The flying part of the course will occupy either one or two (your choice) evening per week from the beginning of April until the end of September and, depending on your aptitude, you might well be flying solo by then. Training is carried out in the Scottish Gliding Centre's modern, rugged, 2-seater, dual-control, high-performance gliders under the supervision of experienced British Gliding Association (BGA) qualified instructors, and follows the BGA's syllabus with the emphasis on flying. Instruction on flying theory, air law and navigation are fitted around this if there is a spell of poor weather, but every opportunity is taken to get into the air. The Scottish Gliding Centre is located very close to 2 extensive hill ridges which give soarable conditions in almost all weather conditions and of course depending on the time of year, thermal or wave activity is also possible. In previous years, the course has usually experienced at least one evening of wave conditions in which students have flown to 10,000 feet and been as far afield as Dundee and Montrose.
For
new students, the course starts at 6:30pm on the first Thursday in March with 4
evenings of introductory lectures which will cover the basic theory of gliding
and details of how the course will operate.For all students, actual flying lessons will take place on Thursday evenings. You will be expected to attend regularly (keeping in touch with the theory lessons on any unflyable evenings). Demand has always been high and so consistent absentees will be asked to give way to students who are able to attend regularly. Flying lessons will start with a briefing at the launch point at 5:00pm on on the first Thursday after the clocks go forward. All course members will be actively involved in running the flying operation. Flying continues until dusk.
The course costs £150 plus flying charges at normal club member rates
(see the tariff for details)* and
includes 3 months trial membership of the Scottish Gliding Centre. If you are
enjoying your flying after 3 months, you will need to extend your club
membership for the following nine months and pay the balance of £163.50. This includes
the annual capitation fee to the British Gliding Association. A pilot's log book
and elementary gliding text book are also included. Club membership is subsidised for young pilots (see tariff)
and if you fall into this category you should
enquire at the club for full details. Course fees are non refundable.
*Correct at the time of publication however prices are subject to change if the club tariff changes.
*Note that if you extend your club membership to a full year you will not have paid any extra for the course flying tuition. For club members all flying instruction is free.
The contents of this website do not necessarily represent the views of the Scottish Gliding Union Ltd. or its directors. Some of the material and links presented here have been contributed by members and others who do not represent the SGU Ltd. e&oe.