All
of the Instructors are qualified and rated by the British Gliding
Association (Gliding's controlling body under the Civil Aviation
Authority) and give individual attention to each member on the course.
Gliding is a sport of participation. Launch cables have to be
retrieved, gliders have to be returned to the launch point, flying time
sheets to be kept etc. Everyone can help whilst waiting for their turn.
It is an energetic outdoor sport suitable for people of all ages, and
is one of the most exciting and exhilarating of all sports, learning
new skills and experiencing new sensations, whilst observing the
unfolding world below.
Top of the Page
Although the trust cannot offer courses to those who fall outside the limitations of those outlined below, visitors are welcome on the airfield when the Trust is operating. Trial lessons are sometimes available
- Safety: The site must be approached with care and staff consulted on parking and other safety requirements for spectators. Young children should be closely supervised at all times.
- Food: Refreshment facilities are not available on the airfield therefore you are advised to bring packed lunches and something to drink.
- Weather: In Gliding the weather naturally controls the amount of flying that can be done. The airfield is a fairly open place and as a result can be colder than you might expect.
- Clothing: In winter, visitors are advised to wear warm clothes such as thick pullovers, scarf's and anoraks, etc. Good waterproof footwear is also essential as cold wet feet can spoil one's enjoyment. If you wear wellingtons, then a good pair of thick warm socks is advisable. In summer, although it can be very warm on the ground, at 2000' or so it can be quite cool, so be prepared; sunglasses, a pullover, etc., are the important items.
- For additional information on what to expect at the Trust, see our F.A.Q. section.
The object of this course is to give people an insight into the sport of Gliding. It takes place on Saturdays commencing at 10.00am and through the day until everyone has completed the course or until dusk. The course consists of 3 winch launches and the current Rates are shown on the Rates / Donations page. The daily rate includes day membership and all flying costs. Participants of this course are expected to assist in the operation throughout the day. The course consists of:
- Briefing of airfield safety and how to handle gliders on the ground.
- Up to 3 flights per person depending on duration (duration depends on weather but is typically 6 minutes from a winch launch).
- Up to 8 people can be accommodated on the course
- We expect those on the course to help us with ground operations (moving and launching gliders) as part of the experience of gliding.
- You will need to bring your own food & drink as there are no facilities on the airfield.
- Airfields suffer from extremes of weather and so appropriate clothing will be required.
- Each person who wishes to fly with the Trust must fill out one of the temporary membership forms. For those under 18 a parent or guardian must sign the appropriate part of the form.
To
avoid disappointment you should book as soon as possible, as places are
limited and the demand high. The course is open to all ages and
bookings from club groups are welcome. One-Day Courses run from April
to October. For all bookings contact the Course Secretary
directly.
Top of the Page
This
Course is limited to young people aged 16 to 26 inclusive. The aim is
to teach the student up to the British Gliding Associations 'A'
certificate, which requires the student to fly solo. The course lakes
place on Sundays from 09.30am until dusk, and its duration is entirely
dependent upon weather and the individual pace of learning. As well as
dual flying instruction the following subjects will be covered: Basic
aerodynamics, Airmanship, Airfield teamwork, Air law and Discipline.
The current Rates / Donations to
cover the cost of the course are detailed on the
Rates / Donations
page. The full fee is due on the day the course is started and will pay
for 60 winch launches, a log book, a copy of “Laws and Rules” and
membership of the Upward Bound Trust for the duration of the course.
Should the student require more than 60 launches before going solo,
then these will be paid for by the individually at club rates. After
completing the course and flying solo the student will become eligible
to receive the “A” certificate awarded by the British Gliding
Association.
Regular attendance is very necessary to make the
training worthwhile and to become part of our team. You must also be at
least 16 years old and able to pass a simple medical before flying
solo. As a rule we do not accept potential students younger than 15 on
the solo course, though they can take part on a One Day Course and be
accepted on to the waiting list for the Solo Course.
To apply for the Solo Course, complete the
Solo Course Application form that can be downloaded from the forms link and
send it to the Course Secretary with the relevant deposit.
Top of the page
[Home] [History] [Forms] [Course Information] [Contacts] [Instructors] [Gliders] [Maps] [Picture Gallery] [F.A.Q] [Visiting Pilot Briefing] [News] [Links] [Sponsors] [What's On]
