Before you book
We look forward to welcoming you and to experience an Introductory Flight in a glider. You will fly in a dual control two-seat training glider with a British Gliding Association rated instructor. Like all sports there are a few restrictions to consider for your safety and comfort…
Anyone under 18 years old will require the written consent of a parent or guardian. Children under 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian while at the airfield. Children over 12 years old will be able to fly at the discretion of the instructor. Children under 12 years old are unlikely to be within the height and weight limits and will usually not be mature enough to benefit from the flight.
There is no upper age limit however please consider the notes relating to mobility.
The maximum passenger weight limit is 102kg or 16 Stones. This may be reduced further by the combination weights of passenger and instructor. We may ask you to be weighed when you arrive.
You will be wearing a parachute and must be able to fit comfortably in the glider seat with harness straps.
There are no specific medical requirements for you to undertake the flight. However, you must be reasonably fit and mobile and bring to the instructor’s attention any medical condition that could cause an adverse effect during flight.
Getting into a glider is similar to getting into a bathtub. Getting out requires more strength than getting in. To exit a glider, you need to be able to lift yourself up using your arms, and swing your legs out to the side unaided. If you have reduced mobility and are unable to do this, unfortunately we will not be able to fly you.
There are height restrictions. Normally a maximum of 6ft 2 inches to allow the canopy to close with head clearance, however this also depends on body and leg length to a maximum of 6ft 4 inches subject to a trial in the glider with parachute. The minimum height is 5ft to be able to securely wear a parachute.
Please wear comfortable clothes and footwear and consider a hat, sunglasses and sun cream for the likely weather conditions. It may be cool whilst waiting on the airfield. If you wish to take photos, a camera or mobile phone must have a safety wrist or neck strap.
If, on the day, your instructor is unable to fly you due to weather conditions or any of the above restrictions and conduct the flight safely, you will be offered the opportunity to re-book.
Safety on the airfield
Aircraft are allowed to use any part of the airfield at any time for take-offs and landings. They fly almost silently and you may not hear them coming. Long tow ropes are towed behind tow aircraft. Do not cross any part of the airfield without guidance and authorisation by a club member.
Do not touch any gliders or aircraft unless authorised
Stay away from towing aircraft. Propellers can kill
Do not go near a powered aircraft, even when the engine is not running
You are not allowed to smoke near aircraft (this includes gliders)
Do not stand near a glider about to launch
Enter and leave the glider only when instructed. Your instructor will make sure that it is safe for you to do so and will show you where you can safely put your hands and feet
In flight do not touch any controls or switches until advised to do so. You may be able to take control of the glider in flight under the guidance of your instructor.