Joining the Scottish Gliding Centre

Whether you are an experienced pilot or have yet to experience the thrill of your first glider flight the Scottish Gliding Centre welcomes all comers to become members. If you have already decided that you want to join our club then do please come along to the clubhouse and fill out an application form. The clubhouse is generally open from 8am until late during the summer months and from a bit later (depending on what the weather looks like) during the winter months. If you'd prefer to have an application form sent to you please contact Irene, our front-of-house manager, and she will be happy to help you. If you have not flown in a glider before you are still of course welcome to join but you may want to consider taking a trial flight first just to see what it's like. During the summer months the SGC runs both day and evening courses and you might want to consider joining one of these (to get a flying start as it were).

Membership is open to all. There is no minumum age limit to take lessons. Presently by law you must be at least 16 years old to fly solo and because of this the SGC recommends that you should probably not begin learning until you are at least 14 years old. You will need your parent's permission if under 18 but there is no upper age limit subject only to a satisfactory medical condition). Have a look at the 'Who Can Glide?' page for further information. The sport is just as suitable for either sex - no particular technical ability or strength is needed to fly a glider.  Medical requirements are very modest - broadly speaking, if you are fit enough to drive a car you will be allowed to fly a glider solo.

Most club members are 'ordinary members' however there are several other membership categories which may be relevant to you depending on your circumstances. For suitable candidates, the SGC runs a cadet scheme which is intended to assist enthusiastic young people to learn to fly at reduced cost. There is also a lower cost 'student' category which applies to anyone under the age of 21 or under 25 if still in full-time education. Where more than one member of the same family wish to join, there are reduced rates for second and subsequent members. In addition there are separate categories for members who live a considerable distance from the club or who wish to fly only during weekdays. See our tariff page for full details of membership and flying costs.

page last updated on 9th December 2003 ©2002-2003 and the

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