We offer pilot training in our modern fleet of two-seat gliders and the opportunity to fly our single-seat gliders once qualified. Training is carried out by British Gliding Association (BGA) qualified instructors.
The current club fleet offers a great opportunity and experience for all levels of pilots. Two K21s, DG505 Elan, Perkoz and two single seat Juniors currently enable a broad range of training from basic ab-initio through to advanced cross-country flying.
Instructor Team
The instructor team are dedicated to helping the members get the most out of gliding, they are unpaid and do it for the reward in seeing others progress.
Management Team
The DSGC Management Team is elected at the Annual General Meeting and consists of Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer, 6 Committee members and the CFI.
Who we are
The Devon and Somerset Gliding Club Ltd (DSGC) is a registered society under the Co-operative and Community Benefit Societies Act 2014, and is wholly owned by its members.
-
Devon & Somerset Gliding Club Group Evenings
Read more -
Glaser Dirks DG505 Glider For Hire at North Hill Airfield
Read more -
Junior Gliding With Devon & Somerset Gliding Club
Read more -
Piper PA 25 Pawnee For Aerotow Hire at North Hill Airfield
Read more -
Schleicher ASK21 Glider For Hire at North Hill Airfield
Read more -
Schleicher Ka6cr Glider For Hire at North Hill Airfield
Read more -
Summer Training Courses With Devon & Somerset Gliding Club
Read more -
SZD 54-2 Perkoz Glider For Hire at North Hill Airfield
Read more -
SZD Junior Glider For Hire at North Hill Airfield
Read more -
Trail Lessons With Devon & Somerset Gliding Club
Read more
Services
The thrill of gliding is being able to soar like an eagle.
At face value Gliding is a recreational activity and competitive air sport in which pilots fly un-powered aircraft known as gliders or sailplanes using naturally occurring currents of rising air in the atmosphere to remain airborne, but if you were to ask 20 glider pilots “What is gliding?” you will likely get 20 different answers filled with words like fun, freedom, challenge, adventure, awesome, beautiful, and even pure epicness! Gliding is more about how it makes you feel than the mere technicality of flying without an engine. So ultimately you could say gliding is about the wonder of flying and experiencing the joy of being able soar like an eagle.
Like all worthwhile skills, it requires effort and commitment to achieve results, but your first solo or a successful cross country flight on a summers day is an exhilarating reward.
Winch
The large proportion of club launches are by winch. We operate a Skylaunch 8.2 litre V8 engine powered by LPG, twin drum winch with polypropylene rope. We also operate a Supacat twin drum diesel V8 winch with multi-strand steel wire, it has a computerised cable tension control system. Winches typically provide launches to 1200-1500ft above the airfield.
Aerotow
Our Piper Pawnee tow plane provides aerotow launches when pilots want to be launched higher than the winch can achieve, or go further from the airfield to reach different conditions. Aerotows are often used for a trial lesson as it provides a gentle introduction to gliding.
Clubhouse & Restaurant
Our Clubhouse has a large clubroom / restaurant and briefing room. Catering facilities are normally available on flying days from mid-morning to mid-afternoon with extensions by special arrangement.
There is a wide selection of hot & cold meals available on the menu along with daily specials and of course a constant supply of tea, coffee or a selection of cold drinks. The Club offers water refilling facilities, supporting Refill Devon.
The briefing room is fully-equipped to enable lectures, ground school, cross-country and competition briefings. Access to met forecasts and NOTAMs is available.
The club has no overnight accommodation, but space is available for touring caravans and tents by prior arrangement. There are several local B&Bs available
Hangarage
The Club glider fleet is housed in a purpose-built hangar built in 2000, financed by Sport England Lottery Fund. The tug has its own hangar and ground equipment is stored in the original glider hangar. There are workshop facilities for both gliders and ground equipment.
Glider Workshop
The glider workshop is used for maintenance of both club and private gliders. It has recently been slightly extended and completely refurbished.
Ground Equipment
A launch point vehicle (LPV) based on a small mini-bus was cleverly converted by a Club member in 2007. This provides launch control by telephone, flight-logging and briefing space. Several four-wheel drive vehicles are available for glider retrieving on the airfield and winch cable pullout.
Simulator
With the help of a Sport England Lottery grant, Club members have built a simulator based on the cockpit of a Ka2b, with a large curved screen and two projectors running Condor software.
Gallery
