back seat. You will be weighed on the day of your flight at the operations caravan.
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.
