1. Bristol and Gloucestershire Gliding Club
Cadet Scheme
2017

2. Bristol and Gloucestershire Gliding Club
The BGGC
The Bristol and Gloucestershire Gliding Club (BGGC) is one of the largest gliding clubs in the UK. It was founded in 1938 and operated from Lulsgate, now the home of Bristol International airport, until relocating to its current site at Nympsfield, Gloucestershire in 1956.
The club operates from its own 100 acre airfield located on the Cotswold edge overlooking the Severn valley, across to the Black Mountains in Wales and to the Malvern Hills in the north.
The club has approximately 150 pilot members, 4 two-seat training gliders, 4 single-seat gliders and a tow aircraft. It is also the base for 4 privately owned aircraft and 70 privately owned gliders.
The BGGC is part of the British Gliding Association, an accredited Junior Gliding Centre and home to the Bristol University Gliding Club.
Bristol and Gloucestershire Gliding Club

3. Bristol and Gloucestershire Gliding Club
Cadet Scheme
The objective of the cadet scheme is to introduce and encourage young people, who have an interest in aviation, to the sport of gliding.
The scheme is open to any young person between the ages of 14 and 18. No formal qualifications are required other than enthusiasm, determination and commitment.
Cadet flying is subsided and all training is free.
Membership costs £90 per year, depending on the joining date.
A winch launch, the most common launch method, costs £6.25
Airtime in the glider costs 0.35p per minute.
There are no other charges.
The club operates 7 days a week from March to November and on demand during the winter months.
Bristol and Gloucestershire Gliding Club

4. Bristol and Gloucestershire Gliding Club
Training Syllabus
Training to solo standard. Achievement is dependant on regular attendance and the cadet’s aptitude.
Theory of flight and an introduction to the British Gliding Association’s Bronze Certificate.
Training in the club’s operational activities including:
Retrieving gliders - Cadets will be expected to have parental permission to drive the club retrieve vehicles unaccompanied.
Glider handling, general maintenance and daily inspections.
Radio communications.
Launch control.
Log keeping.
Cadets will be provided with a pilot’s logbook and progress card.
Bristol and Gloucestershire Gliding Club

5. Bristol and Gloucestershire Gliding Club
What is Gliding?
Gliders, or sailplanes as they are sometimes called, are aeroplanes without engines. Gliders are far more efficient than powered aircraft. A glider’s long wings enable them to fly great distances and soar to great heights using only the natural energy of the sky. Glider pilots learn how to use that energy to gain height and stay airborne.
Gliding is an adventure sport and like most things in life, does involve some level of risk. But with proper training and sensible airmanship the risks are low.
Gliding is regulated by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and the British Gliding Association (BGA). All flying instructors have to pass a rigorous series of flying assessments to qualify and are subject to regular review to maintain their ratings.
Bristol and Gloucestershire Gliding Club

6. This Could Be You…
Woohoo! 14-year-old Phillipa after her first solo flight…
14 year-old William attempts to strike a nonchalant pose after his first solo.
An air-punch from 15-year-old Oli, after flying solo…
Dan (15) imagines he is still flying after his first solo.
A traditional handshake for Owen (15) after his first solo.
15-year-old Morgan ‘Standing at Ease’ after his first solo.
Bristol and Gloucestershire Gliding Club

7. Bristol and Gloucestershire Gliding Club
Further Information
Application Form – Complete the accompanying application form and send it to the BGGC office using “Cadet Application” as the subject line.
Alternatively - contact the office by post or phone for more information.
The BGGC,
Nympsfield,
Gloucestershire
GL10 3TX
Tel: +44 (0) (Weekends 09: :00, Mid Week - call to check)
Websites
BGGC website
British Gliding Association (BGA) website
BGA Junior Gliding website
Bristol and Gloucestershire Gliding Club