What's Included
• All flights are preceded by a briefing and explanation of glider flight
Bronze Flight
• 15 minute soaring flight
• If conditions not soarable, two winch launches
Silver Flight
• 30 minute soaring flight
• If conditions not soarable either one 3000ft aerotow, one 2000ft aerotow and one winch launch or four winch launches
Gold Flight
• A 2000ft aerotow with a 60 minute soaring flight
• If conditions not soarable either a mile high flight (5280ft aerotow), two 3000ft aerotows or three 2000ft aerotows
5 Day Gliding Course
• Five consecutive days of flying with at least 4 flights a day
• Day one includes two aerotows to 2000ft, after which flights are winch launched flights
• Three months full flying membership of the club
• A Flying information pack and glider pilots log book are provided
• Courses are limited to a maximum of two pupils to maximise the flying experience
What Can I Expect
You’re sure of a warm welcome at this Essex gliding club! Based at the tranquil Ridgewell Airfield, hidden in the glorious countryside around the Suffolk/Essex borders, this ‘glider-only’ airfield has a very relaxed ‘family’ feel to the membership. That’s why we’re offering the full range of glider experiences here at this Essex club.
As you may already know, gliding is all about soaring, but this does depend on conditions on the day. So, if, for example, on the day of your Bronze glider flight the thermals in Essex aren’t playing ball, you’ll be treated to two winch launches. If conditions are good, you will soar away for at least 15 minutes on one flight.
By planning glider flights in this way, this Essex gliding club ensures that all glider students get the most air time possible and consequently, more opportunity to have hands-on experience when you’re up in the air. The idea is that you follow the basic lessons for budding pilots learning their craft. So the first thing to learn is handling ‘straight and level flight’, followed by turning the glider.
These gliders have a tandem seating configuration, which means you’ll be up front (the best seat in the house for checking out the views of Essex!), whilst your instructor is in the rear seat. Of course, all the gliders used for lessons are dual-controlled.
This Ridgewell Airfield club has a two types of two seat training gliders that are used for these trial glider flights over Essex. You might be launching in the PW-6, which is a modern fibreglass model, or the K13, an older design of glider that's still a true delight to fly.
If you’re keen to do more than the one flight and maybe move towards becoming a qualified glider pilot, we can highly recommend the five day course at this Essex gliding club. Very reasonably priced, you go to Ridgewell for five consecutive days, giving you at least four flights a day, trying out winch launches and also aerotows with the club’s lovely Piper Pawnee tug. Student numbers are limited to two people per course, so you can be certain of having the full attention of the instructor, as well as maximum time in the air.
Availability
• Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays between April and November
• All dates and session times are subject to availability and weather conditions
Suitable For
• Minimum age 14
• Under 18s must be accompanied on the airfield by an adult
• Maximum weight 16 stone (101kg)
• Maximum height 6ft 2ins (188cm)
Spectators
• Spectators are welcome
Anything Else I Need To Know?
• You can take along a camera, but it must use a neck-strap to firmly attach it
Location
• Ridgewell Airfield, Ashen, Sudbury, Essex
