|
These are the most frequently asked questions from people who are new to gliding. How much does a trial lesson cost? Do I have to book a trial lesson? Will I get a chance to fly the glider on a trial lesson? Are there any medical conditions that may prevent me from having a trial lesson? What sort of clothing should I wear? How long does it take to go solo? What is the minimum age you can fly solo? Can I book lessons at the weekends? Do you run intensive training courses? How much does a trial lesson cost? A trial lessons cost's £60 where the launch is by aerotow (expect a flight time of 15 to 20 minutes, maximum 30). You will fly with one of our qualified instructors who holds the necessary British Gliding Association Instructor rating. Do I have to book a trial lesson? Yes. From March 2007 all Trial Lessons will have to be booked in advance. Will I get a chance to fly the glider on a trial lesson? Trial lessons are tailored to suit the individual and those who want to can handle the controls of the glider will have the opportunity to do so. Are there any medical conditions that may prevent me from having a trial lesson? Yes. The following declaration must be signed before by everyone before they fly. I hereby declare that I have never suffered from any of the following which I understand may create or lead to a dangerous situation in flight: epilepsy, fits, severe head injury, recurrent fainting, giddiness or blackouts, unusually high blood pressure, a previous coronary. I am not regularly taking insulin for the control of diabetes. I further declare that in the event of my contracting or suspecting any of the above conditions or any other disability, mental or physical, which would be likely to result in flying in a glider by me being a source of danger to myself or others, I will cease to fly until I have obtained medical opinion and authority. I understand that the following conditions may cause difficulty while flying: chronic bronchitis, diabetes in any form, severe asthma, rheumatic fever, chronic sinus disease, kidney stones, chronic ear disease, psychiatric disorders, eye trouble (e.g. inability to read a car number at 25 yards - corrective glasses may be used), severe travel or motion sickness, frequent severe migraine, any condition requiring the regular use of drugs (includes any medication whatsoever); and that minor illnesses, drugs and the donation of blood will probably make me temporarily unfit to fly. I undertake to seek medical advice in the event of suffering from any of these conditions. Please note that even if you do have any of the medical conditions mentioned above it may still be possible to have a trial lesson but you MUST declare it to the club and may also require a doctor's signature. What sort of clothing should I wear? Wear clothing that's comfortable and warm. Airfields are very much exposed to the elements and visitors tend to be too cold rather than too hot. In summertime you should bring appropriate sun screen. High heels and flip-flops are inappropriate footwear in a glider. How long does it take to go solo? This of course depends on a number of factors:
Most student glider pilots who attend fairly regularly will go solo after approximately 40 to 70 flights which usually takes 4 to 8 months. What is the minimum age you can fly solo? The legal minimum age is 16 in the U.K. We have in the past trained student pilots who have gone solo on their 16th birthday. No, not as such. When you are training you don't need a licence but after you have gone solo you will be issued with a certificate by the British Gliding Association (BGA). This certificate is then endorsed with each achievement in your gliding life. The club has a comprehensive insurance policy for its members to cover risks to gliders, its property and third party property. If you have a life insurance policy you should check that you are covered for private flying before starting any flying training. Can I book lessons at weekends? Yes. From January 2007 all pre-solo training will be bookable in advance. When you join the club you will be given a username and password whereby you will be able to enter the online booking system to book time slots for training. Please note that the club is run by the members for the members and you will be expected to help out at times other than when you have training booked. Do you run intensive training courses? The club has in the past run intensive 5 day (Mon to Fri) training courses. To find out more information and if course places are available click here. If you have any questions about gliding with the Highland Gliding Club that you feel are not answered here then feel free to contact the club by email. Home | General Information | Trial Lesson | Photo Gallery | Club News | Pilots Information | Price List | Links |