Trial Flights

Bookings

Whether you have a Voucher, Starter Package or phone on the day, advance bookings before the day are not really possible as we rely heavily on the weather and our club-members who actually do the flying. We only fly at weekends. If you telephone on the day you will be able to find out if we are flying and to reserve a place. We have to limit the number of trial lessons we can do each day and priority will be given to Voucher and Starter Package holders. We have a mobile telephone which is ONLY switched on when we are flying on Saturdays and Sundays, the number is 07860 135447. Try after 10.00 am/11.00am in the morning and let it ring long enough to give us a chance to get to the phone. we will probably be getting the equipment out if it is flyable before then.

 

IMPORTANT ____Airfield access

BAE Systems (who own the airfield) have erected a new fence round the airfield and a new gate on the access road for safety and security reasons. You will need to phone the club mobile as you get to the gate to have a member come and let you in. Bring some change because if you forget your mobile or don’t have one there is a payphone at the airfield end of North Scale. The number to phone is on a notice on the gate. It is 07860 135447. On arriving at the airfield you will be directed to the launch point (blue bus with windsock mast) where your name will be added to the flying list. You will fly as soon as the list allows. Launching gliders requires teamwork, so don't be surprised if you are asked to help.

 

Flying

Your first flight will be a basic introduction to gliding. You will fly in a two-seater glider with a qualified instructor. Prior to the flight the instructor will go through some checks to make sure that the glider is ready to fly. The instructor will fly the glider for the first part of the flight whilst it is on tow behind the tug. Once at 2,000 feet when the rope is released you will be shown how the controls work and what effect they have. You can then have a go at flying the glider (although you don’t have to if you don’t want to - but don't waste an opportunity!). Most people are able to fly the glider from then on until the instructor takes over to do the last part and the landing. Feel free to ask any questions at any time. Of course if you do not wish to take the controls you can just sit back and enjoy the view.

 

Briefings

You will receive a briefing before flying and your instructor will be able to answer any questions you may have following your flight.

 

Cameras

You may like to take a camera with you on the flight. For safety this should have a lanyard or neck strap so that the camera cannot accidentally drop down and jam the flight controls.

 

When

Trial flights can be taken throughout the year, at any time on Saturdays, and also on Sundays. We also fly on Bank Holidays. Flying is always governed by the weather, but only the very worst conditions (persistent rain, low cloud or high winds) will stop us.

 

What Next?

Hopefully you will have enjoyed your flight, but is it a sport you want to take up? With your trial flight you get one months membership, which allows you to fly at fixed rates for the next month in order to help you to really find out if gliding is the sport for you. Flights in the 28 day membership period will be at a fixed price of £40 to 2000ft and £60 to 3000ft. If the flights last more than 30 minutes they will be charged for the soaring time over 30 minutes at normal club rates, currently 30p per minute.

 

Should you wish to learn to fly but still not be sure we have the perfect package for you - The Starter Package for £250.

 

The Starter training Package is valid for 12 months from purchase, includes 6 launches to 2000ft and a minimum of 3 months membership of the Lakes Gliding Club. Your membership starts on the day you take your first flight and will continue until you have completed your 6th flight or the 3 months has elapsed. As per the Voucher, should you wish to have an aerotow to 3000ft you will be charged an additional £20 on the day. If the flight lasts more than 30 minutes you will be charged for the soaring time over 30 minutes at normal club rates, currently 30p per minute. Once you have completed your 6 flight Starter Package we hope you will now be enthusiastic enough to continue flying with us. This will be at normal club rates.

 

It generally takes between 30 and 50 flights to reach solo standard. The actual number depends on aptitude and length of time spent in training, one flight per week will mean slower progress, two or three per day at weekends will speed the process. Younger people also tend to learn faster. It is not possible to fly solo until the age of 16 and so we don't recommend starting to learn much before the age of 14 or 15.

 

You do not have to have a gliding "licence" to be a member at the lakes. Many people learn to glide by becoming a full member and then flying whenever they can.

 

So, what are you waiting for? Come and have a trial flight and get the feel of gliding with real enthusiasts.

 

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