Ever wanted to Learn to Fly?

Flying a glider is a great way to experience the wonders of flight. Once you have mastered the basics there are many options open to you, whether you want to pursue a career in aviation, race cross-country, try aerobatics, teach others to fly or just enjoy being airborne in the beautiful Cotswolds. We have members ranging from teenagers to retirees as well as offering the chance to mix with like minded people in a friendly club environment.

This is Gliding

Challenging, peaceful or highly competitive, gliding is a sport that offers a whole range of opportunities. You can drift silently along enjoying the sky and the country below, sharing a thermal with a circling buzzard. You can climb to heights where you breathe oxygen and your fingers stiffen from the cold, or you can spend your day improving your skills or helping others.

In general most people who can learn to drive can learn to fly a glider! Our instructors provide free training, so you just pay for your membership and the flights and you can start to learn at any age from 13 to 70+. Everyone is welcome -  we are a Junior Gliding Centre (you can go solo from age 14) and a participant in Women and Inclusivity in gliding. We offer Advanced and Improver training, and have an active cross-country and social scene.

BGGC members have gone on to become Gliding Instructors, National and World Champions, Airline pilots or simply fly with us year after year to enjoy their sport.

Come and visit our beautiful airfield on the Cotswold Edge, just off the Cotswold Way. Our site, at Nympsfield, is designated by Sport England as a gliding National Significant Area for Sport.

Take a Trial Flight or give a Gift Voucher

Trial Flights available

An introduction to the world of gliding, see how a glider flies or simply enjoy the stunning views. Vouchers are available that make a great Xmas or Birthday gift or just a treat for yourself. Our Trial Glider Flight vouchers are valid for 12 months and we offer a range of options from a simple 2000ft aero-tow through to a memorable "mile high" experience.

Come on a Gliding Course

All Inclusive, Dedicated Learning and Master Class weeks.

Whether you just want to try something different for your holiday, are already learning but would like a period of intensive training mid-week or want to polish your soaring skills under the eye of master the  BGGC offer a range of courses for all abilities. We offer Inclusive Gliding courses, Dedicated training weeks and a limited number of Master Class coaching weeks .

Join Our Cadet Scheme

Flying training available, including Cadet programme. 

You can fly a glider "solo" from the age of 14 and get a full glider pilot licence from 16. The BGGC runs an active cadet scheme, aimed at ages 14-16, and is a BGA recognised Junior Gliding centre. Cadets  can learn to glide, and are expected to participate in all the activities of operating the airfield. A limited number of sponsored places are also available each year where part of your costs from starting to post solo will be met from donations made to the club.

Achieve an Ambition..

Get your Sailplane Pilot Licence!

We follow an approved syllabus that will take you through each stage to become a qualified glider pilot and beyond. For more information look at our sections on Learning to Fly and Joining the Club. Your first step will probably be taking a Trial Flight, alternatively you might want to take one of our courses. If you want to progress to your Licence why not take out a "solo and beyond" package. Whatever you decide we'll be delighted to see you at Nympsfield!