After a few flights you will start to become confident with the flight controls. Rather like learning to ride a bicycle - once you have "cracked it", you will never forget!
There is no upper age limit subject to some minimum medical requirements. The only age restrictions are that you must be 14 to fly solo and 16 to go cross country.
With aerotow launching (as we do at Shobdon), the average pilot will take perhaps 35 or 45 instructional flights before flying solo.
In this period we teach you how to maintain the glider in flight using thermals, ridge lift and mountain wave.
The firstmost objective is to teach you to be a safe pilot. You will only fly solo once you and your instructor are confident that you fly safely
Once you complete your training you can apply to the British Gliding Association for your Sailplane Pilot Licence which is valid is valid Globally.
You can progress through the FAI Silver, Gold and Diamond "Badges".
Although optional, the FAI "Badges" provide you with interesting challenges to build on your gliding skills and experience.
The FAI "Silver" badge includes a 5 hour duration flight, a 50km cross country flight and a height gain of 1,000 meters.
The "Gold Badge" requires the Silver Duration, a 300km cross country flight and a height gain of 3,000 meters.
The three "Diamonds" are a 300km "Goal" flight around a predeclared route, a 500km free distance and a height gain of 5,000 meters.
You can train for your Flight Instructor qualification and also obtain dispensations for the training requirements of the LAPL(A) powered light aircraft pilot's licence.
We normally rota an instructor every Saturday and most Sundays. Flying starts at 10 am. however you are very welcome to come and help us get the aircraft out of the hangar from around 9:30am.
No booking is necessary but it can reduce waiting if you forewarn our Flight Bookings Secretary that you are planning to come.
The annual Membership subscription is discounted for pre-solo pilots and under 25's juniors.
Flights are charged for the aerotow launch plus glider hire per minute.
A typical training flight will be a 2,000 foot launch and a half hour glider hire at
our current prices (PDF).
You can pay as you go to spread the cost, or purchase a mini-course of 5 or 10 flights which are also available as gift vouchers.
Buy now: Five flight mini-course inclusive of 3 months Membership £290.00
Buy now: ten flight mini-course inclusive of 6 months Membership £565.00
If our standard charges present a problem to people on low income, the Club Committee will consider applications for assistance from club members or potential members.
Herefordshire Gliding Club Limited, Shobdon Airfield, Herefordshire HR6 9NR. Webmaster Leslie Kaye © 2024 All rights reserved.