FEES

Gliding is the least expensive form of airsport - because everyone volunteers, from the instructors to the winch driver, there are no salaries to pay, and no engines mean no fuel costs! This makes it more affordable for students living on a budget. It is good value, awesome fun.

cost of gliding = membership fee (annual) + flying fees (weekly)

2022-2023 Membership FEES

A trial membership with OUGC costs £60. After the first day (‘intro day’), this can be upgraded to a full membership by just paying the £140 / £290 difference. For an extra £15, we will organise transport between Oxford city centre and the airfield (this is only for trial members attending an intro day).

A year’s student membership costs £200.

A year’s staff membership costs £350.

Full year membership gets you access to the airfield, all OUGC events and expeditions. It pays for things like rent of the airfield, insurance, buildings, maintenance of the aircraft, hangarage and other facilities.

Please note the OUGC membership year starts from the month of your first flight (i.e. if you flew for the first time on 16th November, your membership would expire on 30th November the next year).

Full year members can receive a rebate of £50 by participating in OUGC maintenance activities throughout the year. Information on this scheme is provided upon upon joining as a full year member.

Flying fees 2022-2023

Flying fees cover the cost of wear and tear on the aircraft and insurance. OUGC student members are entitled to ‘student’ rates on all Oxford Gliding Club (OGC) & OUGC aircraft, while OUGC staff members pay ‘full’ rates.

The cost per minute depends on the aircraft being flown (two seaters are more a little more expensive than single seaters). OGC invoice you fortnightly via email for the cost of your flights and you need to keep your OGC flying account in credit (payment is via bank transfer).

Trial rates (intro day only):

Two seater flying: winch launch = £10, glider hire = £0.35/minute

Student rates (full year membership):

Two seater flying: winch launch = £7, glider hire = £0.35/minute

Single seater flying: winch launch = £6, glider hire = £0.25/minute

Staff rates (full year membership):

Two seater flying: winch launch = £10, glider hire = £0.45/minute

Single seater flying: winch launch = £9, glider hire = £0.35/minute

When training you normally do a set of three winch launches, with about 25 mins total in the air in a two seater glider. During summer, it might be possible to have a longer soaring flight. The actual teaching time per day will be far higher than this, as each lesson includes a full brief, explaining what is going to be learned, and a debrief, which revises everything to ensure proper understanding.

This comes to around £40 for a day of learning to fly, plus some allowance for transport to the airfield and lunch!

Daily Rental Fees 2022-2023

It is also possible to rent the gliders owned by OUGC or OGC for exclusive use during expeditions and competitions. Rental of OGC gliders can be arranged via the OGC committee.

Rental of OUGC gliders is arranged directly with the OUGC committee. Non-OUGC members will have to sign a rental agreement prior to this. It is recommended to get in touch with the OUGC committee well in advance to discuss any rental plans you might have.

Anyone wanting to take an OUGC or OGC glider to another site needs to get prior permission from the OGC Chief Flying Instructor.

*Hire for 9 day competitions or expeditions will be charged a 7 days hire.

Email ougc-gliders@ougc.org for more info!