Gliding in Kent

What Can I Expect

Gliding in Kent has a very long and proud history, with hundreds getting airborne to soar over the Garden of England through the years. Located on the crest of the North Downs between Charing and Challock, this lively and energetic is a great place to go gliding.

In fact, this Kentish glider club is believed to be the first to be formed in England, back in 1930. Today there are over 120 active members, around 20 of whom are BGA approved gliding instructors and 10 tug pilots on the books to keep the club gliding all year round in the mild Kent climate.

Many have said that gliding offers the best views of Kent and the coastline. In fact, on a clear day you can look out of one side of the cockpit and see the Thames Estuary, Whitstable and into Essex, whilst from the other side of your glider it's the views of Ashford, the Kent coastline and perhaps even France!

We are offering vouchers for introductory taster sessions, half days or one day courses in gliding at this Kent club. If you opt for the taster, you will enjoy one aerotow flight, being pulled into the air by a Piper Pawnee tug plane. The half day experience gives you two flights and lets you try both aerotow and winch launch methods.

On the full day session you will become part of the Kent gliding family for a day. See the 'log cabin' that gets towed out to the launch area (and acts as mission control on flying days), meet the members, have a chat and generally immerse yourself in the world of gliding. Your intensive day gives you an aerotow and three winch launches.

We think you'll really enjoy gliding at this Kent club from Challock airfield near Ashford, which is owned and operated by the glider club's members.

What's Included

• Experience gliding over the North Downs
• Expert tuition from BGA approved instructors

Gliding Experience

• Safety briefing, explanation of the aircraft and its controls before being strapped into the cockpit
• One aerotow launch to 2000ft
• Enjoy the view as you are towed by a tug plane up to the release altitude and soaring for approximately 15 minutes
• Your instructor will demonstrate the controls before letting you have a go at flying the glider yourself
• Allow one hour on site for this experience

Half Day Gliding 

• Spend a morning or afternoon trying out both gliding launch methods
• One aerotow launch and one winch launch
• Allow five hours on site for this experience

Full Day Gliding

• Gaining more airtime and enjoy a full days instruction
• Full days include more detailed briefings, one aerotow launch and up to three winch launches
• Break for lunch (not included) please bring a packed lunch

When Is It Available

• Flights are subject to availability and suitable weather conditions

Gliding Experience

• Weekdays (excluding Wednesdays) and weekends
• Weekday flights have much better availability than those at weekends

Half Day Gliding

• Available on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays between April and September
• Morning (08:00-13:00)  and afternoon sessions (12:00-17:00)  are generally available

Full Day Gliding

• Available on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays between April and September
• Sessions start at 08:00 finishing at approximately 17:00

Suitable For

• Minimum age 14 years
• Maximum weight limit is 16 stone
• Maximum height is 6'2" (1.88m)
• Participants are required to sign a health declaration, however, if you are fit enough to drive a car, you will be able to fly in a glider
• Suitable arrangements can be made to overcome most disabilities

Spectators

• Spectators are very welcome to come and watch the gliding fun
• Facilities include a modern clubhouse, briefing room, bar and parking

Anything Else

• Full & Half Day Courses: In the event the flying school are unable to operate one of the launch methods for technical reasons, winch launches may be substituted for aerotow & vice versa