Speck-Fehraltorf airfield is Zurich's closest gliding airfield. Beautifully situated, it is an ideal starting point for flights to the foothills and high Alps, the Central Plateau or southern Germany. We are about 30 active pilots of all ages. As a rather small group, we know each other and enjoy an uncomplicated, friendly atmosphere. Our aim is to have wonderful, often shared flying experiences. The most impressive flights are those we make at our flying camps in the Alps. We enjoy flying not only at weekends and during the week, but also at camps. In spring in Ticino, in summer in the Bernese Oberland, in the Jura and in the French Alps.
You are interested in one of the most beautiful things between heaven and earth: playing with the element of air, for silent movement in three dimensions! But perhaps you are also interested in the adventure that a cross-country flight in a glider can bring under a wide variety of meteorological and topographical conditions, in exchanging «flying gossip» with fellow pilots, or in gliding training as the basis for a future career as a professional pilot.
Until your first solo flight, you will fly with experienced gliding instructors who will provide you with advice and support until you are certified. As a rule, training takes place at weekends. By arrangement with the instructor, training can also take place during the week in the evening. If you are 15 years old and have paid the deposit of CHF 2000 to the FGZO, you can start your training. You do not need a student permit like for driving a car!
The introductory flight is your first flight in a glider from the front seat. You fly with a flight instructor sitting behind you, who introduces you to the «secrets» of flying. You feel the control movements made by the experienced instructor from the rear seat and learn how to operate the glider and what it means to fly.
Once you have decided to start training as a glider pilot, you will carry out many training flights at the dual controls. You will sit in the front again with the instructor behind you. You will complete various flight exercises, learn how to take off and land and how to fly in thermals.
During your training, you will be actively supported by fellow glider pilots, because after all, no one gets into the air without help! This part of the training - with the aim of your first solo flight - will last around one season (i.e. from the end of April to the end of October), depending on how you progress.
Once you have mastered the glider in every situation, can take off and land safely and have passed the medical examination, you are ready for your first solo flight. This is your first time flying alone in your familiar glider. This flight is one of the highlights of a glider pilot's life. An absolutely unique experience! After a few more flights in the training glider, you will be retrained in the single-seater Discus 2b.
Now it's time to fly, fly, fly. From now on you will gain experience and make your first longer thermal flights. Once you have met all the requirements, you will be prepared for the practical test to obtain your license.
In the winter of your first «flying year» you will be taught the theory of gliding by experienced pilots. This includes the subjects of navigation, meteorology, air law, general aircraft knowledge, flight performance and flight planning, human performance, operating procedures, the basics of flight and radiotelephony. The theoretical examination takes place at the end of this course.
After successfully completing the theory exam, your flight instructor will prepare you for the practical flight test. Your skills in handling the glider will be refined. On the day of the test, an expert will accompany you on 2 to 4 flights.
After completing the training and passing all exams, you will now receive the glider pilot’s license (Brevet). Extensive, impressive, and above all, memorable flights await you, and they are the reward for all your efforts and hard work.
A modern two-seater DG 505 is used for basic training. A high-performance two-seater Arcus T is available for cross-country training. The Discus 2b, a single-seater, will be used in your training after the first solo flights. 30 flying hours after the official test, the Discus 2c or Discus 2cT (18 m wingspan) will also be available to you. These can also be used for later performance flights. We operate a powerful Maule as a towing machine.
You can find all relevant information in the FGZO cost regulations.
Billing is done on a monthly basis. Invoices are due for payment in full within the specified payment period. The deposit paid will be refunded to you without interest when you cease your activities at FGZO.
We are excited that you have decided to learn how to fly with us at Speck. For any further questions, our flight instructors, the secretariat, or the head of the gliding school at Tel. 044 578 45 10 will be happy to assist you. If you want to get up close with us, feel free to visit the airfield on a flyable weekend. We look forward to meeting you! To make sure we can contact you for the training, please sign up for a introductory flight.
