I was wondering if I could go gliding again (after a 35+ year break since I was a young air cadet).
Problem is I’m something over 18stone (probably nearer 20), and would – of course – need an instructor.
Is there a school – preferably somewhere near Plymouth – with a glider that could cope?
Thanks.
By: jgs43 - 22nd December 2003 at 19:35
Much depends upon the gliders available at your nearest club.
Most Glass/modern two seaters can accept up to between 220 – 240 lbs maximum cockpit weight per pilot although this normally includes a parachute. Older machines will usually have lower limits.
The best answer is to check on the nearest club to you – via club search on BGA website – and give them a call or visit to determine the limits applicable to their gliders.
Most Solo gliders have similar maximum cockpit weights hence I would suggest that you will require to lose some weight before taking up the sport.:)
Proving that your diabetes is adequately controlled such that you meet the medical requirements for a DVLC Licence then you should have no problem with the gliding medical requirement.
By: RobAnt - 22nd December 2003 at 13:12
Thanks for that – it has posed new questions for me (I’m a tablet & diet (non insulin dependant) diabetic), but there doesn’t seem to be any mention of aircraft weight limitations anywhere!
By: Shorty01 - 16th December 2003 at 15:04
Try the BGA (British Gliding Association) website at http://www.gliding.co.uk/
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December 15, 2003 at 11:36 pm