Motor Gliding in Derbyshire

What Can I Expect

Go gliding in Derbyshire for the most amazing views of the Peak District and beyond! We are offering vouchers for a full range of motor glider flights out of Darley Moor Airfield near Ashbourne, with some very famous sights included.

Darley Moor is an ex-WW2 RAF airfield that is now owned, managed and operated by this flight training school specialising in gliding and light sports aviation. Run by a team of pilots who are passionate about flying and where they fly, it’s a great location.

You’re right on the edge of Derbyshire’s stunning Peak District at Darley Moor. Glider pilots love flying over the local hills (just ask them about thermals!) and the many reservoirs and lakes across the whole area.

We can highly recommend the two themed glider flights out of Darley Moor. With the extended flight time you can soar over the likes of Ladybower and Derwent reservoirs on the Dambusters experience and easily cover over 100 miles.

The 'Four Lakes, Four Airfields' flight path will see you gliding right over Carsington Water on a westerly heading to the Staffordshire edge of the Peaks to see lakes and former wartime airfields dotted around the area. It’s utterly fascinating stuff that combines gliding with history!

All flights are operated by motor glider, which means you are self-launching, so no need for a ground crew or waiting in line for a tug plane to take you up into the skies above the Peak District.

So which will be? A 30 or 60-minute glider flight over the lovely local Darley Moor area, or a longer, themed glider flight over Derbyshire’s most famous lakes, reservoirs, airfields and more? 

What's Included

• Trial flying lesson in a self-launch Dimona motor glider
• Welcome, introduction and safety briefing
• Tuition from experienced and qualified pilots
• Learn the basics of how to fly a glider with hands-on control
• Enjoy stunning views of the Peak District National Park
• Choose from a 30 or 60 minute lesson or one of the below themed flights

Dambusters Package

• Fly to the iconic Derwent Dam's twin towers, where the famous Dambusters raids were practised during the war
• Assist with the navigation to Ladybower and Derwent reservoirs, taking in the scenery of the Derbyshire Dales
• Arrive at the dams, and relive the experience of the famous Lancaster bombers as they trained for the Dambusters raid of 1943
• Flights last approximately one hour 10 minutes

Four Lakes, Four Airfields Tour

• Navigate between 4 lakes and 4 Second World War airfields, covering over 100kms
• The lakes: Carsington Water, Tittesworth Reservoir, Trentham lake, Blithfield Reservoir
• The airfields: Ashbourne Airfield, RAF Hixon, Tatenhill (RAF), RAF Darley Moor
• Flights last approximately one hour 20 minutes

When Is It Available

• Weekdays and weekends throughout the year
• Flights are subject to availability and weather conditions

Suitable For

• Minimum age 14
• Under 18s must be accompanied by an adult onthe airfield
• Maximum weight 95kg
• There is no height or upper age limit

Spectators

• Spectators are welcome to watch your departure and arrival at the airfield