Gliding introductory course

Product Code: P63251
Location: France:6 locations in France

The experience
Your Gliding introductory course is often described as the purest way to fly, each glider flight will set your senses on fire as you take in the beautiful scenery, marvel at the graceful aircraft and simply enjoy the freedom of the skies. Upon arrival you'll be welcomed by your friendly instructor, they will brief you on the specifications and controls of your glider. Before taking off there will be discussions about current wind speeds and availability of the all-important thermals, these are the invisible forms of power that give the glider lift. Your glider will be launched by high-power winch or aerotow, both are effective means to get airborne.

Vital information
Minimum age is 8- 12 depending on location. Maximum height varies from 6'1'' to 6'4''. Maximum weight is generally 16 stone. It will not be possible for you to fly if you suffer from epilepsy, fainting or certain physical or mental disabilities.

The weather
As with all flying experiences you will need to call a weather-check line on the day before, or on the morning of your flight. If the weather is unsuitable then you can reschedule your flight for another time.

Session length
Your experience will last between 15 and 30 minutes

Numbers
Your briefing may be shared; your flight will be held on a one-to-one basis with the instructor.

Spectators
Spectators are welcome. Please check with us at point of booking as some centres operate a minimum age policy.

Dress code
Wear flat-soled shoes and bring a jumper with you in case it gets cold at higher altitudes. Bring gloves in winter and sunblock and a hat in summer. Sunglasses are recommended all year round.

Availability
The centres operates in spring to fall, weather permitting. Please note that weekends are particularly busy and should booked at least four to six weeks in advance. Some locations only offer weekdays.

Locations
France:
La Grand Combe - Gard (30)
Bourg St Bernard - Haute-Garonne (31)
Aire sur l'Adour - Landes (40)
Cambrai - Nord (59)
Habère  Poche - Haute-Savoie (74)
Niort - Deux Sèvres (79)

	Description	Price Each	Quantity	Total
	Gliding introductory course : 6 locations in France		123456789
	EXPERIENCE TOTAL		35000pts

Fascinating Facts

When most people watch a glider soaring on a summer's day their first thought is often 'I'd love to be up there' and their second is 'But how does a glider stay up?' The answer is thermals. You often see birds spiralling upwards without flapping their wings and they are 'thermalling', which is using heated air currents to stay airborne. Gliders work in a similar fashion, circling in this 'hot air' and going upwards. Finding thermals is a skill based on identifying ground features that are warming up, or seeking those 'cotton-wool like' clouds, called cumulus, which form at the top of thermals. For flying longer distances, gliders climb in a thermal to gain enough height to glide to the next thermal. The UK record for long-distance flight was achieved like this and over 625 miles were covered in the 12 hour flight. However, gliders can also use hills to stay up. Wind hits the hill and is forced upwards so lifting the glider skywards and if the glider hugs the hill it can fly fast and cover large distances without turning.