Gliding is the most natural way of flying, it requires a great deal of skill to keep you in the air. You are free to roam the skies at will without worrying about the fuel bill.
It provides a great alternative to flying conventional aeroplanes as gliding is very cheap.
There are many options when it comes to gliding, you can fly locally or you can fly long distances cross country. You can even learn to do aerobatics in gliders and compete in competitions.
Gliders can stay in the air for long periods of time by finding rising air called thermals. It is not uncommon for gliders to stay airbourne for several hours.
Gliding Badges
There is no licence for gliding, instead there are a number of badges to be earned instead. Each badge is a measure of the achievements that the glider pilot has reached. The first badge to aim for is the A badge which is awarded on going solo for the first time.
After your first solo then the real fun begins. You can start advancing your skills first by achieving a solo flight for five minutes above your launch altitude, this will gain you the B badge.
The next badges to aim for will be the bronze, silver and gold badges, these increase in difficulty respectively. They are awarded based on number of flights, soaring times and distances flown. There also some multiple choice ground exams to pass for the bronze badge.
The more advanced pilots can aim for a diamonds badge, which includes a 300km flight, or the elusive 1000km badge. Gliding badges offers you great oppurtunities to expand and improve your skills.
How much does Gliding Cost?
Gliding is one of the cheapest forms of aviation to get involved in. Normally you would join a local gliding club and pay a small annual membership fee of around £500.
Then you pay around £6 for a winch launch and approx £25 per half an hour you are in the air (for glider rental). Specific costs will of course vary between gliding clubs.
There are many packages avaliable at flying schools. For example many schools offer week courses to get you solo for around £500.
Who can Glide?
Almost anyone can gilde, you have to be 16 and over to go solo, but many students start training before they are 16.
Fitness, you have to be fit enough to drive a car. To go solo you must get your GP to sign for this. During training you only have to sign a medical declaration.
Size, this should not be a problem for most people. Tall people over 6 ft 4 inches may be restricted to certain gliders.
Is Gliding Safe?
Modern Gliders are very strong and flexible, safety standards are very high. Accidents are not common and are often due to pilot negligence.
Follow the rules and regulations and you will find gliding is one of the safest aviation sports.
Trial Flight
Not sure if gliding is for you, then why not take up a trial flight. You can pick up a trial flight at most gliding schools for around £60.
On your trial flight you will get to experience the thrill of soaring through the air and you will be given the oppurtunity to fly the glider yourself. Trial flights are a great way of discovering if gliding is suited to you, before you go forking on courses and club membership fees.
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