The process:
From zero to licensed pilot
Flight school
STEP 1
Pre-solo flight instruction
Hands-on training with experienced instructors prepares you for solo flight. You’ll learn through exercises and maneuvers that build skills and confidence. This can begin before or after you’ve completed ground school
STEP 2
First solo
The ultimate milestone in any pilot’s journey: your first solo flight! Our team has guided you every step of the way, and now we’re honored to be here with you as you achieve this incredible moment. We’ll be right by your side as you take to the skies on your own for the first time.
Prior to your first solo flight, you will need a Student Pilot Permit (issued by GGC CFI), be in posession of a Transport Canada Category 4 medical, and have successfully completed the GGC pre-solo exam.
STEP 3
Post-solo flying
Your training continues after solo, with a minimum of 20 solo flights required to get your license. An instructor oversees your progress from the ground and accompanies you every 4th to 5th flight to ensure your skills are developing safely and efficiently.
STEP 4
Flight tests
Two evaluation flights assess your skills, covering a range of maneuvers and emergency procedures, ensuring you’re ready to receive your license.
Ground training
STEP 1
Ground school
Ground school can be done before or while completing your flight training.
Learn essential aviation theory and regulations through comprehensive ground school, covering topics like flight principles, instruments, navigation, weather, and more. Ground school prepares you for the Transport Canada exam.
STEP 2
Radio license
Ground school also includes training and the exam to receive your radio operator’s license, a requirement for solo flight.
STEP 3
GLIDE exam
With ground school and solo flight requirements (below) complete, you’ll be ready to take on the Transport Canada GLIDE exam, one of the final steps before receiving your Glider Pilot License.
Already have some experience?
Already a licensed power pilot?
Expand your horizons with something new
Do already have your power pilot license, but are curious about exploring the thrill of gliding?
Flying a motorless glider brings a pilot to “stick and rudder” flying, where one can feel the raw sensations of flight under your hands and feet. The other benefit of piloting a glider is the peace and quiet, with only the wind over your wings breaking the silence.
As a power pilot, you can become a glider pilot quickly by demonstrating your glider flying proficiency, often taking less time than a novice pilot starting from scratch.
Instruction can be done by progressing through the club learning to fly instruction program to reach solo status. After this step, the solo glider pilot must complete 20 solo glider takeoffs and landings and take a flight test. Transport Canada Requirements (CARs 421.24) for ground instruction, radio, licensing, and a written exam need to be satisfied.
Already have your GPL?
Getting back in the air
Did you earn your glider pilot license years ago but haven’t flown lately?
Our intensive program is designed to get you back in the cockpit and certified to fly our GGC club gliders quickly and easily. With guidance from experienced instructors, you’ll regain your confidence and flying skills, eventually progressing to solo flights and access to a variety of other club gliders. Once you’ve updated your medical, and completed your refresher training, you’ll be ready to take to the skies.
What does it cost?
Typically a new student does 40-50 instructional flights before flying solo, and a further 20-25 flights to qualify for their license.
Most people do this over two seasons at about $3000 yearly for club membership and flying fees.
Bursaries are available to support young people and women who wish to pursue their aviation dreams.
Intensive instruction
Faster license progression depends on consistent flying; lessons once a month result in slower learning due to being rusty and needing to get back up to speed before you can progress further.
To expedite your training, we recommend a focused and consistent approach.
This is a path to earning your GPL over 2 gliding seasons. To do so, the prospective pilot must be dedicated and fly at least 2 -3 flights as a minimum every flyable weekend through the season.
Gliding for me is living the dream—a dream I’ve had since childhood of being a pilot and experiencing the thrill of flight. When I discovered GGC in 2021, my daughter was being born, and I was transforming my fitness journey. My first flight was incredible, surrounded by passionate instructors who are dedicated to this sport and culture. From that moment, I felt a sense of belonging that changed my life. I embraced a new daily exercise routine because flying is my passion and purpose.
— PAULO M.