How do I become a glider pilot?

The Akaflieg Karlsruhe is a training organization: many of its members are complete beginners when they join. Through intensive flight training, rapid progress is possible and some members make the transition from flying novice to flight instructor during their active time in the Akaflieg!

Gliding is a community sport for individualists. Therefore, the first step is usually to join a gliding club. In the case of Akaflieg, however, you can only be admitted to the two general meetings every six months, so that you can fly without being a full member. You are first a so-called “Interessent” (prospective member).

Now you just have to fulfill the internal requirements of the Akaflieg:

• At least 100 hours of workshop work (This is a small “aptitude test”, plus you get to know the people a bit better and they get to know you).
• Successful completion of the (club-internal) theoretical training (with the subjects air law, human performance, meteorology, navigation, technology and behavior in special cases)

Now you can start your practical training!

You will carry out the first 40 to 80 flights with one of our volunteer flight instructors before you are allowed to take to the air on your own for the first time. As a newly qualified solo pilot, you will initially gain experience and will also be regularly checked by the flight instructor. During this time, you will also acquire your radio certificate and first aid skills. Flight camps in the spring (2 weeks before the start of the lecture period), at Whitsun and especially in the fall (Idaflieg fall training camp) ensure that our flight students make rapid progress.

Once you have obtained your license, you can fly under your own responsibility and take passengers with you. By taking part in Idaflieg courses (Alpine flights, cross-country flights, etc.), you can learn a lot more together with other Akaflieg pilots. And sooner or later there will probably be a cross-country landing, THE opportunity to get to know the country and its people up close.

If you are interested and have enough flying experience, you can expand your skills by acquiring an aerobatic license or a motor glider license. There are inexpensive Idaflieg courses for this. Finally, as a very special treat, you can be instructed in scientific flying and “Zachern” at the summer meeting.