How to Become a Glider Pilot: Your Journey from First Flight to Solo

Dreaming of learning to fly, but unsure where to begin?

Gliding offers one of the most rewarding and affordable ways to become a pilot — and it all starts with a single flight.

At Trent Valley Gliding Club, we’ve helped hundreds of people take their first steps into the world of aviation. Whether you’re 14 or 64, the path to solo flight is more accessible than you might think.

Here’s how to become a glider pilot, from your first experience flight to that unforgettable moment when you take to the skies solo.

Step 1: Book a Trial Flight

Your journey begins with a gliding experience flight — a relaxed, no-pressure introduction where you fly with one of our qualified instructors in a two-seat glider.

During your flight, you’ll:

• Learn the basics of how a glider works
• Get a feel for the controls
• Soar over the Lincolnshire countryside
• Possibly take control yourself under guidance!

👉 Book your trial flight here

If you enjoy it (and most people do), you can move on to the next step.

Step 2: Join the Club & Start Training

To continue flying, you’ll need to join the club as a member. At TVGC, we offer a friendly, supportive environment with structured training and plenty of flying opportunities.

You’ll work through the British Gliding Association (BGA) training syllabus, which includes:

• Basic handling skills
• Launch and circuit procedures
• Landing techniques
• Safety and airmanship

There’s no fixed number of flights — you’ll progress at your own pace, with regular feedback and encouragement from our team.

🧑‍✈️Step 3: Fly Solo

Once your instructor is confident in your skills and decision-making, you’ll be cleared for your first solo flight — a huge milestone and something you’ll never forget.

This moment marks the transition from student to pilot. You’ll launch on your own, fly the circuit, and land — all without an instructor by your side. Just you, the glider, and the open sky.

And yes, your instructor will be nervously watching from the ground… but also incredibly proud!

Step 4: Keep Flying & Progress Further

After going solo, your gliding journey is just beginning. You can continue training to:

• Improve your soaring skills
• Learn cross-country navigation
• Compete in gliding competitions
• Train to become an instructor

It’s a sport where there’s always more to learn — and a community to grow with.

How Much Does It Cost to Learn to Glide?

One of the biggest surprises for new pilots is just how affordable gliding can be.

At Trent Valley Gliding Club, we work hard to keep costs accessible. You’ll typically pay:

• A modest annual membership fee
• Per-flight or flight-time charges (often subsidised)
• Access to club gliders — no need to buy your own!

We also offer junior discounts and packages for those committed to learning to fly.

Who Can Learn to Glide?

If you’re:

• Aged 14 or over
• In reasonable health
• Enthusiastic about learning

…you can become a glider pilot.

You don’t need prior flying experience or any special qualifications. Just a love for the outdoors and a willingness to learn.

Start Your Journey Today

If you’ve always wanted to learn to fly, there’s no better way to start than with gliding.

📍 Visit us at Trent Valley Gliding Club, near Kirton in Lindsey
🎫 Book your first flight today: https://www.tvgc.co.uk/trial-flights

From your first flight to flying solo — we’ll be with you every step of the way.
The sky isn’t the limit. It’s just the beginning.