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ABOUT US
We are an active and enthusiastic Flying Club with weekend and mid-week gliding thoughout the year, plus special events and activities.
Located on the ridge of hills that runs from Newbury in Berkshire to Pewsey in Wiltshire, just above Shalbourne village, Shalbourne Gliding was founded in the late 1970's by a group of individuals dedicated to sharing their passion for gliding with others.
We like to keep up this tradition: we're always welcoming new members to our club and to take part in our activities. Simply, we love getting together to do what we love.
ABOUT US
We have a fleet of two-seater and single-seater gliders for training and solo flying.
Our team of qualified and enthusiastic instructors are ready to guide you through your first steps to flying or help you improve your existing skills.
We also have ample space for private owners to keep their gliders on our site and take advantage of our flying facilities.
Our setting in the glorious Wiltshire countryside affords breathtaking views, exhilarating soaring along our ridge and opportunities to fly cross-country in nearly every direction.
CONTACT US
Launch Point: 07453 601307 (this number is only used when we are flying; please do not text or leave voicemail)
We usually fly both weekend days and Wednesday, subject to flying conditions being suitable. We are happy to see visitors but if the main gate is shut, we are not flying so please do not try to enter. If we are flying, see instructions for safely accessing the airfield here
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FIND US
Rivar Hill from the road entrance
Look out for these signs by our entrance
Rivar Hill from the air
SHALBOURNE GLIDING EXPEDITIONS
We don't just fly from Rivar Hill, Shalbourne.
On occasions throughout the year some of the members will take their aircraft or even club aircraft to other sites for training or just the sheer enjoyment of flying somewhere different.
INTERCLUB ACTIVITIES
For those who have gained their full gliding licence there are opportunities each year to take part in friendly competitions with other clubs. It is organised in areas and typically we will be set against three or four other clubs travelling from club to club. They are a low key event but great fun!
WINTER GET AWAY
When our cross country flying is limited by poor thermic conditions, during the winter we try to get away, usually to Yorkshire or Scotland and find somewhere we can use ridge or wave lift. These conditions extend our flying calendar and even if the weather isn't being kind, we organise day trips out from our temporary base.
VINTAGE RALLY
A few times a year some of our members trail off to other clubs to meet up with friends as well as make new ones taking their vintage gliders with them, always relaxed and welcoming you don't need a vintage glider to go!
VISTING OTHER CLUBS
Each time we visit PNGC based at Middle Wallop we are made to feel like friends and family, here we can practice aerotows as well as flying from the large military base just down the road from us.
The Scottish Gliding Centre is set on the edge of beautiful Loch Leven and is a favourite destination for expeditions from Shalbourne. Not only for the grandeur of the Scottish scenery but the chance, in the right weather, to fly in 'wave' conditions which permit climbs to very high altitude and flights over great distances.
Visiting the club based in Yorkshire at Sutton Bank is always a pleasure with stunning scenery, a friendly welcome and great facilities many of the club members head up north at various times of the year.
