Frequently Asked Questions

These questions should hopefully answer any questions you may have about learning to glide. You can find more under "What is gliding?". If you have any more questions that you feel should be answered here, please e-mail the webmaster.

Q Do I fly on my own?
A Not to begin with. You will fly with an instructor until you are competent enough to go solo.

Q How old do you need to be?
A There is no minimum age limit as such, but you must be big enough for the straps to secure you well. On some gliders you may need to be heavy enough too. To go solo, you must be 16, but you can learn before this - many go solo on their 16th birthday! There is no maximum age limit, but after 70, you must have a medical every year.

Q Are there weight restrictions?
A Most gliders have a weight limit of 110kg (242 lbs) for each seat. The minimum limit varies from glider to glider, but this can often be made up for with ballast weights.

Q Are there height restrictions?
A Generally, if you are 6'3" (190cm) or less, you should be fine. If you are taller, there may only be certain gliders you can fit into - it's worth asking the club you want to fly at.

Q Is it difficult to land?
A No. Your first few attempts may seem difficult, but when you have done a few, you will be suprised how easy it is to land within a few metres of where you want to!

Q Do I need to wear a parachute?
A You don't need to, but it is recommended, and most clubs do have parachutes and insist on using them. It is very rare indeed that they are used, but if you have a safety precaution available, why not use it?

Q Do I need to buy a glider?
A No. Clubs generally have a range of gliders (both two-seaters and single-seaters), which are normally good enough to take you to a very high level.

Q What weather can you fly in?
A There are really only three things that stop us from flying - rain, low cloud and strong winds (more than 30mph!). When you are learning, it often pays to turn up whatever the weather - particularly in the summer very few days are completely unflyable, and often the weather men can be wrong or give the wrong impression of the weather. If you don't turn up, you aren't going to fly!

Q Can I go on a course?
A Yes. Courses are very good ways to learn, as nothing beats consistency of flying. Most clubs do five-day courses at least throughout the summer. As you progress, some clubs also do "advanced" courses to teach eg, aerobatics or cross-country.

Q Do I need to book when I go flying?
A Generally not. Some clubs may have booking systems, but most you can turn up, put your name on the list, and fly when your turn comes up. This is often referred to as "casual flying".

Q Do I need a licence?
A No. There is a glider pilots licence, but it's really only needed for flying abroad. Once you go solo, you will be awarded the "A" badge, and after that, there are several other badges to go for. The Bronze Badge is the equivalent of the power flying Private Pilot's Licence.

Q Are there any exams?
A The only tests you take are when you are reaching the Bronze badge. There is a flying test, and a test paper. A good majority of people pass these first time!

Q How long does it take to go solo?
A This depends very much on two factors. How often you turn up and how good you are! The absolute minimum (unless you have a power licence) is 20 flights, however more realistically, you can look at 40-100 flights.

Q How much does it cost to go solo?
A Again, the same factors apply as above, and prices vary from club to club. A very rough guide is £500-1000.

Q How much time does it take up?
A Particularly when you are learning, it is good to go as often as you can. When you do go, you can expect to spend the good part of a day at the airfield. When you are not flying, you are normally expected to help get other people launched (this helps to keep the cost down!). Some clubs may do "Turn up and fly" deals, but obviously these cost more.

Q Does my power flying count for anything?
A Yes. If you have a PPL, the minimum requirement of 20 flights is waived, but the instructor still needs to know that you are competent and safe enough to fly on your own. There is also a reduction in the hours requirements to get your Bronze Badge.

Q Does my hang-gliding/paragliding help?
A There are no reductions in requirements, however, you may well find it easier than some just because you have some "air-sense" already. Many hang-glider/paraglider pilots convert very quickly, and they tend to enjoy the extra performance!

Q What can I expect when I learn to glide?
A Brian Rogers, a pilot at Deeside GC has created an excellent websiet detailing his introduction to the sport and his progression to solo and beyond. You can find Brian's website on learning to glide here.

Q Can disabled people fly gliders?
A Yes. Gliding is suitable for people with a range of disabilities. For more information, see the section Disabled Gliding.