Fees, Trial Lessons, Vouchers

All Trial Lessons and Courses include a period of introductory membership during which flying is charged at members' rates. NB: Unlike our guests, Members do not have the facility to book a flight; they must join the queue. Also, if you become a member within 12 months your membership will be back-dated to the date of your trial lesson or course. i.e. Your account will be credited with the fees that we received and the cost of your flights will be calculated at member's rates.

Trial Lessons

A trial lesson consists of a pre-flight briefing and a flight of approximately 30 minutes, or two flights if the first is short (due to weather conditions for example). The cost is £69, which includes one month's introductory membership of the club.

To book a trial lesson at Shalbourne, please email Steve or 'phone him 01962 883581.

You are also welcome to just turn up (between 10:30 and 15:30 is best) at a weekend or bank holiday; we are usually able to provide a lesson at short notice. However, please note that we cannot accept cards at the airfield, so please bring cash or a cheque.

If you would like to buy a voucher (as a present perhaps) please see the "vouchers" section below.

Trial Lesson Evenings

We can arrange a weekday evening session which gives the group exclusive use of the facilities. Prices are based on a minimum of 10 persons, with one flight each for £30 per person; discounts are available for youth groups. For details contact Steve or phone 01962 883581.

A typical Trial Lesson Evening experience at Shalbourne can be viewed by running this "You Tube" video:

Vouchers - an ideal gift!

NB: Our vouchers are redeemable only at our airfield (Rivar Hill) near Hungerford, mid-way between Newbury (Berkshire), Marlborough (Wiltshire) and Andover (Hampshire). Please read the information above and below on this page before making a purchase.

Optionally, you may include one or two two-course meals (£15.00 each) at either:
The Plough (Shalbourne) or Indigo Palace (Ham).

Trial Lesson Voucher (£69.00):
A flight of approximately 30 minutes, or two flights if the first is short.

Half Day Introduction Voucher (£135.00):
Four instructional flights or up to 75 mins flying time (whichever occurs first)

To Purchase a Voucher, Either:

Buy online with Paypal or a Credit or Debit card;

complete the form above.

Or send a cheque (made out to "Shalbourne Soaring Society") or postal order and, if voucher is to be personalised, the name of the recipient to:-

SSS Vouchers,
The Dell House,
Charmwood Close,
Newbury RG14 1XA

To Redeem Vouchers:

If you have a Shalbourne Soaring Society, BGA or Acorne/Virgin Discovery Voucher and want to book a trial lesson at Shalbourne, please contact Steve or phone 01962 883581. You are also welcome to just turn up at a weekend; we are usually able to provide a lesson at short notice.

Please Note:
Vouchers are valid for a year from the date of purchase.

Individual Trial Lessons are normally available at weekends and Bank Holidays only.

Evening group sessions are normally available by arrangement Monday-Friday (except Bank Holidays).

Launches are by means of a ground-based winch. Flight times will vary according to weather conditions and are quoted as a guide, not guaranteed.

Like all aviation experiences gliding is subject to unforeseen constraints. In the event of cancellation due to poor weather or non availability of aircraft or crew the booking will be rearranged to a mutually convenient date.

There is a maximum height restriction of 6'4"(1.93m) and a maximum weight limit of 16 stone (224 lbs or 102 kg.)

Courses

A course is a good way to start gliding. Aircraft and instructor are assigned to a maximum of three students, enabling rapid progress. For details of this year's courses, please contact Steve or phone 01962 883581.

Membership

The Full Membership fee is £300 a year (concessions £250) per person, £165 per glider. This includes a charge to cover the affiliation fee to the British Gliding Association. Reciprocal Membership fee (for members of other clubs visiting Shalbourne) is £5 per day, waived if the visitor's home club does not charge Reciprocal Fees to Shalbourne members.

Members' flying fees

Winch launches are £8 each (but third launch on a day is free - for full members only, not reciprocals or guests and subject to availability of aircraft, wires, ground support and DI agreement). Flying club aircraft is charged at 28 pence/minute (excluding fixed-price deals)

New! Introductory Offer: Fixed price deal for new members.
- all launches and soaring fees in club gliders in your first 12 months for £595. (N.B. Membership fees are also required as above).

If you join after taking a Trial Lesson, the total fee is re-calculated as if you had joined before your lesson. This means that your first flights are charged at the club members' rate; the Trial Lesson fee is re-assigned to your club membership and flying fees.