First Flights

Clubs tend to have different packages for your first flights (or "trial lesson"). These will range from a single flight to a series of three or so flights. You will need to ask at the club what they have to offer. Doing three flights in one go is to be recommended, particularly if you are looking to take up gliding. It will only give you a small taste of the broad range of gliding available, but will give you a good idea of what is to follow!

As well as buying a trial lesson direct from the club, you can buy a Trial Lesson Voucher from the British Gliding Association, which is useable at various clubs around the country. Click here to find out more.

Before flying

One thing to be aware of when you go gliding is that airfields tend to be in flat open spaces, so it often seems windier and colder than elsewhere. Although you don't need any special clothing (but no skirts please!), it is advisable to make sure you have an extra jumper with you. Once flying, you will probably find it slightly warmer (as there is no wind and you are sitting under a perspex canopy).

When you arrive at the airfield, you will first of all need to get the relevant paperwork done (there will be a temporary membership form and a simple medical declaration to sign), so you will need to find the office or whoever is in charge. After completing the forms you will be introduced to your instructor.

First flight

Before flying, the instructor will give you a briefing on what the controls do, what the instruments do, and what to expect during the flight. Sometimes this will be done in the clubhouse, and sometimes when you are sitting in the glider. You may not take it all in straight away, but things will become clearer once in the air. If you are unsure of anything, either on the ground or in the air, be sure to ask questions - the instructor is there to help!

The instructor will do the launch, and then will demonstrate what the controls do, possibly with you gently holding the controls. You will then get the chance to try the controls for yourself whilst the instructor talks you through it. Potentially, if you find some lift, you may even experience soaring flight!

When you get down to a certain level, the instructor will need to take control to do the circuit and landing.

Welcome to gliding!

To find out more information about how to join, and what follows, speak to your instructor and they should be able to point you in the right direction.