Learning to Glide

People with the skill to drive a car can usually learn to fly a glider, and most clubs offer trial lessons to people interested in learning. The pupil will fly with an instructor in a two-seat glider fitted with dual controls. The instructor will do the first launches and landings but otherwise the pupil uses the controls.

Some clubs offer courses over several days, although it often takes at least 50 training flights before pupils are allowed to fly solo.

Further training continues after the first solo until the pupil is judged capable of taking a glider cross-country. Some studying is required on topics such as the regulations, use of the radio, weather and navigation.