Introduction

The Club Darling Downs Soaring was formed in 1960 and has since grown to be one of the largest and most progressive clubs in Australia. Over the last seven years the club has to become one of the most successful and friendliest gliding clubs in Australia. The club is run and staffed entirely by volunteers.

We own a fleet of modern fibreglass gliders, which includes 3 two seaters and four single seaters and we own two tow planes. The club also operates two single seaters on long-term leases. We own the airfield McCaffrey Field, which we operate from.

The Darling Downs offers the best year round soaring conditions in Australia and there are few better areas in the world. The combination of the rich dark soils and warm weather year round produce outstanding thermal soaring conditions.

History

In 1959 Max Howland from Kingaroy, in an Australian designed Kookaburra 2 seat glider, landed at Oakey Airfield. He got a tow out and eventually outlanded in Lindsay Richards' paddock. Lindsay Richards then organised a group of people, including Dennis McCaffrey, Rex Teakle, Jim Wetherspoon, John Bell and Peter Walker and formed the Darling Downs Soaring Club in 1960.

The club operated from Oakey Airfield using winch launching. In the mid 60's the club started aero towing with Tiger Moths whilst retaining winch operations. Glider K7, QX, was purchased in late 1965. The club changed to solo aerotow in 1967 using a Tiger Moth. In June 69 the club departed Oakey Airfield with the arrival of the Army and operated off satellite paddocks for a few weeks before establishing our existing site.

The clubhouse and bunkhouse were ex-WW2 Oakey Airfield buildings purchased from the Department of Housing for a nominal cost. They were moved from Oakey to their current location. Hangar plans were drawn up in January 1970 and built in mid 70. Originally the field was owned by Dennis and Jean McCaffrey until the club purchased the land a number of years later (hence the name - McCaffrey Field).

For more on Denis McCaffrey's account of the history of the club, click here.

Videos

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Facilities

The club and its members own and maintain the airfield and all facilities including clubhouse, bunkhouse (4 twin share rooms, 14 bed dormitory), hangarage, workshop, bar, kitchen, BBQ, showers, powered camp and caravan sites, laundry and television / video lounge.

Club Operations

We operate every weekend and Public Holidays (weather permitting), and other times mid week by arrangement. Information for visiting aviators - McCaffrey Field 27º20'57"S 151º30'50"E, runway 12 / 30, 4000ft grass, 1200' AMSL, circuit frequency 126.7Mhz.

Glider Flights

Glider flights are a great way to experience the sensation of soaring. Your glider flight is conducted as a trial introductory flight by a Gliding Federation of Australia trained instructor in one of our modern sleek twin seat gliders. For details of our glider flight packages and gift certificates see the Glider Flights page.

Learn to Soar Courses

We conduct learn to soar courses every weekend and regular midweek courses throughout the year. For details of our courses see the Learn to Glide page.

Club and Private Fleet

We own and maintain a modern fleet of sleek fibreglass gliders which includes; Puchacz [GRI, WQX], G103 [IUR], Astir Jeans [KYT], Hornet [GMV], LS7 [XOW] and Ventus B16.6 [GGH]. We also have available online a Mosquito [GQD] and a Nimbus 2C [GAW].

Privately owned gliders include; Nimbus 4DM [GXY, YGL], Nimbus 4T [PM, VW], Duo Discus T [JSR], Ventus 2CM [ZBW, GLR], Mosquito [GZO], DG101 [WQR], ASW20C [GKO, KYF], ASK14 [GXU], Kestrel [GXC, GSY], Hornet [FQM], Nimbus 2C [FQL], ASW19 [GWL], ASW27b [ZJT], LS3A [IZR], Jantar Standard 2 [IIW].

Launch

All launches are by aerotow using a Piper Pawnee 235 [VH-SWR and VH-MLR]. We also have access to a Cessna 180 Skywagon [VH-MDK] for aero towing if required.

Membership

We offer a range of membership options that allows you to select the one most appropriate for your circumstances. For details of our club membership options see the Costs page.

Costs

For details of our glider flights, glider rental, aerotow, accommodation and membership costs see the Costs page.

Contact Information

For more information you can contact us by telephone, fax or e-mail. For details see the Contact Us page.

How to get there

From Brisbane travel to Toowoomba, then continue to travel the Warrego Highway through the towns of Oakey and Jondaryan. Continue through Jondaryan for 9km until Mason Rd. Mason Rd is sign posted and we have a sign at the T-section. Turn left down Mason Rd and follow the airfield signs. By car from Brisbane - 2h 15min, Toowoomba - 40min, Dalby - 30min.

McCafferty's Express has daily coach services from Brisbane to Toowoomba.

Darling Downs Soaring Club on Google Earth and NASA WorldWind

An Invitation

Visitors are warmly welcomed to enjoy our hospitality and to experience the sensation of soaring with a glider flight or to speak to members about the sport of soaring. Visiting pilots are also welcomed to experience the premium soaring site in Queensland - the perfect site for your next soaring vacation.

Join Us

Darling Downs Soaring Club membership forms are available.

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