(cont)

foot we descended. The best gliders (prices range from £2,000-£100,000) can manage about 50:1 but ours, constructed of a wood frame covered by canvas and painted with dope – a sort of nitrate collodion used to seal and stiffen the 700lb glider – meant we were airborne for around 15 minutes. Landing was a worrying prospect but was in fact a very gentle experience… despite having just one wheel on the base of the glider and despite landing back on that bumpy airfield. Glider pilots tend to be a little gentler than other pilots by virtue of their machines despite approaching at 300ft and 63mph. I was still bracing myself with gritted teeth for a much bumpier landing, without reason, as it turned out!

Back on the ground it was amazing to see the next glider taking off with such speed and at such an angle. It’s a real paradox that something so rapid can be so silent and gentle.

“I’ve flown in powered craft and glider.” Says Bert, who has over 11,500 flights under his belt. “I go back to my glider every time, it’s an amazing way to fly!”

Having tried it for ourselves, we have to agree, and at just £30 per flight, it’s a great way of conquering a fear of heights, to say nothing of enjoying the astonishing views and seeing the county from a really unique perspective!

With many thanks to Bert Barker and the rest of his ground crew! For more information see www.lincsglidingclub.co.uk or call 01507 450698.