Table of contents
Overview
The gliding group Biel (SG Biel) operates a flight school certified by the Federal Office of Civil Aviation (BAZL) and trains interested parties in gliding. The base is located at the Courtelary (ICAO-Code LSZJ) in the Bernese Jura — a pure gliding airfield ideally suited for thermal and en route flights.
SG Biel attaches great importance to a family-like, association-based atmosphere and voluntary commitment: All flight instructors are licensed BAZL instructors and regularly complete further training. The training takes place in manageable groups, with modern and well-maintained aircraft – ideal for beginners, but also for ambitious gliders: inside.
Offer of training
SG Biel offers several training paths and entry possibilities: from trial flights to classic basic training up to further segments such as route flight, passenger flight, aerobatic flight or power gliding.
In principle, the offer is structured as follows:
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- Trial flight (short-term entry, without long-term commitment) – ideal for getting to know gliding
- Initial gliding training aiming at gliding identification
- Additional training opportunities: route flight, passenger flight, aerobatic flight, powered gliding and participation in community or route flights within the club fleet
- Possibility to participate in club activities, air warehouses, holiday camps and community flights — including after basic training
Costs
The costs at SG Biel depend on the selected offer and personal effort. For the complete basic gliding training, including theory, fees and aero-medical examination, approximately 5,000 to 8,000 Swiss francs are to be estimated. In addition, SG Biel also offers inexpensive taster offers: a simple taster flight costs between 90 and 150 SFr., depending on the duration, while the “large taster package” is estimated at about 350 SFr.
Requirements
If you want to start gliding training at SG Biel, you must be at least 14 years old (the gliding certificate is available from 16 years old) and have stable health – in particular, stable circulation and good eyesight are necessary. For minors, a declaration of consent from the parents is required. In addition, interest, curiosity and the joy of flying are the most important prerequisites – everything else is taught in the training.
After training & Further opportunities
After completing the basic training, SG Biel offers numerous opportunities: members can take part in chat and route flights, develop their skills in route flight, passenger or aerobatic flight or even gain experience with motor gliders.
In addition, the association regularly organizes air warehouses – both alpine gliding camps and holiday camps in Germany and abroad – as well as joint events and events. This leaves the start manageable and the long-term participation flexible and attractive.
Training & Costs – Overview
| Offer | Performance / Content | Approximately Costs |
|---|---|---|
| Trial flight (simple) | A flight with licensed instructor, flight duration 30-90 minutes | 90–150 SFr. (depending on flight duration) |
| Tripper package (large) | Longer + two shorter flights (total flight time about 1–2 hours), incl. Assistance by licensed instructors, counts as training flight | About 350 SFr. |
| Full initial gliding training | Theory + about 50 flights at the double tax + about 20 solo starts, modern aircraft use, complete training path | approximately 5,000–8,000 SFr. (depending on effort) & Talent |
| Membership / Further flying (after training) | Access to club fleet, en route/passenger/aerobatic flight, participation in air bearings & Association activities | annually from ~2,000 SFr. (depending on use): |
Contact
📞 Phone: –
📧 Email: –
Address: Courtelary (SG Biel / gliding Airport LSZJ, Switzerland)