Fleet & Facilities

Built by one of the worlds top glider manufacturers in Germany, Alexander Schleicher, the ASK21 is widely regarded as the best training glider available. Since it first flew in 1979 over 1000 have been built. We are extremely lucky to have 7 of them which form the backbone of our training fleet. They are used at all levels, from someones first flight (that may be one of our gifts), to first solo flights, aerobatic courses and instructor training.

Fun Fact: Despite being over 40 years younger than our clubhouse/hangar, the wingspan of the K21 is the perfect span to fit in our hangar

Built by another German manufacturer, Schempp Hirth, the Duo Discus is our primary Cross Country 2 seat glider. It’s distinctive wing shape helps it stand out compared to others and it will likely be seen at Inter Club League events, expeditions as well as Regional & National competitions.

Fun Fact: If this type of glider looks familiar it is probably because you will have seen it in the 1999 film “The Thomas Crown Affair”

Designed by Schemmp Hirth, the Discus shares alot of characteristics with its two-seat cousin, the Duo Discus. Added to the fleet in 2024 this glider is ideal for cross country pilots looking to push themselves further or faster and is capable of competing at both regional and national levels.

Also built by Schleicher, the K23 was designed at the same time as the K21 so bares similar features and characteristics of its two seat cousin. We are fortunate enough to have 3 of them. Therefore the natural step for an early solo pilot after some flights in the K21 is to progress to the K23. This glider will then easily take them to their Silver “C” and beyond. Flights in excess of 300km have been done in the K23’s.

Built specifically for aerobatic use, the Pilatus is available to pilots who are adequately trained. Although it will likely be seen out on a day when members are practicing their skills or during aerobatic competitions, its light design does allow for some soaring potential. The longest soaring flight known from LGC in this glider is 8 hours.

Our motor glider is a very useful part of the club fleet. It’s prime use is for advanced post solo exercises such as Navigation & Field Selection Exercises, all of which are requirements before pilots can attempt solo Cross Country flights. It is also used on instructor courses as well as being available for members to rent to attain their TMG rating.

Over the years, Robins have become the core of our Tug Fleet. We are lucky enough to have 5. All of which have 180hp engines in addition to a light frame making them ideal tow planes able to cope with even the heaviest glider. They are also used for retrieves from other airfields when pilots on Cross Country flights didn’t quite have the height to make it home. They all have 4 bladed propellers and silencers on the exhaust to help reduce the noise they produce unlike most powered aircraft which do not have any noise reduction equipment fitted.

Built in the 1960’s, the Super Cub started towing in the mid 70’s and came to Dunstable in the early 80’s. It also has a 180hp engine so like the Robins can cope with even the heaviest glider. However it is even lighter and its ability to fly a bit slower makes it ideal for towing older Vintage gliders.

It is currently undergoing a major refurbishment and we look forward to seeing it back in action soon.

Our 6-Drum Van Gelder Winch is capable of launching gliders to 1000ft or more depending on the weather conditions. The initial acceleration, provided by a powerful diesel engine, is not too dissimilar to that of a sports car making it both an exciting and comparatively cheap way for us to get into the air.