Long Island

LONG RIDGE GLIDING CLUB
Long Ridge Gliding Club is a not for profit organisation run by its members. The large grass airfield is located on the crest of a ridge about 400 metres above sea level. It is an ideal place to practice ridge soaring and cross-country flying. The gliders are launched using a winch machine which can propel them from a standing start to around 110 kilometres per hour (70 mph), 300 metres above the airfield, in just five seconds. The club is housed in a set of old farm buildings with simple but comfortable facilities for members. A bar and basic catering services are provided by the club steward and inexpensive bunkrooms are available for club members wishing to stay overnight. The club has a current membership of nearly 150 pilots who range in ability from novice to expert. While some members have their own gliders, the club has a fleet of three single seater and three twin seater gliders available to its members. The club also offers trial flights to members of the public. These ‘casual flyers’ can book flights in advance or just turn up and fly on a first-come, first-served basis. The club sells trial flight gift vouchers which are popular as birthday and Christmas presents. The club’s brochure and web site encourage people to: ‘Experience the friendly atmosphere and excellent facilities and enjoy the thrill of soaring above Long Ridge’s dramatic scenery. For just £40 you could soon be in the air. Phone now or just turn up and our knowledgeable staff will be happy to advise you. We have a team of professional instructors dedicated to make this a really memorable experience.’ The average flight for a trial lesson is around 10 minutes. If the conditions are right the customer may be lucky and get a longer flight although at busy times the instructors may feel under pressure to return to the ground to give another lesson. Sometimes when the weather is poor, low cloud and wind in the wrong direction, almost not fit for flying at all, the... [continues]

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