Trial Lessons

Bannerdown Gliding Cub provides Trial Lessons for all ages. You will be surprised by how easy it is – if you can ride a bike, then you can learn to fly a glider!

Your Trial Lesson will involve flying with one of our experienced instructors in one of our dual control two-seat gliders. Once airborne, your instructor will demonstrate the basic controls and then will offer you a chance to have a go… and away you go!

If you are feeling particularly adventurous, with the right instructor and suitable conditions, you have the opportunity to experience aerobatics. Feel the adrenaline race through you as your glider performs a loop or chandelle.

Sounding good? Purchase a Bannerdown Gliding Club Trial Lesson today – They make ideal presents for friends and family, or a great way to treat yourself!


March 2024 Update

We are temporarily unable to issue new trial lesson vouchers and trial lesson bookings are limited.
We apologise for any inconvenience this causes and hope to be running at full capacity by May 2024. If you have a voucher and would like to book your lesson please email enquiries@bannerdown.co.uk

If you would like to book a trial lesson please use this tool.
Please arrive during your chosen time slot. We aim to get you flying as soon as possible but have to be flexible around club operations.

See Online Booking Page

Alternatively, you can turn up at the airfield and we can try and fit you in – we recommend you contact us first to check that we are flying.


Group Evenings

During the summer, Bannerdown Gliding Club can organise an entire evening of Trial Lessons for groups of 10 or more. Be it a birthday treat, office outing or just for fun, a group evening at Bannerdown Gliding Club is a great way to spend a summers evening with your friends or colleagues!

To organise an ‘Evening Group Flying’ event, please email groups@bannerdown.co.uk

After your Trial Lesson

So, you really enjoyed your Trial Lesson and want to get stuck in? As part of the Trial Lesson, you receive one months membership for free – allowing you to come back and fly with us again at a reduced rate!

Why not become a member and learn to fly solo? (and more!). Bannerdown Gliding Club is a member of the British Gliding Association (BGA) and so we follow the BGA Training Syllabus. You will have a Pilot Progress Card enabling our instructors to ensure you are taught everything you need to know – in the air and on the ground.

There are plenty of opportunities to take your flying further. You won’t be rushed, but encouraged to improve and learn new skills. With training and guidance from our range of instructors there are opportunities to achieve Bronze Awards, Silver Awards, Cross Country experience and even Competition flying!

Terms and Conditions

  • Trial lesson vouchers are valid for a period of one year from the date of purchase.
  • All glider flights are dependent on the weather. Flight duration and heights are indicative but may vary due to local conditions. It is recommended that you confirm that flying will be possible before travelling to the airfield.
  • Maximum and minimum pilot sizes and weights vary from glider type to glider type. If you are over 6’2”, under 5’ or over 15 stone, it is advisable to check with the club before booking your flight.
  • We have a minimum age of 13 for our trial lessons.
  • Gliding is an adventurous flying activity. Although the risk is carefully managed at Bannerdown Gliding club, flying in a glider is not as safe as flying in a commercial airliner.
  • Before taking your flight, you will be required to become (at no additional cost) a temporary member of Bannerdown Gliding Club.
  • In addition to your flight, a trial lesson voucher will entitle you to two months temporary membership.