Have a first flight
A first flight experience is a great way to try something new and experience the delights of gliding, or maybe you’d just like to take in the view!
Buying & Booking:
You can buy your flight voucher online, using the button below. Vouchers are sent out First Class post and are valid for 12 months from the date of issue. Once your voucher has arrived, you can book your flight online by clicking the button below and then selecting book an appointment on the following page.
Gliding is a weather dependent activity, so we advise you book well before the expiry of your voucher, to allow time for re-booking in the event of poor weather. To help organise things, we book you into a time-slot on the day of your flight. We will try to fly you as close to this time as we can, but sometimes the weather can cause delays while we wait for it to clear or improve; so we ask for your patience and understanding on the day of your flight and recommend that you book a day when you aren't pressed for time either before or after your time-slot.
The flight:
Your flight begins at the front office, where our friendly staff will ask you to fill in a simple form and show you a video about your flight experience and airfield safety. At the launch area, your instructor will give you a briefing on the glider and the flight ahead. You will launch by aerotow behind a powered aircraft. After release from the tow aircraft, your instructor will demonstrate the flying controls and explain how the glider can stay airborne using lift generated by the sun and wind.
Your flight will last approximately 20 minutes and you will be given the opportunity to have a go at flying the glider yourself – it’s not as difficult as you might think. However, you don’t have to take the controls if you don’t want to – you can just sit back and enjoy the view if you prefer.
The experience:
The views are stunning. If you wish to take photos during your flight, you should tell your instructor before the flight commences. Your instructor will advise how you should hold and operate the camera safely.
All our instructors are trained to the standards set by the British Gliding Association. The training standard is rigorous. You can be assured that your instructor will look after you before, during and after your flight.
Your first flight experience includes one month’s Club Membership. Within that time, you can return to the Club and fly with us as many times as you like, paying only Club Members' flying rates. Ask at the office for more details.