A motor glider is the best of both worlds — part powered aircraft, part glider — and completely brilliant for both learning and leisure. It looks like a traditional glider with long wings, but has an engine on board so you can take off under your own steam and enjoy the freedom of the skies without needing tow planes or winches.

Unlike pure gliders, aircraft like our Slingsby Venture and Diamond Super Dimona are typically flown under power for most or all of the flight, with the engine throttled back to reduce noise and fuel use. They’re calm, stable, and forgiving — ideal for training, hour building, or just an enjoyable afternoon of flying.

TMGs like our Venture and Super Dimona are designed to operate more like traditional aircraft, but with better gliding efficiency and economy. They taxi, take off, and cruise just like small GA aircraft, but thanks to their long wings and efficient airframes, they use much less fuel — especially when flown at reduced power.

Both aircraft are available for training and private hire at our club, and are regularly used for PPL hours, navigation practice, and even just relaxed evening flights around the local area.

You may have seen gliders with propellers that appear out of nowhere — those are self-launching gliders. They use a small retractable engine that can pop out behind the cockpit for launch, then stow away once you’re airborne. These are more common in dedicated soaring clubs, but still worth knowing about!