Gliding

By Ted McFadgen | Posted: Tuesday March 28, 2023

It's just like flying a plane, but you get sling-shotted into the air, and you have no engine.

For about a year now, I've been part of the Omarama Gliding Club. Here you get the opportunity to learn to fly in the mountainous scenery of the Mackenzie country, all for just a fraction of the price compared to powered planes.

It’s all about using the wind and land to stay up in the air as long as you can, so you can fly further, get away from the airfield and explore. If it's a perfect day, you can get to Mt Cook and back, or even fly down over the lodge at Mt Aspiring. 

Flying a plane without an engine sounds a bit sketchy, but it's a lot more quiet and peaceful once you get used to it.

Attached below is an article from the magazine North and South featuring Ted.