The Deeside Gliding club provide training courses and trial lessons. Trial lessons are aimed at novices who may never have tried gliding, and the courses are aimed at novices and also slightly more experienced pilots. Enjoy your gliding training in the Highlands of Scotland, above the beautiful countryside of the Grampian mountains. Weather permitting you will be able to sample most aspects of soaring flight including the use of wave, thermal and ridge lift to prolong your flight time.

All launches are by aerotow to 2,000 ft, however higher tows may sometimes be necessary to enable the glider to contact wave up currents.

There are no age limits but anyone wishing to fly in a glider needs to be at least 4’ 10” in height in order that they can be adequately secured in the aircraft, anyone over 6' 2" may have difficulty fitting in our gliders. The maximum weight of any occupant of the glider is 220 lbs.

Bunk room accommodation is available at £7 per night or £3.50 for youth members and there is also space for Mobile Homes, caravans and tents on site at £3.50 per person per night.

For more information please contact the club by e-mail (office@deesideglidingclub.co.uk), telephone or fax (013398 85339).

2 Flight Courses

Courses are available each weekend and run from 09:30 to 17.00. We will allocate no more than three students per instructor.

In the event of poor weather, every attempt will be made to catch up on entitlement within the course period or credit for launches will be given. If time permits further launches and flying, at club rates, will be available. Briefings will be conducted to suit individual needs.

Bunk House accommodation is available on site at £7.00 per night or £3.50 for youth members on a self-catering basis and there is a fully equipped kitchen and good shower/washing facilities. Alternatively, we can provide information on local accommodation. See the Where to Stay page. All accommodation shown is within easy reach of the Gliding Club but transportation will be required.

Should you require clarification or further information, do not hesitate to contact us by telephone, fax or email.

We look forward to welcoming you to Aboyne.

Trial lessons

Trial lessons are carried out at weekends and are available at a cost of £55. This will allow for one flight with a qualified instructor to 2000 ft and will normally last for 15-20 minutes.

It is best to phone the club at about 09:00 hrs in the morning of the day you wish to fly to check the suitability of flying conditions and then arrive as early as possible so that your name may be entered on the flying list in order of arrival.

The lesson also entitles the holder to three months membership from the date of the trial lesson and so further flying can be undertaken at club rates – which is roughly half the price of the original lesson.

Also, if the option is taken to join the club within three months, then £15.00 is deducted from the initial, annual, subscription, currently £180.00 or £90.00 if under 21 years of age.

Gift Vouchers

Gift vouchers are available for Trial lessons and 2 flight courses. Vouchers are valid at the price paid for six months.

Should you, on completion of your Course or Trial lesson, wish to join the club as a full member, £15 will be deducted from the membership fee of £180, or if you are under 21yrs the membership fee of £90 will be reduced to £75.