What does it cost?
Gliding is the least expensive way to fly an aircraft on a regular basis.
- Typical cost to become a licensed glider pilot, if completed in one season: $5000 – 6000 *
- Typical annual cost for a licensed pilot, if flying club gliders (15-50 hrs): $3000 – 5000 **
- Typical annual cost if you already own a glider: $4000 + ***
While these costs are much less than for powered aircraft, they can still represent an affordability challenge for many prospective pilots in a challenging economy. To make flying at GGC more accessible to our community, there are bursaries available, including for women pilots and youth.
* Student estimate includes: Annual membership fees, package 1 glider rental, tow fees for 40-60 flights, ground school, required books, Transport Canada exam and license fees. In addition, a paid medical exam with an aviation doctor may also be required depending on your medical history.
** Licensed pilot estimate includes: Annual membership fees, flying package and tow fees.
*** Private glider estimate includes: Annual membership fees, tow fees, hangar and storage fees, glider insurance, annual inspection, and annual parachute repacking. Glider maintenance costs can vary widely and are not included in this estimate.
For current GGC fees, see our annual fee schedule.
Bursaries – women pilots
Celebrating diversity and inclusion is important at the Gatineau Gliding Club. Over our history, some of our member pilots including youth female pilots have gone on to careers in commercial aviation.
For women looking for financial support to advance their pilot development, bursaries are available from the Woman’s Soaring Pilots Association.
Follow the link below to learn more about eligibility and application.