Situation:

Gliding Australia (GAus) allows Air Experience Flights (AEF). These flights are an introductory flight for someone new to gliding. AEFs are used to attract new club members and trainee glider pilots. Formal AEF processes ensure informed participation and training management for these pilots.

AEFs are conducted by Air Experience Instructors (AEIs), Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 instructors. These flights are training flights, even if the person being introduced does not touch the glider controls.

Even the simplest first air experience flight involves training in aspects of orientation and motion in three dimensions, basic lookout and cockpit safety. The participant is therefore treated as a student pilot for the flight and is to be signed up as an Introductory Member for the flight.

Introductory Membership is as defined in GAus ADMIN 0012: “Active flying member for 30 consecutive days. Flying rights limited to 10 flights &/or 5 hours. No solo flight. Not permitted to be pilot in command. No voting rights. Not required to be a club member. Available more than once in any one calendar year.”

Introductory or Student Flying Membership is a prerequisite for in-flight training. Some clubs combine Air Experience Flights with a series of initial training flights, an “Aviation Starter Pack” under Introductory Membership. AEF and Introductory Membership provisions apply to these.

This Operations Directive:

AEIs, Level 1 through 3 instructors must ensure that the AEF terms and conditions process is completed with the person participating in the AEF before the flight is commenced.

The AEF terms and conditions process uses either a paper version or an electronic form. To use the electronic form, the club applies to GAus and is assigned a QR code that leads to the electronic form. Paper forms are purchased via the GAus shop or by contacting the GAus office.

The AEI or higher instructor must ensure the form is signed by the participant and witnessed by a GAus member before the flight.

Exemptions and applicability:

These obligations must be observed by all GAus club committees and instructors.