London Gliding Club
first flight
Your first flight is an exhilerating experience.
Consisting of a 2000 foot aerotow, and 15 to 20 minutes of
flying time, a trial lesson gives you a great
introduction.
Time
Our clubs trained instructors are there to make sure you get the most out of the experience. They will talk you through the whole process in a structured and informative way, happy to answer all your questions.
Once you are airborne you will have your first chance to fly the aircraft - it's amazingly easy!
The pictures on this page will take you through what to expect on the day. If you have any further questions please call Wendy in the office on 01582 663 419.
Your flight will last from 15 to 20 minutes, but please
allow at least 90 minutes on the airfield. You need to arrive
about 30 minutes before your scheduled flight time to check in
with reception. Our club has an excellent restaurant which you
are welcome to visit before and after your flight.
Numbers
Our instructional gliders have two seats - one for you
and one for your instructor.
Spectators
Your friends and family are always welcome. They can
watch from the launch point, or from the restaurant. We'd
recommend a camera and a pair of binoculars. If you bring
children you need to make sure they are fully supervised as LGC
is an active airfield.
Dress Code
Wear flat, soft soled shoes and warm, comfortable
clothes. Don't forget to bring sunglasses and a a sun hat with
a narrow brim. It's a good idea to bring a windproof jacket as
airfields tend to be quite exposed. Once you are in the glider
you are enclosed and out of the wind.
Availability
We are open 364 days a year, and book lessons on most of
these. During the busy flying season, between May and
September, advance booking is essential. All flying is weather
dependent, so please check with the office to confirm it is
suitable before setting out.
Come Again!
The voucher entitles the holder to a three month
membership allowing the holder to come back and fly again at
the same rates as a member.
just like a canoe image 
1 of 9
getting in and out is a bit tricky at first, but just pretend it's a bath tub -
put your hands on the side, stand on the seat and lower yourself in.
1 of 9
getting in and out is a bit tricky at first, but just pretend it's a bath tub -
put your hands on the side, stand on the seat and lower yourself in.
straps, tight and secure image 2 of 9
an instructor checking the straps before a trial lesson. The club K21s all
have a 5 point harness suitable for aerobatics. This ensures that even if
you do hit unexpected turbulance you remain comfortable.
2 of 9
an instructor checking the straps before a trial lesson. The club K21s all
have a 5 point harness suitable for aerobatics. This ensures that even if
you do hit unexpected turbulance you remain comfortable.
most comfortable seat cushion image 3 of 9
in the UK you always wear a parachute, this is a good thing
as gliders are designed for them and without them, the seats
are terribly uncomfortable!
3 of 9
in the UK you always wear a parachute, this is a good thing
as gliders are designed for them and without them, the seats
are terribly uncomfortable!
further briefing image 4 of 9
before launching you will talk through all the instruments,
controls and the upcoming flight. Ask as many questions as
you want, our instructors love to talk about gliding!
4 of 9
before launching you will talk through all the instruments,
controls and the upcoming flight. Ask as many questions as
you want, our instructors love to talk about gliding!
let's go! image 5 of 9
once the canopy has been closed you are ready for launch -
sit back and relax!
5 of 9
once the canopy has been closed you are ready for launch -
sit back and relax!
aerotow image 6 of 9
being towed by XI, one of the LGC Robins
Just before releasing the cable
6 of 9
being towed by XI, one of the LGC Robins
Just before releasing the cable
Ivinghoe Beacon image 7 of 9
the second most visible landmark in the area
7 of 9
the second most visible landmark in the area
sharing a thermal image 8 of 9
If the weather is right, and you're enjoying the flight, you
may even get to share a thermal with another glider
8 of 9
If the weather is right, and you're enjoying the flight, you
may even get to share a thermal with another glider
returning to launch point image 9 of 9
after landing, a buggy will come out and tow the
glider back to the launch point. You walk with the wing,
keeping the glider following the buggy.
walking faster = turn left, walking slower = turn right
9 of 9
after landing, a buggy will come out and tow the
glider back to the launch point. You walk with the wing,
keeping the glider following the buggy.
walking faster = turn left, walking slower = turn right
