What is Gliding?

Gliding involves flying unpowered aircraft using the same naturally occurring currents of air that birds use to fly. Using these invisible currents of air, you can soar to great heights and travel great distances around the country at average speeds of over 100 miles per hour. Gliders are similar to normal aircraft, just without an engine. We exploit rising air in the atmosphere to stay airborne – at least that’s the idea! People glide for many reasons. Some even use it as a stepping stone to a full pilot's licence.

If you are interested in joining, we recommend you first purchase an introductory Flight to get a taste of gliding without the commitment of buying a full membership. If you enjoy yourself and decide to join, you can then convert to a full membership by just paying the difference!  

Introductory Flights

Sign up for an introductory flight with SUGC and get to experience an exhilarating winch launch and amazing views from the air. You will even get the chance to control the aircraft yourself! Anyone can sign up to try out the cheapest way of flying, and it’s also a great opportunity to see how a gliding airfield works and operates. You will be flying with a fully qualified instructor in a two-seater aircraft. Head over to the "Membership" tab to buy the package and get started! Please submit your availability here only after you have purchased the Flexible Introductory Flight membership. You will be emailed when you are selected to fly. You will only be selected to fly if you have already purchased the Flexible Introductory Flight membership.

How we operate:

Transport: We go gliding at Shalbourne Gliding Club (which is about 45min drive from Southampton) and it is only realistically accessible by car. The club provides transport and can take up to 5 people on a given day.

Days and Weather: Shalbourne Gliding Club is open on Wednesdays and during the weekend. You just need to sign up on the website and if you get selected, we will send a confirmation email on Thursday or Friday inviting our members to join us if the weather conditions allow it.

On the day: Gliding is a whole day event. We leave Southampton at 8 am and get there for around 8.45 am. Usually, the first two hours are spent prepping the field and checking the gliders. Then we can go gliding, which could last until 7:00 pm (if the weather is good). During the day we are kept busy by helping to run the airfield. Usually, pre-solo members would get 3 flights on the day, with each flight lasting about 15 minutes. Although, on a good day, a flight could last up to 1 hour. Finally, the last hour is spent putting the gliders and airfield equipment away. Shalbourne Gliding Club provides instructors who are fully qualified by the BGA. 

Safety: Gliding in general has an excellent safety record when compared to other extreme sports. As a club, we would like to maintain this safety record so please consider the following before you come flying with us: 

• Alcohol: Please do not any drink alcohol at least 12 hours before you are due to fly.
• Weight: For safety, all gliders have an upper limit for their pilots. This means we unfortunately cannot take anyone flying if they weigh over 103kg.
• Airfield: Please remember that this is an active airfield and be aware of your surroundings. Most importantly always check with somebody before walking or driving across the airfield.

Memberships: If you have purchased an introductory flight, you can convert to a full membership for only £16. For those wishing to join directly, our annual membership is £78*, which goes towards covering the flying insurance and maintenance of the aircraft.

Costs: Members pay for each of their flights depending on their duration. Winch launching costs £9 per launch and 32p/min for any airtime after 15mins (This is subsided by the club). These costs include the cost of the instructor and the training.  Finally, we ask attendees to contribute £5 towards the fuel costs of the driver. 

Competitions and Trips: We organise regular trips to other airfields around the country and participate in Junior competitions. Last year we even managed to win the Inter-University Gliding competition!

*Memberships for over 26-year-olds are more expensive as they do not benefit from the British Gliding Association Junior discount. In this case, the membership costs £95 and the rates are £10 per launch and 35p/min for any airtime after 15mins. 

If you have any questions don't hesitate to email us at: gliding@soton.ac.uk or find us on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/sugliding

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The Committee

All clubs and societies within the Students' Union are run entirely by students. The student committee for Gliding this year are: