Intro Flight: Frequently Asked Questions
Where is SOSA Gliding Club?
SOSA Gliding Club operates out of Rockton Aerodrome located at 1144 Cooper Road which is off Highway 8, between Cambridge & Rockton.
Where should I park?
Please follow the signs for visitor parking to the large gravel parking lot next you our clubhouse. There are flag poles and signs indicating it is SOSA Gliding Club and there will likely already be some cars parked. Do not park in any other areas of the gliding club.
What should I wear for the flight?
Dress for the weather, the layered approach is best. Even on nice days SOSA can be cool and windy, we recommend bringing one more layer than you think you need. Other items you may want, a small brimmed hat, sunglasses and some sun-cream. Also you will want to bring plenty of water for yourself, and potentially some snacks.
When should I arrive?
At least 30 minutes before your scheduled flight time.
How long is the flight?
The flight will last 25 – 30 minutes.
What are the age limits for a flight?
There are no real age restrictions for taking an Intro Flight. Young people should be mature enough to accept instruction (generally 12 and up) and tall enough (4.5ft) to see out of the glider. For older people, if you can get in and out of a bathtub unaided you should be able to get in and out of a glider. All passengers are required to complete an information and release form before any flight, persons under 18 years of age require the signature of a parent or legal guardian. Please contact us if you have any further questions or concerns.
Will I fit into a glider?
Any pilot will tell you it is important to reach the rudder pedals. Generally speaking if you are taller than 4.5 ft you should be able to reach. However, if you are taller than 6.5 ft you may not fit inside the canopy. Also worth considering is your weight. Ballast can usually be added for people who weigh less than 100lbs (50kg), but you may not be able to fly if you weigh more than 242lbs (110kg). Please contact us if you have any further questions or concerns.
What if I feel sick?
Your pilot will brief you on what to do if you start to feel unwell during your flight. We carry sick bags in the glider, should you need to use one and the flight can be cut short if that is best. Generally, we can continue the flight after opening the air vents for some more fresh air and with the pilot flying as gently as possible.
Can I fly if I have a physical disability?
Please contact us to discuss your specific needs.
What happens if we have bad weather the day of my flight?
We do not typically fly introductory flights if there is very low cloud, high winds, heavy rain, or thunderstorms. However, there are many days we can fly that include some cloud, winds, or rain in the forecast. We will contact you in advance if the weather forecast is very bad and reschedule your flight. If in doubt, email us the morning of your flight for an update.
Will I be able to control the glider?
All our gliders have dual controls in the front and back seats. This means that you will be able to see everything your pilot is doing as they control the glider throughout your flight. If the pilot feels it is safe, they may allow you to experience flying the glider by either following their inputs on the controls or by completely controlling the glider yourself. The pilot will always be watching closely and will be ready to retake control immediately should they need to.
Isn't flying a glider expensive?
It's not free, but gliding is certainly good value for money! Once you're qualified, renting a glider costs about $60 per hour plus about $35 for towing the glider to altitude. Renting a single-engine aircraft could cost 2 times this. Check out our prices and compare them to the costs of powered flying - you'll be pleasantly surprised. Many people learn to fly first in gliders and then use these skills to shorten their powered-flight training time. Most new members spend about $3000 in their first year at SOSA.
How safe is gliding?
Gliding is relatively safe, gliders are very strongly built, and there is no engine to fail. However like any adventure sport (skiing, scuba diving, skydiving, etc) it is subject to its own risks. All possible steps are taken to mitigate these risks. Our pilots are trained to high Soaring Association Canada standards and subject to annual checks. All of our aircraft undergo an inspection each day they fly and are subject to ongoing preventative inspections, and maintenance by licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineers.
SOSA Gliding Club operates out of Rockton Aerodrome located at 1144 Cooper Road which is off Highway 8, between Cambridge & Rockton.
Where should I park?
Please follow the signs for visitor parking to the large gravel parking lot next you our clubhouse. There are flag poles and signs indicating it is SOSA Gliding Club and there will likely already be some cars parked. Do not park in any other areas of the gliding club.
What should I wear for the flight?
Dress for the weather, the layered approach is best. Even on nice days SOSA can be cool and windy, we recommend bringing one more layer than you think you need. Other items you may want, a small brimmed hat, sunglasses and some sun-cream. Also you will want to bring plenty of water for yourself, and potentially some snacks.
When should I arrive?
At least 30 minutes before your scheduled flight time.
How long is the flight?
The flight will last 25 – 30 minutes.
What are the age limits for a flight?
There are no real age restrictions for taking an Intro Flight. Young people should be mature enough to accept instruction (generally 12 and up) and tall enough (4.5ft) to see out of the glider. For older people, if you can get in and out of a bathtub unaided you should be able to get in and out of a glider. All passengers are required to complete an information and release form before any flight, persons under 18 years of age require the signature of a parent or legal guardian. Please contact us if you have any further questions or concerns.
Will I fit into a glider?
Any pilot will tell you it is important to reach the rudder pedals. Generally speaking if you are taller than 4.5 ft you should be able to reach. However, if you are taller than 6.5 ft you may not fit inside the canopy. Also worth considering is your weight. Ballast can usually be added for people who weigh less than 100lbs (50kg), but you may not be able to fly if you weigh more than 242lbs (110kg). Please contact us if you have any further questions or concerns.
What if I feel sick?
Your pilot will brief you on what to do if you start to feel unwell during your flight. We carry sick bags in the glider, should you need to use one and the flight can be cut short if that is best. Generally, we can continue the flight after opening the air vents for some more fresh air and with the pilot flying as gently as possible.
Can I fly if I have a physical disability?
Please contact us to discuss your specific needs.
What happens if we have bad weather the day of my flight?
We do not typically fly introductory flights if there is very low cloud, high winds, heavy rain, or thunderstorms. However, there are many days we can fly that include some cloud, winds, or rain in the forecast. We will contact you in advance if the weather forecast is very bad and reschedule your flight. If in doubt, email us the morning of your flight for an update.
Will I be able to control the glider?
All our gliders have dual controls in the front and back seats. This means that you will be able to see everything your pilot is doing as they control the glider throughout your flight. If the pilot feels it is safe, they may allow you to experience flying the glider by either following their inputs on the controls or by completely controlling the glider yourself. The pilot will always be watching closely and will be ready to retake control immediately should they need to.
Isn't flying a glider expensive?
It's not free, but gliding is certainly good value for money! Once you're qualified, renting a glider costs about $60 per hour plus about $35 for towing the glider to altitude. Renting a single-engine aircraft could cost 2 times this. Check out our prices and compare them to the costs of powered flying - you'll be pleasantly surprised. Many people learn to fly first in gliders and then use these skills to shorten their powered-flight training time. Most new members spend about $3000 in their first year at SOSA.
How safe is gliding?
Gliding is relatively safe, gliders are very strongly built, and there is no engine to fail. However like any adventure sport (skiing, scuba diving, skydiving, etc) it is subject to its own risks. All possible steps are taken to mitigate these risks. Our pilots are trained to high Soaring Association Canada standards and subject to annual checks. All of our aircraft undergo an inspection each day they fly and are subject to ongoing preventative inspections, and maintenance by licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineers.