Welcome to the Scottish Gliding Centre! Whether you are joining as a Cadet (aged 13–17) or a Junior (aged 18–26), we're delighted to welcome you to Portmoak. This page provides an introduction to flying at the Scottish Gliding Centre, explains what you can expect as a new member and provides information for both young members and their parents or guardians. Gliding develops confidence, teamwork, leadership and decision-making, and we hope you enjoy your time with us.

Peter Townsley - Honorary Cadet & Junior Lead - cadets@scottishglidingcentre.com

Lewis Tobin - Deputy Cadet & Junior Lead

Wendy Carmen, John Thomas - Child Protection Officers - cpo@scottishglidingcentre.com

The minimum age to join the Scottish Gliding Centre is 13 years. The minimum legal age to fly solo in the UK is 14 years, subject to meeting the required training standard.

Cadets may join through Annual Junior Membership or the Learn to Glide Package, which can be converted to full membership on a pro-rata basis.

Members aged 18–26 join as Junior Members and enjoy the same flying training and opportunities available to all club members.

Introduce yourself to the Duty Instructor on arrival. You will receive an introduction to the airfield, club procedures and how the flying day operates. Everyone was new once, and members are always happy to help.

The day begins with preparing aircraft before a briefing covering weather, safety and operations. Briefing time is usually 9:15am but may be altered by the Lead Instructor for the day. Members then help set up the operation, fly in turn, assist with launch point duties and, at the end of the day, help clean and return aircraft to the hangar.

Put your name on the flying list as soon as you arrive. This determines the order in which trainees will fly. Your name will be struck through when you've flown; if you want to fly again, add your name to the bottom of the list and you may get another chance if time permits.

Training follows a structured programme leading towards first solo flight and ultimately the Sailplane Pilot Licence (SPL). Your instructor will guide you through each stage at a pace appropriate to your progress.

You will progress faster if you read about gliding alongside your flying. The recommended text is the BGA Student Pilot Manual, available from the BGA website or the SGC office.

Each new member receives a personal logbook, a Green Training Card for ground training and pre-solo requirements, and a Yellow Training Card recording flying progress and training objectives. The Yellow card is retained at the club and made available at the launch point when you fly.

You must keep your logbook up to date and present it (along with the Yellow card) for the instructor to complete after each flying session. Items on the Green card can be signed off by other members (not just instructors) and it is your responsibilty to ensure this happens.

The Scottish Gliding Centre is committed to providing a safe, welcoming and enjoyable environment for all young people. Parents and guardians are always welcome. Cadets may attend independently once suitable arrangements have been agreed. All instructors and volunteers work in
accordance with the club's safeguarding procedures and BGA guidance. Any safeguarding concerns should be raised with the Child Protection Officer.

The Scottish Gliding Centre operates a Cadet Scholarship Scheme supporting up to 10 Cadet Members (under 18). Scholarships are awarded on merit, taking into account commitment, attitude, participation and potential, and are subject to available funding.

Each year the Scottish Gliding Centre normally runs a dedicated Cadet & Junior Week, providing concentrated flying, ground training and social activities to help members develop their skills and enjoy club life.

We hope you enjoy your time at the Scottish Gliding Centre. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask one of our instructors, volunteers or the Cadet & Junior Team—we're always happy to help.