FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

'Youth glide' pilot training starting in Waikato

MATAMATA, NEW ZEALAND - 17th April 2013 - Matamata Soaring Centre is hosting a week long intensive youth glider pilot training camp at Matamata airfield, starting Saturday, 21st April.

The camp is for youths between the ages of 15 and 25, and marks the start of a 'Youth Glide' movement in the North Island, following the success of the organisation in the South Island.

Students will learn a range of topics including basic glider flying, weather and forecasting, thermal flying, ridge flying, winch launching, aero towing, radio communication, and human factors with flying.

Many of the camp costs are subsidised to make the training as affordable as possible for the students with local gliding clubs and private owners offering gliders at reduced rates.

"Gliding is a sport that can take a lifetime to master. Starting early really gives pilots a huge advantage, and increases chances of representing New Zealand while competing internationally" explains Bill Mace, the chief flying instructor for the camp. "It's also a great way to help the gliding movement in New Zealand, which like many sports and clubs have an ageing population."

ENDS

http://www.glidingmatamata.co.nz/

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