Becoming a Pilot
Glider pilots learn to fly at their club in dual control gliders. Shalbourne Gliding owns 3 two-seat training gliders as well as two single seat progression gliders.
The syllabus leads to a pilot qualification, ie Bronze and Cross-Country Endorsements. Solo flying is part of the course. Every aspiring pilot’s first solo is a great moment! The course can be intensive or spread over many weeks and months as suits individual needs.
BGA clubs are gradually adopting a new training scheme from late 2021, where qualification results in a Sailplane Pilot Licence (SPL). The actual training content remains essentially the same, so don’t worry about starting under one scheme and transferring to the new system.
How do learn to fly and become a glider pilot?
If you’d like to learn to fly gliders then start with one of our escape learn to glide packages, these range from a 1 day introductory package through to full club membership where you will have your first lessons with one of our instructors. After that join as a club member to receive on-going training every weekend and Wednesday at club rates until you gain your Sailplane Pilots Licence.
Junior Pilots
You can fly with an Instructor as soon as you can reach the controls and accept instruction. The younger you are the faster you will learn and you can legally fly solo in the UK at just 14 years of age. Many young pilots achieve the skills to fly solo months before their 14th birthday – but, imagine, your first solo flight could be the highlight of your 14th birthday party!
Junior pilot get reduced fees and can join as part of our Family membership .
BGA Juniors will guide you to scholarships. Shalbourne will teach you to fly safely, soar, fly cross-country and then fly faster.
