The GFA is a non-profit Incorporated Association registered in Victoria. Members belong to one or more of over 80 clubs around Australia.
Every club is a member of a Regional Association which is supported by and works closely with, the various GFA Regional Technical Officers.
Each club may elect one or more delegates to represent it at the Regional Association.
Each Regional Association elects one delegate (and a deputy) to represent their region at GFA, as Board members. Collectively these people, together with the members of the Executive, make up the GFA Board.
There are five Regional Associations: The NSW Association includes ACT, Tasmania is part of the Victorian Association, and the South Australian Gliding Association includes NT. Some clubs, located near state borders, are part of the neighbouring state's Association.
An Annual General Meeting of the GFA is held, at which every financial member of the GFA is entitled to vote. The Annual Board Meeting is usually held at the same time. At Board meetings, important business and policy changes are debated as necessary and after adequate consultation within the regions, decisions are made and implemented nationally.
Papers relating to these meetings are made available to clubs and associations, so that any matter put forward can first be discussed at these levels. 
Individuals can also raise matters , through their club and association.
These officers are responsible for the day-to-day running of the GFA through the employed GFA Secretariat staff. They are obliged to comply with the directions of the Board When matters for the Board arise between scheduled Board meetings, the Board makes decisions via telephone and/or electronic media.
The Executive is made up of the following:
President
Vice-President
Treasurer
Chair of the Operations Panel
Chair of the Airworthiness Department
Chair of the Sports Committee
Chair of the Marketing and Development Committee
A small team of paid staff work at the GFA Secretariat, located in Somerton (a northern suburb of Melbourne). The GFA Secretariat employs people in the following roles (most staff members have more than one role):
Executive Officer
GFA Secretary
Membership Secretary
Registration Secretary
Chief Technical Officer - Operations
Chief Technical Officer - Airworthiness