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Gliding & Glider Flying Experiences

Gliding Experiences: Everything you need to know

Serious about learning to fly a glider? Perhaps you just want to try a taster session first? At Wish.co.uk, you can take the first steps towards realising your dream.

Our discovery experience takes place in a dual-control plane: you’ll be towed to a height of 1,000 to 2,000 feet before drifting gently back to terra firma. If you want to have a go at flying the glider, your instructor might let you fiddle with the controls. The taster gliding experience is available all over the UK, including locations in Brecon, Decon, Essex, Northamptonshire and Warwickshire.

Got the bug after that trial flight? Take your new hobby one stage further with some serious glider tuition: book the mini-course in gliding, available in Surrey only. This half-day experience includes four exhilarating gliding sessions and 90-day membership to the best club of all - the Gliding Club! That means you can book further lessons at a reduced rate.

The mini-course can be booked by anyone aged 13 or over, and the taster experience is suitable for anyone 14 or over, although kids under 18 need to attend with a reasonably un-cool adult no matter what. Sorry guys.

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FAQs

Q: How does gliding differ from flying an aircraft?
A: A glider needs to be winched into the sky, but as there’s no engine, there’s no noise once you’re cut loose. Gliding experiences normally include multiple flights so you have a good long opportunity to manouver the glider yourself.
Q: How long will I be in the skies for?
A: Gliding is, by design, quite unpredictable. You’ll be allocated a certain number of ‘winches’ or flights, but it’s difficult to say how long you’ll be in the air during each session. One winch can lead to a flight lasting anything from five to thirty minutes, so allow plenty of time for your experience just in case you get lucky. In poor weather you might not be able to glide, so call and check before setting off.
Q: Can I continue my training or buy more winches?
A: All of the winches included in your Wish.co.uk experience must be used on the designated day. If you want to fly again you might be offered a discount, particularly if you book more lessons soon after the first one. Check with the operator.
Q: Are there any restrictions on who can fly?
A: Gliding experiences are normally available for anyone aged 13-14 years or older. Some restrictions apply around height and weight as the glider cockpit is quite compact. Disabled pilots can fly at some locations, but check the small print.