Planning your day
What to wear
Put on what you would wear if you go for a walk.
- Loose fitting clothes for the temperature – expect the cockpit to be cooler at greater altitude but also heat up from the sun
- Flat-soled shoes (no heels)
- Sun protection (sunglasses and sunscreen)
- Light colored hat (not a baseball cap since the top button can damage glider canopy interior)
What to bring
- A packed lunch and snacks
- A water bottle
- Insect repellant
- A camera
On hot summer days
There is limited shade on the airfield and since you may be waiting some time for your flight, it’s extra important on hot days to hydrate a lot, and wear ample sun protection.
When to come
Plan to be at the field by 10 AM and to spend the day until early afternoon at the airfield.
Note that we can accommodate a limited number of introductory flights per day, interspersed between other operations, and that we only fly weather-permitting. We encourage you to email us in advance of when you plan to come so we can advise you of the best time to schedule your flight given other flights bookings.
Where to go when you arrive
Park in one of the designated areas, either at the clubhouse or by the Lacasse hanger (see map below), and present yourself at the airfield flight line. There will be a red and white trailer designating the flight line.
You can ask any club member to help you get to the flight line.
There will be an operations ground crew, tow pilot and a flying instructor at the flight line. Ask to see the field manager on duty, who will get you setup for flight. These volunteers are responsible for your safety so please follow their directions.
While waiting for your flight
There is a picnic table and some chairs to enjoy the summer sun and breeze across the airfield.
There are often several planes waiting to take off. Please be prepared to wait until the flying instructor clears your flight for takeoff.
The field manager will make sure your waiver and day membership documents are in order and may need to weigh you for flight safety. If you have a printer, you can print and sign these ahead of time:
Onsite facilities
Men’s and ladies toilets are in the clubhouse. There is no flightline latrine. The field manager will let you know when you’re expected to fly so you can visit the toilet facilities before your takeoff.
Important information for introductory flight experience
- WEIGHT There is a maximum weight restriction of approximately 240 pounds to fly in a glider. To sit in the front seat, passengers must weigh at least 140 lbs, but a 60 lb ballast allows those weighing 80–140 lbs to sit in front. Children under 80 lbs must sit in the rear seat, where the view is limited due to their size and the pilot in front.
- HEIGHT There is no minimum height as a passenger, however glider cockpits have a maximum headroom height. It is not recommended to fly if you are over 6’6”.
- HEALTH In order to be healthy enough to take a single flight ride in a glider, you need to be healthy enough to fly in a commercial plane. If you have any health concerns, please speak to your family doctor before booking a single flight ride.
- MEMBERSHIP You will be requested to sign a waiver document and to enroll as a day member to the Gatineau gliding club. If you refused to sign the waiver and refuse to become a day member, you will not be allowed to take the flight. No refund will be provided.
- DOGS The grounds at Pendleton are beautiful to enjoy with your dog. Understandably, they can be a safety issue if not under the control of their owner on an airfield. Please ensure dogs are under control of an adult and leashed during active flight operations. Please ensure your pet has tick prevention as there are ticks present.
- OTHER QUESTIONS See our Frequency Asked Questions page or contact us and we’ll be happy to help.