Blog by CPL. Matthew G.

I was fortunate enough to be awarded a gliding scholarship by the Honourable Company of Air Pilots, which gave me the opportunity to do an all inclusive week of gliding at Midland Gliding Club.

The club is located on the Long Mynd in Shropshire, one of the largest single rock formations in the world and is home to some of the best soaring conditions in the UK. It is also one of the few sites that have a retrieval winch for the launch cable, which I had the chance to operate – an experience unique to this location.

Across five days of flying, I completed multiple hour long soaring flights amongst the rolling hills, gaining valuable experience in reading the instruments, learning the controls and maintaining a good flight attitude. This was followed by three day focused on circuit training, during which I carried out over 20 launches. Under instruction, I learned how too manage the entire sequence of flight: from the safety checks, ground run and take off, full circuit pattern, final approach, flare and landing.

The scholarship gave me not only the thrill of flight but also a deeper understanding of aerodynamics, lift and precision in aviation. It was an inspiring experience and should time allow it I wish to continue my journey to a solo glide at a nearby location.