Introduction

Gliding is a sport involving flying unpowered aircraft known as gliders. Gliders fly thanks to various sources of rising air, which they use to gain speed and altitude.

Learning to fly gliders is great fun, from the first winch launch to the first solo flight and beyond.

The theory of flight is essentially the same as that of other aircraft. The main controls - elevator, ailerons and rudder - work in the same way, gliders are simply aircraft without engines.

During your first flight the instructor will give you a chance to fly the glider and will explain the effects of the controls. Depending on the weather conditions, your first flight could last anything between 5 minutes and an hour.

Launching

The two common methods of launching gliders:

• Winch launching - the most common. A powerful winch positioned at the opposite end of the runway is connected to the glider by a cable. When the cable is wound in, the glider reaches flying speed and starts to climb.
  
• Aerotow - the gliders is attached to a powered aircraft by a tow-rope and towed into the air. The glider releases the rope when the required altitude is reached.

Cotswold Gliding Club use mainly winch launching although aerotow is occasionally used.

Lift - staying airborne

The idea is of course to stay airborne for as long as possbile and the only way to do this is to find lift. Lift may come from thermals, ridge lift or wave: (more information will be added shortly)

• Thermals - 
• Ridge lift - 
• Wave - 

Image source: www.aerospaceweb.org/question/nature/q0253.shtml

Other activities

During your time at the airfield you will also be taught the various tasks involved in running the airfield, including how to prepare gliders for launch, operating radios, launch signalling and eventually driving the winch. UWE members are as big a part of the launch team as CGC members.

Solo and beyond

Going solo requires commitment. Once the instructors are happy with your ability to launch, fly and land safely, and deal with problems such as launch failures, you will be sent solo. With commitment you could go solo within a year of starting gliding.

Once you have gone solo there are a number of goals to aim for:

1. Bronze badge
2. Cross-country endorsement
3. Silver badge
4. 100km diploma
5. Gold badge

More information can be found on the British Gliding Association website.