Initial training
Gliding is the pleasure of flying without an engine and covering hundreds of kilometres using updrafts.
The instructors at the Association Aéronautique Verdon Alpilles will help you discover this pleasure in a particularly favourable aerological region (considered to be the best ‘spot’ in France).
If you're new to gliding, we recommend that you take an introductory flight to find out more about our activity.
Then, if you like it, you can fly with a state-qualified instructor in a two-seater glider and start your training. This training will lead you to your first solo flight... An unforgettable moment in your life.</^p>
To start, you must be:
- At least 14 years old ;
- A medical certificate of fitness issued by an approved doctor ;
- A logbook to be opened by your instructor.
To obtain your glider pilot licence (SPL):
- At least 16 years of age ;
- Minimum 8 hours dual instruction;
- 2 hours solo flying, including a flight of at least one hour;
- 20 glider landings, including 10 solo;
- Pass a theory test and a practical flight test.
These conditions are regulatory minimums which vary widely depending on attendance and learning ability. In practice, you need to clock up an average of around twenty hours' flying time and around forty landings.
After the licence
You will continue to progress in the activity and begin your cross-country training (glider pilots use the term ‘cross-country training’).
Next comes the improvement phase, with a view to obtaining gliding badges (glider flight), which certify your skill levels.
You'll get your passenger seat so you can share your passion with your friends.
Competition and aerobatics are the final stages for the most passionate.
All our training courses and instructors are approved by the Fédération Française de Vol en Planeur (FFVP) and the Direction Générale de l'Aviation Civile (DGAC).
Initial training | Training and X-country Flight allowance | Further training |
First solo flight | Taking passengers on board | Pilot’s self-sufficiency |
(20 hours on average) | (80 hours on average) | (from 100 hours on) |
Training of handicapped people:
The AAVA offers the opportunity to start a training course to anybody suffering from mobility problems. We have in our fleet two two-seat gliders fitted with a specific device: the « malonnier » ( fly-by-hand).
How much will I have to pay to start my training?
The best answer to this question will be obtained from our staff who will find out with you which rates and charges to choose, according to your wishes.
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