Gliding

What is Gliding ?

Gliding is a form of aerial sport, flying unpowered aircraft with incredible efficiency. You will learn how to soar up to great heights, work towards your SPL and perhaps even fly with your friends or a friendly flock of birds.

Where do we fly ?

When you pay for a membership (on the right-hand side) you become part of the Cotswold Gliding Club (CGC) at the airfield known as Aston Down. It is popular for it's large 1,500-meter main runway and strong thermal soaring conditions. The club owns a fleet of modern two-seater training gliders accessible to you as soon as you join such as Ka21's and a Ka13 - this does not include the two gliders that we own and get to use without paying soaring fees. The only cost per flight is £13 for your winch launch!

Will I like it ?

If you like fast cars, roller coasters, or have experienced and liked powered flight, you’ll love it! Gliding can be a peaceful sport but it can also be a high-pace, high-energy one. Some of our host club’s ex-military pilots describe it as ‘the closest thing to flying Fighter Jets, outside of flying Fighter Jets’.

Is it safe ?

Yes! Our fleet is composed of some of the sturdiest aircraft available, and you will be flying with an instructor until you have demonstrated a suitable level of competence to be allowed to fly solo. Gliders are inspected by an experienced pilot every morning before flight to ensure there safety. Also, we wear parachutes and are briefed for all eventualities, so even if something unexpected happens, you’ll know exactly what to do. Any questions just ask your instructor, they are there to help you learn!

How do gliders get airborne ?

Gliders are unpowered aircraft (usually!). This obviously means that we cannot get airborne by ourselves. To get airborne, there are three options, the third option won't usually be used by us:

What are launch fees and soaring fees ?

Launch fees are the same for all gliders it only depends on what method of launch you are using (Winch or Tow). As students we pay a launch fee of £13 for every take off that results in 5 minutes of airtime, anything under 5 minutes will be reduced to £9. 

Soaring fees are what you are charged per minute in the CGC club gliders - This is usually between 30p-50p a minute - this does not apply to our own gliders. 

Is it expensive ?

No! It’s far more affordable than you’d expect. If you bought a membership independently with the Cotswold Gliding Club you will be paying around £500 a year! Our membership is £80 a year and this gives you access to the exact same things.

As a student you can get airborne for as little as £13, when flying in our UWE owned gliders. Our fleet consists of a Ka13 two-seater glider affectionately known as "Winnie" and a Ka8 single-seater glider called "JOB". However if you do want to fly CGC club aircraft they cost £30 per hour + the £13 lauch cost.

You do not get charged extra for instruction as the club is run by volunteers!

Do you go on trips or compete in competitions ?

Of course! We plan trips to attend national gliding events such as the Junior Gliding Winter Series (Denbigh), the yearly inter-university competition (Inter-unis), and occasionally gliding competitions in the summer, the biggest most relevant one being the Junior Gliding Competition, held only for pilots aged 13-25 years old.

During these events, you will experience great socials, a new location, new ways of flying and soaring, travel and meet lots of friends from all over the country.

Can I fly on my own ?