Your first flight in a glider will be a very memorable experience. As you soar above the Yorkshire countryside, your instructor will search for rising currents of air, or thermals, that will carry you higher whilst you experience the peace and tranquillity that is so much a part of the exhilarating sport of gliding.

Prior to the flight your fully trained and highly experienced instructor will show you the glider and explain what to expect during the flight. Once comfortably settled into the glider, the winch launch or aero-tow cable (depending on choice of launch method) will be attached to the glider and you will be launched to a height of between 1500ft and 2000ft if on a winch launch or 2000ft plus if taking an aero-tow.

Once the instructor releases the glider from the launch cable you are free to explore the sky silently, soaring high above the beautiful Yorkshire countryside. Your instructor will explain and demonstrate how the glider's controls work and there will be an opportunity for 'hands on' experience. You will be able to fly the glider and get a feel for the ease in which these silent machines can be flown. When the instructor sees fit, he will take control and land the aircraft safely at the launch point.

Once down, there will be ample opportunity to discuss the flight and any questions you may have. You will most certainly be 'hooked'!


The Start of Your Flying Career - Learning to Glide

During your first flight the instructor will have demonstrated basic controls and on subsequent flights you will develop the ability to control the glider. As progress is made towards your first solo flight not only will you become competent in taking off and landing the glider, you will also start to understand how to make best use of the air's natural energy and how to plan the flight to make best use of the weather conditions.

The challenge of learning to glide doesn't end when you gain your solo wings however. Advanced, post solo training will help build on your experiences and recently acquired skills. Once solo, the next major step will be the Bronze Certificate, requiring two half hour solo soaring flights, an examination and general flying checks. Further on you will be aiming for a Silver Certificate, requiring a single non-stop five hour solo flight, a height gain of 1000m (roughly 3000ft or 2/3rd's of a mile) and a distance flight of 50km. As you can see, there is plenty to work for and to achieve in your early flying career.

For some pilots gliding is simply about enjoying the freedom of the air, others choose to fly cross country, perform aerobatics or take part in competitions. But whatever your own personal goals, gliding can offer a lifetime of pleasure and fun.

General Requirements: It is not difficult to become a glider pilot, nor do you need to learn a great deal of technical theory. Providing you are reasonably fit, you can learn to glide at any age, although the minimum age for solo flight is 16. On the ground gliding involves teamwork with everyone joining in to help each other, and at the end of the day when gliders have been returned to the hangar, pilots gather in the clubhouse to re-live the day's flights and swap exaggerated stories of their achievements over a beer.