First of all, to answer the burning question, the cost of a trial flight is £50 to 2000 feet. There are two ways to obtain a trial flight ------------------------------
The easiest way and surest way to have a trial flight is to buy a Gift Voucher or
Phone on the day after about 11.00am and ask, if we are flying the phone will be answered, if it's not answered we are not flying probably due to the weather
Bookings
Whether you have a Voucher 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 possibly reserve a place. We have to limit the number of trial lessons we can do each day and priority will be given to Voucher 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
Our landlords (BAE Marine) 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 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 what a waste of 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.
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 club rates for the next month; to help you to really find out if gliding is the sport for you. Training flights at club rates are slightly cheaper. See our members charge details for more information.
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 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.