Gliding in the Flinders Ranges - Annual Camp

We are inviting any person interested in Gliding to try an Air Experience Flight in the breathtaking scenery that the Flinders has to offer! You don't need to know a single thing about Gliding to try it out - you will fly with a highly skilled instructor in a high performance, modern two-seat sailplane.

What is it?

Every year, we as a club embark on a camp to the Flinders Ranges, where we fly along and/or high above the mountains. We can do this, because the wind hitting the up slopes generate 'lift', that help to keep us in the air. This type of flying, called 'ridge soaring' can make for some spectacular flights! Normally, this camp is only for club members, but we would like to invite you to try it out as well this year! Gliding is the most pure form of flight, with no engine you can experience near total silence as you soar around just like an eagle!

How Much Does it Cost?

Students - $200

Non-Students - $300

This includes:

• Up to 30 minutes in the air with an instructor, where you can experience the exhilaration of flying near the mountains, or climb high above them and experience the fantastic views from above!*
• An opportunity to learn the basic controls of the Glider, or relax and take some fantastic photos/videos!
• Aerobatics on request, including loops!

* Flight experience depends on weather, however as long as the weather is suitable to fly we guarantee you'll have a great time!

I've Never Flown a Glider Before?!

That's completely normal - your instructor on the day will explain everything to you and make sure you are comfertable before going up. Flying a glider is very peaceful, and you will be able to tell the instructor what you would like to do during the flight. For some, simply going up and enjoying the views is plenty of excitement. For others, controlling the plane or experience aerobatics are what they are seeking! During your flight, you will sit in the front seat, to enjoy the view! You will have controls available to you, which are connected to the controls used by the Instructor in the back seat.

How Do I Get There, and Where Can I Camp?

Transport and Accommodation is self organised - you should think of this as an exprience as part of your own camping adventure! We fly from Arkapeena Airstrip, which is just accross the road from the Rawnsley Park Station. They offer camping for $15 per night (unpowered), which you can book on arrival.

What Happens When I Arrive?

On Arrival, there will be a pre-determined meeting point at the camp reception, with a morning and afternoon meet-up. From here, we will show you how to safely make your way to the airfield. This will all be organised well in advance of your arrival, but be aware there is very limited phone reception out there!

When is it?

We will arrive on the 17th of September and aim to be flying from that afternoon, through to the 24th of September when we will pack up and drive home. As such, you may fly with us on any of the days between. Due to the unpredicability of the weather, it is best to plan to spend 2 days at the site, and that way there is a high chance that we will be able to offer you a memorable flight on at least one of the days.

The Flinders is Pretty Far, is there somewhere closer I can Try Gliding?

Definately! We fly every weekend (weather permitting) at Stonfield in the Barossa Valley. This is only about 1 hour from Adelaide, where we can offer a normal Air Experience Flight. This is the same experience, just over flat land rather than mountains. For more information, check out our webiste here.

What if the Weather is Bad?

We can't control the weather! If possible, you should aim to spend at least 2 days on site. This way, we can most likely offer you an exhillarating flight on at least one of the days, and you can spend the other doing your own thing (hint: It is a very cool experience to climb Wilpena Pount or Rawnsley Bluff while the gliders fly overhead!). If we are unable to fly at all during your time there, we can either offer a flight back in Adelaide another time, or full refund.

Sounds Great! How Do I Sign Up?

Flying in the Flinders is a unique experience, and requires a little bit of extra organisation. If you would like to fly up there, please send us an email at contact@augc.org.au as soon as possible, and we can make it happen!

I Have a Few More Questions...

Great! We're glad that you are interested. Email us at contact@augc.org.au with any questions. Alternatively, you can message our Facebook Page with any questions you might have.

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