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| Bicester Gliding
Centre |
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Gliding may seem like a hobby as far out of reach as the clouds themselves, but learning to glide is more affordable and accessible than you may think! Bicester Gliding Centre makes this thrilling activity available to pretty much anyone, and as they are located as close as Bicester, there's no excuse not to give it a go!
Bicester Gliding Centre is privately owned and housed at Bicester Airfield. The airfield was built by the Royal Air Force in 1917 and is now protected by English Heritage as the best-preserved WWII airfield in the country. The sense of history is palpable as one steps onto the grass-surfaced airfield (the largest left in Europe) and looks up at the original hangars and control tower. The history does not stop with the architecture, either. The hangar houses 1940s and 1950s gliders as well as modern ones, and even one with an open cockpit!
The Centre uses member's fees to purchase their gliders, and then they rent them out for incredibly little - from pennies per minute. A trial flight is from £75 for non-members, and you will get the chance to fly with an instructor and even fly the glider yourself. A learn to fly course is just £250 and includes temporary membership and lots of fly-time. And there are even more packages to suit any budget or lifestyle.
Virtually anyone can learn to glide - if you're fit enough to drive, you're fit enough to fly. Gliding is possible for those with disabilities or limited mobility, and the only age requirement is for a license. One can begin training for their glider's license at 14 to get it at 16. But there's no real age limit to enjoying the view!
I went with my partner to have a 15 minute test flight on a sunny weekend day in April. We were greeted warmly by Alan, one of the Centre's members as well as an instructor, and offered coffee and a bit of breakfast from the canteen. Soon I found myself sat in a motor glider, a glider with a propeller at the front allowing unassisted take-off.
I was strapped in and then we were away - traveling at speed over the grass airfield until - lift off! We were gaining altitude, and the Centre was getting smaller and smaller. The sensation of floating in the clouds was incredible, and I even got to control the glider for a while! All too soon the flight was over, and we were back on the ground. I can't wait to get back up in the air again!
At the Centre their goal is to, 'foster an environment that encourages teamwork, mutual support and cooperation among its members'. Members help each other get in the air and often stick around for barbecues and drinks after flying. Competitions are a thrilling experience, as are cross-country flights. The first 1000km flight in England was out of Bicester Airfield!
Gliding is perfect as a gift, for tourists or locals looking to see the country from above, and for business wanting to give their employees or clients a truly unique experience. For groups, a wonderful catered event package is available. There are lots of options to make your event as fancy or as carefree as you like.
There is no question for me that gliding is an activity I want to pursue, and Bicester Gliding Centre is just the organisation to make it both fun and practical. Book your day now to give a gift to remember, or to find out more for yourself… I strongly suggest giving them a ring as soon as possible to get gliding!
Reviewed by Kimberly Manning |
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