5 Day Intensive Gliding Courses
Mid-week training courses run Monday to Friday most weeks of the year at the Lake Keepit Soaring Club. There is a small (usually two) student to instructor ratio, so the courses allow students to progress their flight training quickly.
Please check you fit within our glider’s physical limitations:
Weight – Maximum passenger weight is 110Kg. Minimum weight is 50Kg.
Height – Sailplane cockpits are built like a sports car, so anyone over 198cm tall may have trouble fitting comfortably.
Mobility limitations – If you have mobility limitations that may restrict you climbing in and out of a glider, please contact the club to discuss options. We offer assisted loading and unloading via a disability sling and portable lifting device.
Please contact the club if you have concerns in any of these areas.
Students stay onsite in club accommodation which allows a fully immersive training environment. Intensive courses like this are the fastest way to become a proficient glider pilot. You can book for one week or for or several weeks.
Courses are run by the onsite manager and other instructors as required. There is also a dedicated tow plane and tow pilot for the week. Most people will include one or both weekends in their stay. This is a great way to meet other club members and to see how the club runs, as well as getting more flying in our club environment.
Most days will start with a briefing at 9.00am and first flights by 10.30am. During the longer days of the year it is quite common to fly to 5.00pm or later. This allows students to maximise their time in the air and develop their skills.
The club is located about half way between Tamworth and Gunnedah, in north western NSW. This is about a 6 hour drive from Sydney or Brisbane on good roads. There are also good rail connections to Tamworth and Gunnedah. Tamworth also has a major regional airport with connections to Sydney and Brisbane.
FAQ’s
When do the mid week courses run?
Mid week courses are run most weeks of the year. The Xmas/New Year period being an exception.
How much does it cost?
The cost can be tailored to your budget. You only pay for the flying you do. Just like learning to drive a car, some people will progress faster than others and this will be reflected in the cost.
What is the accommodation like?
The accommodation on site consists of a mixture of new cabins with ensuite facilities – both single, double and twin rooms – as well as older style cabins with share facilities. All cabins, as well as the clubhouse and flight centre are air conditioned. The main clubhouse has a well-equipped share kitchen and there is also an outdoor BBQ area. The club house is the social hub of the club and most people will eat together at night, which creates a very social atmosphere.
Do I need any preparation before I come?
All the training and theory will be covered during the week. However if you can do some pre-reading you will be better prepared for the course. The publications ‘Basic Gliding Knowledge’ and the ‘Glider Pilot Training Record’ are both recommended reading.
What about bad weather?
Weather is generally good for flying all year round at Lake Keepit, however sometimes a flying day is cancelled due to weather conditions. In this case training on the simulator and/or ground based theory are options. You may even decide to take a trip to nearby Gunnedah or Tamworth.
How close are major shopping centres?
Tamworth and Gunnedah are major regional centres with extensive shopping and services available. They are both approximately 30-40 minutes driving time from Lake Keepit.
What do I need to bring?
Linen and bedding are supplied with the accommodation and there are shared laundry facilities. Supermarkets are 30 – 40 minutes drive from Lake Keepit, so most people bring groceries for the week. The clubhouse has a fully equipped share kitchen, with ample refrigeration and a BBQ area
Are there any medical requirements?
Medical requirements to fly a glider are essentially the same as for driving a car. Most pilots are able to self-declare their medical status. For more information go to the GFA – Medical requirements