Club Facilities

Airfield
The York Gliding Centre occupies the western half of Rufforth Aerodrome, an old WWII base. Operations normally take place from one or other tarmac runways, and substantial grass areas are also available.

The area
We are situated in the Vale of York, about 20 miles east of the Pennines. This means that we are well placed for long soaring cross-country flights free of controlled airspace to the north and south; also in suitable conditions with westerly winds we enjoy excellent lee wave conditions with easy high climbs.

The gliders
As well as offering facilities for private owners and visitors with their own gliders we have a substantial modern club fleet.

Launching
The club has two Pawnee tug aircraft. Winch launches are also available.

Domestic
The club has a clubhouse, but as yet no bar or canteen (a new, improved, clubhouse is under construction). 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.

Training
There is a group of about 30 volunteer instructors, who provide training in the club 2-seaters from ab-initio through cross-country training in high performance 2-seaters.
We also carry out weekly courses by arrangement.
If you simply want to see if gliding is for you, we can also offer you a trial lesson- contact us for details.