How to pre-register your support as a Crew Member
Both Course and Flying weeks will require support crews if you can help in any capacity; in particular Instructors, Tug Pilots, Winch Drivers and Duty Pilots.
To register your support to help run any of our Courses and or Flying weeks please use the button below
Mobile device user, please scroll left to right to see table details
East Sussex Gliding Club
Glider Flight Experience FAQs
Below are some answers to frequently asked questions about Glider Flight Experiences. Click on the question links to see the answers
​
What is a Glider Flight Experience?
What is the difference between an Aerotow and a Winched Launch?
Can I bring friends and family to watch on the day?
What is a Glider Flight Experience ?
Your Pilot will brief you before the flight on what to expect while in the air. Once airborne your pilot will show you how the basic controls work
​
We just want you to enjoy your flight over the Southdown's National Park and the Sussex Weald.
What is the difference between an Aerotow and a Winched launch ?
An Aerotow launch is where your glider is towed behind our tug aircraft, once airborne you will gently climb to your chosen altitude where your pilot will release the tow cable.
​
A Winched launch is where glider is attached to cable that is approximately 1 km long, the other end is attached to our powerful winch. When the launch crew give the 'all out' signal the winch will accelerate you to around 50 knots in a few seconds, once airborne your pilot will rotate the glider into a steep climb, as you approach the top of the climb the glider will begin to level off. Eventually the winch cable will automatically release. Depending on the wind direction and speed you can expect to be at an altitude of 1,000 ft or more.
​
Follow this link to see a graphical explanation
How long will my flight last ?
The duration of your flight will depend on the weather conditions prevailing at the time. The times shown below are typical and cannot be guarented
On a thermic day your flight maybe extended.
How do I book a flight ?
The easiest way to book a Glider Flight Experience is complete the form on the Glider Flight Experience page of this website.
​
-
On completing the form you will be taken to PayPal to make the payment
-
You do not need to set up a PayPal account to make a credit or debit card payment​
-
​
-
When you are ready to book the actual flight, phone us during office hours (see below) and we will look at available lessons slots and agree a date and time with you.
​
-
On the day please arrive 15 to 20 minutes before your scheduled flight time. Please be aware that your flight may be delayed for operational reasons
​
-
If the weather on the day is not suitable to conduct your flight we will arrange an alternate date and time.
Can I bring friends and family to watch on the day ?
Yes, but we expect that you follow instructions given to you by club members with regard to your safety, please remember that this is an active airfield.
​
Children must be supervised at all times
​
Dogs may be brought to the field but must remain on a lead at all times.
Are there any limitations as to who can fly?
Yes there are limitations as to who can fly a glider, in general anyone over 14 can fly with us subject to the following conditions.
-
There is a maximum weight limit of 16 stones (224lbs or 102kgs). Contact us if your height is over 6ft 2in (1.88m) or if your weight is less than 7.5 stone (105lbs or 48kgs)
​
-
You must not fly if you are suffering from any serious medical condition (including epilepsy, fits, severe head injury, high blood pressure or heart condition) or have recently undergone surgery, unless you have a certificate of fitness to fly from your doctor.
-
You must tell us about any disability or health problem that might affect your or our personal safety.
-
We are not qualified to express an opinion about your fitness to fly.
-
​
Click here to see our full Terms and Conditions
What happens if my flight is cancelled?
Gliding is weather dependent so we may be forced to postpone your flight. If the weather conditions are not suitable for flying on the day we will re-book your flight for another day. The voucher pack includes a contact phone number so you can check with us before leaving home.
​
We may also cancel your Glider Flight Experience for operational reasons where we are constrained by crewing levels or aircraft serviceability.
​
Please remember your voucher is valid for two years.
At our discretion, we may extend the one year period if we have cancelled your flight for operational reasons
​
Please read our full Terms and Conditions