Two types of launches are available, but we are unable to guarantee that both will be available on any one day.
An aerotow launch - the glider is towed to 2000 ft behind a light aircraft known as a tug. After reaching 2000 ft the glider and tug separate and you have about 20 minutes of flying time during which your instructor will show you how the glider flies and introduces you to flying a glider for the first time!
Two winch launches - the winch launch is a quicker and more exhilarating type of launch with the glider climbing to over 1000 feet in less than a minute! From there your instructor will show you how the glider flies and introduces you to flying a glider for the first time! Winch launches typically last 5-10 minutes each depending on the weather conditions.
Whichever launch method is used, our instructors will endeavor to find thermals to keep the glider airborne for a reasonable time
Trial Lessons are sold as vouchers (making an ideal gift), which are valid for 12 months from the date of issue. For more details of how much the voucher costs and how to purchase one, click on the Trial Lesson link.
"Right! let's get you strapped in" A flock of butterflies takes wing in the pit of your stomach as your instructor shows you the way to climb in and then helps you to fasten your harness. It's a bit more fiddly than your car's seat belt but not that much different really. Once in you are surprised how comfortable it is. The rudder pedals have been adjusted to suit you.
"Comfortable?" "OK!" The instructor climbs in the back seat and quickly straps himself in.
You wonder why the instructor is in the back seat. Shouldn't he be in the front? "This is a trial lesson" he says "That is where you will sit when you take your first solo flight"
Strapping into the glider before the flight.
The instructor explains the glider's instruments.
Now you are both comfortably strapped in the instructor goes through a standard pre-flight check "Controls, Ballast, Straps, Instruments, Flaps, Trim, Canopy, Brakes and Eventualities" Everything in order and ready for the flight!
He now gives you a quick run down of the instruments - The Airspeed indicator, Altimieter and the Variometer which shows whether you are in rising or sinking air. "And the bit of wool taped on to the front of the canopy?" You ask. "That tells me if I am flying accurately" He replies. "I try to keep the yaw string, as it's called, pointing straight up the canopy at all times"
Now you understand the instruments, the instructor shows you the main controls. The Stick raises and lowers the nose of the glider to control the speed and banks it into a turn. The Rudder yaws the glider to ensure that it is always flying accurately with the fuselage pointing into the airflow.
These are the controls you will be using today; but in addition to those, he explains the trimmer which reduces the load on the stick at a chosen speed, and the flap lever, both of which, you will notice move frequently during the flight as he adjusts the settings to suit the conditions at the time.Finally, the airbrakes which control the rate of decent for the landing.
Getting used to the glider's controls.
The tug aircraft begins to take up slack in the glider's tow rope.
"Right! Lets go out" Calls the instructor; and a group of members push the glider out onto the runway as the tug aircraft fires up it's engine and positions in front of the glider. "Canopy and airbrakes closed and locked?" calls the member standing in front. The instructor double checks and affirms.
"Ready for cable?" "Ready for cable!". The tow rope is attached and the member moves to the side.
"Take up slack" he signals and the tug creeps forward until the rope becomes taut. "All out" he calls and the tug accelerates down the runway. Quite quickly the rumble of the wheel on the runway ceases and you are airborne.
Because the glider becomes airborne before the tug, the instructor keeps the glider flying just above the ground until the tug lifts off and then both aircraft begin to climb away, the ground seeming gently to fall away.
Only now, do you realize what a superb view you have in a glider. As you climb the horizon moves back thirty, forty, fifty miles and a patchwork of fields unfolds below you. The instructor points out various points of interest as he follows the tug who's pilot turns this way and that, sampling the air, looking for "lift". The only noise is a gentle woosh of air passing over the canopy.
View of tug aircraft from the glider cockpit
Released from the tug aircraft. Glider flight over English countryside (loading) "We're at two thousand feet now and I'm going to release from tow" says the instructor. He pulls the yellow release knob twice and you see the rope snake away. as soon as the rope is clear, he smoothly puts the glider into a climbing turn to the left; whilst at the same time the tug pilot performs a diving turn to the right. When the glider levels off you can see the tug already well below you as it makes it's way back to the airfield.
The instructor brings the speed back to a more efficient gliding speed and the noise reduces to a whisper. Suddenly you realize what makes gliding such an addictive pastime.
"Let's see if we can find some lift" murmers the instructor as he gently banks the glider and heads for a white cloud just ahead. As you approach it he explains that these clouds usually mark the top of a column of rising air, or thermal, which provides the means to increase altitude. Then, the variometer begins to beep, slowly at first, then ever more rapidly as the needle starts to climb. "There we go" says the instructor as he banks the glider to circle in the rising air. As the glider's nose tracks smoothly around the horizon accompanied by the beeping of the variometer, you notice the altimeter creeping upwards, beyond the height at which you left the tug. You are "soaring". Pilot's view from the glider's cockpit
At 3000' the view from a glider goes on for ever. After climbing a few hundred feet, the instructor levels off and says "Now I'm going to show you how the controls work. First the elevator......" You are first demonstrated the controls following his movements on the controls to gain a feel of how little effort is required to control the glider,. Then "You have control" and you are really flying the glider. The instructor assures you that he is near the controls all the time, but is not touching them.....You really are in control! The butterflies you had before the flight are long gone as you concentrate on following his guidance.
All too soon you are down to a thousand feet and it's time to get ready to join the circuit in preparation for landing. He allows you to retain control of the glider until it is time for him to start his "Down wind checks" Wheel down and locked. Trimmer set to approach speed, Correct flap setting selected and all the time looking out for other gliders which may be in circuit. View of the airfield as you go into circuit.
The glider performs a well banked turn onto "Finals". Before the landing area begins to be obscured by the wing, the glider is banked through a forty five degree turn to keep the area in view, then shortly after, another forty five degree turn brings you onto "Base Leg" square to the runway. Just before you pass the centre line of the runway, a well banked ninety degree turn brings you onto "Final Approach".
he instructor has chosen his approach speed for this landing. He ensures that the glider has settled at that speed, then opens the airbrakes to increase the rate of decent, guiding the glider down towards the appropriate point......... Glider on final approach to the runway.
Glider rounding out prior to touching down. ...... before smoothly "rounding out", holding the glider a few inches off the runway until it finally settles gently onto the ground and rolls to a halt.
Willing hands push the glider back off the runway, then you unstrap and get out. You are amazed to find that the flight which seemed to be over in a flash had been half an hour long. So intense had been your concentration that the time had flown - literally.
Back at the launch point over a welcome cup of tea, you discuss the flight, reliving a unique experience; one you will never forget. Even if you take up the sport and become a solo pilot yourself, this first flight will remain a vivid memory for the rest of your life. End of the glider flight and a quick de-brief.
Glider flying is an individual sport which relies on a high level of team work to make it possible. When not flying, pilots contribute to the flying of others by assisting in their launches, winch driving, tug flying and a host of other activities.
Gliding clubs are friendly, welcoming places and guests are always accepted. You will be in the company of enthusiasts who will be only too pleased to answer your questions at the airfield.
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