COME FLY WITH US
Whether your interest is to have
a trip in a glider (on a group or individual basis), or with a view to
learning to fly with us, we hope you find the information useful.
|
One
of the club's gliders |
A tug aircraft
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ABOUT GLIDING
Gliding is a recreational activity which can be not only great fun and a good way of relaxing, but also a challenge requiring skill and judgment, knowledge of the weather, and of course, the ability to fly an aircraft.
The whole idea of gliding is to stay airborne using thermals (rising currents of warm air - present for much of the year), ridge lift associated with cliffs and hillsides and in more mountainous areas (including Wales and Scotland), wave lift, allowing climbs to great heights. Getting into the air at our club is by means of either a powerful purpose-built winch - to a height of around 1,000 feet - or an aerotow behind a light aircraft to between 1,000-4,000 feet.
Experience plays a part but much can be learnt. The training of glider pilots in the UK is under the jurisdiction of the British Gliding Association, with a laid down syllabus to be followed, strict guidelines on how it is taught and on the appointment of instructors - all of whom have to be experienced pilots.
All trial and instructional flights are in dual-controlled, two-seat gliders. Even on your first flight, the instructor will let you take the controls, gently explaining how to make the glider fly at its best.
"What makes a glider pilot?" and "will it be for me?" are two of the most frequently asked questions - to which it is impossible to give a definitive answer. People of all ages and abilities enjoy gliding in one way or another. Some like `local soaring', staying in the air for an hour or two close to their home airfield. Others go off for hours at a time, across country, making long triangular flights. Aerobatics, competitions, and mountain flying, are some of the other possibilities.
ABOUT THE CLUB
Formed over 30 years ago and with
its roots at the world famous Farnborough Airfield, the Club used to
operate alongside an Army gliding club at RAF Odiham but is in the process
of moving operations to Lasham. Membership is open to all Crown Servants,
staff of organizations making them eligible to belong to the Civil
Service Sports Council, and their dependents.
The club has its own fleet of three
gliders (including a dual-seater for training).
Normal club flying takes place throughout the year at weekends when it is recommended those interested in learning to fly come along for a day. During the summer months, groups of eligible visitors can be catered for in the evenings.
INTRODUCTORY FLIGHTS
How Long will my Flight be?
An aerotow will give you a 15 minute
flight and a winch launch enough height for a flight lasting about 5 minutes.
If you find thermal lift, the flight will be longer.
What do I Wear?
Whatever the time of year you are
advised to wear several layers. You might be on the airfield for
several hours in all kinds of weather; so make sure you have a waterproof
coat and a sweatshirt or jumper as well. If it is a very sunny
day, a sun hat is strongly advised.
How Long will I Wait for my Flight?
Day members are given as much priority
as possible. But, please bear in mind that there are other full
members who are learning to fly and also need to use the two-seat gliders.
You may have to wait a few turns before your flight but this will give
you a chance to see how the Gliding Club operates and to decide for
yourself if this group sporting activity is for you.
What About Refreshments ?
We have catering facilities, providing
things such as hot and cold food and drinks, on the airfield. Later
in the day, after flying has finished, the bar will be open and we have
delicious barbecues (weather permitting). There is also an excellent
local pub which does marvelous real ale and home-cooked food.
C
ON
TA
CT
Contact Brian Stevens (Mem Sec)
01252 393959 (Work)
or Tony Newbery 01252 614906 (Home) or 01252
393656 (Work)
This Soaring
WebRing
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