Gliding in Kent

Gliding in Kent has a very long and proud history, believed to be the first gliding club to be formed in England on the 4th January 1930. Founder member Jimmy Lowe-Wilde went on to gain the first gliding certificate given out by gliding's governing body, the British Gliding Association and he even went on to build the first glider to be approved by the BGA.

Of course, there was no time for leisurely pursuits such as gliding during the second world war, but the club reformed in 1956 with its renowned zest. The club has migrated all over the county, but gliding in Kent finally settled at its current location in 1961.

A very dynamic club, it has excellent facilities and today has seven twin seat gliders, around 30 BGA approved gliding instructors and 15 tug pilots on the books to keep the club gliding seven days a week in summer and every Wednesday and at weekends in winter too.
 
Many have said that gliding offers the best views of Kent and the coastline. In fact, on a clear day you can see the Southend and the coast of France in one 360 degree turn as you soar high above the cliffs like a giant seagull!

If you're looking for other venues, we've got gliding lessons throughout the UK with a choice of powered flying lessons also available.

Allow spending at least an hour on site for one aerotow flight. You will receive a safety briefing, explanation of the aircraft and its controls before being strapped into the cockpit. You will then enjoy the view as you are towed by a tug plane up to the release altitude and soaring for approximately 15 minutes. Your instructor will demonstrate the controls before letting you have a go at flying the glider yourself. A day course is a cost effective way of gaining more airtime and allows you to enjoy a full days instruction, it includes more detailed briefings, one aerotow launch and up to three winch launches. Other experience days are available from IntotheBlue, try using our Find Experience search tool on our home page. 

Gliding takes place in Kent seven days a week from April to September and weekends all year. All flights are subject to suitable conditions. Weekday flights have much better availability than those at weekends, with time slots for flying days typically 1000, 1030, 1100, 1600, 1630, 1700 and 1730.  Day courses are only available on selected weekdays April to September.

Kent, the gliding club is north of Ashford. The location provides quick and easy access from both the M20 and the M2.

Minimum age 14 years. Maximum weight limit is 16 stone, maximum height is 6'2" (1.88m). You will have to sign a health declaration, however, if you are fit enough to drive a car, you will be able to fly in a glider. Suitable arrangements can be made to overcome most disabilities.

Spectators are very welcome to come and watch the gliding fun. There is a large clubhouse selling refreshments, snacks and hot meals all day on wednesdays and weekends, picnic benches and tables providing great views. If you are travelling long distances to try gliding in Kent or want to take advantage of the hospitality at the clubhouse, basic rooms are available to hire. You are also welcome to pitch a tent in the fields adjacent to the clubhouse. Shower and toilet facilities are provided. The club has wheelchair access and disabled toilet facilities.

All 30 instructors at this glider club in Kent are BGA approved.