Pay the ticket, take the ride!
Introductory Glider Flight
This flight offers a great way to experience the wonders of soaring.
Before your flight, you will receive a an explanation of the aircraft and its controls. Next, you will be met by a qualified pilot who will explain the flight and prepare you for takeoff.
After you gently lift off the runway and float along behind the tow plane, the aircraft will climb above the Rideau River until reaching release altitude. At this point, the tow plane returns and the glider searches for lift or gently descends to the airfield.
The view through the canopy is uninterrupted and the only sound is the airflow. If you’re lucky, you’ll find a hawk and will be able to climb together in the same thermal! Your flight will last 20-30 minutes depending upon the weather.
Introductory flights are available on weekends and public holidays. Midweek introductory flights are sometimes available by special arrangement (contact ac.ss1772861003vr@ke1772861003ewdim1772861003).
If you want, bring something to eat and drink and then join us at the picnic table for lunch.
A hat and sunscreen are highly recommended. Insect repellent is a good idea at certain times of the year
Frequently asked questions
Please take a few moments to read the answers to these commonly asked questions. We are a club and provide service on a voluntary basis. Although we can almost always accommodate you, there have been exceptions caused by weather, illness or other factors. If you have questions that are not answered here, you can write to ac.ss1772861003vr@so1772861003rtni1772861003
How much does an intro flight cost?
The cost is $200. You can buy a flight certificate as a gift (see button above). Processing takes a few days. Alternatively, come to the airfield with cash (exact change required), cheque or e-transfer. We will give you a receipt.
How do I redeem a flight certificate?
Bring a printout of the flight certificate or show us a copy on your phone. We will match it against our records. Note: A paypal receipt or other purchase statement is not a substitute. We need to validate and record the certificate.
How long is the flight?
About 25 minutes, but this depends a little on the weather. When conditions are favourable for soaring, we aim for a duration of 30 minutes. On a non-soaring day, the glider will descend in about 20 minutes, although it’s unusual for that to occur.
Besides the time spent in the aircraft, we will also spend time briefing you beforehand. You will learn about these beautiful aircraft, how to read the instruments, how gliding operations work in general, etc. Anyway, it’s fun to watch others taking off and landing. You might find yourself staying longer than you planned.
What days may I take an introductory flight.
Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays, weather permitting. If you are planning to come on our regular flying days, let us know ahead of time by e-mailing .ac.s1772861003svr@s1772861003ortni1772861003 Sometimes special arrangements can be made for midweek flights.
What time should I arrive for a flight.
It’s best to arrive before 10am or after 3:30pm on weekends, and Monday’s after 12. If there is a backlog, it has usually cleared later in the afternoon. We don’t often finish early but we can wait for you if we know ahead of time that you are coming. See above about contacting us.
Can I schedule a flight?
All flights happen on a first-come, first-served basis, so a specific booking time is not possible. You can avoid delays by being strategic about when you arrive (see above).
Can I take a longer flight?
We can’t guarantee the weather will permit you to stay up for an extended period. We suggest that you purchase an additional flight if you want to fly longer. Besides, take-offs and landings are fun!
Is there a minimum/maximum weight to fly?
There is no minimum weight to fly from the back seat (so long as the straps hold you in). However if you want to fly from the front seat you must be at least 121lbs (55kg). The maximum weight for either seat is 242lbs (110kg).
Do I need to sign a waiver?
Guests and members must sign a waiver. A parent or guardian must sign the waiver for a minor (under 18).
Do you fly in all weather?
Gliding is best enjoyed in pleasant weather. Calm days, light winds. Moderate wind is fine too. Strong winds from the north or south blow across our runway. When very strong, these limit our ability to take-off. Very strong gusts from any direction can impact safety and may be a reason not to fly. Rain and heavy overcast will impact flying. Brief periods of rain (showers) might only interrupt operations for a short period.
If the weather forecast a couple of days in advance seems “iffy”, you can call and check with George beforehand at 613-858-9646.
You can also call the day-of at the airfield 613-366-8208 and if someone is near the phone they can let you know if we are flying and how busy we are. Call back if no answer – do not leave a message. You can also see online.
Where do we meet at the airfield?
We usually operate from the east end of the airfield. The phone is at this end. Use the eastern-most gate on Dilworth.
When the wind is blowing from the east, you will find us at the west end of the airfield. Use the western-most gate on Dilworth. We can’t answer the phone when operating from the west end.