Please refer to the Gliding Australia website for full detail regarding GFA Instructor ratings, training syllabus and experience required to qualify for instructor training. Within the VSA, instructor training is coordinated by the VSA Regional Manager – Operations, contact at RM/Ops .
Training for the entry level rating of Air Experience Instructor ( AEI ) is performed within Clubs under the direct supervision of the Club’s Chief Flying Instructor. The VSA and RM/Ops are not directly involved with this training.
The VSA offers an annual course for the GFA Level 1 Instructor rating, usually around May each year. This is a 5-day (mid-week) course managed by the RM/Ops with assistance from other Level 3 Instructors . The course has capacity for up to ten candidates and held at a VSA gliding site which can offer accommodation, tugs and training 2-seaters. If candidates cannot attend the full time course then the RM/Ops will make arrangements with Level 3 Instructors to conduct weekend training at the candidate’s local gliding club. This weekend training can be scheduled at any time that suits. In all instances a candidate must be recommended for training by their Club’s Chief Flying Instructor.
The VSA offers candidates some financial assistance with this training and details can be found at Instructor Subsidy
Upgrading from the Level 1 to the Level 2 rating can be performed either:
during the annual training course for Level 1 instructors ( refer above ) and will usually be completed within several days, or during weekends at the candidate’s local Club by a Level 3 instructor who has been assigned by the RM/Ops.
In all instances a candidate must be recommended for upgrade training by their Club’s Chief Flying Instructor.
The VSA offers candidates some financial assistance with this training and details can be found at Instructor Subsidy
Level 3 Instructors are Level 2 Instructors who have been recommended to the RM/O of their Region by their Regional Operations Panel, coached in instructor-training techniques, and approved by the RM/O. Only sufficient level 3 appointments will be made to meet the anticipated workload assessed by the RM/O.
The purpose of this subsidy is to assist VSA clubs attract and train gliding instructors. Currently, the following subsidies are available to assist with the flying costs incurred during training :
Note that these subsidies are made possible by the generous financial support which the VSA receive from Sports & Recreation Victoria under the Victorian Government program ‘Together More Active’ .
Victorian Soaring Association © 2021
Some images supplied by © 'Got that Shot' Images; Photography by John Absolon
Victorian Soaring Association © 2020
