Introduction
The gliding group Olten (SG Olten), based in Switzerland, operates a gliding school and offers a comprehensive, practical and theory-based gliding training. The flight school is aimed at motivated interested parties of all ages – regardless of whether they are already equipped with aviation experience or want to rediscover flying. As an association with volunteer flight instructors, SG Olten attaches importance to community, safety and sound training within a motivated team.
Offer of training
The SG Olten offers a classic basic gliding training, consisting of theory and practice modules. The theoretical part covers all the required subjects for a gliding license and is usually held on several Saturdays in winter. In the practical part, you will learn to fly with sailplanes – among other things with the double-seater ASK-21 and later with the single-seater ASK-23. If you are well suited, the degree with a license is already possible after about one year.
After initial training, there are many opportunities for further training: this includes aerobatic flight, en route flight or Alpine briefings – depending on interests and skills. For ambitious members, the association offers varied options to develop further after the license and actively carry out flights.
Requirements
Prerequisites for training at SG Olten are motivation, team spirit and passion for flying. The minimum age is recommended to be about 15 years – for the first solo flight, according to SG Olten, 14 years are mentioned, for the skill test at least 16 years.
In addition, a medical certificate is required – an average healthy person can usually receive it, even in the case of spectacle wearers.
Practical training takes place in the season between April and September — on weekends. For meaningful progress, SG Olten recommends attending regularly, ideally every two weeks or more.
Costs
Gliding training at SG Olten is considered relatively cost-effective. Since the flight instructors are volunteers, there are no high tuition fees for the lessons. The costs to be paid consist mainly of association fees, flight and start fees as well as additional fees for theory and examination or language courses.
The annual contributions are estimated to be around 1,500 Swiss francs. In addition, there are external costs for the theory course, exams, voice/radio course and possible additional exam attempts.
Training & Costs — Overview
| Performance / Course | Costs/Notes |
|---|---|
| Association fee (per year) | ≈ CHF 1,500 |
| Theory course (9 subjects, 10-11 Saturdays in winter) | Included in the basic tariff or separate fees depending on agreement |
| Flight training / training flights (winch take-off, double-seater) & Single-seater | Aircraft & Starting fees individually (depending on progress and number of flights) |
| Voice / radio course (for communication) & ANNEX II Language test | In addition, approx. CHF 600 |
| Examinations (theory, practical examination, if applicable). Repeat tests | e.g. Theoretical examination approx. CHF 750 + CHF 200 examination fee; for further attempts approx. CHF 100 |
| Aeromedical certificate | depending on the doctor and extent – about CHF 300 |