In a nutshell:
People flying real life paper aeroplanes!

Tell me more!
Buying a flying lesson is usually done through a club so that you have experts and a 2 seater glider on hand for you to learn in. There are 2 sets of controls in the 2 seater so that the pilot can demonstrate what he would like you to do whilst giving (everyone!) piece of mind that he can take over at a moments notice, should you suddenly have a momentary lapse of flying concentration! There is no engine so part of the flying experience is being launched into the air in the first place. This can be done in several different ways including being towed by a light aircraft, winch lifted or bungee launched. Once up there, although essentially you are continually falling, you take your inspiration from the birds and stay in the air by gliding on different type of wind called thermals, ridge and wave lifts. Once you are up there, just enjoy the view from a whole new viewpoint!

The stuff you need
Obviously a glider is a handy starting point but it’s a lot cheaper to join a club and have access to theirs then shell out for your own! There are fees connected with lessons, club membership, launching and time in the air, although some of these are on a pay-as-you-go basis (which could help you plan out your costings each month). Just as there are many different types of glider, they also range hugely in price and can start from as little as a few hundred pounds, rising up to £100,000 for a top of the range model. As this is out of the price range for most people, it is quite usual to join a syndicate to make owning at least part of a glider a reality. 

Cool things you can do
Once you have the hang of general flying and have moved from the 2 seater to the single seater craft, there are even more adventurous avenues open to you. Gliding clubs, aerobatics and international racing can give you the adrenaline kick you are after. There are local, national and international racing competitions and surprisingly, the Brits do well in these! You can go on to train as an instructor so that you can pass on your passion for flying to another total beginner.

People in the know!
gliding.co.uk
vintagegliderclub.org/

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Check out the wings on that!