Trial Glider Flights

Fly in a Glider

Coronovirus: We are operating under Covid 19 guidance as provided by the DfT, CAA and BGA.  Introductory flights and vouchers are available. Please do not come to the club if you have tested positive, have been in recent contact with someone who has tested positive or have any Covid symptoms.

Come and soar high above the Gloucestershire countryside over the scenic Severn Valley. On a good day you can see over to the Welsh borders and Forest of Dean, up to the Malvern Hills in the North, down to the Bristol Channel in the South and get a great view of the Cotswolds stretching out to the North East and South West.

A flight in one of our fleet of two seat gliders makes an unforgettable experience. We offer a range of trial flights from a simple 15-20 minute trip, up to an unforgettable "Mile High" experience.

A fantastic way for you, or a loved one, to experience gliding for the first time: Trial Flight Vouchers make an ideal gift.

flight_takeoff Standard
£125valid for 12 months
  • Aerotow Launch to 2000ft
  • Full pre-flight briefing from your initial flight pilot
  • Includes up to 12 weeks temporary membership
  • Best choice if you just want to see what gliding is like, makes an ideal gift or surprise treat.
  • Reduced rates for under-18's, please contact us.

High
£150valid for 12 months
  • Aerotow Launch to 3000ft
  • Full pre-flight briefing from your initial flight pilot
  • Includes up to 12 weeks temporary membership
  • Best choice if you think you may want to learn to fly, or want an extended first flight

Mile High
£250 valid for 12 months
  • Aerotow to 1 mile above sea level
  • Full pre-flight briefing from your initial flight pilot
  • Includes up to 12 weeks temporary membership
  • Best choice for a unique experience or special gift

What Happens Next?

Once you have completed your purchase via Paypal the BGGC Office will be notified automatically and will contact you with detais of your voucher and booking information. Please allow up to 5 working days for this process.

Limitations

  1. Standard and High trial flights are offered on any day we are flying through the year, Mile High flights are normally carried out Mon-Fri, but may be offered at weekends in the winter months. All flights should be booked via the office and will be subject to suitable conditions on the day, and can be re-booked if the weather is unsuitable.
  2. Please note that for a trial flight the participant must be between 1.40m to 1.93m (4'7'' to 6'4'') and weigh less than 102 kg (16 stone). For safety reasons you must be able to get into and out of the glider with minimal assistance (this is roughly equivalent to getting in or out of a bathtub). If in doubt please call us.
  3. Trial Flight vouchers are valid 12 months from the date of issue.

About your flight

On arriving at the club you will be met by your BGA qualified pilot, specially trained to give Initial Flights in gliders. They will run through a few simple safety procedures before taking you to the launch point for your flight. Once there you will be shown your glider and your pilot will point out the various controls and instruments that will be used.

The flight is designed to give you an introduction to what it is like to fly in a glider. You will be launched behind one of our 'Tug" aeroplanes while the pilot flies the aircraft, giving you the opportunity to enjoy the view over the Gloucestershire countryside. At launch height the tow rope will be released and you can enjoy the beauty of "silent flight". Your pilot will point out local landmarks and at the same time show you how the glider flies. If conditions are suitable you may get to see how gliders "soar" and gain height without an engine. Your pilot may offer to let you "follow through" on the controls as the glider turns and banks, but they will remain in control at all times and, as you descend, will guide the glider through a circuit, approach and landing. Our two seat gliders have a "Tandem" configuration, allowing the initial flight participant a great view from the front seat while the instructor has a full set of duplicate controls and instruments in the rear.

After your flight

When visiting the airfield for a glider flight you automatically become a temporary member of the Bristol and Gloucestershire Gliding club and as such you are welcome to use our facilities during the period of that membership. This includes returning to the field to take additional dual instructional flights by aerotow or winch launch as a normal club member (you will simply pay the club launch and soaring fees for any flight). We hope you will want to continue your training and join us as a full member, and we offer a number of joining options (see here).

Initial Flight Notes

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