General Information
Learn about our facilities and procedures
The York Gliding Centre occupies the western half of Rufforth Aerodrome, an old WWII base. Operations normally take place from one of our two tarmac runways, though substantial grass areas are also available.
We are situated in the Vale of York, about 20 miles east of the Pennines. This means that in addition to thermal soaring opportunities we also enjoy excellent wave in suitable weather conditions.
Flying Days
Weather permitting we fly every weekend and every Wednesday, with additional flying days when soaring looks promising, or we have a course or a soaring week in progress.
Launching
The club has two tug aircraft (Pawnee and Eurofox). Winch launches are also available.
The Gliders
As well as offering facilities for private owners and visitors with their own gliders we have a substantial modern club fleet.
Onsite Facilities
The club has a clubhouse, with a bar and members’ kitchen. Facilities are available for camping and caravan parking by visitors. For anyone thinking of joining, there is a well-used members caravan site, and the waiting list is usually short.
There is a group of about 20 volunteer instructors, who provide training in the club 2-seaters for complete beginners, through to cross-country training in high performance 2-seaters.
We also carry out weekly courses by arrangement.
You are welcome to join us, either bringing your own glider or, subject to the usual checks, flying ours.
We do have a few requirements for those wanting to fly as pilot-in-command, either in a Rufforth glider or their own glider using our launch facilities. You should bring your log-book and BGA approved proof of medical fitness. Those wishing to present a photo driving licence as evidence of fitness to fly should arrange for their CFI to email the York Gliding Centre to verify that they regard you as currently fit to fly. You should expect to have local site check flights as required. You will be asked to sign an indemnity form.
Our Modern Fleet
We have a range of gliders to suit all abilities
Our Location
We are situated in an excellent location for thermal and Pennine wave
Visiting by Road
You will see from the map that we can be reached easily from the A64, the A1237 York by-pass, or the B1224 York to Wetherby road. If you are using SatNav, the postcode YO23 3NA should direct you to our car park. One proviso: be sure you use the Bradley Lane entrance to the airfield- that’s the road between Rufforth village and Askham Richard.
Visiting by Air
Rufforth is Prior Permission Only for power pilots- contact details on this site. We’re in Pooley’s. Because the eastern half of the airfield is used by a microlight club and gyrocopters, our procedures have to respect that; if you are not familiar with the airfield you will need a briefing. If gliding is in progress, the ground to air frequency is now 123.815 MHz.
Gliders
If you drop in into our airfield in your glider, either by accident or design, you will be welcome, however in the interest of good relations with our neighbours please avoid overflying the eastern half of the airfield below 1,500 feet.
If you need to land on our western (23) runway, please keep your circuit totally to the west of the buildings on the microlight airfield.
Otherwise, it is best to avoid the area east of the main (north-south) runway altogether.