Cambridge Gliding Centre is to take part in the British Gliding Association’s National Women’s Go Gliding Weekend 2024.
Women of all ages are encouraged to visit the centre, based at Gransden Lodge Airfield in Longstowe, this weekend (27-28 April) to learn more about the sport.
The event is being run at 22 gliding clubs across the UK, as part of an initiative by the BGA – the national governing body – to broaden participation in a sport where UK glider pilots routinely win top honours in international competitions.
Gliding is enjoyed by all ages, with youngsters learning to fly from as young as 12 years old because the minimum age to go solo is 14 – and indeed many do.
For some it is also the gateway to a fulfilling career in aviation. Although only about eight per cent of those working in UK aviation today are women, this growing industry says it needs to attract more employees in all roles, from ground crew to pilots and engineers.
Aviation employers and apprenticeship schemes are increasingly recruiting from the pool of female glider pilots, whose flying experience and ability gives them a headstart in the hiring process.
Cambridge Gliding Centre is offering introductory flights during National Women’s Go Gliding Weekend from £30.
The centre says it is rapidly becoming fully booked so to avoid disappointment it is advisable to book in advance.
You will be notified if your application has been accepted and pay a £25 deposit to confirm your acceptance. This will be deductable from the cost of the flight.
For those unable to book in advance, the centre will also be operating a waiting list on each day and will do its best to fly those who sign up but, for operational reasons, that cannot be guaranteed.
For those not able to visit on April 27 or 28, introductory flights can also be booked at Cambridge Gliding Centre seven days a week from April to October (subject to availability).
Full details can be found at camgliding.uk.
