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| Jurisdiction | Australia |
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| Founded | 1949 |
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Gliding Federation of Australia, also known asGliding Australia, is the governing body for the sport ofgliding in Australia. It was founded in 1949. Gliding Australia is responsible toCivil Aviation Safety Authority for the conduct of safe gliding operations in Australia. This includes the setting and maintenance of flying standards and in particular training standards, for gliding and soaring flight in heavier-than-air fixed-wing gliders and sailplanes, powered sailplanes and touring motor gliders, but excluding flexible wing, weight shift hang gliders and paragliders.[citation needed]
Gliding Australia provides services to its members such as:
In Australia, glider pilots are exempt from holding pilot licences but the GFA is responsible for the establishment of glider pilot certificates. These are regarded highly enough by CASA and the aviation industry to be considered as a satisfactory substitute for licences. Australian glider pilots wishing to fly gliders in other countries can convert their GFA Glider Pilot Certificates (GPC) to CASA–issued (and ICAO compliant).[1]
The GFA is a tiered structure based on regional associations, which are in turn based on gliding clubs. It is only possible to be a member of the GFA if one is also a member of a gliding club which is affiliated to the GFA through the applicable regional association. The five regional associations are
Gliding Australia is applying[when?] to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) for formal recognition as an Approved Self-administering Aviation Organisation (ASAO) under CASR Part 149 legislation.[2] CASA's assessment of this application is required to be completed by December 2023.[needs update]
Gliding Australia has[when?] modified its constitution to align with Part 149 requirements for key personnel, improve separation of Board and Executive functions, and drive greater organisational efficiencies. The board includes regional, women's and junior representation, with a focus on strategy, priorities, governance, planning and performance. Executive functions include CEO (Accountable Manager), Safety, Operations, Airworthiness, plus Soaring Development, Marketing and Development, as well as enabling administrative functions.[citation needed] As well as meeting legislated ASAO requirements, this organisation provides national support for regions and clubs seeking to participate in the sport, run events and competitions, promote training and coaching and pilot development pathways, promote diversity and inclusion, manage airworthiness standards for varying gliders and systems, learn from incidents and occurrences, and develop training and operational systems.[citation needed]
CASA has also delegated training, operational procedures and endorsement of glider towing operations to Gliding Australia, utilising general aviation and light sport aviation powered aircraft fitted with approved tow hooks and releases.
Australia has hosted World Gliding Championship contests on several occasions.[3]
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