Self-Launch Gliding Tuition

NEW this season at Darley Moor Airfield, we can offer you gliding tuition in our Dimona self-launch glider.

There are significant advantages in gliding lessons via the self-launch route. The main benefit is the efficient use of your time. Gliding lessons are pre-booked, so the aircraft and instructor is dedicated to you for that period. If you wish to have an extended soaring/thermal cross country gliding lesson it can easily be arranged.

The need for extra personnel and machinery to help get you in the air is no longer required - no queuing for a winch launch or tug aircraft, winch operators and launch marshals. If you learn using the self-launched motor glider, then you can subsequently do an aerotow and/or winch launch conversion if required at another club.

Four lakes, four airfields tour, in our Dimona self-launch motor glider

Take to the skies in our wonderful Dimona motor glider on an introductory flying lesson like no other. You will navigate between 4 lakes and 4 Second World War airfields, covering over 100kms.

Leaving Darley Moor Airfield, you will ascend towards Ashbourne Airfield (disused). Both Darley Moor Airfield and Ashbourne Airfield were commissioned in 1942, and played a vital role in the training of pilots of tow aeroplanes and gliders as part of the D-day landings.

You will then head towards Carsington Water - a man-made reservoir opened by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 1992. It is now a popular centre for sailing and water sports.

Heading west along the southern tip of the beautiful Peak District National Park, you will see an area of outstanding natural beauty, which is a playground for glider pilots, with stunning views towards Leek and the Roaches range of hills.

You will then turn at Tittesworth Reservoir and head south towards the Staffordshire moorlands. The track then turns east at Trentham lake - part of the 18th century Trentham Gardens Estate.

The next airfield you will see is RAF Hixon (disused), opened in 1942 and used by NO30 operational training unit for bomber crew training, mainly on Vickers Wellingtons.

Continuing east you will soon be over Blithfield Reservoir, which is very distinctive from the Air with its causeway running straight though the centre of the lake.

Turning North for home towards RAF Darley Moor, you will pass Tatenhill (RAF) opened 1941 and used by NO27 bomber command, and still in use today as a Civilian airfield for light aircraft.

The last part of your flight is a glide home over Uttoxeter whilst descending for an overhead join and landing back at your starting point..

Darley Moor Airfield is owned and operated by Airways Airsports, whose origins are in soaring, silent flight. The "self launch" method of teaching allows you to learn how to glide, maximising your time in the air efficiently.

This flight covers just over 100kms - the same as a Dambuster flight, and a great experience for £249

Self-Launch Gliding Tuition Costs