Essex Gliding Club

Had a family visitor over from the USA who was (as a keen glider pilot stateside), most interested in experiencing a winch launch - which is extremely rare in the US.It was of course, an added attraction that the site was formerly a US Eighth AF location from which those exemplary young men flew B-17's against targets in Germany and occupied Europe, at great cost.One of the available gliders was also painted in the appropriate colours for the 381st BG, which was a nice touch I thought.The email communication was fairly straightforward and this was arranged with minimal difficulty. The club members were one of the most welcoming, friendly and informative bunch one could ever wish to meet. They went out of their way to chat to the 3 spectators (and the dog) and added to our experience enormously - and we were only there in the capacity of chauffeur.The winch launch was a sight to behold and our pilot thoroughly enjoyed the experience.Special thanks to Callum - whose instruction methods were highly praised by our visitor - and to club Legend Dave.If you have any interest in exploring the sport of gliding - and you live within reasonable distance, this is 100% where you should be going. I can't recommend this enough.The only downside is is that if you are relying on GPS to locate the club entrance it will definitely take you round in circles - so you might have to rely on it only to some extent - the final leg will be down to yourself, so the What 3 words" app might be useful - the information is available on the Contact page of their website.Additionally

Callum was brilliant. Friendly and informative, and took me up for 3 winch launches to make sure I got enough flying time.

I've already sent one review after a 5 day course. I returned the following weekend more than happy with the previous course. I went up twice with Dave the instructor, the first was a take off and landing the second was very nearly 30 minutes of soaring, in fact we had to make an effort to come down. Absolutely brilliant, then the icing on the cake Dave said I didn't have to pay as I'd missed one day of the course due to poor weather.I do not really have the time to take gliding up but I've got a feeling I've been well and truly hooked. Well done Essex gliding club and all the members that make it all happen.Andy Hawes

I had the most wonderful experience, great pilot great weather looking forward to doing it again.

The Essex Gliding Club is always a pleasure to go. I always enjoy going there and when I leave I am generally happy

We had an incredible afternoon at Essex Gliding Club with the biggest thrill of our lives during the silver glider flight experience, we were towed up to 3,000 feet and after releasing we flew all over the place for the best part of an hour.Special thanks to Tony and Steve our very knowledgeable and experienced pilots.If you want to change your life for a bargain price this is where to go, incredible experience for an incredible price.BEST MONEY I EVER SPENTThanks again to all the ground crew/ support staff working behind the scenesAmazing !!!!!!

I am happy to add to the positive reviews for Essex Gliding Club. Operating from a location not too far from Halstead and Sudbury flights from this club can take in views as far away as Docklands in London if the conditions are right. The club is well served by both a winch and a tug aircraft meaning pilots and passengers rarely have to wait too long to get airborne.Needless to say the staff at a club with such a long history are experienced and impart information in a clear way and despite my not being a pilot I did not feel out of my depth at any point during my trial flight. Highly recommended.

Gliding at this location was an amazing experience! The instructors were excellent and provided excellent feedback for each flight. The facilities and gliders were well-maintained, and the staff welcomed my family and I with open arms. I'm already looking forward to my next flight!

A great place to glide! Instructors were excellent and gave great feed back after each flight.Well maintained facilities and gliders!They made me, my wife and new baby feel very welcome. I can't wait until I can go flying next

I love flying here, it is a lovely site. Everyone is very friendly and the instructors are efficient and friendly. The site is well positioned for cross country flying too.