Midland Gliding Club (MGC) is one of the oldest gliding clubs in the country dating back to before World War 2. It is situated on the top of the Long Mynd in the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty near Church Stretton.

With support from Energize and grant funding from Sport England, the Club has been able to add a disability adaptation to their new two-seater training glider which will enable the glider to be flown from the front seat using hands only. Normally a glider requires both hands for the stick and other controls and foot operation of the rudder pedals. This will enable people with full or restricted leg mobility to try introductory flights and training towards solo pilot gliding.

 

David Wedlock at Midland Gliding Club said:

“As a result of the grant from Sport England, our new glider has a disability adaption for the rudder so that the glider can be flown with hands only. It is a dual-controlled two-seater training glider and will be flown with an instructor in the back seat until any disabled person is allowed to fly solo.”

The glider has now been delivered ready to start flying in Spring 2024.  The adaptation is supported by the British Gliding Association which aims to provide "gliding operation within a 1-hour drive for 95% of the UK population". David said: “The adapted glider will certainly support this as there are only a small number of clubs across the country who have this facility.”

Amy Griffiths, Empowering Communities Manager at Energize STW is pictured above with the new adapted glider. Amy's left hand is resting on the disability adaption which enables the glider to be flown with hands only.

The Club is looking to offer year-round gliding opportunities for persons with limited or no leg mobility, enabling around 100 disabled people to fly each year.

If you, or someone you know, would like to start or continue to learn to fly a glider you can contact the Club on 01588 650206, email [email protected] or visit their website. Expressions of interest to fly the adapted glider are being logged by the Club and enquirers will be contacted.

You can also take a look at the club’s Facebook page which features fabulous photos of gliders soaring in the sky above stunning Shropshire.

Photos provided by Midlands Gliding Club.