Club member Ted Brandi with instructor Alan Scott following Ted’s first solo flight at Currock Hill

After an air experience flight, visitors may wish to join the Northumbria Gliding Club and learn to fly. Gliding is the least expensive way to learn. Many lessons will start with a winch launch. Although this can often be a short flight, it will contain a launch, some flying, a circuit and a landing - all the critical parts of a satisfactory flight. When the syllabus has been covered and the pupil is judged competent to fly safely by his/hers instructor, they will be allowed to fly solo.

The process of learning to fly is very enjoyable and the instruction itself is free of charge. Pilots pay a launch fee and a price per minute for the hire of a club glider. (Prices can be found on the website or at the club)

A bit like passing a driving test, going solo qualifies the pilot to learn on his own. He may also convert to fly single seaters. There follow various levels of competence designated by different awards - Bronze, Silver, Gold and Diamond. Each of these requires the pilot to complete various tasks which demonstrate competence in different areas, such a height gain, duration of a soaring flight, cross country planning and flying, knowledge of air law etc.

Click here now for information on booking a trial flight in a glider!