Youth Soaring Development Camp

Aspeq is proud to have sponsored the 2025 Youth Soaring Development Camp, held from 12–18 January in the gliding mecca of Omarama. This annual event, led by Youth Glide New Zealand, brought together 15 passionate young glider pilots—including four young women—for a week of flight training, personal achievement, and aviation camaraderie.

Throughout the camp, an impressive 176 flights were launched—almost all via winch using the powerful Skylaunch system—with 52 hours of flying logged in total. For many, the camp was a launchpad for personal milestones:

• Two first solo flights
• Several re-solos
• New type ratings achieved

Every participant left with a deeper knowledge of soaring, stronger flying skills, and memories to last a lifetime.

A highlight of Aspeq’s involvement was the presentation of two scholarships to standout participants. Congratulations to Bradan Foster of Christchurch and Raven Burheene of Queenstown—both in their final year of high school and committed to pursuing careers in aviation. With sights set on achieving their Commercial Pilot Licence (Glider) [CPL(G)], the scholarships are helping them get one step closer to their dreams.

"The organising and provision of the two scholarships from Aspeq was a real hit for the fortunate recipients."
– Roger Read, Director of Operations, Youth Glide NZ

Aspeq is proud to support the next generation of aviators. Congratulations to all participants—and especially to Bradan and Raven—for their outstanding achievements. We look forward to seeing where your wings take you next!