Learning To Fly

Probably the most common reason that prevents people from persuing their dream is often the mis aprehension that it would just be too expensive.
Well I can tell you that this is simply not true. Of course there will be an expense attached to it, but in reality, it is usually no more expensive than learning to drive!
   Different clubs will have different fees but generally speaking, the sport is well within the reach of most people. I had been promising myself for almost twenty years to get off my backside and go and do it. Like many others, repeatedly putting it off because I thought I would not be able to afford it, without even looking into it properly. That was a mistake on my part and I now realise that all those years were in fact wasted, purely because of a lack of knowledge. I kick myself every day for that.
   If you are wondering where you start, well its simple. First, locate a club. There are dozens in the UK. Take a look at the UK Gliding Clubs page for a list of Uk clubs and contact information.
Take the time to visit the club. It is sometimes better to visit several clubs and compare what they are offering. Some clubs are very basic and dont have much in the way of facilities, although they will still offer great flying.
The gliding fraternity are very friendly and socialble people, they welcome all to their airfields, wether you are just a day visitor taking a trial flight, spending your gliding gift voucher or just interested in having a look around.
Every visitor who walks on to their airfield is a potential new member!

Once you have identified a club that takes your fancy, I would suggest you purchase a day membership.(This allows you to fly at club member rates) Take a trial flight, this gives you an insight to what its all about. Someone will always be available to take you under their wing so to speak, show you around and answer the many questions you will almost certainly have.
Clubs operate as a tight nit team. Everyone lends a hand with the many tasks that keep everything running safely and smoothly. So when members are waiting to fly, they assist with the tasks at the launch point that are necessary to those who are flying. Wing running, log keeping, retrieval of aircraft that have just landed (usually using a tractor) control surface checks, marshalling and many more. On a busy day you may have to wait quite a while to fly so these tasks will ensure that you almost always have something to do. This also makes you feel like part of the team.

Membership fees will vary from club to club. There are many different types of memberships. Full flying, Social, student and family. If you are wishing to learn to fly, you will of course need a full flying membership.

All instructors are qualified with the British Gliding Association (BGA) and are passionate about gliding in all its forms. What forms? I hear you ask. Well, local flying (free flight close to and around the airfield location)
Cross country flying (Substantial distace flying, usually returning to your own airfield) and of course there is Competition flying. (Basically a race)
Take a look at the My Club page or for more information about this and all other points mentioned here take a look at my clubs website.
                              http://www.wolds-gliding.org