University Gliding Clubs

Around 22 universities in the UK have gliding clubs that are hosted by BGA clubs located within range of their campuses.

In any one year around over 1500 students experience the excitement of gliding flight. Not all will pursue the sport but for those that do the possibilities are endless. After going solo, pilots can continue training to attain further skill levels and formal recognition through the internationally accredited bronze, silver, gold and diamond badge system. There are competitions (local, regional, national and international); expeditions to other sites both here and in the UK; special interest areas such as aerobatics and flying vintage gliders; and closer to home there is the chance to train as an instructor to teach others to fly.

All the University clubs are run by students as Student’s Union Sports Clubs and some long-standing clubs own their own aircraft. Students are expected to get involved with helping to run their club and there are some unexpected opportunities such as learning about (and assisting with) aircraft upkeep and maintenance.

Oxford University Astir 

 

Historically, university gliding has made a significant contribution to the sport with some of the UK’s longest established clubs, like Oxford and Cambridge, having started as university clubs during the dawn of gliding in the late 1920’s and early 1930’s. One group of ex-Cambridge University students were the main driving force behind setting up Eden Soaring, the UK’s youngest gliding club. There are ex-Uni GC pilots to be found in all areas of the sport.

Since 1979, Uni GCs have been getting together each summer to hold an annual competition, the Inter University Task Week (IUTW), where you can score points from going solo for the first time, achieving badge skill levels and cross country flying. The Inter Unis are a not to be missed week of enjoyable and challenging flying and socialising.  IUTW 2010 will be held at Windrushers Club (Bicester) 7th – 15th August.

It is intended that this web page will grow to reflect the wide range of University of gliding activities in the UK – keep checking back (or send us some information, news and calendar dates post!)