Motor Gliders at Rufforth

The York Gliding Centre club fleet includes a T61 Motorfalke, used both for NPPL training and advanced glider pilot training.

About motor gliders

Technically a motor glider is any aircraft which may be flown with or without engine power. This can include anything up to a modern high performance sailplane with a tiny engine used only to get home when lift is no longer available (think of an auxiliary engine on a sailing vessel).

The Falke motorglider operated at Rufforth is of a type sometimes described as a "Touring motor glider"; it can take off and cruise just like a conventional powered light aircraft, but can also be flown "engine off" with an acceptable glide angle.

Motor gliding at Rufforth

We carry out flying training in motor gliders to bring pilots to National Private Pilot's Licence standard. In addition the motor glider performs a valuable rôle in training for glider pilots; because sustained flight is possible in weather conditions and situations where a conventional glider would be unable to stay airborne it can be used for anything from prolonged sessions learning about basic aircraft handling to advanced training in navigation and cross-country flying.

Motor Glider Trial Flights

A trial lesson in a motor glider will be a different experience from a flight in a conventional glider- but you will get plenty of time in the air to learn to handle the controls. For the best of both worlds, why not book one of our mixed motor glider/glider mini courses?