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Rentals and Training
Soaring Instruction & Glider Rental
For Ab-initio (New) Students &
Holders of Private Pilot Licenses
Want to learn how to fly
gliders? Learning to fly is a rewarding experience. The
actual mechanics of learning to fly is easy, the challenge lies in
utilizing your skills, knowledge, senses and judgement to
continually analyze the terrain and weather conditions in order to
stay aloft, gain altitude and fly further distances. At Pemberton
Soaring Centre, the scenery and soaring conditions are unbeatable
and our staff are trained in giving our clients safe high quality
flight and ground training. No previous aviation experience is
necessary. Lessons are scheduled at your convenience. Keep in mind
that the closer together the lessons are, the easier it is to build
on the knowledge gained from previous lessons, and the faster you
will learn.
We operate 7 days a week from April through to
October, giving a lot of our clients the opportunity to
fly during the week when it's less busy, and the ability for those
who wish to do so to devote one or two weeks to flying, making
their training time lessen, and therefore saving money.
Pemberton is an ideal location for learning to fly
gliders. We operate from a 4,000-foot runway, which is
located at the base of a 8,600' mountain. The incredible landscape
in Pemberton produces thermal, ridge and sometimes wave types of
lift. Long soaring flights are common in Pemberton, there have been
flights to Squamish, Lillooet, Salmon Arm (don't forget these
flights were obtained with motorless planes!).
Learn about Glider Pilot Training Requirements or Visitor Pilot
Information.
Equipment
Lessons are conducted in two L-23 Blaniks,
which are a two-person tandem-seat all-metal sailplanes.
The L-23's are towed aloft by a 180 HP Citabria.
About Pemberton & Whistler
Camping is available at the airport for pilots and training pilots, with Pemberton Soaring Center's shower and washroom facilities available.
There are numerous B&B's, hotels and other camping
sites available as well. Check out Whistler/Pemberton
accommodation & activities options as there are a multitude
of other activities to do while in the area.
When not flying, the atmosphere on the ground is almost as
enjoyable as flying itself. Pilots new and old love to share their
stories of flight - this is where the term "hangar flying" comes
from, and is enjoyed by all.

