Gliding Activities

Discover the thrill of silent flight above the beautiful Tuscan hills

Our Activities

During weekends and holidays, we organize gliding activities using both winch launch (an extremely economical and environmentally friendly method), and aerotow for extended flights. During summer, it's generally possible to fly on weekdays as well, by arrangement with available tow pilots.

Our introductory flights are available year-round and offer an extraordinary experience to enjoy yourself or gift to someone you love. We're committed to selecting days with optimal weather conditions to guarantee flights of at least half an hour, but when conditions permit, you can stay aloft much longer, riding thermal currents to extend the experience and admire the Tuscan landscape in all its beauty.

From our privileged position, you'll fly over places of extraordinary beauty in the immediate vicinity: the historic town of Cortona, the crystal-clear waters of Lake Trasimeno, the city of Arezzo with its medieval center, and the imposing Montecchio Vesponi Castle. Every flight is a unique opportunity to discover Tuscany from a perspective that few have the privilege to admire.

At the controls, you'll find highly qualified instructor pilots, including the owner, a former airline commander with thousands of flight hours. During the flight, you'll have the unique opportunity to take the controls of the glider and experience the thrill of silent flight in complete safety. This isn't just a flight: it's an experience that transforms the dream of flying into an unforgettable reality.

For those wishing to go further, we offer specialized training sessions by appointment. Our privileged location in Valdichiana provides exceptional thermal and wave conditions, ideal for both first flights and perfecting gliding techniques.

Gliding activities

Gliding Clubs and Fleet

Two gliding clubs operate within the airfield, coexisting and collaborating to offer various flying opportunities with two-seat gliders for introductory flights.

Montecchio Gliding Club

  • Winch launch - economical and ecological method
  • Schleicher Ka 2 Rhönschwalbe
    Historic two-seat glider (16m wingspan) - wooden construction, designed in 1952

Mugello Gliding Club

Opportunities for Pilots

  • You can become members of both clubs, even for short periods during the year
  • Mandatory instructor check for both winch launch and aerotow operations
  • Tow service for private gliders available at competitive prices

For more information about membership and aircraft usage, contact us.

Airfield Specifications

Surface

Grass

Dimensions

820 x 40 meters

Runway Orientation

05/23

Elevation

810 feet (247 m)

GPS Coordinates

N43-17-83, E11-54-42

Radio Frequency

130.00 MHz

Windsock Location

Northwest of runway

Launch System

Winch

Pilot Information

Airfield diagram showing runway direction and traffic patterns

Airfield diagram with circuit indications

Glider Traffic Patterns

  • Runway 05: Gliders normally use left-hand circuit
  • Runway 23: Gliders normally use right-hand circuit

Important: Winch Launch Operations

During winch launch operations, powered traffic must keep the overhead of the airfield clear.

  • Gliders are launched to approximately 1,600 feet AGL in approximately 20-30 seconds
  • The winch cable presents an invisible hazard during launch and descent, but also when laid across the runway
  • Always exercise caution during takeoff and landing if gliding operations are known to be in progress
  • Radio calls are made on 130.00 MHz at the start of operations
  • Avoid overflying during gliding operations

For more information about safety procedures during gliding operations, see UK CAA - Flying over gliding sites

History & Aviation Heritage

Our airfield has a rich aviation history. In the past, it was home to the Falco F8L, a twin-seat aerobatic Aviamilano aircraft from 1956.

Designed by engineer Stelio Frati, the Falco gained recognition for its outstanding performance. Its distinctive teardrop canopy provided excellent visibility.

The aircraft won the VI Compasso d'Oro industrial design award. While no longer in service at our airfield, the Falco remains an important part of our aviation heritage.

Historical aviation heritage
Tuscan panorama

Fly with Us

Flying activities take place during weekends and holidays.

Contact us to book your introductory flight or for information about training sessions.

Contact Us