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Learn to fly gliders at Worcester Airfield
Gliding as a sport (as opposed to hang-gliding) began in the 1920's and is one of the safest air sports.
This hands-on course is aimed at both novices and powered aircraft pilots who are keen to enter the world of un-powered soaring flight.
We can accomodate a maximum of 8 students only. Students should camp at the airfield or find B&B lodgings nearby. Tuition will be given by qualified gliding instructors.
We will use a 2 seater motorized glider for the first 2 days of the course. Thereafter we will use two-seater, German Schleicher 17 metre wingspan gliders.
All these gliders have dual controls and no previous flying experience or special equipment is required in order to participate.
Gliding is something that anyone can participate in, women and men, old and young. On the ground however, gliders need to be maneuvered by hand, so be advised that there is a lot of strenuous physical work involved on these courses.
Please take note of this!
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Schleicher Ka13 two seater trainer at Worcester |
Worcester airfield is situated in the middle of the Breede River valley, 2km outside the town of Worcester. Course students are encouraged to camp at the airfield, where all the necessary facilities are available, including a swimming pool. There is also a bunkhouse that can accommodate four people. The course includes daily breakfast and supper. Breakfast and supper will be served in the clubhouse, and you will need to make your own arrangements for a midday snack. The instructors will give training lectures before flying and will discuss the training and any problems in the evenings after supper. All our flying is dependent on the weather. It may therefore be impossible to fly on a particular day, but at this time of year in the Worcester valley this is unlikely. |
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Course Requirements:
Participants should note that for reasons of balance there are maximum and minimum weight requirements for gliding pilots. The minimum is 65 kg and the maximum 100 kg. Should a pilot weigh less than the minimum weight, his/her weight can be supplemented with lead weights. All pilots will wear parachutes which weigh approximately 7 kg - this weight should be added to your body weight. Physical fitness - as pointed out above - is important, as there is a fair bit of physical effort required, students need to be in reasonable health. Participants are also advised also to bring old clothes.
Students who wish to carry on their training by joining the club will receive a 25% discount on the normal entrance amount, provided that they join the club within 3 months of the end of the course.
The course is too short for participants to progress to solo, unless they have prior flight experience.
For more information on the course, or on gliding in general, contact: Durr Pieters on 082 800 2035 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
September 2005 course participants
