About

Established in 1929

GCV is the oldest continuously-operating gliding club in the Southern Hemisphere, having started flying in 1929 and operating continuously at Benalla since 1952. It is also the largest club in Australia with more than 240 members. Pilots from all over Australia and the world come to Benalla to soar the skies. In January 2017 we hosted the World Gliding Championships.

Our Goal

Gliding is for everyone, young and old - We aim to introduce newcomers to the thrill and challenge of our sport and to encourage members and visiting pilots to take on new challenges in a safe, friendly and well-equipped environment.
If you can touch the pedals you can begin your gliding journey and you can even go solo once you turn 15 years of age.

Great Fleet and Facilities

We have a modern fleet of gliders, four two-seaters which are used for air experience flights, instruction and introduction to cross-country soaring and five single seat aircraft which are hired by suitably trained members and visitors for cross country and general flying. The Club currently operates two PA-25 Piper Pawnees as tug planes.

VH-PWG - DG1001s NEO 18-20 metre high performance two-seater purchaed new in 2021, manufactured by DG Flugzeugbau, Germany.
VH-GCV - Duo Discus 20 metre high perfoemance two-seater purchased in 2001, manufactured by Schemp-Hirth, Germany.
VH-GFQ - ASK21 17 metre two-seater training glider purchased new in 2010, manufactured by Alexander Schleicher, Germany.
VH-GFZ - ASK21 17 metre two-seater training glider purchased new in 2008, manufactured by Alexander Schleicher, Germany.
VH-XOB - SZD-51 Junior 15 metre early solo single-seat glider, manufactured by SZD, Poland.
VH-WUS - LS3 15 metre cross country single-seat glider manufactured by Rolladen-Schneider, Germany.
VH-XCL - LS4 15 metre cross country single-seat glider manufactured by Rolladen-Schneider, Germany.
VH-ZBC - LS4 15 metre cross country single-seat glider manufactured by Rolladen-Schneider, Germany.
VH-XJJ - LS7 15 metre cross country single-seat glider manufactured by Rolladen-Schneider, Germany.
VH-MCF - Standard PA-25 Piper Pawnee tug plane.
VH-BXP - A1 Dual seat PA-25 Piper Pawnee tug plane.

GCV facilities support a total flying experience, we boast modern air conditioned club rooms with a commercial kitchen, well stocked bar and wireless internet access. Our outdoor area is grassed, shaded and offers barbecues and pizza ovens.

We operate 7 days per week and conduct weather, safety, SAR and tasking briefings each morning at 09.00. For international competitions, we have adjoin the Benalla Performing Arts and Convention Centre which has a large auditorium and a cinema for thse no-fly days.
Basic hut accommodation and member camping is available at the historic Aeropark which adjoins the airfield.
For those bringing their own aircraft, we have multiple tiedowns with water and power.