Hi Redsnail,
Thanks. After reading these forums extensively I had wondered how to avoid becoming one of those airline pilots that doesn't know how to fly. So gliding seems like a good hobby to get into. I've got in touch with Surrey Hills Gliding Club over at Kenley Aerodrome (if anyone is familiar with it), so we'll see if it's something I can afford at the moment.
Any other words of wisdom out there?