The pilots have been based at Stonefield airfield,which is home to a new soaring operation, called Fly Down Under (FDU).

It operates from early November to the end of February, and while this is the first season FDU has been in the air, it has already reached lofty heights.

This summer, three pilots have flown more than 1000 kilometres on a single flight, spending up to nine hours flying around the state without a motor.

Konrad Maierhofer, founder of Fly Down Under, said the group is aiming to reach the milestone of equalling the world’s circumference in the coming weeks.

“The aim of soaring a total distance of more than 40,000 kilometres from Stonefield airfield, before the end of February would be a great achievement for Fly Down Under, the Barossa area, and South Australia,” Mr Maierhofer said.

These gliders are fully-fledged planes made from fibreglass or carbon fibre that act just like normal planes, except they don’t have a motor, and they don’t even require wind.

Instead, once they have been towed into the air by a powered plane, the pilot finds currents of warm air in updrafts and uses these ‘thermals’ to stay aloft.

South Australian skies are perfect for gliding, and gliders can easily reach altitudes of more than 10,000 feet.

This weekend FDU is hosting an open day at Stonefield airfield to show the public more about the sport of soaring.

People will have the opportunity to get close-up with some of the world’s biggest and best-performing sailplanes and motor gliders.

With free entry, they can learn about the soaring technology, the skill of silently soaring in the air for hours, talk to experienced German and Australian pilots, or even let one of the instructors take them for a ride.

Visitors can even enjoy a barbecue and try special German delicacies while watching amazing aerobatic gliding displays, and hearing stories about this exciting sport.

The soaring open day is free to enter and will be held at Stonefield airfield this Sunday, January 22, from 10am.