Summer training courses are a really great way to learn how to fly gliders.
Our courses run from April – September, and bookings for 2026 Courses are now open.
How our courses work
Each course runs over five days for six students. There are normally two instructors and three qualified helpers assigned to each course, which ensures that each student receives personal attention.
Students will receive their flights in groups of 3-4 launches at a time which helps with the continuity of training. When not flying, students are expected to help with all of the other activities required to help launch other members on the course. Students will receive tuition in launch point operations, retrieving launch cables and theory briefings. If the weather makes flying impossible, instructors will make full use our simulator to demonstrate, practice exercises, fly tasks, and run lectures on all aspects of gliding. Our instructors will aim to assess your abilities and any previous experience, to tailor the training for each individual.
Each day starts at 8.30am, all of the gliders and equipment are taken out of the hangars and workshops and prepared for the day’s flying. The end of the flying day is variable but as a guide will normally be about 5.00pm. A break is normally taken at about 1.00pm for lunch when hot and cold food and drinks are available in the clubhouse.
On the Thursday evening of each course week, the whole team usually get together for a course meal, and it is generally accepted that speeches are made and awards are presented for outstanding achievements….be they good, bad or ridiculous!
Our aim is to provide you with a week of training, not only to become a glider pilot, but in all aspects of what being a member of our gliding club entails.
One thing is for sure, we will make sure you have an enjoyable and rewarding week!
There are 4 places on each course for DSGC members, and 2 places reserved for non-members or new members. If the non/new member places are not booked within 6 weeks of the start of the course, then the places will be opened for members. A waiting list will be held by the Course Secretary,
Making a Provisional Booking
To make a provisional booking, you must first email Ian Hunt (dsgc.courses@gmail.com) with your name, membership details and preferred course date. The Course Secretary will send you a link to an application form to confirm your provisional booking and within 10 days, please then either complete and submit the online form or post a completed form and arrange payment to Devon and Somerset Gliding Club.
Confirmation of Booking
Please note that your place on a course will only be confirmed, once your non-returnable deposit of £100 has been received along with a completed application form. If the full outstanding balance is not received 6 weeks prior to the course start date, then your place will be offered to other applicants. Ian also holds a reserve list in case of cancellations.
2026 Prices
- DSGC Full Flying Members: £440.00
- Non-Members: £730.00 (inclusive of 3 months membership)
- Deposit: £100.00 on application, non-refundable
- Balance payable 6 weeks before course start date
For junior applications, please read our guidance for duty of care of young people. This link includes the following:
- DSGC Child protection policy
- Advice for parents
- Code of conduct for junior members
- Nominated Guardian form for Junior Members
Details of currently available courses are displayed below. If you have any further questions please contact the course secretary Ian Hunt.
P – Provisional booking subject to deposit
C – Confirmed Booking
N/M – Non-member or New member