This month, our intrepid work experience student, Charlie (aged 15), took to the skies!
I’ve always dreamed of navigating the skies, but for now, I’m stuck navigating the Local Link office, on work experience, 9 to 5…
When the team heard I enjoy gliding, they asked me to share some of my most turbulent experiences with our readers.
I started attending York Gliding Centre at the age of 13, two years ago. I was eager to launch, but back then, I didn’t meet the 51kg minimum weight limit – I considered stuffing my pockets with runway pebbles (DON’T do this, it’s dangerous!), but ultimately, I had to wait until I grew into the cockpit.
My first close call in the sky occurred when I inadvertently glided alongside an unexpected helicopter, and quickly learnt why instructors always nag you about the ‘scan cycle’ and looking before you turn! This involves checking the sky, your ‘attitude’ relative to the horizon, and your flight instruments. Because I skipped the initial scan, a helicopter suddenly appeared out of the blue, just a wing’s length away! My instructor and I were both stunned at this unanticipated sight, and so was my mother! Since my parents track my flights using an app, they were watching from our house as the helicopter and I converged into the clouds and vanished….
My mum admitted the sight gave her nightmares for days. If you are a parent, this might make you rethink those flying lessons!
My second near miss involved another unpredicted vehicle, this time, another glider! I was gliding with my instructor, who was preparing to land after an enjoyable flight. He lined the glider up nicely, but before we could land, we spotted a glider, nonchalantly rolling its way onto the runway. My instructor had to land further up on the runway, to save both our skins – if the helicopter incident taught me to look up, the glider taught me to look down!
Now, I want to tell you why gliding is great. If you’ve ever wanted to fly, gliding is the most affordable way to start; it also offers an experience like no other. Gliding is one of the best ways to start your aviation journey. Even Captain “Sully” Sullenberger credits his legendary, life-saving Hudson River landing to his gliding background, which taught him how to handle a “deadstick” (no engine) landing of an airliner into a river.
I have never felt anything better than getting in that seat before takeoff on a sunny day – it really uplifts my mood, every time. Whether you’re looking for a unique birthday gift or a career in the cockpit, gliding is the answer!
If you’re interested in getting started with gliding at York Gliding Centre, visit www.yorkglidingcentre.co.uk/ for more info!
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