Glider Aerobatics

Gliding is an adventure! As you learn, more avenues of the sport open up to you, from flying cross-country on a summer’s day, to hill soaring and high altitude wave soaring. And then there is aerobatics.

What are glider aerobatics? It is like powered aircraft aerobatics often seen at air displays, but silent and more graceful. Without an engine, the glider pilot controls speed and g forces to manage the energy and draw spectacular figures in the sky.

Why aerobatics? They give you better handling skills, an understanding of the flight envelope (what the glider can and cannot do), more confidence in your flying and of course, it is fun!

Who can learn aerobatics?  Anyone – from those who are not yet solo to the most experienced soaring pilots with many years of flying under their belt. At Booker Gliding Club we have experienced aerobatic instructors to help you enjoy the world of glider aerobatics.

How are aerobatics taught? Flying with a qualified instructor, you will experience a simple manoeuvre, such as a loop or chandelle. You may even have a go yourself. If you enjoyed it, you may want to learn to fly a few more figures.

Typically, you will be booked into a basic aerobatic course, which consists of briefings on the figures to be flown, how to fly them safely and flights in an aerobatic two-seater dual control glider. You will progress at your own pace and learn aerobatics to whatever level suits you. Some pilots are happy to be able to fly a few figures safely and others may want to learn more complex and demanding aerobatics and possibly enter aerobatic competitions.

The controlling body of gliding in the UK, the British Gliding Association, encourages glider aerobatics and has an endorsement scheme for the different levels of aerobatics. 

The controlling body of all aerobatic competitions in the UK is the British Aerobatics Association, which organises competitions and team training for the more serious pilots.