Height
If you are unusually short, perhaps less than 5 ft (152cm) tall, you might find it difficult to reach some of the controls although gliders generally have adjustable backrests and pedals.
If you are very tall, say over 6 ft 2 ins (188cm) you will find that some gliders do not have enough leg or headroom for you to be comfortable.
Weight
If, including your clothing, you are heavier than about 15.5 stone (217 lbs, or 98.5 kg) you are approaching the weight limit for most gliders and you may not be able to fly.
Being small and light is not normally a problem because gliders have provision for fitting ballast weights to bring you up to the minimum flying weight.
Age
The only age limit in gliding is that you must be 14 years old to fly solo. However, that’s not to say that you cannot begin training with an instructor before reaching that age. Indeed, several of our younger members have taken their first solo flight on or shortly after their 14th birthday!
As a general rule there isn’t much point trying to learn until you are at least 13 years old, as often youngsters get frustrated when they can’t progress further. With younger children, there is also a size problem – it is essential that the safety harness and emergency parachute fit securely, and it’s also very helpful if you are big enough to reach the rudder pedals! Please note that if you are under 18 years old we will require the consent of your parent or guardian to fly.
There is no upper age limit, but fitness and mobility can be limiting factors. The general rule is that if you are fit enough to drive a car you are fit enough to fly a glider
The Duty Instructor on the day will have the final say on whether a person will be allowed to fly.