Q&A for Air Experience Flights (AEF)

Which days may I visit the Cape Gliding Club for an AEF?
CGC is open all year round though only weekend days and South African public holidays. An exception being the period over Christmas and New Year. Flying during this period is by prior arrangement. We do not normally offer instruction or AEFs during this period.

What are the best weather conditions for an AEF?
Gliders can fly safely in a variety of weather conditions. The exception being rain and very high winds (40kph+). The weather in Worcester is often clear when rain is experienced in Cape Town. It is advisable to check the local Worcester forecast before "writing-off" a visit. One such weather forecast source is the Weather page on this website.

What time should I arrive at the airfield ... and then what?
Flying usually commences between 11h00 and 12h30. To avoid long wait times for your flight, it is advisable to arrive earlier, around 10h00, to put your name on the flying list. On arrival ask for the duty pilot. He or she will advise you what to do next. Flying can continue until sunset. Visitors should plan to spend the entire day at the airfield. You are of course welcome to join the members in the clubhouse after flying for social activities. Braai facilities are available.

Do I need to book for an AEF?
No, we do not take bookings. Flying is on a "first-come first-served" basis. Note that it is club policy for members to be given priority over visitors for their launches between the hours of 12h00 and 14h00.

How much does an AEF cost?
Please check the Rates page for the latest prices.

What is the difference between a winch and an aero-tow launch?
With a winch launch, the glider is pulled up into the air on a cable from a ground based winch. An aero-tow requires a tug plane to tow the glider before releasing it. Winch flights are typically shorter than aero-tow flights.

What is a Rotax-Falke AEF?
The Rotax-Falke is a motor glider which can launch itself, use the engine for powered flight, or operate in engine-off mode for soaring. One should not confuse this with a self-launching glider.

What do I need to bring along?
A hat, good shoes, sunscreen, and insect repellent (mostly for evenings)

If I join the club and start instruction, will my AEF count towards my license?
Should you choose to join the club and have paid the required fees, your first flight will no longer be classified as an AEF but rather your first instructional flight, and will be entered in your gliding student log book as such. You will be charged at the reduced club member rates for this and all subsequent flights.

Are there food and refreshments available at the airfield?
The clubhouse has a bar for refreshments. Please ask a local pilot/member to assist you with getting and paying for refreshments from the bar. No food is available at the airfield, but can be obtained at Worcester restaurants, supermarkets and take-aways outlets (a 5-10 minute drive from the airfield). During the day visitors may sit in an air conditioned clubhouse. Visitors are also welcome to utilize the barbeque facilities at the clubhouse, sit under the shade trees on the lawn, use the swimming pool and ablution facilities, or sit on the viewing deck.

I would like to give a gift of an AEF to a friend, how do I do this?
Pay the latest CGC published rate for the chosen AEF to the club’s bank account, email the CGC treasurer that you have done this (contact details can be found on the web site members section), and ask your friend to inform the duty pilot of the arrangement when they arrive at the airfield. If possible, a printed copy of the EFT confirmation will help. The club’s bank details are: Cape Gliding Club, ABSA Heerengracht 506009, Account 1219500609

What if my aero-tow flight is less than 30 minutes – do I get a discount or partial refund?
30 Minutes is the maximum flight time. Actual flight time is dependent on the weather conditions and it may be less. No refunds or discounts are applicable.

Will we do aerobatics during the flight?
Only ceratin instructors will do aerobatics. You should not expect aerobatics as part of your AEF. If this is something you would like, then we suggest you discuss it with the duty pilot on the day you arrive to see if it would be possible.

Can I take pictures during the flight?
Yes, this is possible. It is however best to only take a small camera that can be secured in a pocket should you encounter turbulence during the flight. Keep in mind that if you are prone to motion sickness, spending a lot of time looking through a camera lens or at a camera’s digital display will increase you chances of feeling ill.

I am not interested in doing any flying, I just want the experience as a passenger, is that ok?
Although we do encourage visitors to take up gliding, the AEF is primarily positioned for an experience (i.e. no flying input required by the passenger).

Do I need a medical for an AEF? Should I be aware of any of health prerequisites?
No medical or health prerequisites. Note that climbing in and out of gliders is fairly physical, although in specific circumstances, we will assist where practical.

Are minimum/maximum weight restrictions applicable to gliding?
Maximum allowable pilot weight is 110kg. Passengers who are physically very large persons might have difficulties fitting in the glider. Light passengers can be accommodated as the glider can carry ballast weights, but very light passengers may be required to sit in the back seat as opposed to the front seat. Passengers (especially children) should be large enough to wear the seat belts in the correct, safe manner.

What if the wind or the thermals stop?
Gliders can fly in low (zero) and high wind conditions. They stay aloft through the use of thermals or using the updrafts on the windward side of mountain ridges. When lift is no longer available, we simply return to the airfield.

What if it rains or a gale starts blowing?
We will not fly, or if already airborne, return to the airfield should such conditions occur.

What methods may I use to pay for my AEF? When do I pay?
The CGC accepts cash (ZAR), bank guaranteed ZAR cheques and electronic funds transfers (EFTs) into its bank account: Cape Gliding Club, ABSA, Current Account 1219500609, Branch 632005. We unfortunately do not offer credit card facilities. There are ATM’s in town and we have an Internet connected PC in the clubhouse for online transfers (not always online!). We request that you pay directly after an AEF flight.

Can I get involved in airfield activities while I’m there?
If you are so inclined, we welcome the assistance from visitors with pushing gliders etc and putting them away after flying. It’s fun and you’ll learn a lot!

Do I need to sign anything?
Before commencing an AEF a visitor will need to sign an indemnity form. These forms are held by the duty pilot at the Start Wagon. If the person is a minor, the signature of the legal guardian will be required. The stub from this form must be presented to the Instructor before getting into the glider.

Does the airfield offer accommodation?
The airfield has a comfortable “bunkhouse” with 4 beds. The cost is approx. R90pppn. A private hut which sleeps 2 is also available at the same price. Alternatively there are several town or rural B&B’s nearby.

What else should I know?
You may have already read this on the web site, but it is important to understand that the Cape Gliding Club is non-profit and is operated by volunteers. Therefore we ask you to be patient and exercise understanding with club members and officials should technical (or other) challenges delay or prevent us from offering you service.