< PreviousPPL, CPL, advanced ratings and microlight training are all available at the South Canterbury Aero Club Situated in the uncongested airspace of South Canterbury, surrounded by wide open space bordered by the Southern Alps and the sprawling coastline. South Canterbury Aero Club is ideally located to help you achieve your aviation goals with both professional or recreational training. South Canterbury Aero Club and its professional instructors embrace club style flight training, meaning training at your pace, in your time, supported by our friendly team of instructors, club members and students who are interested in your success. The club offers training in general aviation aircraft towards private and commercial licenses, as well as microlight pilot certificates in a late generation microlight. SCAC also offer Terrain Awareness, Basic Mountain Flying in real mountainous terrain, Tailwheel Training in our super cub, as well as Spin and Aerobatic Training in our Cessna 150 Aerobat. Operating from Richard Pearse Airport just 3 miles north of Timaru City, means low training costs with no unnecessary holding, airways or tower fees and no excessive landing frees added onto every flight lesson. Over the last four years under our current Chief Flying Instructor the club has maintained an immaculate safety record and maintained a better than 90% pass rate on flight tests for our students including PPL, CPL and Instructor’s ratings. SCAC is nationally renowned for its strong youth flying including Young Eagles and Gateway programme, helping our youth members achieve credits towards their school NCEA certificates through their flight training achievements. Many of our youth members have also achieved large flying scholarships through FlyingNZ, helping them financially towards their flying goals. Through learning to fly with us and becoming a South Canterbury Aero Club member you will have many opportunities to get involved with club activities outside of your regular lessons including fly aways, social events and regional and national flying competitions. Many of our commercial students and instructors have gone on to fly in other commercial operations, including Ag flying, Sounds Air, Air New Zealand, Glenorchy Air and Air Safaris. For more information please contact club CFI and Manager Aaron Pearce on 03 688 2355 or 0508 FLY TIMARU, send a text to 027 846 6287, email: cfi@scaeroclub. co.nz or visit: www.scaeroclub.co.nz Regular club activities Competitive Rates Wanganui Aero Club 06 345 0914 WanganuiAeroClub.co.nz or look us up on Facebook Tail Wheel Ratings Aerobatic Ratings PPL - CPL - BFRs Come and enjoy our friendly training atmosphere at the Wanganui Aero Club Very experienced B-Cat MEIR Commercial Pilot-Instructor South Canterbury Aero Club’s most recent fleet addition is this Cessna A150 Aerobat KiwiFlyer Magazine Issue 65 60 The KiwiFlyer Guide to Aviation Training2019 #5 61 Make the Southern Alps your playground while you learn to fly with Wanaka Helicopters Wanaka Helicopters is a world-renowned flight school situated in Wanaka, surrounded by the spectacular Southern Alps. Family owned and operated since 1992, we are one of New Zealand’s largest and most experienced helicopter flight schools. With ten highly experienced pilots on the team and a large fleet of helicopters our primary activities include flight training, commercial and tourism operations. Mountain flying is our specialty and we attract trainees from all around the world to learn from our knowledgeable instructors. 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. Most trainees fly our seven two-seat trainers including R22s and Cabri G2s though many progress to working with our R44s and AS350s. Other aircraft are available for those seeking additional single-engine type ratings. We are able to provide an excellent training programme for trainees in either self-directed study with PPL, CPL and specialist training or a comprehensive fully-supported NZQA-accredited Level 5 Diploma in Aviation. This is a two year full-time qualification with all flight theory ground courses taught at Wanaka Airport. Diploma students also participate in seven flight safety and management courses in addition to eleven flight skills courses before gaining their CPL. As well as flying, trainees frequently have the opportunity to participate in loading, unloading, briefing and working with our international commercial clientele to build personal experience valuable for early-career opportunities. Our Diploma in Aviation students typically enter the workforce with three type ratings gained during CPL build-up and sling training including 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. An established industry network is the key to kicking off a strong aviation career. Commercial and industry connection is an important focus for Wanaka Helicopters. At WHL, trainees are exposed through industry engagement in special events, which have included Robinson Factory Seminars, CAA SMS workshops, medical briefs and additional Fire and Emergency coursework to support Rural Fire responses using a fire bucket. Successful completion also sets graduates up to exercise the privileges provided for by NZCAA in New Zealand ground operations, flight planning and assisting operators with their safety management systems. Student loans, NZ Maori Scholarship (up to $10,000) and FeesFree funding (up to $12,000) is available for eligible students which makes 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.KiwiFlyer Magazine Issue 65 62 The KiwiFlyer Guide to Aviation Training 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 FacilityTaking you from zero hours to a fully qualified Commercial Pilot with the Diploma in Aviation • PPL • CPL • MEIR • Instructor Ratings • Tailwheel Ratings • Strip & Beach Landings • Aerobatic Ratings • 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 including A-Cats, B-Cats and C-Cats 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” 2019 #5 63KiwiFlyer Magazine Issue 65 64 Profiling Research at Massey University School of Aviation Part 2: Biodiesel Applications for General Aviation Engines Biodiesel is the popular and widely used term for fuels made by reacting vegetable oil or animal fat with an alcohol to produce long chain fatty acid esters, usually with a metal oxide or hydroxide catalyst. The biological origins of the fuel underpin a potentially sustainable resource with the intrinsic prospect of a reduced carbon footprint for users. Though there are many challenges in the production of biofuel with specifications that align with the broad requirements of fuel for aviation use, the (aviation) industry has demonstrated its interest in the potential of biodiesel with well-publicised trials by several commercial carriers. However, there is little quantitative information on the effects of biodiesel and biodiesel blends on the performance of aviation engines - in particular on the performance of non-steady-state operations of receptacle engines which are widely used in the general aviation industry. It is strategically important to develop a biodiesel application scheme for general aviation engines, in order to assure a sustainable and renewable energy source for general aviation. There were initially three stages in this programme: Investigating the sources/ feed-stocks of biodiesel in New Zealand, conducting engine tests, and identifying the research hot spots in using biodiesel in general aviation engines. Stage One - the study of the feasibility and sustainability of biodiesels in New Zealand - analysed the history of biodiesel production, the production frameworks available at present, and the end-users. The current main sources of feed-stock for commercially produced biodiesel in New Zealand use cooking oil and tallow, a by-product of the meat processing industry – all continuous sources. The manufacturing process for tallow biodiesel has the potential to produce high quality biodiesel. Stage Two saw aviation engine simulation test rigs constructed at Massey University. Pure biodiesel fuels and biodiesel/Jet A-1 blends were tested on a small jet engine and also on a diesel engine. The jet engine was tested under steady operating conditions - equivalent to aircraft steady level flights - and under varying operating conditions, equivalent to aircraft flying in changing airspeed, heading, and rotating motions. The diesel engine was tested under propeller operating conditions. It was found that engines can operate well on biodiesels and their blends under the steady operating conditions. However, the level of engine power and emissions is dependent on the characteristics of the biodiesel and their blends. Stage Three involved testing and analysing the specifications of different biodiesels and their blends. The specifications for biodiesels can vary significantly. The ability of the tested biodiesels to produce heat/energy is comparable to that of Jet A-1 or petroleum diesel. But the specifications related to the quality of combustion and the transferability and storage, for example viscosity and flash point and cloud point, are very different. These differences in fuel specifications can cause some delays of actions in flight manoeuvres, and the low fluidity feature of biodiesel may require heat energy in fuel delivery systems. The next step of this programme, in collaboration with Dr Hong (Linda) Yu and other international academics from the China University of Petroleum, will be to investigate the technology which can change the specification of biodiesels and their blends to bring them closer to those of Jet A-1. Several analytical methods are The continuing growth of the aviation industry shows aviation accounting for 3.5% of global energy related CO 2 emissions by 2030. By 2050 the industry has committed to reducing carbon emissions by 50 % from the 2005 levels. Research into blending lower carbon Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) with fossil jet fuel is gathering pace as it is recognised this will be essential to meeting this carbon emissions goal. Dr Rose Davies at the Massey University School of Aviation is one such researcher. The research and technology development programme on biodiesel application for GA engines in New Zealand commenced in 2015 at the School of Aviation, Massey University, led by Dr Davies. She explains her particular interest in this subject: Aviation Training contributed by Anke Smith in development to identify the difference in the combustion process with different biodiesel fuels when the operational conditions are not in steady state. Further systematic tests are scheduled on aircraft diesel engines to explore if any issues occur and to develop recommendations for when the fuel is switched from Jet A-1 to biodiesel or its blends. Post grad student enquiries welcome Dr Davies was awarded a contract by Taylor and Frances, international academic publishers, for publication of her recently completed book. The book - ‘Aerodynamics for Air Transport Pilots’ (ISBN: 978-0-3673-3947-0) - is primarily aimed at bridging the gap between pilot training manuals and academic texts. Dr Davies’ other research interests include the development of motion and force feed-back for low cost PC based aviation training devices. Massey University flight instructors have been able to assist Rose in several experiments on a force feed-back model for a flight simulator. Her subsequent joint paper on this topic with Massey’s Dr Savern Reweti was awarded the ‘Best Written Paper in the Operation and Support Section’ of the Australian International Aerospace Congress (AIAC) 2017 conference. Rose is also a postgraduate supervisor interested in hearing from prospective Doctoral or Masters students sharing her research interests who wish to further their academic careers. Dr Rose Davies (left) working on a biodiesel test rigKiwiFlyer Magazine Issue 65 66 Give your passion purpose - Join the RNZAF The KiwiFlyer Guide to Aviation Training What we do The Royal New Zealand Air Force provides New Zealand with its airborne military capability. To do this, we support a fleet of aircraft – each designed to perform a different role, whether it is airlifting supplies or rescuing someone at sea. To maintain and operate our aircraft we have a tight-knit team of highly trained experts, from pilots to ground crew. Together we help protect New Zealand’s interests, whilst supporting global peacekeeping and humanitarian missions. What you could do All roles in the Air Force are critical to delivering effective air operations across the globe – and each role offers you the opportunity to gain industry level skills that will help you become an expert in your field. Whether you have a technical mind or enjoy working with your hands in a trade, a career in the Air Force will mean you are part of a team that is truly world-class. Join us, and help others in times of need with agile air operations across the world. The lifestyle Imagine a job where you are surrounded by the latest technology, working alongside your mates, and you have the chance to make a positive difference to the world around you. This is the unique opportunity that awaits you in the Air Force. The lifestyle is very active, very social and you will have amazing experiences, such as being involved in peacekeeping and humanitarian missions. There are opportunities to travel overseas and you can learn a trade and gain qualifications that will set you up for life. Careers There are two main career pathways in the Air Force – Commissioned Officers and Non-Commissioned Officers. Commissioned Officer roles are offered to those with a high level of academic achievement and the potential to lead and manage. Non-Commissioned Officer roles – aircrew, operations support and technical roles – focus on providing the essential core skills and hands-on expertise we need. Roles: Ground Officers Communication and Information Systems (CIS) Officer: Keep us in contact at home and overseas as you train to deploy a range of advanced communication and information systems. A skilled and rewarding role. Engineering Officer: The expert in all aspects of aviation maintenance, this is a role that demands the best problem solving skills and rewards you with a varied and challenging career. Intelligence Officer: Military intelligence is a fascinating area of our operations and you will be at the heart of it, interpreting intelligence data on a wide range of missions at home and overseas. Learning Development Officer: You will support the development of the NZ Defence Force and its people as a specialist in military training, education and professional development. Medical Officer: Unlike any medical career in the civilian world and unrivalled in its variety, you will practice all aspects of medical care and train other medics and aircrew. Psychologist: Finding out what makes our personnel tick is just one of the exciting challenges of this specialist role. Develop your psychology skills in the fast moving and exciting military world. Supply Officer: Moving and managing military hardware, supplies and personnel requires quick thinking and the ability to keep a level head. Take the lead in this role that offers travel and challenges.2019 #5 67 Roles: Air Crew Air Warfare Officer: Aboard the long-range surveillance P-3K2 Orion and C130H Hercules cargo aircraft, you will operate and manage complex hi-tech systems, navigate and provide tactical coordination to ensure mission success. Air Warfare Specialist: On every mission aboard the specialist long-range surveillance P-3K2 Orion, you will be at the heart of its complex systems, sensors and controls. Flight Steward: Travel the world on our Boeing 757 aircraft and train to become an expert in the care of crew, equipment and passengers. Helicopter Loadmaster: As part of the NH90 helicopter crew you will manage all passengers and cargo, as well as operate the door guns, rescue hoist, and be the pilot’s eyes for underslung loads, search, and identifying external threats. Parachute Jump Instructor: There is never a dull moment in this adrenalin-packed career. Become an expert in descending safely out of aircraft and train others in the military to do the same. Pilot: You will understand why this is one of the most sought after and challenging careers in the Air Force. Learn on fixed wing training aircraft and then progress to rotary wing and multiengine aircraft. Roles: Operations Support Aviation Refueller: Become an expert in aviation fuel systems and learn to operate a range of vehicles and equipment. Communication and Information Systems (CIS) Technician: Take up the challenge of mastering some of the world’s most sophisticated communications technology and travel with it to destinations around the world. Force Protection: Travel and adventure are all on the agenda as you secure our elements in New Zealand and across the world. Protecting our personnel and equipment from sabotage and terror threats is a top priority. Fire Fighter: Protect lives and equipment as you lead the fire and rescue services at our airfields and bases. Intelligence Specialist: Test your skills locally and globally as you learn how to produce accurate intelligence from imagery, electronic signals and geospatial information. Logistics Specialist: Make sure we are ready for anything by organising, buying and managing all the equipment we use in our operations at home and overseas. Medic: You will be trained in a medical career unlike anything in civilian life, providing aspects of medical care to our personnel both on the ground and in the air. Roles: Technical Aircraft Systems Technician: While some fly aircraft, other learn how they work. We will train you to become a technical master in the maintenance of all our aircraft systems. Aeronautical Structures Technician: Show off your precision hand skills and train to become a specialist in repair and manufacture of metal and composite aeronautical structures and componentry. Electronics Technician (Aviation): Travel the world and work on our expanding fleet of aircraft, learning how to troubleshoot and repair complex electronic systems that keep them flying. Ground Support Equipment (GSE) Technician: If you are excited by working with engines, motors and specialist aviation equipment, then this is your opportunity to combine your interests. Safety and Surface Technician: This will keep you busy and challenged – it will be your responsibility to maintain a variety of equipment, from parachutes and aerial delivery equipment to painting aircraft. Armament Technician: This is your opportunity to understand, handle and maintain all the Air Force’s weapons, including guns, explosives and guided missiles. Find out more To apply, or to find out more information on military life, entry requirements and intake information, visit the Defence Careers website: www.defencecareers.mil.nzKiwiFlyer Magazine Issue 65 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. 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 If you want to ‘really’ learn to fly... 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. 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 69 2019 #5 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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 >