What Can I Expect

Our full range of Peterborough gliding experiences offer you the superb sensation of speed and silence! Powerless flight is definitely a feeling to be tasted and savoured, as you glide gracefully above the skies of Peterborough and the surrounding Cambridgeshire countryside. 

Based at St Guthlac's Lodge near Crowland since the early 1980s, this Peterborough centre prides itself on being "a pleasant place for our members and visitors to relax, meet like-minded people and, of course, glide". The set up is small, but very well organised, with a duty pilot, ground crew team and tug team all ready to help you get into the air for your first lesson.

You will be taught in one of the modern two-seater trainer gliders resident at Peterborough, such as the Puchacz or Twin Astir models. Chief Flying Instructor Ross Morriss, or one of his team, will show you around the craft as it is being 'rigged' ready for launch. Once strapped in and settled, the rope is attached to the tug aircraft and you are pulled into the air.

Depending on which flight voucher you've chosen, you'll be released at anything from 2000 to 5280ft (that's a mile high!). At that moment, you'll follow the usual glider protocol, which dictates that you go left and the plane breaks off right.

From then on it is just you, the pilot instructor and the craft, as you soar through the air. It takes a few moments to get used to the sound of wind rushing with no motorised noise, but once you do, you'll be keen to learn about the search for 'thermals', with the lattice of fields of the Peterborough landscape gets ever smaller as your glider continues to rise.

If you opt for a single Peterborough gliding experience, you will enjoy one aerotow from the airfield, with a choice of 2000 or 3000ft release. Or go big on the Mile High Flight. Then those on the one day introduction to gliding will get a much fuller insight into how gliders soar and fly, rigging and launching with not just one, but three aerotows from this airfield in Peterborough during your day, which we think will have you hooked on gliding!

When Is It Available

Suitable For

• Minimum age 14
• Under 18s must be accompanied on the airfield by an adult
• Maximum height 6ft 4ins
• Maximum weight 16 stone
• It will not be possible for you to fly if you suffer from epilepsy, fainting or certain physical or mental disabilities

Spectators

• Spectators are welcome
• A camera or a pair of binoculars will come in handy

Anything Else

• Wear flat-soled shoes and bring a jumper in case it gets cold at high altitudes
• Sunglasses are recommended