Learn to Fly at Gransden Lodge Airfield
Gliding is the purest, most rewarding form of aviation. Whether your ambition is to fly solo, soar for hundreds of kilometers across the countryside, or compete nationally, Cambridge Gliding Centre provides structured instruction from certified instructors in a welcoming club environment.
The BGA Pilot Training Pathway
Follow the structured British Gliding Association (BGA) flying and ground school syllabus:
Pre-Solo Flying Training
Fly in modern dual-control two-seaters (Schleicher ASK 21 or SZD-54 Perkoz) with certified BGA instructors. Master aircraft handling, aerotow and winch launches, thermal soaring, circuit planning, and emergency procedures.
First Solo Flight
Once you demonstrate consistent aircraft handling, circuit judgment, stall/spin recovery, and launch safety, your instructor will send you on your first solo flight — a milestone you will remember for the rest of your life.
Post-Solo & BGA Bronze Badge
Consolidate your solo flying in club single-seater gliders (Pegase FVV, Discus DM). Complete ground theory exams in Air Law, Navigation, Meteorology, and Principles of Flight alongside cross-country endorsements.
Cross-Country, Aerobatics & Badges
Learn advanced thermal and wave soaring, GPS navigation, and outlanding field selection. Earn FAI Silver, Gold, and Diamond badges, fly 300km–500km flights without an engine, or explore aerobatics.
Junior Gliding & Cadet Scheme
We are dedicated to supporting the next generation of aviators. Our Cadet Scheme offers subsidized flying for young people aged 14–21 in exchange for assisting with launch point operations and ground handling on flying days.
- Subsidized aerotow and winch launch rates
- Hands-on ground crew, signaling, and retrieve vehicle training
- Mentorship from senior cross-country and national competition pilots
Course Weeks & Training Camps
In addition to regular 7-day-a-week summer flying, we run focused course weeks (April to October) allowing rapid syllabus progression with dedicated daily 1-on-1 instruction.
- Full-time instructor support Monday to Friday
- Ground lectures, daily meteorology briefings, and simulator coaching
- On-site camping, caravan facilities, and clubhouse kitchen
Explore Our Training Fleet & Airfield
Discover the two-seaters, single-seaters, tug aircraft, and simulator facilities you will use during your training.