Age ranges 

Anyone under 18 years old will require the written  consent of a parent or guardian.  Children under 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian while at the airfield.  Children over 14 years old will be able to fly a glider at the discretion of  the instructor conducting the lesson. There is no upper age limit. 


Sizes and weights 

If you are heavier than 16st 4lb (228lb, 103 kg), you will not be able to fly in our gliders as most gliders have a weight limit of 242 lb (110 kg) for each seat.  The pilot’s weight must include the weight of a parachute (15 lb or 7 kg). If you weigh more than 103kg or 228lbs then you cannot fly in a glider. People over 6’ 4’’ (193cm) may not be able to fly in our gliders.  The lower weight limit is approximately 44kg (7 stone or 98 pounds).  The minimum height for pupils is 
approximately five feet (152 cm).   

Medical declaration 

You will be asked to sign a medical declaration before you fly to confirm that you are fit to fly.  Please ask your own doctor to sign the form if your have any concerns about your fitness. The following conditions may cause difficulty while flying. Sufferers from any of these you are advised to obtain medical opinion. Bronchitis, asthma, sinus disease, ear disease, defective vision (eg,inability to read a car number plate at 25 metres - corrective glasses may be used), 
migraine, diabetes of any form, kidney stones, psychiatric disorders, severe motion or travel sickness, any condition requiring treatment with drugs of any kind.  You are further advised that:  
• If you normally wear spectacles, you should always carry a readily accessible spare pair. 
• Minor illnesses, some prescription drugs and the donation of blood will probably make you temporarily unfit to fly.

Alcohol 

Even the most moderate drinker should be aware that the Railways & Transport Safety Act makes it an offence for pilots, including glider pilots, to fly whilst over the prescribed limit for alcohol.  The law is very clear on this, and even as a student you may not consume ANY alcohol within the eight hours before flying.  This applies to you EVEN for a trial lesson flight.
  • You must have consumed NO alcohol in the 8 hours before your flight. 
  • You must not have consumed more than 5 units of alcohol in the 12 hours before your flight.  (One unit of alcohol is a half pint of regular beer or lager, a single measure (25ml) of spirits, or a small glass of wine, or a small glass of “alcopop” such as SmirnoffIce, Bacardi Breezer.)
  • You must not have consumed a substantial amount of alcohol (or “binged”) during the 24 hours before your flight. 
IT IS AGAINST THE LAW TO FLY IN A GLIDER WITH AN ALCOHOL CONCENTRATION IN YOUR BLOOD EXCEEDING 20mg per 100ml.  THIS IS ONE QUARTER OF THE DRINK/DRIVE LIMIT.  One drink will take you over this limit.   It is effectively a zero tolerance limit