Most people can glide, but there are some limitations for age, height and weight and to fly solo you need to be fit enough to drive.  If you have any questions about the information below, send us a message, give us a call, or better still come to the club for a chat!

Height and Weight – Size matters to some extent but most people will find that they fit comfortably into most gliders. If you are unusually short, perhaps less than 5 ft (1.52m) tall, you might find it difficult to reach some of the controls although all our gliders have adjustable backrests and pedals. Being small and light is not normally a problem because gliders have provision for fitting ballast weights to bring you up to the minimum flying weight.

However if you are heavier than about 16 stone (224lbs/102kg) you are approaching the weight limit for our training gliders and you may not be able to fly. (We have scales at the launch point to check your weight). If you are very tall, 6 ft 4 ins (1.93m) you will find that some gliders do not have enough leg or headroom for you to be comfortable. But whether any of these limits apply to you is very dependent on your individual shape and the best thing to do if you are unsure is to visit our club and try a glider for size.

Age – The only age limit in gliding is that you must be 14 to go solo. However, you can train with an instructor before 14. Indeed, many trainees go solo on their 14th birthday! As a general rule, 13 years old is a good time to start instruction, but there’s nothing stopping you having the experience of your First Flight before then! With younger children, there might be a size problem – it is essential that the straps fit securely, and it’s also very helpful if you are big enough to reach the rudder pedals! If you are under 18 years old you will need the permission of your parent or guardian (please find out more about DSGC Junior gliding and read our guidance for duty of care of young people).

There is no upper age limit, but fitness and mobility can be limiting factors.

Fitness and medical requirements – The general rule is that if you are fit enough to drive a car you are fit enough to fly a glider. Before flying solo you’ll be required to provide the club medical proof that you are fit to do so.  In most cases, the most straightforward is to apply through the Civil Aviation Authority for a PMD (Pilot Medical Declaration).  It’s not a difficult process, and you’ll get plenty of help with this from your instructors as you progress to solo!  Later on, if you want to carry passengers or become an instructor you will need to meet a slightly more stringent requirement to a Class 2 or LAPL aviation medical.

Like all sports some people are better at gliding than others. This is just one of those things like being naturally good at football or being a born athlete. Don’t let this put you off however. There are some things which will make it harder for you to learn, for instance if you are especially nervous or get airsickness, and so some people take longer to learn than others but don’t worry – almost everyone gets there in the end.