Gliding is a recreational activity and competitive air sport in which pilots fly unpowered aircraft known as gliders or sailplanes. The sport is clean and environmentally friendly using only thermal energy provided by the sun either directly from the heating of the ground or indirectly by the winds that pass over hills and mountains to remain airborne. The word soaring is also used for the sport which has its origins in the 1920s.
Great distances can be flown, flights of over 300km are regularly achieved in the UK with heights in excess of 30,000ft possible, all without and engine but by the skilful use of the energy that nature provides.
When we restart operations come and experience silent flight. You won't forget it.
19th Feb 2023 Update
Local weather and some ongoing technical issues still hinder operations. Our tug aircraft needs a repair to an engine exhaust pipe which will be hopefully remedied this week. To be honest the Auster is a 78 year old vintage aircraft and is lovingly maintained by her owner and is still working! (See our Aircraft Page about the Auster) Today, winds exceeded our operating limits and so no ops again. We will put that down to the time of the year. Fingers crossed for the 2023 season.
8th Feb 2023 Update
Since the passing of our local BGA glider inspector at the start of the Covid episode we had major difficulties in maintaining our aircraft during and after the pandemic measures. We have relied on inspectors from the UK which also has its challenges. We do now have an Inspector designate in place, but this is a three year programme which we will hopefully complete this year. Operations have been exasperated by weather too, our Tug aircraft was weatherbound in the UK following its annual Inspection from early October until late December 2022. Following this the local weather has hampered operations until last week. Now we need to get back up to speed operationally and so there will still be a period of time before we will open to public flying. We are getting there, all be it slowly but safely! For more a more detailed situation update please see our Facebook page below for further details or click here if the Facebook Newsfeed is delayed - Andreas Gliding Club
We're back - nearly!