Gliding Club: President

We all know the current gliding situation: constant weather cancellations, being told to go to the airfield frantically on the morning of flying, priority membership feeling like it has no priority...

I am equally tired of the status quo, and am incredibly keen to get you all flying, with lots of experience flying and gliding in many different aircraft I know best about flying, gliding, and RAF Halton, and want to use this knowledge to get you all soaring!

I will continue Xander's legacy of moving us to London Gliding Club, this will give us more slots, and weekday flying, meaning we can all have a go at the best sport in the world! I will make sure this continues to run smoothly, and that UCL Gliding has their best interests represented at the club.

Whether you are a standard member who hasn't been able to fly yet, or a priority member who feels like they cannot go frequently enough to make progress, I will get you in the air more, I promise.

I know how tiring it can be to walk from Wendover or Tring stations to RAF Halton, and I am more than happy to give people lifts to and from the station if you come gliding with me!

I also have a pass allowing unrestricted access to RAF Halton, meaning those gliding can be accompanied by me on the airfield as opposed to the spread thin staff.

Vote Alex for Gliding Club President if you want all this and more!

If you have any questions about anything feel free to email me at [email protected]

I'm standing because I think the club has so much potential that isn't being fully realised right now.

From talking to members, the same frustrations keep coming up. Flights feel too infrequent, the lottery system feels arbitrary, and the costs are a real barrier for a lot of people. That's not what a gliding club should feel like. It should be one of the most exciting things you do at UCL, not something that feels out of reach.

I want to bring a more structured approach to how flights are allocated, something fairer and more transparent so people aren't just crossing their fingers hoping their name comes up. Alongside that I really want to work on bringing costs down, whether that's through better partnerships, smarter scheduling, or just being more efficient with how we operate.

I genuinely believe we can turn this club into something people can enjoy. I'm standing because I want to be the one to actually make that happen.

Being with the club for 3 years and serving on committee for 2 years have been a real journey. I’ve been involved in every part of the club: buying merch for Welcome Fair, help organising weekly sign-ups, running socials, and supporting glider operations and maintenance; from insurance and annual checks to paperwork and licensing. I’m confident I have the experience and practical knowledge required being your president next year. I’ve seen what keeps the club running smoothly and what causes frustration, and I’m ready to lead with that insight.

If elected as president next year I will keep pushing the following as my priorities:

More flying opportunities: we’re in the process of securing a new 2-seater glider, and we’re very close to finalising a collaboration with Dunstable (London Gliding Club)—a huge step that could unlock significantly more slots (up to ~10 a day), and open the door to weekday flying. As President, I’ll keep pushing this forward and make sure it translates into flying for every members. 

Stronger communication: I’ll keep every member posted with weekly update and a clear bi-weekly progress post, so everyone will know exactly where we’re at and what we’re working on, also what to expect, whether that’s weather changes, slot allocation, training priorities, or logistics.

My promise is simple: get more of our members flying, more often, and make the club feel organised, welcoming, and worth your time.