PPruNe Gliding Experience Days
 

Myself and BRL have for some time, been toying with the idea of organising a PPruNe gliding air-experience day for the power pilots among you who have often wondered what it would be like to fly a glider - but have never tried it.
Now that the warmer weather is on the horizon, now would seem like a suitable time to float the idea on here.
Cost is likely to be around £30 for 2 winch launches, in possibly May/Jun.
Maximum numbers will be about 20 on any one day - its likely to be a weekday, and at an airfield in Wiltshire. Ideally this would be for those of you who have never flown a glider before - but depending on numbers may be open to more. More than 1 day can be arranged if more than 20 want to take part. Bar and BBQ facilities available afterwards.
Who's interested???

Yes! may struggle with getting a mid-week day off, but if I can I'd love to have a go. I suspect it may highlight a lot of slopiness on my part though...

I'm interested, about 150 hrs powered flight in the logbook. Does this site in Wiltshire accept landings from PA28 if so I could fly in, do the exciting stuff and fly home. That could be two of us from EGTC.

The airfield is a grass airfield, and I can arrange access. I'll need to book you in with the local DAIS.

Oh dear now you've forced me to show my ignorance, to what does DAIS refer?

If you want to offer aerotows and need a tug, I can prolly organise a Wilga for the day...

Danger Area Information Service.

I'm a definite maybe, a day off isn't a problem, cost isn't a problem, just let me know when.

Cheers
Kev

P.S. As Penguina says, if anyone wants to share transport (cars or planes) from the Midlands give me a shout, DW / LaundryMan?

Nimbus265,

I take it that it will be Friday night, NOT a Saturday or Sunday. If it is a Sat, or Sunday I assume club members will be consulted? Either way I will be happy to help (on the winch)!

Yes! I'm interested! Brilliant idea. I've been saying 'I must have a go at gliding' for about 3 years now and have I got my backside into gear? No I have not! If anyone in the S London area fancies sharing transport (cars or 'planes) that may also be a good plan.

(Above is subject to being in the country, of course...)

Very interested week day or weekend all the same to me!

It will be during the week, possibly on a Thursday or Tuesday so as not to interfere with normal club operations!

Thanks for posting this Nimbus, an excellent idea, I can't wait to come and have a go, plus if the weather is playing ball, a barby afterwards! I will be coming from Shoreham if anyone wants a lift on the way.

Is there a height/weight limit for a person to go in a glider or anything else we need to know beforehand...?

Gliding day
 

Splendid Idea!

Yes, I'm interested.

Broomstick.

Bit more information for you.... We have 3 2-seater gliders available for the day (working on the actual date right now). Max weight is 232 Lbs and max height is about 6'3". All flying will be with BGA qualified instructors. There is a possibility of aerotow as well as winch launches, but there will be an additional cost for this. More details to follow!;)

I would love to have a go. I have about 250 hours power and about 150 hours gliding and 1000 launches. But it was a long time ago and I would just love to have another go because I know that the performance of modern gliders and winches have made it a very different experience than in my day.

Edited just to say, Any time any day!

Again edited to say I could fly in with two (lightish) passengers in a PA28 but as it is only from Compton Abbas it might not be worth it.

If I can arrange the time off, then I can offer some space in the C-172 from Cranfield - as long as you don't criticise my landings! How long is the strip?

- Long enough for a C130!

Currently working on either the 23rd or 25th May. Maybe both if I get enough people who want to fly. Maximum will be 20 people each day, possibly split into flying 2 slots am and pm (ish). Just trying to muster up club support to run the field, before confirming the dates.

Looks like I shall be observing only cos I'm over the 232lbs limit

I would be very keen to come on either date but, if you are oversubscribed, I am happy to give way to those for whom it is a totally new experience.

Hi Nimbus265

May I add my name to the list, please?

I can do any day of the week. ;)

Me too please..

If the Cranfield chaps have space for one more even better?

Look forward to it

Cheers

Please add my name to the list. I can make any day.

Wiltshire, grass, gliding, DAIS - Upavon, perchance ? I'm not a million miles away . . .

Upavon it most certainly is, but beware bringing aircraft to the airfield due to being a government aerodrome.

i.e. PPR is required and technically Crown Indemnity Waiver on the insurance policy (at present £7.5m). However you have to be unlucky to cause that kind of damage at Upavon, but to stay legal it is still required. Unless a flying club has crown indemnity it is possible that landing at Upavon means that you would be in breach of the club flying orders, therefore uninsured.

The airfield is not suitable for landing light twins, eg Seneca etc.

Liase with Nimbus265 who can arrange the small details!

Please add me to the list - any day is OK with me. Thanks!

Nimbus, please add me to the list- I'll have to swap a shift for both dates but what the hell it sounds like fun.
Anyone want a lift from EGCJ? pm me.
CDH

Hi Guys

I can't (shouldn't) do the 25th as it's my wife's birthday, but the 23rd would be fine! A cost-share lift from Cranfield would be great DW if the insurance stuff is ok?

Thanks
Kev

Hi Nimbus,

What a fabulous idea! Can you include me too? It would be a bonus if the the site is family friendly (3 and 7 years)? If not, not a problem.

Nimbus
Please post this on the club web site - I'll be there to assist.
R2

Put me down too please - I've been meaning to try gliding for a while now!!

I can make the 23rd but the 25 would be better if you end up running two days.

I can also offer car share from Somerset area of anyone needs a lift.

Cheers,

Jason :ok:

Can Studes join in?

Definitely interested; would also like to fly in if poss. Is this a service gliding club? Would be flying in from Benson in a club a/c. Midweek actually better for me anyway.

Tim

OK folks, yes it is Upavon, and as Glide Perfectionist stated PPR is required (which I can arrange), and you will need to book into through Salisbury Ops as well prior to arrival. I'm aiming to clear en-masse with them once I have details of everyone who want to come, and have worked through the numbers etc, but do pay attention to the requirement for Crown Indeminty Insurance. Anyone who regularly flys into or out of a Service Airfield should have this as a matter of course anyway.

As for being familiy friendly - yes we are - but within the constraints of it being an active airfield. The minimum age for youngsters to fly is 14.

I'm in the process of booking the day wil Salisbury Ops just to ensure that there are no major air or troop movements likely to conflict. More details to follow, along with names etc thus far........

PM me if you have any burning questions!!

Count me in!

Dave

Dates:
 

Dates are now booked for the PPRuNe Gliding Experience day!!!!:)

It's gonna be the 22nd and 23rd May 06.

I'l currently got 17 names, and I'm happy to go up to 30 across both days(15 each approx).... Please let me know what days you would like to attand (or both!!!) Having 2 days at least means that if the weather is poor, there is a slip day as well. More details to follows.

For those attending who wish to fly in - no probs. I need you ac reg numbers to clear with Salisbury Ops please.
Cheers
Nimbus265

Can you confirm that is a Monday/ Tuesday?

Roger!

Monday and Tuesday

I am alright to do either of the dates given. :ok: