Welcome to Bendigo Gliding Club, a top sports club nestled in the beautiful Greater Bendigo City in Australia. The club provides an exhilarating experience of gliding in the Central Victorian sky and invites all aviation enthusiasts to join in the fun.
Bendigo Gliding Club offers top-notch flying training, conducted by fully qualified instructors, who generously provide instruction at no additional cost to students, aside from the standard club rate for aircraft hire. Whether you are interested in learning to fly or already have experience, the club welcomes all with open arms. Gliding training at Bendigo is not only a thrilling adventure but also serves as a solid foundation for future power flying training, and can even offset some flying time required for a private pilot licence. Prospective students can contact the club's friendly staff or visit their airfield at Raywood to get started.
To help potential members get a taste of gliding before committing, Bendigo Gliding Club offers Air Experience Flights (AEF), allowing individuals to “try before you buy. ” Should you choose to join, the cost of the AEF will be converted to club rates, with any surplus credited to your Flying Account.
At Bendigo Gliding Club, the primary method of launching is by aerotow, using an Eurofox tow plane. The club also maintains a winch, utilised for winch launch currency or as a backup when the tow plane is unavailable.
One of the club's highlights is its prime location, perfect for cross country flying. With flat open paddocks, minimal coastal influences, and optimal conditions due to the land heating up, Bendigo Gliding Club is an ideal spot for soaring adventures. The club boasts accomplished pilots achieving tremendous feats, with one member consistently completing flights over 700 km and even surpassing 900 km. Many members also achieve 300 km tasks multiple times a season.
The recently acquired PW-6 aircraft allows for more effective training, enabling members to excel in their cross country flying endeavours. Additionally, the club hosts an annual informal cross country coaching event over the Melbourne Cup Weekend, attracting numerous visiting pilots and aircraft.
In terms of facilities, Bendigo Gliding Club offers its members a range of amenities. The club owns its own airfield, complete with north-south (N-S) and east-west (E-W) airstrips, granting total control over operations. Five hangars, a workshop, and a Club House complete with full toilet, shower, and cooking facilities provide the comfort needed for overnight stays. Caravans can be parked on-site, and a casual camping option is available with a provided caravan or camping in tents for those on a budget.
The club even has its own swimming pool, albeit a small muddy dam, where members are welcome to take a dip, along with the friendly resident sheep.
If you are interested in joining Bendigo Gliding Club or have any inquiries, feel free to contact them via email, phone, or visit their website. The club's dedicated team is eager to guide you through the process and help you explore the thrilling world of gliding. So come on over to Bendigo and share the sky with this fantastic sports club.