Are you between 14 and 18 years old?
Get Sponsored to Learn to Fly
at the Bristol & Gloucestershire Junior Gliding Centre
BGGC Sponsored Cadets
Who can apply ?
- If you are aged between 14 and 18 you can!
- No qualifications required, other than enthusiasm and determination.
- Sponsored places are limited and awarded on Merit.
- Applications open Jan-Feb – watch for availability!
What’s involved?
- We will train you to fly a glider, sending you solo when you are ready & training beyond that stage towards your sailplane pilots licence.
- We train you to launch and retrieve gliders.
- We will train you to drive the club’s retrieve vehicles.
- You will also have the chance to help with glider maintenance & other tasks around the club.
Sponsorship costs and Conditions:
If you are accepted then you will be enrolled and start training as a club cadet member. The terms of the scholarship are set out below, For the First year (based on commencing in March and the membership year running up until the end of the following March): –
- The BGGC will cover 100% of the 1st years membership fee.
- The BGGC will cover 100% of the 1st years soaring fees for the use of club gliders.
- The BGGC will subsidise 50% of all winch launches in the 1st year, based on standard cadet member fees.
- For the 1st year, or up until your first solo (whichever is first), the BGGC will subsidise 50% of all aerotow fees.
Subject to progress, commitment and having successfully completed a solo flight, the club will part sponsor the cadet for a second year, based on the following terms: –
- The cadet will be expected to fund the 2nd years membership fee (currently £130).
- The BGGC will cover 100% of the 2nd years flying and soaring fees.
- The BGGC will subsidise 50% of all winch launch fees for the 2nd year.
- The cadet will pay for the cost of all aerotows taken in the 2nd year.
BGGC Sponsored Cadet Scheme
Want to learn to fly? You can join the Bristol & Gloucestershire Gliding Club as a Cadet member. The Bristol and Gloucestershire Gliding Club offers a limited number of bursaries to young people who can demonstrate a strong interest in gliding, aviation and learning to fly. The club will part-sponsor up to 4 young people with training starting in April each year.We offer a limited number of places which will enable you to be a club member and fly on a part-sponsored basis for up to 2 years (from the start date). While all instruction is free at the BGGC, members normally pay membership, soaring fees, and launch costs (winch or aerotow). However as a sponsored cadet the BGGC will subsidise these fees enabling you to learn to fly at a significantly reduced cost. Once you have completed your sponsored membership you can continue as a club member, building your flying experience and maybe one day even become an instructor yourself!
If you’re interested in learning to fly before you can drive a car then check out the links below. No qualifications needed, just enthusiasm and commitment!
BGGC 2026 Sponsored cadet Scheme : How to Apply
Sorry now closed, please check back in January 2027!To apply please download the application form below and the prospectus and return your application to the BGGC by 14th Feb 2026.
Please ensure you read the Prospectus in full. Note that limited places are available and will be awarded by selection with interviews for candidates who make the short list taking place the first weekend in March 2026.