General

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…

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 please use the Contact Us link at the top of the page.

Posted  7 months  ago by  hgcadmin

Can I book lessons at weekends?

Yes. All pre-solo training will be bookable in advance. When you join the club you will be given a username…

Yes. 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.

Posted  7 months  ago by  hgcadmin

Do I need insurance?

The club has a comprehensive insurance policy for its members to cover risks to gliders, its property and third party…

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.

Posted  7 months  ago by  hgcadmin

Do I need a licence?

When you are training you don't need a licence. After you've gone solo you will then work towards getting a…

When you are training you don't need a licence. After you've gone solo you will then work towards getting a Sailplane Pilots Licence. Please ask the club Chief Flying Instructor (CFI) if you need more information.

Posted  7 months  ago by  hgcadmin

What is the minimum age you can fly solo?

The legal minimum age is 14 in the U.K.

The legal minimum age is 14 in the U.K.

Posted  7 months  ago by  hgcadmin

How long does it take to go solo?

This of course depends on a number of factors: The aptitude of the student pilot. Any previous flying experience that…

This of course depends on a number of factors:

  • The aptitude of the student pilot.
  • Any previous flying experience that you might have. Note, flying computer flight simulators is not necessarily a good thing as you can pick up some very bad habits that are hard to get rid of when it comes to flying real gliders.
  • How regularly you attend the club and take lessons.


Most student glider pilots who attend fairly regularly will go solo after approximately 40 to 70 flights which usually takes 6 months to a year.

Posted  7 months  ago by  hgcadmin

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…

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.

Posted  7 months  ago by  hgcadmin

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…

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.

Posted  7 months  ago by  hgcadmin

Will I get a chance to fly the glider during the trial lesson?

Trial lessons are tailored to suit the individual and those who want to handle the controls of the glider will…

Trial lessons are tailored to suit the individual and those who want to handle the controls of the glider will have the opportunity to do so.

Posted  7 months  ago by  hgcadmin

Do I have to book a trial lesson?

Yes. All trial lessons have to be booked in advance. The trial lesson vouchers we sell have individual identities and…

Yes.  All trial lessons have to be booked in advance. The trial lesson vouchers we sell have individual identities and that identity is used to book online via our website.

Posted  7 months  ago by  hgcadmin

Who will I fly with?

You will fly with one of our qualified pilots who holds the necessary British Gliding Association qualifications.

You will fly with one of our qualified pilots who holds the necessary British Gliding Association qualifications.

Posted  7 months  ago by  hgcadmin

How much does a trial lesson cost?

Please see the Trial Lesson page on our website that has the current pricing for our standard and premium trial…

Please see the Trial Lesson page on our website that has the current pricing for our standard and premium trial lessons.

Posted  7 months  ago by  hgcadmin
Highland Gliding Club
Easterton Airfield
Birnie
Elgin
Scotland
United Kingdom

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