Calling glider pilots

[TheJimi]

I'm looking for some feedback on what to expect upon taking lessons, but my biggest concern is the use of radios.

Reason I ask is that I'm partially deaf, and thus quite useless on the telephone and suchlike, so radio use would be a non-starter for me.

I'm intending on going to the Scottish Gliding Centre - anyone have any experience of them?

Obviously I'll be contacting the centre too, but I'd like to get some views / advice from some pilots themselves.

[Big News]

I've never been to Portmoak, but I've heard that it's a great site to fly from.

With regard to radio, there's minimal use in everyday circuit flying and local soaring. Half the fleet at my club don't have radios anyway. However it could be an issue when you come to do cross-country flying, where the radio is used more often.

Check this site out - it's certainly possible: http://www.deafpilots.co.uk/

[AnotherClarkey]

I learnt to glide at Portmoak - great site and good people. You get quality flying time because there are two soarable ridges which you can easily reach from a winch launch in most conditions. To be honest I don't recall ever using the radio while I was learning, I wouldn't let it worry you.

[Phunk]

I've got a trial lesson there on Sunday, I'll let you know

[naturals]

Yup, as the others have said don't worry about it. My dad trained a glider pilot who was 100% deaf and it never stopped him from soaring.

Portmoak is a great site - you'll love it.

[Nimbus]

Yepp, as everyone else has said, being deaf or hard or hearing isnt really an issue.

Portmoak is a nice site, you should enjoy it there

and while we are talking about Portmoak, you might like these

Bashing the bishop.... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4livnFiVhWE

more Bishop action... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mLu9s-SbJOo

and just a couple of general SGU/Portmoak action

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FH9utsMqBag

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WOo_dkwbB6c

Edited by Nimbus on Saturday 23 March 19:41

[TheJimi]

Fantastic stuff, thanks folks - really appreciate it.

Quite excited now!

[AnotherClarkey]

Let us know how you get on. One piece of advice would be to take every opportunity to fly, with whichever instructor is available. There was one guy who had a reputation for being a bit gruff and not suffering fools gladly (this is years ago so people will have changed by now) but I learnt more from him than anyone and he ended up being incredibly generous with his time and encouragement.