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Gliding on the South Downs dates back to the 27th of June 1909, when 16 year old Gordon England flew from Amberley Mount, a few miles west of the present site. Southdown Gliding Club was formed in 1930, so is one of the oldest in Britain. The club is now one of the largest and best equipped in Britain, and is an active member of the British Gliding Association, which controls all aspects of the sport. Our location close to the South Downs allows us to soar on the updraughts or lee waves from the Downs, ride the seabreeze fronts, or soar in thermals. Our fleet consists of three tandem seat trainers, three single seat gliders, and one motor glider, along with three tug aircraft for aerotows. We also have a two drum winch for launching. Members keep over forty privately owned gliders at the airfield including several motor gliders.
While many members enjoy local flying, some regularly make cross-country flights of 300km or more. There has been at least three flights this year in excess of 750km. Others participate in various levels of competition. Courses on all aspects of gliding are held throughout the year. Expeditions to other gliding clubs both in Britain and overseas are another popular activity.
Safety is of prime importance in gliding. All our instructors are trained to the standards laid down by British Gliding Association, which also oversees airworthiness requirements as specified by the Civil Aviation Authority.
Club members enjoy a number of social functions throughout the year. Our clubhouse has modern facilities including a bar, which is the place to retell those tall stories after flying has finished for the day.
Gliding is one of the purest and most enjoyable aviation sports. Modern gliders are capable of flights in excess of 1,000 km, can go to altitudes of more than 20,000 feet and can perform complex aerobatic manoeuvres. Learning to fly a glider solo in this country requires the individual to master a range of theoretical subjects as well as the practical skills and judgement to fly safely and successfully without the benefit of an engine.
There are around 10,000 glider pilots in 100 clubs in the UK. Southdown Gliding Club with just over 200 flying members is one of the largest “all-volunteer” clubs in the country. We have no paid staff except for part time administrative help in the office and engineers to work on the powered aircraft. All the instructors, tug pilots, and other helpers around the club are members who give their time voluntarily. Even this website is designed and administered by one (with a very understanding husband).
If you wish to contact someone at the club, please select one of the following:-
CFI, Chairman, Enquiries, Facilities, Membership, Publicity, Recruitment, Safety, Secretary, Technical, Treasurer, Webmaster.
For general membership enquiries, please use Enquiries and not Membership, which should only be used if you are already a member of the club.
Thanks for visiting, we look forward to seeing you.
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