It’s may not have gone as planned but what a great afternoon; I was booked for the Thursday, then Milan called and asked if I could be there on Wednesday afternoon, sure can, cya then.

I arrived to be advised Milan had out-landed 🤔 what do I do, I went on my first NZ Out-Landing retrieve, I had nothing else planned. Back at the airfield we re-rigged DD and Milan asked did I still want to go, the sky looked awesome and the next days forecast was not encouraging, we took a launch.

What a great flight; we worked the local ridge, had a couple of goes as pushing forward before we eventually cracked the wave and climbed to FL140. Daylight soon became the limiting fun factor and we made our way back to the airfield where me wife was waiting and asking what were we doing for dinner.

The lights were on at the Pink Glider Cafe where there was a large group having a dinner party, we kinda joined their party from an adjacent table, what a great finish to a memorable day. Was I lucky, weather wise yes but I also had a very competent instructor/coach; thanks Milan for a memorable afternoon.

As an experienced glider pilot, I have wanted to fly at Omarama for many years. I had a fantastic week, building my skills in mountain and wave flying and seeing some amazing sights as we soared over this beautiful country.

Milan did a great job of keeping us safe, explaining what we were doing and why, and coaching me to help me get the most out of the experience. 100% score for enthusiasm, patience and persistence, especially when conditions were more challenging!

It was my first time to glide, but I enjoyed very much because the pilot, Kieran explained things clearly and supported me. I also got to experience a bit of handling a glider. it is worth gliding at least once in your life.

I have regularly camped at Mt Cook National Park for over 20 years. Circling Aoraki/Mt Cook in a glider and then racing down above the beautiful turquoise waters of Lake Pukaki towards Twizel, rates as one of my top 10 life experiences.

Milan is an excellent, safe, highly experienced pilot who loves what he does. If the weather conditions are not suitable, he won’t fly, so we had to wait a day until conditions were right. He is very patient and generous with his time, happily fielding any questions you may have before take off.

Nothing beats the experience of gliding over Mt Cook and the Southern Alps at almost 20,000 feet in silence with no engine noise. Such a thrill to take control of the glider and enjoy the views. It was such a rush I decided to stay and do another trip the next day where we tried some other manoeuvres .

A unique experience, I highly recommend it! Don’t miss the chance to experience New Zealand’s natural beauty from a completely different perspective.

Next time I am home I will be back again Milan!