Astir 
Tug 
The Fleet
IS28
K21
A busy dayOur fleet of gliders is designed to cover the complete range of abilities from novice to expert. Most of our training was initially done in a Slingsby Capstan (T49) which is a side-by-side two seater, acquired by the club in 1972. It has recently been sold and renovated and can still be seen flying at the Club.
The mainstay of our instructing is now done in more modern machines with better performance and handling characteristics. The K21 is made of glass fibre and a Romanian Brasov IS-28B2, which is a flapped, metal glider. Both are tandem two seaters. First solo flights are in the K21 which is a wonderful experience. The two seaters are used as a stepping stones from the lower performance single seater (K8) to the higher performance Astir and for cross-country training. The IS28s spinning characteristics reinforce the need to avoid slow and clumsy flying close to the ground! Finally, for Bronze qualified pilots we have an Astir CS77.
All of the club gliders are hangared, fully rigged and ready for immediate use. Most are fitted with oxygen to allow high wave flying.
Astir
Tug The Fleet
IS28
K21
A busy day
Most launches are by aerotow, using our tug, G-BZHT, a Piper Super Cub (PA18) with an enhanced 160hp engine. We have a winch that is sometimes used when the tug is unavailable and the wind is blowing.
The club also has use of a private Motor Falke to teach navigation, field landing and other exercises. Its syndicate of owners kindly provides this facility.
There are currently 11 other private gliders at the club, (in no particular order) two Pilatus B4's, a Sport Vega, a Pegasus, a Nimbus 2, an LS3, a DG800, two Discus's, a Skylark 2, a DG100 and the Capstan. In the winter a few more gliders come and join us on our tarmac runways.
Although not an aircraft, the control bus on the end of the runway deserves a mention, as it keeps people warm and dry as well as providing a serving point for hot and cold drinks and food.
The bus
Coffee drinkers