Classic British Flight Sim

Hello all.

Although I much prefer flying in something with an engine, it's probably going to be years until I can afford to even consider a PPL. Recently however, I've been seriously considering going down the gliding route, my reasoning being that I might as well be airborne in something, right? (Jumping really high doesn't count, and anyway it's not as good, I've tried)

I'm getting all excited having worked out the prices for my nearest gliding club, it will still take a lot of saving and sacrifice but it might just be possible. There appear to be lots of useful websites out there but I'm having real trouble getting a rough figure for how much it would cost to own a glider.

I know I'm getting a bit ahead of myself, but I was just wondering whether it's more economic in the long run after I've qualified?

Thanks in advance for any advice.

Hi,

Just moved this topic down here as it is not sim related.

Regards

John

Hi Swanoir,

There are two options in gaining your gliding licence, one is to take a one or two week crash gliding course or do it over the week-ends. If done weekly then depending on weather conditions some weeks will be flyable and others won't so it will take longer, I started during the winter and took about four months to solo after completing 40 dual flights due to weather conditions.

Once you have solo'd then I would say have a look around but gliders can be expensive to buy new so second hand may be an option or better still buy into a syndicate where you share the costs of maintenance, C of A and insurance.

having said all that, if you decide to continue gliding then work hard for your Silver 'C' as it may be beneficial for obtaining your PPL. The rules have changed over the years but at one time having a Silver 'C' mean't that to obtain a PPL took minimum time of ten hours flying powered a/c before soloing, the rules may very well have changed since my time.

What-ever you decide to do I wish you all the very best.

Late Edit: Just one more point that many people may not realise is that when joining a gliding club it is not just a case of turning up, booking a flight flying it and then going home, it is very much or nearly a full days work at the club as help is always needed to assist in the launch of a glider by winch or aero-tow, connecting the cable or rope to the glider, llogging flights, signalling to winch, winch operation or retrieval of cable, holding the wing of a glider up as it starts its' launch so you can expect to be there for most part of the day, it is very much a team effort by all to ensure succesful flights.

Regards
Nigel.

Nigel H-J wrote:Hi Swanoir,

There are two options in gaining your gliding licence, one is to take a one or two week crash gliding course or do it over the week-ends.
Regards
Nigel.

Nigel,

Slip of the tongue I hope

:o :doho:

Nigel.

Thanks for the advice Nigel.
I'm probably getting a bit premature thinking about owning at this stage, I'm just trying to get a big picture idea of possibilities in the long run (especially useful for convincing the wife!).
I hadn't thought about a 'crash' course (oh dear!), but I do like the sound of it, rather than having to fight the elements over a longer period.
You raised a fair point about getting involved in the other 'business' of the club, not just the flying side. To be honest I don't have a problem with that at all, in fact I think I'd quite enjoy it.
Thanks again.

I managed to do a crash* course with the Navy years ago at Lee-on-Solent and I'd certainly recommend it, it's much easier to progress as you don't spend the first half of your flight trying to remember what you did last time.
Reference owning, I remember reading years ago in Pilot magazine that you needed to fly >180 hours a year as a PPL to justify owning a light single from a financial point of view. The figures may have changed since then but I'd guess there's a similar figure for a glider, as the saying goes 'If it flies, floats, or ****s it's cheaper to rent than buy!'

*Someone did manage to bend a spoiler on their last landing of the week so technically...