IS IT FOR YOU?
Gliding is a unique sport, once you've learned to fly safely you can decide what level you take your sport to, be it a gentle and relaxing local flight and see how long you can stay in the air, or something more challenging like a cross country flight, the choice is yours. There are formal targets and goals if you want them and our members can always suggest something for any given day and weather conditions.
We don't just fly in the summer, we operate all your around although our air time reduces when there are no thermals to keep our gliders aloft but the good news is we also have a ridge in front of the site which in certain wind conditions provides consistent lift and can support extended flying times.
Becoming a pilot
Once you decide to learn to fly the first step is to join a club, our club.
Glider pilots learn to fly at their club in dual control gliders. The course can be intensive or spread over many weeks and months as suits individual needs.
The British Gliding Association syllabus leads to pilot qualification, via stages.
The first major milestone is Solo flying. Every aspiring pilot’s first solo is a great moment!
Qualification results in a Sailplane Pilot Licence (SPL).
WHEN WE FLY
FLYING DAYS
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We fly at the weekend and midweek, which is usually on a Wednesday. We also fly on Bank Holidays, with the exception of Christmas and New Year. Before you come, please call the Launch Point to confirm that we are flying on that day.
We usually have at least one soaring/task week each year, and members sometimes arrange extra flying days if the forecast is particularly good; see the Events Calendar for up to date information.
Follow these links for information about Trial Lessons and bookings and vouchers.
Catering Facilities
There are no catering facilities on the airfield but there is a small shop in the village of Shalbourne.
