Gliding

Gliding in Scotland

The joy of gliders is that they're clean and quiet and the basic controls are simple. They fly very efficiently and descend only very slowly through the air. By finding and flying in rising air, experienced glider pilots can stay aloft for many hours and can achieve long cross-country flights of hundreds of kilometres.

When the sun warms the ground, the air above the ground will warm faster in some places than in others, and relatively warmer air will begin to rise as a thermal. Air also rises when the wind is deflected upwards by mountains, and in such conditions gliders can ascend to altitudes well over 20,000 feet. Here in Scotland, summer thermals are less reliable than those further south, but gliding continues all year round, weather permitting, using air rising over the mountains.

Where to go:

Gliding operates at gliding clubs based at airfields across the country. Just turn up and put your name on the flying list for the day. It isn't usually possible to book a specific time in advance because it is impossible to predict how long preceding flights will last. Have fun!

Want to get started ?

Your first flight will be a trial lesson of anything from 5 to 30 minutes (depending on the prevailing conditions) in a two-seater glider with a fully qualified instructor. You may be launched by a winch, or towed up by a light aircraft. During the flight you will have the opportunity to take the controls if you wish!