Training

About our Training Programmes

At the Piako Gliding Club we are fully committed to training our members: from someone who has never sat in a glider through to an experienced solo pilot wishing to explore cross-country soaring. Here are the training services we offer.

The objective of our pilot training is to teach safe and competent cross-country flying skills - starting from scratch. As a member of the Piako Gliding Club you will have access to an excellent fleet of gliders for training and for consolidating your new skills, plus an instructors panel with a huge depth of knowledge, skill, and experience.

Take the pathway leading to solo pilot, and beyond to cross-country soaring pilot.

  1. Trial Flight
  2. Temporary Logbook Scheme
  3. Learn-to-Fly Course (Solo Pilot Course)
  4. Advanced Training Courses (Soaring Pilot Course and more)

Trial Flight

A Trial Flight is your first flight in a two-seat glider with an instructor. See the trial flight page for more information, booking details and pricing.

Temporary Logbook Scheme

The Temporary Logbook Scheme allows you to do up to a further 5 flights at club rates within 6 months of your Trial Flight enabling you to get a good taste of what it is like to learn to fly a glider. You can only get your Temporary Logbook immediately after doing a Trial Flight, so be sure to ask.

Learn to Fly Course

The fast-track to learn to safely fly a glider. Designed to get you well on your way to solo stage where you will receive your Gliding New Zealand Solo Pilot Certificate.

Advanced Training

Advanced training courses are offered to club members including:

  • Certificate and GQP ratings (Qualified Glider Pilot) 
  • Cross-country flying
  • Passenger ratings
  • Competition ratings
  • Aerobatic ratings