< PreviousSpecialist MEIFR, RNAV & RNP Training RidgeAir is a Twin Engine Charter and Training Operation based at Woodbourne Airport in Blenheim. The company is a niche training organisation, specialising in multi engine IFR training, in particular the new PBN and RNAV operations. Chief Pilot and MEIFR Instructor, Ross McCullum explains; “Our niche market has evolved where we tend to attract trainee pilots who are looking to upgrade from single pilot IFR to multi IFR, or pilots who need to complete an instrument renewal and in the process gain qualifications for RNP and RNAV operations under the new PBN environment. We also do initial type ratings on our multi engine aircraft.” Ross comes from an extensive GA and airline background having owned a successful flying school based in Melbourne during the ’90s, then moving on to become Head of Training and Standards for Macair Airlines which was a major regional airline based in Townsville and Cairns in Australia. At that time the company operated a fleet of 5 SAAB 340s, 5 Metroliner 23 aircraft and an ATR 42 on charter and scheduled airline operations. Ross returned to New Zealand in 2010, becoming Chief Pilot for RidgeAir where he has built up a reputation as a go-to flight training organisation for young and old pilots alike. He is part of the CAA NSS Working Group for the PBN implementation in New Zealand (and so has the inside running on what is coming). Ross says given the current implementation schedule, pilots who are not PBN type rated for GPS RNP and RNAV operations will soon find themselves left behind in terms of available employment opportunities. “From an operational standpoint most of the SIDS and STARS at regional airports will require pilots to be rated for RNP operations so to just have ILS, VOR and ADF on your instrument rating will not be the standard employers are looking for,” explains Ross. The aircraft RidgeAir operate what could arguably be one of the best equipped Piper Seneca IV aircraft in the country, set up and approved for full PBN / RNAV operations including Garmin 650 and 530 sets coupled to a glass cockpit G500. The co-pilot has a full set of analogue instruments including Flight Director and HSI linked to the KFC 150 Flight Director / Auto pilot. The aircraft has dual Nav/Comms, dual ILS, and RMI/ADF. There is a freon aircon system for hot days and for colder days the aircraft is fully de-iced and approved for known icing conditions. An on board oxygen system provides for soaring to altitude when required. Benefits for Trainees Many of the trainees who come to RidgeAir are renewing their rating and upgrading because they have a pending airline interview and sim check. Ross says the glass cockpit and GPS combination is not dissimilar to what a pilot might expect say in a Dash 8 or ATR cockpit. Trainees get real experience and exposure to flying the glass cockpit including use of systems such as the Flight Director and Altitude Alerting, plus using the GPS similar to an FMC where approach SIDS and STARS can all be loaded into the system and flown using full GPS steering. The G500 also allows Vertical Navigation guidance for RNAV approaches which brings up a display the same as you would see when flying an ILS; these can be flown fully coupled to the auto pilot or hand flown using the Flight Director. Ross says that training at RidgeAir is normally one on one so there isn’t a line of pilots waiting to grab the aircraft and instructor as soon as you land. On the occasion when there are two trainees at once they can often benefit from sitting in as an observer on each others flights. RidgeAir provides all necessary charts and documents plus Bose noise cancelling headsets. Rates are inclusive of Airways and landing fees aside from entries into Wellington, Auckland and Christchurch which attract a small additional charge. There is no charge for pre-flight and post- flight briefings. Ross can also provide and certify the ground theory component for initial GPS certification. Career preparation Ross likes to provide trainees with an overall understanding of cockpit management and using the technology available, much as you would expect to do if working on a regional airliner. He says hand flying skills are important and you need to know when to take over from the automatics and also be very mode aware; an automated FMC type system will happily fly you into a hill if you let it or program it incorrectly so situational awareness is very important. A proportion of flight training is done hand flying but Ross says given the majority of his trainee pilots already hold a rating then basic hand flying skills are expected to some extent. KiwiFlyer Magazine Issue 59 60 The KiwiFlyer Guide to Aviation Training61 2018 #4 Ross says his philosophy is to have students operate in the most professional and commercially efficient method possible. He uses his airline experience to encourage a scan flow technique and the proper use of normal and abnormal checklists. After training most students have a good understanding of what to expect in an airline type environment including how to properly use a checklist and the meaning of challenge and response and how it is adapted to single pilot operations. When pilots are training for just a two- pilot instrument renewal, Ross says this is an ideal opportunity for the trainee to utilise the two-crew procedures and SOPs. Location and accommodation Blenheim is an ideal location for training. Ross says he normally has the circuit to himself and there are a number of VOR approaches and holding patterns and a DME Arc is available, along with RNAV approaches and RNP and conventional SIDS and STARS all in the one place. For ILS training Wellington is just 20 minutes away. The route between Wellington and Blenheim also meets the minimum distance tracking requirements for a flight test. Short term accommodation is available for RidgeAir students in a shared self- catering house (with fully equipped kitchen) located in central Blenheim. Guests have a private room with everything supplied including unlimited fibre internet access and Sky TV. Those without transport can be picked up and dropped off by Ross for each day of training. Trainees normally stay between two and seven days depending on the qualification required and experience/ currency of the pilot. For more information If you have an upcoming job interview or need to renew or upgrade your Instrument Rating including the recent RNP/RNAV specification then call Ross direct on 021 246 2544 or email ross@ridgeair.co.nzKiwiFlyer Magazine Issue 59 62 Train in the Southern Alps with Wanaka Helicopters Wanaka Helicopters is a world-renowned flight school situated in Wanaka, surrounded by the spectacular Southern Alps. Mountain flying is our specialty! Family owned and operated since 1992, we are one of New Zealand’s largest and most experienced helicopter flight schools. Training is our primary activity, but we also undertake commercial and tourism operations. CEO and Chief Flight Instructor Simon Spencer-Bower is the country’s most experienced helicopter instructor and his team of eight B and C-category instructors are highly experienced and well regarded as instructors and commercial pilots. With the Southern Alps on our doorstep, we have the best daily opportunity to provide advanced mountain training. Exploring our backyard by helicopter is something most people only dream about, but for our students, it’s an essential pilot training tool on variable horizons and mountain wind patterns! Most trainees fly our seven two-seat trainers including R22s and Cabri G2s, and many progress to working with our R44s and AS350s. Other aircraft are available for those seeking additional single-engine type ratings. With numerous aircraft and a large team of knowledgeable instructors we are able to provide an excellent training programme to those candidates willing to dedicate the time and effort to train in either self-directed study or a comprehensive, fully-supported Diploma in Aviation programme. Along with PPL, CPL and specialist training, Wanaka Helicopters offers the NZQA-accredited Level 5 Diploma in Aviation; a two year full-time qualification with all flight theory ground courses taught at Wanaka Airport. Diploma students also participate in 7 flight safety and management courses in addition to 11 flight skills courses before gaining their CPL. As well as flying, trainees frequently participate in loading, unloading, briefing and working with our international commercial clientele to build personal experience valuable for early career opportunities. Commercial and industry connection is an important focus for Wanaka Helicopters. Knowing how to fly a helicopter just gets your foot in the door - bringing something extra to your first employer and entering the job market with an established industry network is the key to kicking off a strong aviation career. At WHL, trainees are exposed through industry engagement in special events which in 2017/18 included Robinson Factory Seminars, CAA SMS workshops, medical briefs and additional Fire and Emergency coursework to support Rural Fire responses using a fire bucket. Our Diploma in Aviation students typically enter the workforce with three type ratings gained during CPL build-up and sling training. These are the R22, the most common mustering helicopter in Australia and New Zealand; the Cabri G2, the newest entry in light-training aircraft from Guimbal inspired by Eurocopter design principles; and the R44, the aircraft new CPL pilots are most likely to fly as part of a commercial operation. Successful completion also sets graduates up to exercise the privileges provided for by the CAA in NZ ground operations, flight planning and assisting operators with their safety management systems. Student loans, NZ Māori Scholarship (up to $10,000) and FeesFree funding (up to $12,000) are available for eligible students, making the Diploma a popular avenue for career-oriented pilots. If you are thinking about taking the next step in your aviation career get in touch with us to discuss your options or stop by to visit our Wanaka base. Contact us on 0800 46 36 26 or check out our website www.wanakahelicopters.co.nz for more information. The KiwiFlyer Guide to Aviation Training63 2018 #4 Taking you from zero hours to a fully qualified Commercial Pilot with the Diploma in Aviation • PPL • CPL • MEIR • Instructor Ratings • Tailwheel Ratings • Strip and Beach Landings • We are NZQA Approved and have Contacts in all aspects of Aviation. • Capped student numbers ensure personalised training with no unreasonable waiting times for aircraft, instructors or courses. • Our Flight Training covers all careers in aviation from Airlines to Ag, Scenic to Charter, and even Aussie Outback Flying, or whichever aviation career you choose. MAINLAND AVIATION COLLEGE / MAINLAND AIR SERVICES More Info: 03 486 2200 info@mainlandair.com www.mainlandair.com Facebook: Mainland Air - Flight Training & Charter Mountain flying (which our location is perfect for), Tail wheel ratings, Instrument ratings, and more… It is important to Mainland Management that students are provided with the best training opportunities they can get. This led to the decision of ‘capping’ student numbers to ensure that training is personalised with no unreasonable waiting times for Instructors, aircraft and courses. Because of this approach, our students complete their course in the required timeframe which saves them money and continues to keep the good name of Mainland Aviation College. We have a large fleet of training aircraft and are very lucky to have a base of experienced Instructors, which is quite a rarity in these changing times of aviation. Our CEO, Philip Kean, has been in the aviation industry for over 50 years and is still actively flying, Instructing, Charter flying and Flight testing. His experience in all types of aircraft and flying is an asset to the college. Philip runs an open door policy to his office, where students are welcome anytime. So, if you wish to join a Flight Training Organisation where the student comes before all else, just give us a call. We’ll be happy to speak with you! Based at the Dunedin International Airport and in operation for over 25 years, Mainland Aviation College has been highly successful with countless students now in the aviation career of their choice. In the most recent years Mainland Aviation College have at least 30 of their students now flying as Captains and First Officers for Mount Cook Airline and Air NZ. Others have chosen careers in Instructing, Ag Flying, Outback Flying, Charter Flying, Seismic Flying, and more… Mainland Aviation College is in the unique position of having a successful Multi-Engine Air Charter division, Mainland Air Services Ltd. After gaining the required amount of hours with Instructing, students are then offered further training to fill positions in the Charter division, as they become available. This immediately gives those selected the opportunity to gain Multi hours which are priceless in some areas of aviation - and puts them a step closer to realising their dream. Mainland Aviation College is a NZQA Approved PTE, for delivering the Diploma in Aviation to both Domestic and International students. The College is also Pastoral Care approved and provides safe, warm and clean accommodation for those students who require it, at a very minimal rent per week. As well as providing flight training for the Diploma in Aviation, Mainland Aviation College students can choose to extend their skills with: – Aerobatic training, Strip landings, Beach landings, Mainland Aviation College “Where students come before all else”KiwiFlyer Magazine Issue 59 64 The KiwiFlyer Guide to Aviation Training Heliflite Charter and Training at Ardmore our students are able to learn about the maintenance that keeps them in the air, and our busy Part 135 charter operations also mean that students with us have the opportunity to gain valuable experience in a real-world commercial business. Our large fleet of modern helicopters includes the Robinson R22 and R44. We offer full training course packages in R22, R44 and Schweizer 300 helicopters. We are also certificated by NZCAA to provide Robinson Safety Awareness training, mandatory for all new and existing R22 and R44 pilots. Our private pilot programme focuses on training pilots to operate light helicopters as safely as possible, and our commercial programme builds on this by adding practical skills that are highly valued by commercial operators. Our CPL students gain a lot of exposure to commercial-style flying as part of their course, and we encourage them to include a large amount of R44 time (which we offer at a very competitive rate) as part of their minimums to ensure they are in the best position to land that elusive first flying job. In the later stages of our CPL course, we treat all of the flying as though it was a commercial job which ensures that pilots are well versed with the legal and other requirements of flying for hire and reward. Our standard CPL course includes two type ratings and an unrestricted night rating on top of the usual minimums if time allows. All of this commercial focus means that by the time our students obtain their commercial licence, they are ready to be a valuable asset to any flying organisation. We have a great team of experienced and highly qualified pilots that include IFR rated A-Cat plus B and C-Cat Instructors, as well as a professional group of ground staff to ensure that you are guided through your training safely, efficiently, and with the minimum of fuss. Once you have your licence and have been signed off by our Chief Pilot, we have a variety of helicopters available for private hire. This means that you can take a helicopter away for private use on your own time, be it a trip to the bach for the weekend or just a flight around the city with friends. If you are interested in what it takes to learn to fly helicopters, come along and try one of our 30 minute introduction flights. Our Instructors will give you a taste of everything, from pre-flight preparation through to the ultimate test of co-ordination - hovering! Our training rates are some of the best in New Zealand and we offer discounts for bulk training packages. We welcome you to swing by to meet the team and enjoy a tour of our facilities at 57 Victa Lane, Ardmore Airport. For more information contact Sylvia on 09 299 9442 or visit our website www.heliflite.co.nz To become great at anything you need to know your equipment inside and out. Based in Auckland at Ardmore Airport, Heliflite not only operates helicopters, but also repairs, builds, and maintains them. We are a one stop shop for everything rotary, and offer a full range of helicopter services including maintenance, training and commercial ops. All of our operations are certificated by NZCAA. As well as learning to fly helicopters, SCENIC FLIGHTS HELI CHARTER HELI FISHING PROPOSAL FLIGHTS HOTEL TRANSFERS COMMERCIAL OPS PHOTOGRAPHY PPL and CPL TRAINING CAANZ CERTIFICATED R 22, R 44, S 300 SAFETY AWARENESS COURSES TYPE RATINGS INSTRUCTOR RATINGS NIGHT RATINGS (unlim) 09 299 9442 sylvia@heliflite.nz www.heliflite.co.nz65 2018 #4 06 927 6332 enquiries@nzicpa.nz www.nzicpa.nz www.facebook.com/NZICPA “ In today’s aviation world we need to produce graduates who are well-skilled and have a disposition to succeed in team flying environments. Everything we do is focused on student achievement and your ability to succeed in your career as a pilot.” Phillip Bedford, CEO. NZICPA is certificated to CAR Parts 141, 119/135, and registered with NZQA. World-Class Flight Training at Whanganui At the New Zealand International Commercial Pilot Academy (NZICPA), we value students’ goals, aspirations and needs foremost. Our mission is to create the most achievable pathway to a successful aviation career. We have significant experience in training pilots at a range of levels from private to commercial through to flight instructors, multi engine pilots with full instrument ratings, to pilots preparing for careers with the airlines. And we pride ourselves on our record in the training of both New Zealand and International students and our commitment to maintaining a broad cultural base. Being provincially located helps us to keep our costs down and helps you to do the same with such things as accommodation and general living costs whilst studying. Our Aviation Culture As well as ensuring the education and resources we provide are to the highest industry standards (our fleet, simulators and facilities are all modern), we know that the aviation industry requires pilots who can relate well to people and fit into a team environment. We want our students to not only become qualified pilots, but to develop and display a disposition to succeed in team flying environments. We put a lot of effort into ensuring we have a great learning culture here at NZICPA, and visitors to our academy often comment on just how friendly and professional our staff and students all are. Everything we do is focused on student achievement and your ability to succeed in your career as a pilot. We are positive that you will enjoy learning with us. Our Courses We are a NZCAA certificated Aviation Training Organisation, hold a current Air Operators Certificate, maintain NZ Qualifications Authority registration, and in addition we are a signatory to the NZ Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students. Our Air Operators Certificate allows us to conduct a range of commercial activities including survey and photography flights which can provide the opportunity for students to be exposed to (or participate with) commercial flight operations during their training. The courses and programmes we provide are NZ Government approved, well designed and proven, and provide you with the opportunity to not only build hours but also be well-supported in achieving the qualifications you seek. Our training programmes include: PPL, CPL, Flight Instructor and Multi-Engine Instrument Ratings, and the NZ Diploma in Aviation in General Aviation (L5), Flight Instruction (L6), or Airline Preparation (L6). We are able to offer funded options for those wishing to take student loans and for those wanting to self-fund we can accommodate your requirements for part-time completion of the various qualifications. Accommodation We have a range of accommodation options designed to suit the needs of each individual student. Our Whanganui City Campus is located only 2 minutes’ walk from supermarkets, restaurants and takeaways. Each student accommodation block has four units with each unit having six bedrooms, two bathrooms, lounge/dining area and kitchen. Rooms in these fully furnished units only cost $150 per week in 2018 which includes power, WiFi, rubbish collection and cleaning of the communal areas. (Food and bedding is not included.) For more information We’d be delighted to meet with you about your aviation career. Talk to one of the team on 06 927 6332, email us at enquiries@ nzicpa.nz, look us up on Facebook or www.nzicpa.co.nz – or come and visit our new facilities at Whanganui Airport.KiwiFlyer Magazine Issue 59 66 For those seeking training in aircraft such as in the light sport or autogyro category, there’s a very warm welcome waiting at the Aviation Centre in Tauranga. Prominently located opposite the main airport terminal, the (about to be newly branded as) Flight Deck Aviation Centre offers professional but relaxed fixed and rotary wing microlight training services. Now owned by a partnership of aviation enthusiasts and business owners, the Aviation Centre is managed by Bruce Anderson. The Aviation Centre is located in a modern, purpose-designed building for flight training and aviation recreation which includes briefing and lecture rooms, as well as a large viewing deck and pilot lounge. Bruce explains the centre as a welcoming environment for all categories of pilot to come and learn in – whether to brush up on currency for summer or a big trip, or for ab-initio tuition in their own or an Aviation Centre aircraft. Chief Flying Instructor at the Aviation Centre is renowned Tauranga pilot of everything from autogyros to airliners; Phill Hooker. Not only can students gain their licence with Phill, they also gain an invaluable opportunity to benefit from Phill’s extensive experience and accumulated aviation wisdom. Persons new to aviation will find that the Aviation Centre to be an ideal place to put a foot in the door (or cockpit) and sample some flying before making a decision on how they want to progress. The environment is friendly and pressure- free and equally welcoming of young and older alike. For prospective pilots in the latter category, Bruce says it is a pleasure to be able to support aviators “enjoying doing something they’ve always wanted to do.” Training operations are divided into two streams of fixed-wing and autogyro: FIXED-WING TRAINING The most cost-efficient way to obtain a fixed wing licence is by training in a microlight or Light Sport category aircraft (LSA). The Aviation Centre currently operates a Tomark Aero Viper SD-4 LSA for this purpose. Fully equipped with a modern cockpit including dual Dynon Avionics Skyview displays, the Viper is suitable for training from ab-initio right The KiwiFlyer Guide to Aviation Training through to commercial pilot level. The full ‘glass cockpit’ in this very comfortable and capable aircraft offers moving map, synthetic vision, traffic alerts, and more, as well as a full auto-pilot. Even though training is focused on recreational licences, student pilots can expect to receive their training to a PPL (Private Pilot Licence) standard and thus to develop a respectable level of airmanship before their supervision period ends. A focus of the Aviation Centre is to ensure a relaxed one-on-one training environment for students, who won’t feel rushed or that they are competing with numerous others for either attention or aircraft. This also makes an ideal environment for already qualified pilots to brush up on skills. With a strong ethic of promoting safety, the team is very happy to hear from ‘seasonal’ aviators who would like to spend an hour or two refreshing their skills and confidence both for hands- on flying and other aspects of aviating such as managing weather information / charts / radio calls, etc. For more information on fixed-wing training at the Aviation Centre, contact Phill Hooker directly on 021 737152. AUTOGYRO TRAINING If you want to acquire the most ‘fun aviation licence’ available, or seek a cost- effective introduction into the special joys of rotary wing aviation, or if you already fly other types of aircraft and want to extend your skills or expand your horizon (warning: it’s addictive) then come and fly with Gyrate at the Aviation Centre. Autogyros (or gyros, gyroplanes or gyrocopters – you choose) are the fastest expanding sector of light aviation. European manufacturers such as Magni in Italy and Auto-Gyro in Germany are Fixed and Rotary Wing Microlight Training at the FlightDeck Aviation Centre in Tauranga producing hundreds of new aircraft every year which take to the skies in countries all over the world. The performance, safety and reliability of these modern designs, combined with simple handling, risk-free slow flight, short field operations, very low operating costs and microlight medical requirements, is making the autogyro a machine of choice for recreational aviators worldwide. They’re not only perfect for recreational applications either. In many countries, autogyros also undertake commercial activities such as crop spraying in South Africa and mustering and patrol work in Australia. Students at Gyrate train on factory built aircraft equipped with radio and transponder, permitting operation in controlled airspace. With many private strips and grass airfields easily accessible from Gyrate’s Tauranga base, it is easy to build confidence and develop students’ abilities to handle the wide variety of situations encountered as a general aviation pilot in New Zealand. In 2017 Gyrate was taken over by Bruce Anderson (also President of the NZ Autogyro Association), with the intent to build and extend the business. Bruce summarises his motivation in one sentence; “This is a fantastic sector of the aviation community to be involved in and it really deserves a professional and specialist approach to training and up-skilling.” Bruce and Phill look forward to introducing new people to the world of the autogyro via trial flights, training students through to their own full licence, helping flyers into aircraft ownership, and arranging flying activities to sharpen up pilot skills. Contact them on 0800 FLY A GYRO or fly@gyrate.nz. More information is available at www.gyrate.nz67 2018 #4 Aviation is unique in the experience it provides, whether on the private or commercial scale. There’s more to flying than sitting in a jet watching the autopilot fly for you, something which many organisations tend to forget. Who can forget their first trial flight and the feeling they experienced as the aircraft first lifted off the runway? Even after a thousand take-offs that first one remains special. It’s that feeling that makes people want to learn to fly, to put in the effort so they may, one day, give someone else that same feeling as they pull away from the ground. North Shore Aero Club provides that experience through training. We know there needs to be reward for hard work. The club aspect supplements the training, not only are trainees pushed towards becoming better pilots, but they’re constantly given reason to want to improve. The environment not only fosters ability and a safety culture, but a desire to keep flying and try new things. Kick start your career with our NZQA Diploma in aviation. We have been training pilots for over 55 years and with our excellent pass rates, NSAC pilots have experienced great success moving to airlines including Air New Zealand, Jetstar, Virgin Australia, Cathay Pacific, Virgin Atlantic, Qantas and Emirates to name a few. With airlines these days looking for more than just the basic qualifications, gaining a Diploma is the ideal way to upskill and with our NZQA accredited course, it couldn’t be easier. Popular Individual Courses All our courses are available as practical modules and individual theory covering everything from the recreational RPL and PPL, to the professional CPL, MEIR, and Instructor Rating. With NSAC’s experienced instructors, ideal location, modern aircraft fleet and top class facilities, the cost of training is extremely competitive. We also offer theory ground courses which are one of NZ’s most popular, with people coming from all over the country to take advantage and make those pesky exams a breeze. Full details and timetables can be found on our website which is continually updated as new course dates are released. Expert Quality Instruction and an Ideal Location Good instruction is hard to come by and at NSAC we pride ourselves on our top class team. With two ‘A’ Category instructors and Flight Examiners on staff we have the expertise to provide comprehensive instruction in a concise manner. Located on Auckland’s North Shore, we are just a hop, skip and 25 minute drive from the Auckland CBD, up the Northern Motorway. Once airborne, you are immediately positioned within a large, un-crowded flight training area offering low flying areas, CTAs, CTRs, varied terrain and a number of friendly airfields to visit all within 15 nm. All this equates to very efficient PPL and CPL training and of course being only 8 nm away from Whenuapai Air Force base with its RNAV (GNSS), VOR/DME and ILS/DME approaches and our own RNAV (GNSS) approaches into North Shore, we are ideally located for completing an Instrument Rating. Welcoming Friendly Environment Our friendly team at NSAC are waiting to discuss your options with you – we’re open 7 days from 8am until 5pm or later during the summer months. We warmly welcome you to call in anytime and it will be our pleasure to show you around. North Shore Aero Club Auckland’s Premier Flight Training FacilityKiwiFlyer Magazine Issue 59 68 The KiwiFlyer Guide to Aviation Training If you want to ‘really’ learn to fly, and at the same time develop great skills that will support your powered flight training and all future flying, plus if you’d like to get started quite young, and fly at a very low cost, then go and visit your local gliding club. You’re sure to be welcomed and have a great time there. So how can flying an aircraft without an engine teach you to better fly one that does? Jill McCaw explains: Engine failure landings: This is probably the thing that everyone thinks of first when asking this question. Every landing in a glider is without an engine or the chance to go around. Glider pilots learn to land precisely where they want at the speed that is correct for the conditions – every time. Flying a glider teaches you that all aircraft fly without an engine, it’s just their glide angle that is different. Landing out in a glider, i.e. landing somewhere other than on an airfield because you have lost your source of lift, happens all the time. Glider pilots train for it, right from the early days of their landing training. If a glider is at 2,000 feet then the pilot is looking for somewhere to land, looking at the paddocks below, assessing slope, wind strength and direction, obstacles and the ability to be retrieved from the paddock. If you’re flying a power plane below 2,000 feet and you’ve flown gliders you’ll automatically be making those judgements, making you safer should something go wrong. At 1,000 feet a glider pilot is preparing to land. Every landing too is a glide approach so if you have to do it in a non-powered power plane you’ll be used to how it feels. You learn to judge a glide slope to aiming point and landing by angles. Pilots who have flown a glider are better pilots Weather awareness: Gliders rely on the energy in the atmosphere to fly and glider pilots learn a great deal more about the weather than the average power pilot. Knowing what to expect of the air you’re flying through is a safety consideration. Is that convection likely to develop into something you’d be better flying around; is the wind coming over that ridge going to try dumping you on the ground; is this flight likely to be bumpy; and similar questions that affect your flight planning. A glider pilot would actually be using that knowledge to find the rising air and use the energy whether they’re flying a glider or a power plane. This knowledge, if you’re flying a powered aircraft can save you fuel, money and time. Stick and rudder flying: A glider isn’t pulled through the air by an engine. You have to fly it cleanly and that involves a lot more rudder than a power pilot is used to using. You learn to use your feet. A glider requires precise control movements (although they are actually very forgiving, and many training gliders will correct a bad attitude if you just leave the controls alone). Situational Awareness: Glider pilots are taught to fly with their heads outside the cockpit and to always be aware of other gliders sharing their sky, particularly in thermals or flying in the rising air along ridge lines. Traveling at 100 knots along a ridge you really have to be very, very aware of other traffic, especially as it may be on a reciprocal course to you. Glider pilots judge their height above the ground by what they see out the window, their airspeed by the sound of the airflow past the aircraft in conjunction with the height of the top of the instrument panel compared to the horizon and have an audio sound on the variometer) telling them if they are in rising or falling air. They don’t need their head in the cockpit.69 2018 #4 Where can you learn to fly a glider? Just about anywhere in the country. See the Gliding New Zealand website for information on your local club then give them a call. Gliding clubs are run entirely by volunteers and so mostly fly weekends only. Some clubs have a booking system for trial flights but others will just expect you to turn up, put your name on the flying list and wait until a two-seater and an instructor is free. When you phone the club contact it would be worth asking what to expect as well as what the price of your flight will be. Remember that everyone, the tow pilot or winch driver, the people getting the glider onto the airstrip, the ones driving the retrieve vehicle and your instructor are all volunteers. They’re all giving something back to the sport they love. If you join the club and learn to fly, you’ll be expected to pull your weight and help get other members in the air too. Many people think that this co-operative approach to flying is one of the things that elevates gliding above power flying. Youth Glide New Zealand If you’re 19 years of age or younger and not yet earning a wage, then you can learn to fly through Youth Glide. Youth Glide is available at most clubs and YGNZ also runs camps for young pilots of all abilities several times a year. The benefits of belonging to Youth Glide, over and above belonging to the gliding club, is the camaraderie of sharing experiences with other young pilots. Youth Glide ensures flights with ‘youth compatible’ instructors and extra assistance targeted specifically at young people. Aims and Objectives of Youth Glide • Introduce young minds to the potential of Aviation. • Develop self-confidence / motivation / self-discipline. • Develop more positive teenage relationships with adults. • Safely introduce youth to an adventure sport. • Enable youngsters to realize their potential for achievement • Encourage women into flying as a sport and / or as a career • Inspire youngsters with technology; bringing maths, physics and computing alive • Provide young people an exciting and healthy outdoor alternative activity • Introduce young people to a possible career in: - Aeronautical / Mechanical Engineering - Aircraft / Engine Design - Air Traffic Control - Airline Piloting - Adventure Aviation - Glider Piloting and Engineering • To be available to young people, less than 19 years of age, regardless of their religion, gender or ethnicity. Learning to Glide Youth Glide follows the Gliding New Zealand training curriculum. There is no early age limit to learning to fly. Many young pilots have held their Glider Pilot Licence (GPL) before their car licence. They will have had lots of practice flying with highly qualified instructors who have assessed their flying skills, judgement, decision making skills, physical fitness and strength for performing all manipulative flying tasks, and overall maturity and attitudes that confirm they are safe to fly solo. The knowledge and skills gained while learning to fly gliders can be translated into NZQA Unit Standards for NCEA. Once flying alone, the pilot is supervised and guided so as to make progress in a safe, structured way. Many of today’s finest glider pilots started gliding at a very young age. The younger you start, within reason, the faster you learn and will have the highest likelihood of becoming a pilot able to fly further and faster and even win racing competitions. You could become a member of the New Zealand Team squad flying for your country, or perhaps, a future champion of the world. New Zealander John Coutts started gliding at 16 and was World Champion 10 years later. Terry Delore from Christchurch started gliding at 14 and now holds numerous world records for speed and distance. Alex McCaw and Nick Oakley soloed at 14, and now, in their twenties compete internationally. Abbey Delore and Enya McPherson, also in their early twenties, broke a NZ women’s two-seat gliding speed record for a 100km course. Many Youth Glide alumni have moved into aviation related careers while others have become gliding instructors, inspiring other young people and giving something back to the sport. Youth Glide at Club Level Youth Glide operations are incorporated within the parent organisation of the local gliding club or Soaring Centre. They are subject to rules and regulations of the club, and as members are entitled to free instructional training in gliders with trained instructors. Various clubs have their own arrangements, but all make at least one two-seater training glider available to Youth Glide members at no or reduced rates, and often have reduced rates for towing. Gliding New Zealand waives affiliation fees to the national body and pays the subscription of SoaringNZ, the national magazine. Members are expected to ‘do their bit’ on the airfield, taking their turn at duty pilot, running wings, preparing aircraft in the morning and putting them away at the end of the day and other tasks. There is a lot of co-operation involved in running a gliding club. Youth Glide groups are expected to have their own committee, made up of youth members who run their operations alongside the gliding club. They may fundraise to assist in the costs of their flying and organise social and other events. Members may also take an active role on the National Youth Glide Committee, being mentored by older committee members and learning valuable life skills. The YG programme includes: • Air Experience • Training to Solo • Post Solo consolidation • NCEA credits. • FAI Task flying • Gliding Instructor Ratings • Youth Soaring Development Camps - South Island – Omarama, December - North Island – Matamata, Greytown, Easter & School Hols The end result is that world class soaring experiences and professional training in all aspects of gliding are available to Youth Glide members at very affordable rates. For more information see youthglide.org.nzNext >