Air Experience Flights
Questions and Answers
What kinds of flights are available at Mangrove Mountain?
Winch Launched flights and Self Launched Glider (SLG) (glider with an engine for launching) flights. We do not have aero tow flights available (ie towed up by a powered aircraft).
How long does a winch launched flight last?
How does a glider stay up for a long time?
Without an engine, a glider is always "running down hill" in the air using gravity for speed, just as a car or bicycle does running down a hill to gain speed if free-wheeling. The speed of the wings through the air allows it to fly and be controllable.
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To stay up for a long time, we use upgoing air currents. There are several kinds of these. The main ones we can use at Mangrove Mountain are "Thermals" which are columns of rising air produced by the heat of the sun on the ground. These can go up many thousands of feet and often are strong enough to lift a glider up if the glider turns in circles in the column of rising air.
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We have an instrument in the glider called a "variometer" which indicates to us when we are in rising air and how strong the "lift" is. Experienced glider pilots can often find these thermals by the "seat of their pants" from the feel of the glider as it moves through the air.
Is a thermal flight guaranteed? What's the best time of day for a thermal flight?
No, we can't guarantee a thermal flight.
The best time of day for a thermal flight at Mangrove Mountain is usually between about 12.30pm and 3.30pm, but this can vary considerably depending on the local weather. We do get thermals even in winter, but the time they are strong enough to be useable on winter days is usually shorter..
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In some conditions, we can have thermals lasting almost up until sunset, though that is unusual.
Can I take photos and videos of the flight with my camera?
Yes, absolutely! And we encourage you to uploade them and tag us on your socials.
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The most suitable camera/recorder is your phone or a small pocket camera/video recorder.
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Large SLR cameras are discouraged. A large telephoto lens will be of little use from the glider and will get in the way. Tablets of a larger size can be used but will tend to get in the way.
What should I wear?
Gliding is an outdoor sport with plenty of exposure to the sun. Make sure you wear clothing suitable to the conditions and bring plenty of water to drink
The climb to about 1400ft above ground takes about 40 seconds, a steep climb and a thrilling ride!
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The glide time may be from about 4 minutes up to 15 minutes. This depends on the weather, whereby if there are updraughts (thermals) we can stay up for longer. If no thermals, we fly around the airstrip for a few minutes and then set up for the landing back at the airstrip.
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If you purchase the "Double Deal" option and the weather is good (ie thermals are present), you can stay up for 30 minutes, or if the frst flight is short, you can have a second flight.
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If you purchase the single flight option, you just get the one flight.
Can I have a go at flying the glider myself?
Yes. You will be flying with qualified Air Experience Instructor who can show you the basic controls and let you have a go.
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The "Double Deal" may be more suitable for you if you want to have a go on the controls. On the first flight just enjoy the experience, take photos and absorb the view. The second flight would then be ideal to have try on the controls under direction from the Instructor.
If you choose to go on to learn to fly, you are able to record this activity in your logbook.
Should I buy a voucher before I come or can I pay at the airsrtrip?
The best way is to buy your Air Experience Flight directly from our website using your Credit Card or PayPal account. The Voucher will be emailed to you within 24 hours.
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When you come to the Club, bring your Voucher with you as it will assist with reconciling it with your payment.
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Can I come back again another day for a second or further flights?
Yes., your AEF purchase includes Insurance, temporary membership of the Gliding Australia our club for a period of 30 days and up to 10 flights in total from the date of the first flight.
You will be asked to provide some further details so we can charge you for these additional flights
I bought a "Double Deal" voucher. Can I use one flight and let someone else use the second flight?
Unfortunately not, your Voucher/AEF payment includes Insurance that covers one person only. Any additional person has to pay these separately as for a new Air Experience Flight.
Are there any special health or mobility requirements?
They are minimal. The basic condition is : Can you get in and out of the glider. If you can get in and out of a normal bath at home, you should be able to manage. If you are going to need assistance, please let us know and we will see what can be done. If you have special needs, please ask and we will see what we can do.
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Weight Limits: The maximum weight is 110 Kg.
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Height Limits: No specific limit but people above 195cm tall may have trouble fitting in without bumping their head on the canopy. Some adjustments can be made by removing cushions.
Expiry and Refund Policy
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Your voucher does not expire for 3 Years (under NSW law).
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However, we have never refused an "expired" voucher and it is our stated policy not to do so - even if years after the lawful expiry date we will honour a voucher if in a position to do so.
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If purchased through Paypal, Paypal refund policies apply.
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If you change your mind and want a cash refund at date after the Paypal refund date has passed, and within a period of 30 days from purchase, you may make a written request to the club and it will be considered according to the circumstances. A fee will apply to any cash refunds for any costs incurred.
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Cash refunds can only be made to the original purchaser of the voucher. If purchased as a gift, the person receiving the gift can not obtain a cash refund, only the person who made the purchase.
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