About Gliding

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A glider is a fixed-wing aircraft – but without an engine – designed for the ultimate in-flight performance, using only the energy from the atmosphere to stay airborne for hours. Modern gliders can achieve a glide ratio in excess of 60:1 and can cover vast distances – the UK record is over 1000km (600miles) – and was achieved from Dunstable. To remain aloft the pilot needs to find lift. There are 3 main sources of lift for a glider. Thermals are columns of rising warm air thousands of feet high often topped by a cumulus cloud. There is also hill or ridge lift. When the wind blows against a hill, the air rises, allowing the glider can fly along the ridge. Finally there is Mountain wave, this is the result of the air rising over a large hill/mountain, falling down the other side and then bouncing back up into the air, this can give lift to enormous heights – the record is over 50,000 feet! Gliding is definitely a ‘team’ activity, with everyone, of all ages, backgrounds and levels of experience joining together to ensure smooth and safe operation of the airfield. Members build a very high level of mutual trust, cooperation and camaraderie. It’s a great way to meet new friends from all walks of life.
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Coded by Ling Jiang