Discover Dartmoor from the air with these glider lessons in South Devon! This small and friendly club near Tavistock boasts two twin seat training gliders and three single seaters, all launched into the skies above Dartmoor using the winch system.
For a taster of gliding, try the voucher for one winch, which will give you one flight. If you're feeling brave go for two winch launches and if you're really interested in learning more about gliding, the full day glider experience is the one to go for. Whichever experience you choose you'll be welcomed into the club and over a cup of tea you'll hear the ground safety briefing.
Once out on the grass runway, the controls of the glider will be shown and explained to you and then without further ado, it's your turn to get airborne. Just how high the winch will be able to tow you depends on the weather and the winds, but you can go as high as 16000ft before being released to gracefully fly over Dartmoor with just the thermals to power you.
On all these glider lessons in South Devon, you will have time (in between taking in the picturesque views from the cockpit) to have a go at the controls of the training glider. If you're on the glider day, you will enjoy six flights (depending on conditions) and get a good understanding of glider flying techniques and the routine operation of a gliding airfield, with a completed training record and certificate to finish.
You receive between 6 to 20 minutes of gliding time per winch launch depending on the weather conditions. At the end of your experience you will be presented with a certificate. Day courses allow for 6 winch launches with a qualified BGA instructor. You will gain a good understanding and knowledge of flying techniques and procedures including log keeping and signalling, cable retrieve procedures and winch driving. Prior to your first flight you will receive a pre-flight briefing and carry out the safety checks. At the end of the day course you will receive a completed training record and certificate. Also included is 3 months free membership to the gliding school allowing you to fly as often as you like at membership rates (£5.50 per launch, 26p per flying minute).
The gliding club operates on Wednesdays, Saturdays, Sundays and most bank holiday throughout the year, weather permitting. Day courses run from 9am to 5pm with a break for lunch.
Gliding lessons and day courses take place at Brentor Airfield, 3 miles north of Tavistock in Devon.
The minimum height is 4ft. Maximum weight is 16 stone. Participants are required to declare they have no medical conditions that would stop them from flying. Warm clothing and sturdy footwear in recommended.
Tea, coffee and biscuits are provided in the clubhouse. Participants of the one day course are advised to bring along a packed lunch.