Overview
The SG Säntis with headquarters at the airfield St. Gallen-Altenrhein offers gliding enthusiasts a fully structured training up to the gliding license. With a team of several experienced and volunteer flight instructors, both theory and practice are covered. In addition to the regular training offer, SG Säntis also organizes trial flights, open cockpit days and events to give a first impression of gliding. The focus is on a thorough and at the same time joyful education, in which both technique and fun flying are in the center.
Offer of training
SG Säntis offers a classic gliding training. The training shall include theory courses, practical flights, double-seater flights, single-seater training and solo flights as they progress. In addition, simulator training is part of the program to practice flight knowledge and processes without wind or weather. Theoretical training covers important topics such as air law, navigation, meteorology, flight planning, flight performance, human performance and radiotelephony communication. Finally, a theory exam is required as well as a voice exam in English so you can communicate with Tower and air traffic control.
Requirements
In principle, gliding training can be started from the age of 14, the practical examination and thus the official acquisition of the gliding licence is possible from the age of 16. A medical flight suitability check (Medical) before the first solo flight is required. Physical strength hardly plays a role in glider flying - important are endurance, willingness to learn, a sense of responsibility and interest in calm, motorless movement in the air. SG Säntis expressly states that older interested parties are also welcome – there is no upper age limit as long as mental and physical flight capability is given.
Costs
The training costs at SG Säntis vary depending on your age and depending on your commitment and talent. For flight students: women under 25 years of age, the costs tend to be cheaper, including reduced fees for double seaters and reduced membership fees. As a rule, the training lasts two gliding seasons. For young people under the age of 25, the total costs are on average about CHF 7,000, for older participants: approximately CHF 9,000 (exclusive training material, examination and member costs).
Offer of training and costs
| Performance | Typical costs/instructions |
|---|---|
| Complete training up to gliding licence (under 25 years) | Approximately CHF 7,000* |
| Complete training up to gliding licence (from 25 years) | Approximately CHF 9,000* |
| A trial flight (aircraft tow, e.g. for getting to know each other | CHF 150 per flight |
| Test flight (winch take-off) | CHF 30 per start |
* Excluding training materials, examination and membership fees. The total cost varies depending on the effort and talent.
Additional offer & Trimmer possibilities
For all those who want to orient themselves, there are regular trial and introduction offers at SG Säntis. From April to October, there is the opportunity to fly in a double-seater on many weekends – ideal for gaining initial experience. Participants in the trial flight can even get their flights fully counted towards later training if they are enrolled later. Also a so-called “trip points card” is available, with which you can collect several starts (winds or tow) and thus get to know the gliding training without obligation.
Conclusion
SG Säntis presents itself as a solid and well-organized gliding school with serious training, attractive entry opportunities and fair conditions – especially for young people interested in flying. Those who are willing to invest time and commitment get a complete gliding training with theory, practice and support from experienced flight instructors. For anyone who is curious or still feels insecure, the trial flights offer an excellent opportunity to get a taste of the world of gliding without much effort.
Contact
✆ Telephone: (usually provided on the website with contact details)
✉️ Email: (see website SG Säntis)
Address: Rheinholzweg 18, 9423 Altenrhein, Switzerland