A Gliding Experience consists of a single winch launch leading to a soaring flight of approximately 8 to 12 minutes. Time in the air is very dependent on the time of year and the weather conditions at the time of the flight.
However, if you are seriously thinking about taking up gliding or want more than a brief "taster", then a Trial Lesson or Day Course is recommended.
Gliding Experiences must be booked in advance. Upon booking you will be advised of the time you should arrive at the airfield, BUT this will not necessarily be the time you will fly. The club is often busy and Gliding Experiences may be slotted in with other flights; therefore you should be prepared to be at the club for at least an hour or so. If there is likely to be any further delay you will be kept informed of the situation.
Gliding is very much a co-operative sport where everyone helps each other. If you want to participate in these general activities during your Gliding Experience, please speak to your instructor who will brief you. Your flying tuition will be in one of the club's two-seater gliders with a British Gliding Association qualified instructor, who will give you a full briefing before take off.
The instructor will endeavour to give you sufficient time in the air to become acquainted with the thrill of flight and to enjoy the panorama below you. During the flight you will be instructed on the effects of the controls, and should you wish, you can take the controls and fly the glider yourself.
The launch will be by our modern powerful winch, and as the glider levels out at the top of the climb you will hear and feel the instructor releasing the cable, as your flight over the beautiful Essex countryside begins. It may be permissible to use a camera, but if you do take a camera you may not be able to fly the glider during the flight. Upon your return to the airfield, your instructor will fly a circuit around the landing area and increase the airspeed for landing. You will see the landing area approaching ahead and feel a gentle bump as the glider touches down.
Most glider pilots tend to wear many layers that can be put on or taken off one at a time so that you always feel comfortable, rather than fewer thicker items of clothing. Although the weather may appear to be good, airfields can be surprisingly cold at times, even in the summer, and especially when a strong wind whistles across the runway. Ladies will feel more comfortable in trousers, especially when getting in and out of the glider.
Please click here for more information about our "Fixed Price To Solo" Scheme
Please click here for more information about our "Day Courses"
Please click here for more information about our "Trial Lessons"
Click here for details of our current fees.
If you wish to take advantage of our "fixed price to solo" scheme, or if you would rather pay for your trial lesson and day courses offline, please contact Lyn Bone at bookings@springbourne.vispa.com (Tel: 01206 710991), or the club at glide@esgc.flyer.co.uk (Tel: 01206 242596)
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General Information
"Fixed Price To Solo" Scheme Information
Day Course Information
Trial Lesson Information
Booking Information
Fees and Charges
Southern England Location
Local Area Road Maps
Directions By Road
Aerial Photograph
Google Earth Placemark (requires Google Earth)
Airfield OS Grid Reference
Airfield Latitude/Longitude (WGS84)