Have a first flight
A first flight experience is a great way to try something new and experience the delights of gliding, or maybe you’d just like to take in the view!
Buying & Booking:
You can buy your flight voucher online, using the button below. Vouchers are sent out First Class post and are valid for 12 months from the date of issue. Once your voucher has arrived, you can book your flight online by clicking the button below and then selecting book an appointment on the following page.
Gliding is a weather dependent activity, so we advise you book well before the expiry of your voucher, to allow time for re-booking in the event of poor weather. To help organise things, we book you into a time-slot on the day of your flight. We will try to fly you as close to this time as we can, but sometimes the weather can cause delays while we wait for it to clear or improve; so we ask for your patience and understanding on the day of your flight and recommend that you book a day when you aren't pressed for time either before or after your time-slot.
The flight:
Your flight begins at the front office, where our friendly staff will ask you to fill in a simple form and show you a video about your flight experience and airfield safety. At the launch area, your instructor will give you a briefing on the glider and the flight ahead. You will launch by aerotow behind a powered light aircraft. After releasing from the tow aircraft, your instructor will demonstrate the flying controls and explain how the glider can stay airborne using lift generated by the sun and wind.
Your flight will last approximately 20 minutes and you will be given the opportunity to have a go at flying the glider yourself – it’s not as difficult as you might think. However, you don’t have to take the controls if you don’t want to – you can just sit back and enjoy the view if you prefer.
The experience:
The views are stunning. Our airfield is on top of Sutton Bank, and has what James Herriot called 'The finest view in England'.
You're welcome to take photos during your flight, however you should tell your instructor before the flight begins. Your instructor will advise how you should operate the camera safely while in the cockpit.
All our instructors are trained to the standards set by the British Gliding Association. The training standard is rigorous, and so you can be sure that your instructor will look after you before, during and after your flight.
Your first flight experience includes one month’s Club Membership. Within that time, you can return to the Club and fly with us as many times as you like, paying only Club Members' flying rates. Ask at the office for more details.
Height and Weight restrictions:
Please confirm you agree to height, and weight limitations for participants. The minimum age for a flight is 12 years old. Height restrictions apply: the participant must be at least 4' 7" (140cm) to a maximum of 6' 2" ( 189cm) If you are outside of the upper height limit then please call the office prior to booking. You must also be below 16.5 stones (104kg). These restrictions are for the safety of you and your instructor. Non-adherence to these conditions could cause your flight to be cancelled.