LGC Cadets
We set up our Cadet scheme over 25 years ago in order to recruit and retain enthusiastic young people into the sport. The scheme provides the same training and facilities that a full club member would receive but with the added benefit of low-cost membership and flying, in return for extra help around the club - Both generally, and during regional and national competitions - This bit is really important!
The scheme has introduced hundreds of young people to all facets of gliding: Aerobatics, Instructing, Vintage Flying and Cross Country racing. Many go on to have very successful careers in aviation having found their passion for flight right here at the London Gliding Club, and have a life-long enthusiasm for free-flight.
Our hope, is that LGC Cadets become life-long members at the London Gliding Club - Breathing fresh life into the sport for decades to come.
Please see below for further information, and the link to the application form.
Is it for me?
Before you apply, it is very important to recognise that gliding is very much a team sport - Working with others is essential to getting everyone flying and you’ll spend a lot of time helping to keep up the momentum at the launchpoint both before and after getting to fly yourself. Cadets are expected to provide extra help, in return for the considerably lower costs of flying compared to other members.
The minimum age to apply for the scheme is age 14, and Cadets may be in the scheme until age 20. You cannot hold a licence until Age 16, so it is important to recognise that whilst you can go solo before then, your progress may be limited after that until you are old enough.
You must have taken a flight experience with the London Gliding Club first to be eligible for the scheme.
(If you are joining with some experience and are already a member of another BGA gliding club, then you can instead fly as a reciprocal member with our club instructors. Again, you must have flown with us first before you are eligible to apply.)
More information on our flight experiences can be found here: https://www.londonglidingclub.co.uk/gifts
This is to make sure that you enjoy it here with us, and get along with our fleet and our instructors and have tested the practicalities of regularly getting to and from the Club - If you are under 16, a parent or guardian will need to remain with you on-site. To make good progress, you’ll need to plan to fly on average every two weeks.
During the 2025 membership year (February 2025 to January 2026) the Cadet Scheme is undergoing a transition to allow more 14-17 year olds to access the scheme. In 2026, 18-20 year olds will transition into being Senior Cadets and whilst still mentored under the scheme, their advanced progress means that they are typically more autonomous. Please bear with us whilst we navigate this period of change!
If you are aged under 14, whilst you may still be able to have a flight experience with us, we only start flight training from age 14 as you must be aged 16 or over to hold a licence.
From age 21 and over, the London Gliding Club offers a very competitive Junior Membership scheme - Further information can be found here: https://www.londonglidingclub.co.uk/join-us-membership
Benefits:
Cadet (ages 14 - 17) - An approximately 90% discount on annual membership fees, no airtime charges (in club gliders) and a 50% discount on launch fees.
Senior Cadet (ages 18 - 20) - The same 90% discount on annual membership fees, again no airtime charges (in club gliders) but a reduced 25% discount on launch fees.
Cadet Status is reviewed every year from December to January, and eligible Cadets who have shown a strong contribution to the club are awarded a renewal place for the next membership year (which starts in February).
Apply to be an LGC Cadet
Applications for the LGC Cadet scheme can be made at any time (providing the application form us open), and are typically reviewed around every 2 - 3 months. We receive a lot of applications, and regretfully are unable to review them more often than this. The form is usually closed whilst applications are being reviewed.
Please ensure that you are eligible for the scheme before applying, as we are unable to make any exceptions to the requirements stated here.
Remember that we have plenty of other options to join and fly with us if you do not meet the eligibility criteria. https://www.londonglidingclub.co.uk/join-us-membership