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AEROCLUB DE LOS ANDES (A.C.L.A.) operates from its base in Aeropuerto Chapelco Aviador Carlos Campos, distant 20 kilometres from the city of San Martín de los Andes. It is an N.G.O. founded on 10th November 1959, and dedicated to foster and teach aeronautics and its related activities. This flight school instructs candidates on theory and practice to obtain a license as a Private Aeroplane Pilot, and Glider Pilot, as well as a qualification to make controlled VFR and glider-tug flights. Practical instruction is also given to applicants for the license to fly commercial planes. |
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The South-West region of Neuquén province is characterized not only by the beauty of its natural sceneries, but also from the aeronautical point of view, mainly for gliding, which has an evident reputation at the international level. To reach long distances and heights in a glider is generally enjoyed by specialists, but it is also a fantastic experience for those who only wish to make their first flight and see the surrounding nature of the region from a comfortable, secure aereal viewpoint, while hearing only the rustling of the wind against the wings.
Nature is even more splendorous when observed from the air. A gliding tour is almost a "must" for those who wish to appreciate the dimension of the immeasurable distances of Patagonian spurs, observe the bright reflection of the blue screen of lakes, and wonder at the geography of mountain ranges sculped through ages. Winding rivers with silver waterfalls in summer, bright colours in autumn, and the softness of the white layer of snow in winter are the different panoramas that the viewer will enjoy from the air with endless awe.
The A.C.D.L.A. offers these unique gliding excursions on safe, excellently maintained aircrafts, piloted by qualified experts of the region. The equipment is composed by a single engine 150 HP PIPER PA 18 L-21 aircraft for two people ( the pilot and a passenger), reaching a speed of 95 knots (180 km./ h), a single engine CESSNA 182 SKYLANE aircraft for four people ( a pilot and three passengers) reaching a speed of 125 knots ( 230 km./ h ), and one LARK IS 28 B 2 glider for two people ( one pilot and one passenger). |
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First flights last 20 minutes minimum, but they can last up to 30 minutes, depending on meteolological conditions and the passenger's preference. This glider is towed by an aircraft up to a height of 600 mts., to perform a free flight in the large valley around the airport, from where they can see the Lanín, Chapelco spurs, Chimehín river, the city of Junín de los Andes, Vega Maipú, and if they reach a certain height, they will also be able to see lake Lolog and the outlet of Quilquihue river. Aircraft excursions travel over two circuits: over the ski slopes in Cerro Chapelco, with a view of Lakes Lácar, Meliquina, Nonthue, Lolog, and the city of San Martín de los Andes, or on a longer tour over lakes Lolog, Curruhue Grande and Curruhue Chico, Laguna Verde, Epulafquen, Paimún, Huechulafquen, Tromen and Quillén, with a short distance view of Escorial, Huanquihue, and Lanín volcanoes. To the South there is a view of Mount Tronador on the Chilean border, and to the West and North, to the Chilean volcanoes Osorno, Mocho, Chos Huenco, Villarrica, and Lanín. These excursions are highly recommended during the morning and on clear days for a better perspective. The flying period varies from 25 to 40 minutes for the first option, and from 60 to 80 minutes for the secod option, depending on the plane used.
It is advisable to wear comfortable light clothes in summer, as well as a cap and sunglasses. It is very useful to carry a camera or a video camera, even when the constant focusing of an objective may cause sickness. |
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Contact:
Aeroclub de los Andes
Aeropuerto Chapelco
(8370) San Martín de los Andes - Neuquén
Tel: +54 2972 42-6254
E-mail
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Rates and fees must be requested from each operator.
Welcome Argentina does not provide this kind of information. |
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