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The Flight

Gliders are launched by either aerotow or winch. Then, depending on weather conditions, the glider will be positioned to take advantage of any rising air to maintain the flight.

Aerotow Launch
This was once described to the author as "The gentleman's way to fly".
A gentle process, the glider is towed behind a tug aircraft to the required height and position. Take-off and climb is a gradual process and the instructor releases the tow-rope when the best position is reached.

Photo: Courtesy of David Slocombe, Burn GC

Glider flight launched by winch. Start of a winch launch (loading)

Winch Launch
More dramatic than an aerotow, the winch launch is performed by reeling the cable in by means of a winch engine situated at the other end of the glider site.
The angle of climb is much steeper and the whole process is completed in a fraction of the time taken by an aerotow.
Flight times are usually shorter than with aerowtows.

Motor glider flights
An interesting alternative to the more usual sailplane is the motor glider. Many clubs run at least one, similar to the Falke shown right, owned by Burn Gliding Club.
The motor glider offers a combination of powered flight and true gliding. Take-off is by means of the motor glider's engine, followed by powered flight until the instructor finds suitable lifting air, when the engine is switched off, peace returns and the aircraft becomes a "normal" glider.
A motor glider has the interest of flying both a light aircraft and a glider in one flight. The side-by-side seating is more convivial and the flight duration can be virtually assured.

Glider flights also by self launching motor glider

Photo: Courtesy of Rod Salmon, Burn GC.

Once released from the launch, the instructor quickly trims the glider for efficient flight then goes in search of lifting air.
The absence of any engine noise makes glider flight a magical experience, swooping and banking like an eagle.

The Flight

Glider flight over English countryside (loading)

During the flight, the instructor will offer the opportunity to take control. He will never be far from the controls, adjusting and guiding when necessary, but the student pilot will really be flying the aircraft. It is surprisingly easy to perform the basic control functions and the thrill gained from actually flying the glider will be remembered for a lifetime.

End of a glider flight approaching a snow covered runway (loading)

Return to Earth
All too soon it is time to return to the airfield and the glider's powerful airbrakes enable a spot landing just where the instructor intended.

"Magic!" "
"Awesome"
"Marvellous"
"Fantastic"

Typical comments by first-time pilots on return to earth.

Glider flying is an individual sport which relies on a high level of team work to make it possible. When not flying, pilots contribute to the flying of others by assisting in their launches, winch driving, tug flying and a host of other activities. This activity is part of the interest for your party whilst they await their own flight.
Gliding clubs are friendly, welcoming places and guests are always accepted. You will be in the company of enthusiasts who will be only too pleased to answer your questions at the airfield.

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THE FLIGHT/ LOCATIONS / PRICES / BOOKING / TERMS / HOME / ENQUIRIES