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A View From Above

How do I sign-up to come on a gliding trip?

The week before a trip is due to take place, we will send out an e-mail to the whole club letting everyone know that the trip is happening. The trip will appear on the website under Online Signup.

At the bottom of these e-mails there will be a link to this website specifically for you. Click on that link, go to the Online Signup and click 'signup to this trip' on the trip you wish to join. The number of spaces may depend on how many drivers are available to take members to the gliding club. As these places are limited, it is first-come, first-served.

A day or two before the trip, the trip leader will work out how many people can go and send everyone who signed up an e-mail letting them know if they are going or not. Members who are successful will get details on where and when to meet (expect an early start!). If you sign up but are one of those who didn't make the trip, it is still possible that you'll be phoned later if someone has to cancel, so it is always worth signing up even if there are a list of names ahead of you.

What do I need to know about the trip?

Now you are on the trip, and you have met the Trip Leader at the appropriate meeting time and place, there are a few other things you need to know:

  • You will be given a full safety briefing on arrival at Husbands Bosworth by the Trip Leader.

  • Make sure you dress appropriately! Strong, waterproof footwear that you don't mind maybe getting a bit dirty, a waterproof/windproof coat and warm clothes as the airfield is very exposed. However cold you think it is, the wind will make it feel even colder - you can't bring too many layers with you.

  • Cooked food is available most of the time. You will be notified beforehand if for any reason it isn't, in which case you may wish to bring a packed lunch.

  • Paying for flying is done at the end of the day. Please bring your chequebook with you on the gliding trip! If you don't have one, you can also pay by cash. Unfortunately we cannot take payment by card.

  • The actual gliding! It really is fun you know!

What will I do and what will it cost?

Understandably, we are often asked how much a gliding trip will cost. The short answer is that, typically, a day at the airfield will set you back £20-£40. Unfortunately we are unable to give a more precise figure because the exact amount will depend on how many flights you take and how long you stay airborne for, which obviously we don't know in advance! But to a large extent, how much it costs is up to you.

For those who want a more detailed answer, there are two launching methods used at the airfield which cost different amounts. There is the winch launch, where your glider is launched by being attached to a cable which is pulled in by a giant rotating drum. There is also the more traditional option of an aerotow - being towed up by a powered plane. Winch launches will not get you as much height as an aerotow and thus will be shorter flights, but they are cheaper and are the method used for most of your training because you can get more practice in. Aerotows will get you a longer flight and a much better chance of finding a good thermal, but they do cost more. Most of the time both launch methods are available and we recommend beginners take both an aerotow and a winch on their first day to see which they prefer.

UWGC operates a subsidised flying scheme. Your first winch launch is free on your first 3 day trips.

The current prices are:

The Gliding Centre:

Launch (£) Airtime (£)
Winch 7.5 0.4
A/T 2000 27.1 0.4
A/T 3000 30.1 0.4
A/T 3000 30.1 0.4

Stratford On Avon Gliding Club:

Launch (£) Airtime (£)

'W' denotes 'Winch Launch', 'A/T' denotes Aerotow which varies depending on the height taken to and Airtime is the glider rental per minute.

If you are confused about whether to take a winch or an aerotow, or anything else about what will happen, don't worry - your trip leader will go through all the options with you on the day. If you are on a budget you can just winch, although we do recommend taking a tow to get more airtime, but it is entirely up to you.

In addition, there will be a small charge for the driver's petrol costs, which is a flat rate of £2. Note that lunch is not included, so if you are not bringing a packed lunch you may want a bit of extra cash for the canteen - sandwiches or hot food ranging from approximately £2.00 to £5.00 depending on what you want.