Junior Pilots

Deeside Gliding Club is awarded and recognised as a UK Junior Gliding Centre.

Fly Solo at 14

Wings at 14? Absolutely.

In the world of gliding, you can fly solo at 14 and keep flying for as long as you like—there's no age cap here!
Junior pilots are aged between 13 and 25, and can apply and access various funding and support through British Gliding Association Schemes.

A Launchpad for Future Success

Junior gliding offers a unique mix of personal and professional advantages, providing young aviators with rewarding growth opportunities that complement their formal education.

Building Character at Altitude

  • The Power of Going Solo: There’s no confidence boost quite like flying an aircraft alone at 14. This milestone fosters an incredible sense of autonomy and personal achievement
  • A Culture of Responsibility: Navigating the complexities of a live airfield demands high levels of self-awareness and a mature commitment to safety and operational discipline -instilling a level of discipline and focus that lasts a lifetime
  • Skills for the Real World: Gliding teaches more than just stick-and-rudder skills; it builds a toolkit of empathy, time management, and critical thinking that translates directly to the workplace.


If a Junior is under 16, a parent or guardian will need to remain on-site during gliding activities.