Aerotow Trial Lesson – £125

One Aerotow Launch to 2,000 Feet with a Qualified Instructor

(includes a month’s temporary club membership)

An Aerotow Trial Lesson is a fantastic opportunity to experience the joy and beauty of gliding from a height of approximately 2,000 feet above the airfield.

Unlike a conventional winch launch, your glider will be towed into the air by a powered aircraft, climbing steadily to 2,000 feet before the tow rope is released. You will then enjoy the peaceful sensation of engine-free flight, taking in the spectacular views across the surrounding countryside.

The duration of your flight will depend on the weather and soaring conditions on the day. In favourable conditions, your instructor may be able to use rising air to extend your time in the sky.

A qualified instructor will fly with you in one of our two-seater gliders, answer your questions and point out the aerial views. If you feel comfortable, they will supervise while you take control of the glider in the air!

Before the flight, you will be briefed on what to expect, shown the glider’s instruments and controls, and given some basic tuition in the operation of the primary control “stick” should you wish to try this.

Who Can Fly?

There are surprisingly few restrictions on who can enjoy gliding. Generally, if you are fit enough to drive a car, you are fit enough to fly.

Disabilities need not prevent someone from taking a trial lesson, and age is no handicap.

Safety considerations and aircraft loading limitations do, however, mean that small children or people over 6 feet 3 inches (192 cm) may not be able to fly. Maximum weight is 16 st (102 kg).

Flying takes place on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00am… weather permitting!

Purchasing an Aerotow Trial Lesson

An Aerotow Trial Lesson to 2,000 feet costs £125 per person.

Pre-paid Aerotow Trial Lesson vouchers, valid for use 12 months from issue, are available and make an ideal gift for birthdays, Christmas or any special occasion.

Vouchers may be purchased online below. You can pay by Credit/Debit Card or PayPal using the Buy Now button.

The voucher and information booklet will be either emailed or posted to you.

Booking Your Aerotow Trial Lesson

For safety and operational reasons, the number of trial lessons we can accommodate each day is limited.

Once you have received your voucher and information booklet, please follow the procedure below to book your Aerotow Trial Lesson.

Procedure

1. Click on Calendar at the top of this page. This will display the calendar showing current bookings and available dates.

2. Look at the calendar and find a suitable Saturday or Sunday with availability. Please allow at least one week’s notice for your booking so that we can organise an instructor, glider and tow aircraft for you.

3. Once you have identified a suitable date, please email the following information to booking@darltonglidingclub.co.uk:

   • Selected date

   • Voucher type (Aerotow Trial Lesson)

   • Voucher number

   • Name on the voucher

   • Contact telephone number so we can reach you in the event of a query or unsuitable weather on the selected day

4. Your booking request will be processed and added to the calendar. A confirmation email will then be sent to you with details of the time you should arrive at the club. The exact time of your flight cannot be guaranteed due to the nature of gliding and weather conditions, and there may be a short wait for an available glider and tow aircraft.

5. On the day of your flight, please arrive at the club at your allocated time and bring your voucher and information booklet with you. We recommend wearing suitable clothing for the conditions on the day. Remember, this is an open airfield and it can be hot, cold, wet or windy.

Please present your voucher to the duty pilot on arrival at the gliding club, and they will arrange your trial flight.

Family and friends are welcome to visit the gliding club with you, although we may need to limit the number of people at the launch point.

Please remember to enter the voucher recipient’s full name when making a purchase.

All flights are subject to suitable weather, aircraft availability and operational conditions.

You can see all planned flying dates on our flying calendar.   If you are coming for a Trial Flight, we recommend looking at our On the Day advice beforehand to ensure that you, and your guests, are well prepared to get the most out of your flying experience day.