Instruction is provided strictly in accordance with the Gliding New Zealand Training Syllabus. Every individual progresses at their own rate through training. The progression from novice to cross country trained pilot follows the Gliding New Zealand training syllabus, which is broken into a series of achievable steps. Each step allows you to be more independent, and to fly further afield. The GNZ Training Syllabus is available on the GNZ website:
The following provides an overview of each section of the GNZ Training Syllabus.
Ground Training. This introduces you to the way the club operates, how the ground operation works including safe launching of the gliders, and getting them ready to fly each day, plus an introduction to the radio systems. All with an eye to increasing your consciousness about safety on the airfield and in the air.
"A" Certificate Training. This introduces you to the practical aspects of glider flight. The ability to safely fly the glider in favourable conditions is learnt. There is strong emphasis at this point in your training on performing lots of landings and take offs (circuit training) to hone these critical skills. Your instructor will ensure that you have mastered the necessary skills to fly a glider on your own and it is in this phase of your training that you will fly your first solo! On completion of all the items in this training syllabus you will be awarded your "A Certificate".
"B" Certificate Training. Having completed your A-Certificate you are now cleared to fly a glider solo, but there are many exciting challenges ahead. During this aspect of your training you will learn some of the skills necessary for thermal soaring and more advanced handling situations. Consolidating this learning with airtime is what will sharpen your skills and will internalise what you have been exposed to, allowing you to move on to the next phase. On completion of all the items in this training syllabus you will be awarded your "B Certificate".
Qualified Glider Pilot Training (QGP). This aspect of your training prepares you for cross country soaring and all the associated requirements for that. Some focus items are airborne navigation, airspace and maps, weather appreciation and outlanding considerations and practical training for outlandings (landings away from the airfield). It is here that some theory is introduced and exams are taken for Meteorology, Air Law, Airmanship & Navigation, Technical Knowledge, Human Factors, Radio License. These are not difficult to achieve and the Chief Flying Instructor (CFI) arranges for classes at the clubrooms for student groups that are close to being ready to sit for these exams. On completion of all the items in this training syllabus you will be awarded your "QGP". This is gliding's equivalent to the power world's PPL.
Advanced Training Syllabus. This aspect of your training opens up the world of badge flying, competition flying and aerobatics. Aimed primarily at advancing your cross country and competition skills this is where you start choosing which aspect of gliding appeals to you most. Do you wish to fly locally, does cross country flying appeal, does competition flying take your fancy, or badge flying where you achieve individual goals that are recognised internationally. A whole world of options to suit everyone awaits.
