Gliding

All our communication channels can be found --> here <-- , If you are interested in joining us, please follow the link and get in contact! We'd love to see you in the skies with us.

What is Gliding?

Gliding is a form of aerial sport. Flying unpowered aircraft with incredible efficiency, it is possible to utilise naturally-occurring rising air to stay aloft for unbelievable lengths of time. We will teach you how to harness this powerful energy and soar up to great heights, perhaps even in sync with your friends or a friendly flock of birds. Alternatively, you can totally ignore the soaring aspect, and take advantage of a 6.5G loading limitation and enjoy being pulled through loops, spins, steep turns and more! Our instructors generally need little convincing to get their fix of Vitamin ‘G’.

Is it safe?

Yes! Our fleet is composed of some of the sturdiest aircraft available, and you will be flying with an instructor until you have demonstrated a suitable level of competence to be allowed to fly solo. We also wear parachutes and regularly train for all eventualities, so even if something unexpected happens, you’ll know exactly what to do.

What if the wind stops? (Or, how do gliders fly?)

Gliders are unpowered aircraft (usually!). This obviously means that we cannot get airborne by ourselves. To get airborne, you have 2 options:

1. The Winch; a 350hp V8 driving a mile of rope kiting you skywards. A real experience, expect a 0-60 of around 2s and a 45 degree climb to 1200ft (or more!) in less than a minute!

2. The Tug; a light, powerful aircraft which will take off with you hooked onto its tail with a cable. A slower climb, but you can go as high as you like!

Once you release, you use the energy given to you to learn how to control the aircraft, and later to push onwards and fly as far as you can, or to accelerate and perform aerobatics!

Is it expensive?

No! It’s far more affordable than you’d expect. Our membership is £80, which gives you full access to a good fleet of 2-seat Training Gliders and Single-seat Gliders. You can get airborne for as little as £13, and can expect to pay just shy of £30/hr for the 2 seaters. We do not charge extra for instruction, and once you go solo you can hop in the University owned aircraft and pay nothing but the launch fee!

Compare that to if you bought membership at Cotswold Gliding Club independently- as in, outside of our University scheme- (£500), or an hour of flight in a Cessna 172 (£250). For less than that, you can buy your membership with us, and have a handful of flights putting you well on your way to going solo!

If you’re still not convinced; check out the Honourable Company of Air Pilots, British Women’s Pilots Association, and other such organisations, and apply for a scholarship! As a junior, and especially if you are a woman, there are lots of opportunities for aspiring pilots to have their progress partially or fully funded.

Will I like it?

If you like fast cars, roller coasters, or have experienced and liked powered flight, you’ll love it! Gliding can be a peaceful sport but it can also be a high-pace, high-energy one. Some of our host club’s ex-military pilots describe it as ‘the closest thing to flying Fighter Jets, outside of flying Fighter Jets’.

Can I get my licence?

Absolutely! That’s what we hope all our pilots aim for. Our instructors will build you to the level you need to be at, and from there you can go ahead and sit the theory exam and flying skills test. Pass, and then you’re a licensed pilot, and not even the sky's the limit!

What else is available to me as a member?

We take part in national gliding events such as WinterSeries and InterUnis, and occasionally, UWE-run expeditions to other clubs. During these events, you will experience different sites, new ways of flying and soaring, and meet lots of new friends from all over the country. Community is a massive aspect of gliding and attending these events is the best way to be a part of it.

Your 2024/25 Gliding Committee:

President: Oliver Wilson

Vice-President: Will Thomas

Treasurer: Fynn Mason

Social Media: Agastya Chittath

Equipment and Safety: Matt Pateman

Equality and Participation; Finn Gahan

Environmental: Aisha Dayah