SPL licence training

Not just knowing how to do it, but understanding why.

Flying starts on the ground. Preparation, discipline and consistent adherence to rules and procedures are just as important as handling skills. A knowledge of aerodynamics and meteorology helps you understand what is happening and make informed decisions, rather than simply operate the controls mechanically.

Safety is the main priority in SPL training. Initial training cannot prepare you for every type of demanding long-distance flight. My role is to help you develop the basic skills and a sound foundation so that, after gaining your licence, you can continue to progress independently at your own pace, according to your interests and goals. Glider pilots keep learning throughout their lives.

Flying should remain an enjoyable pastime, not a test of courage.

We meet at an agreed time, usually in the morning, around 09:00–10:00. After introductions, we visit the club office to arrange membership, the necessary insurance and other registration formalities.

I then give you a short tour of the airfield, showing you where things are and what you will need for training and everyday life at the club. We discuss any flying experience you may have and establish how familiar you already are with aviation theory. This helps me take your preparation into account and decide where to begin.

Next, we look over the training glider and prepare it for flight. I explain its layout, the names of the main components, the required procedures and how we will work together. The first flight is usually a chance to become familiar with gliding, with some initial instruction.

Afterwards, we review the flight, discuss your impressions and agree on our next meeting and what you should prepare beforehand.

In the second phase of the programme, we move on to a Duo Discus built by Schempp-Hirth and learn cross-country flying: finding lift, climbing in it and choosing a strategy suited to the weather.

We focus particularly on timely decisions and keeping a safe landing option available if the lift disappears or the weather deteriorates. The first cross-country flights remain relatively close to the base, within reach of neighbouring airfields. If necessary, we can land at one of them rather than having to return to the departure airfield.

Each student usually makes one longer flight per day, lasting around 2–3 hours. There are fewer take-offs and aerotows than in the initial phase.

On average, the cross-country phase takes 2–3 calendar weeks, with a normal rhythm of around six flying days per week. This is a guide, not a fixed duration for everyone. You do not need to complete the whole phase in one stay: training can continue over separate visits. I recommend allowing at least a week for each visit, as even one or two non-flying days can significantly reduce the training time available on a short trip.

You can prepare for the SPL theoretical knowledge examination in French or English using interactive learning systems and study materials. You can start before your first visit. Once we have agreed on your training, we discuss suitable materials and how to organise your preparation individually.

The examination can be taken in French at the club. Taking it in English in Luxembourg is also an option, while completing your flight training in France.

I normally teach in Vinon from late January until around 25 October. The club operates almost all year, including weekends and public holidays, with a short break over Christmas and New Year. From early November to mid-January, I offer gliding in Namibia.

We arrange training dates individually, with no mandatory minimum booking lead time. The earlier you get in touch, the better your chances of securing your preferred dates. I usually work with one or two students during the same period, each with their own training tasks appropriate to their stage of progress.

Vinon and the surrounding area offer accommodation to suit different budgets and comfort preferences.

For a short stay, the club rooms are among the more affordable options. They are small and simply furnished, with a bed, desk and chair; showers and toilets are in a shared facilities block. There is also one more comfortable room with its own bathroom.

In the warmer months, you can rent a caravan at the club campsite or bring your own tent, caravan or motorhome. Electricity, showers and toilets are available. I arrange club accommodation through the club office.

There are two small Provençal-style hotels about 500 metres from the club. I also help with bookings at La Clape, a comfortable guesthouse within walking distance of the airfield.

Having a car gives you a wider choice of hotels and apartments in Vinon, Gréoux-les-Bains and Manosque. You book these yourself through Airbnb, Booking.com or directly. For a stay of two weeks or more, it is worth comparing options: renting an apartment may cost less than paying the nightly rate for a club room.

• Instruction: ground and flight lessons, theoretical explanations, preparation for the test and flight debriefings.
• Club and federation fees: club membership, FFVP membership (the federation licence) and insurance, and daily flying fees.
• Flying: glider hire charged according to actual flight time, and aerotows charged according to the tow aircraft's actual operating time. At the initial stage, the frequent short flights mean aerotows account for a significant share of the budget.
• Study materials and documentation: the online theory course, aviation medical examination, pilot logbook, map and landing-site guide; the SPL issue fee is also payable when training is completed.

Annual club membership, annual FFVP membership and annual insurance do not need to be paid again if you return within the same calendar year.

My instruction is paid for separately, and you pay the club's charges directly to the club. Accommodation, meals, travel and local transport need to be budgeted for separately from training.

Before we finalise your trip, I will help you estimate the budget for your first visit and further training, taking your experience into account. The final cost depends on the actual number of training days, flight time and aerotows.