Table of contents
- Location & Overview
- Offer of training & Costs
- Requirements for Alpine gliding
- Contact details & Address
Location & Overview
The Aeroporto cantonale di Locarno airfield is located in the Swiss Canton of Ticino and serves general aviation and flight operations.
The course offers ideal conditions for gliding and alpine gliding, as it is located in close proximity to the Alps and thus supports access to mountainous terrain and thermals. The aerodrome has several runways, including asphalt and grass slopes, allowing for different take-off and landing conditions.This makes Locarno Aeroporto an attractive base for pilots who want to learn or practice gliding or, more specifically, Alpine gliding.
Offer of training & Costs
Currently, Aeroporto is not run as a classic “flight school” in the sense of a German training institution, but represents an infrastructure and base via which gliding and leisure flying are possible. Nevertheless, the course can be used as a starting point for Alpine gliding experiences — in particular by gliding clubs or training organisations that carry out their training or cross-country flights there.
| Service / Training Offer | Note / Typical procedure | Costs (if available) |
|---|---|---|
| Gliding / Alpine gliding (by clubs or providers) | Take-off via winds or aircraft towing; alpine terrain near Alps possible | depending on the provider (no price indication on official website) |
| Overland and Alpine flights | Experienced sailplanes use the terrain for Alpine cross-country flights | variable, depending on the association or Air traffic management |
| Air traffic management and space service (take-off/landing, runway, ground organisation) | Standardised on-site services | Fees according to local regulations (not publicly listed) |
Since the official website does not list specific prices for gliding or Alpine gliding training, it is advisable to contact the operator or local clubs directly in order to find out current fees and training modalities.
Requirements for Alpine gliding
Those who wish to participate in the Alpine gliding via Aeroporto should first have basic gliding knowledge – whether through an existing gliding licence or initial gliding experience. Due to the proximity to alpine terrain, experience in cross-country flight, navigation and mountain flight are advantageous. Further requirements (e.g. Membership in an association, certain tug or winch releases are dependent on the respective provider or club that organizes the flight training.
In addition, a good knowledge of Alpine meteorology and thermals as well as a safe handling of mountain air and the special requirements for flight routes and terrain are necessary – ideal for ambitious pilots with initial gliding experience who want to develop further into Alpine gliding.
Contact details & Address
📞 Phone: +41 91 816 17 31
📬 Email: (see contact form on the official website)
Address: Via Aeroporto 26, 6596 Gordola, Switzerland
📧 Contact person / Secretariat: Capo campo / Mario Tietz