Trial Lessons

The BGGC offers a number of trial lesson experiences designed to let you experience the thrill of gliding without having to commit to a full membership.  In each case you (or somebody very lucky!) will be flying in a dual control glider with a BGA instructor.  Regardless of which level you choose you will have the opportunity to fly the glider yourself. All Trial Lesson launches use aero-tow behind one of the clubs tug planes.  Please call or email  the office for further details or to purchase a trial lesson voucher. You can download the booking form here.  Alternively you can purchase on-line (see below) and we will mail details to you to allow you to book your flight.

Trial Lesson Options

The Low Trial and High Trial Lessons are available 7 days a week, Mile High Trial Lessons Monday - Friday  and Pre Solo courses weeks are also Monday - Friday. All of these offers include a 3 month period of membership, enabling you to return to the club and take as many additional lessons as you wish at club member rates.

All our vouchers are valid 12 months.

Low Trial Lesson :              

A tow behind a tug aircraft to 2000ft followed by a gentle glide down, about 15 mins in the air. 

High Trial Lesson:              

A tow to 3000ft followed by a gentle glide down, around 25 mins in the air. 

"Mile High" Trial Lesson:    

A tow to a mile above sea level giving an extended flight of about 35 minutes - a premium flight 

One Day Course:                       

An introductory 2000ft aerotow, followed by combination or 4 winch/2 aerotow launches or/and a minimum of one hour’s flying time as deemed by the instructor and flying conditions.  You will be in a team of up to 3 people, probably full club members – a good introduction to our sport.  

Pre Solo Course: 

A five day course (Mon – Fri) for those who are serious about learning to fly.  You will be part of a team of 3 and shown all aspects of our operation.  You can expect around 6 winch launches or 3 aerotows or/and a minimum of one hour’s flying time each day.  Ground school will form part of the course week.  An excellent introduction to our sport. 

Current Tariff

All payments are handled via PayPal :

Low Trial Lesson	£69 (includes 3 months temporary membership)  voucher valid 12 months
High Trial Lesson	£87 (includes 3 months temporary membership)     voucher valid 12 months
Mile High	£175 (includes 3 months temporary membership)     voucher valid 12 months
One Day Course	£160 (includes 3 months temporary membership)     voucher valid 12 months
Pre Solo Course	£280 (includes 3 months temporary membership)     voucher valid 12 months Note: All launching and soaring time is an additional cost of this course. Depending on the combination of launches and the amount of flying time it will be circa £200 - £400	Please contact the office for details

All of the above include a temporary period of membership during which you may return to the club and take as many additional lessons as you wish. These will  be charged at club member rates (£20 - £40 depending on launch, aircraft type and duration). 

What to do before setting out for Nympsfield

• If you can't make it to a pre-booked  appointment to fly, or it it looks like you might be late, please telephone us to let us know 
• Check the weather  - if you are in any doubt as to whether we might be flying, ring the office (generally we cant fly in very strong winds, heavy rain, very low cloud or thick fog.
•  Dress appropriately - you will be spending some time out of doors on a fairly exposed site.

• Airfields can be a bit chilly even on hot days if the wind is high, and can be very cold on less than warm days, so bring warm clothes, waterproof jacket if showery and waterproof shoes in winter or wet periods in the summer (walking shoes or boots are ideal); skirts are not advised for flying;
• Bring sun protection - sunglasses, sun cream and a hat (ideally brimless).
• Don't forget your camera!

• Non-flying family and friends are welcome - but please make sure that there are enough adults to control any children or dogs.
• At peak periods, snacks and light meals may be available on site, but this can't be guaranteed, so bring a picnic or packed lunch. No alcohol before flying, please... (at weekends the club bar will be open once we've stopped flying!)
• Directions to the airfield are given under "About" section on the website. On arriving at the airfield, park in the visitor parking area, and ask at the clubhouse what the procedures are for the day.  If the clubhouse is unoccupied, there will normally be a notice board outside giving information about the day's activities; we will normally come and pick you up from the clubhouse area. Do not proceed onto the airfield unless briefed to do so.

Safety

1. Visitors are not permitted beyond the Clubhouse, Car Park and Garden areas unless accompanied by a Club member. You will be escorted to and from the glider for your flight.
2. Drive and walk behind aircraft, never in front of them, do not step over wings or fuselages of parked gliders.
3. Keep to the edge of any runway (someone may need it for landing on it!). and please be vigilant at all times particularly when crossing the field.  The whole of the airfield is used for landings - from all directions. Gliders are silent and fast so keep a good look out - upwards as well as all round. Aircraft that are committed to land may be unable to avoid you!
4. Please keep children under close supervision and dogs on a lead at all times. Gliders are fragile  and can be damaged by little feet and hands, propellers and winch cables are very dangerous - keep all children away from the gliders.
5. At the launch point  do not approach the propellers of powered aircraft, even when their engines are switched off, ff you see that a glider or other aircraft is launching keep well clear and please remain behind the launch point vehicle. 
6. Visitors are expressly forbidden to use any of the Club’s mechanical equipment under any circumstances.
7. Smoking is forbidden in the vicinity of aircraft and in all Club buildings
8. Look out for launch cables and tug aircraft - landing tugs have tow ropes stretched 100yds  behind them which can cause severe injury
9. If you wish to return and make use of your membership to fly again, please contact the office to obtain a copy of ‘Notes for New Members’.  Read these notes carefully and make sure you understand the safety notes before venturing onto the airfield unaccompanied.!