Gliding is one of the purest forms of flight — quiet, graceful, and deeply rewarding. Whether you’re curious about taking your first lesson or already dreaming of flying solo, our instructors and members are here to guide you every step of the way.
Is Gliding Hard?
In a word — no.
Learning to glide is very similar to learning to drive: it takes practice, but the fundamentals come quickly, and you’ll always be supported by an experienced instructor.
Our members range from teenagers to pensioners, and many begin with no aviation experience at all. Young people can even be cleared to fly solo from 14 years old
“Training gliders are stable, placid and very forgiving.”
Do I Need My Own Glider?
Not at all.
The club provides everything you need to learn, including dual‑seat training gliders and all equipment. Many pilots train for years before deciding whether to buy their own aircraft — and many never do.
If you start with a Flight Experience with trial membership, you’ll enjoy two months of club membership and can continue training at club rates if you decide gliding is for you.
How Training Works
Our training follows a structured, nationally recognised pathway that takes you from your very first flight to independent solo flying
Taking the Controls
During your early lessons, your instructor will introduce the basics of straight‑and‑level flight and gentle turns. When the moment is right, you’ll hear the words every trainee remembers:
“You have control.”
When you reply “I have control,” the instructor will let you fly the aircraft — while remaining ready to take over at any moment. Training gliders are designed to be stable and predictable, making this stage both safe and exciting.
Understanding Lift: How Gliders Stay Airborne
Once released from the winch, the glider becomes a free aircraft and begins searching for rising air. You’ll learn how to recognise and use the three main types of lift:
- Thermals — columns of warm rising air
- Ridge lift — wind deflected upwards by hills
- Wave lift — smooth, powerful lift created by mountain airflow
Finding and using lift is one of the most satisfying parts of gliding, and you’ll gradually learn to stay airborne longer and travel further.
Launching: Your First Take‑Off
Most of our launches use a powerful winch. The sequence is simple and well‑rehearsed:
- The cable is attached
- The launch point marshal checks the area is safe
- You’ll hear “Take up slack”
- Then “All out” — and the launch begins
The glider accelerates rapidly and climbs steeply, releasing the cable at around 900–1,500 feet above the airfield.
Landing: A Precise and Calm Process
Your instructor will talk you through the landing pattern:
- High Key Area at around 800 feet
- Downwind leg
- Base leg
- Final approach into wind
Airbrakes control the descent, and the glider gently rounds out before touching down on the grass.
Courses and Progression
We run occasional structured courses for members at pre‑arranged dates throughout the year. These offer concentrated training and are ideal for accelerating your progress.
All training — whether on a course or during normal club operations — is included in your membership. You only pay for launches and flying time.
Your Path to Solo
Every pilot progresses at their own pace, but the journey typically includes:
- Basic handling
- Turning and speed control
- Launching and landing
- Circuit planning
- Flying in lift
- Emergency procedures
- Pre‑solo checks and consolidation
When both you and your instructor are confident, you’ll take your first solo flight — an unforgettable milestone.