Climb into a two-seat motorglider, reach a mile above the Devonshire countryside, then cut the engine and drift in silence. This private 45-minute experience mixes hands-on instruction, dramatic geology and coastal views with a short spell of true engineless flight.
Climb into a two-seat motorglider, reach a mile above the Devonshire countryside, then cut the engine and drift in silence. This private 45-minute experience mixes hands-on instruction, dramatic geology and coastal views with a short spell of true engineless flight.
You climb into a slim two-seat motorglider, the Rotax engine humming as the countryside shrinks beneath you.
Within minutes you’re peeled away from fields and hedgerows, climbing toward a mile above sea level. The pilot eases power back, the propeller coasts, and then—silence. For 15–20 minutes the aircraft becomes a true glider, drifting on air that dares you to listen: waves of wind over Dartmoor, the Exe estuary breathing below, the coastline chiselled like a page from deep time.
Devon’s geology reads plainly from the sky: granite tors of Dartmoor rising from peat and blanket bog, then the sedimentary cliffs of East Devon’s Jurassic Coast slicing toward the sea. Human history threads the view—medieval market towns, narrow lanes, and cider orchards that mark centuries of land use.
This private, 45-minute experience includes a pre-flight briefing and optional hands-on instruction; passengers can take the controls under guidance. Weather is a deciding factor—thermals that extend silent flight build later in the morning into the afternoon, but stronger winds can cancel flights.
Practical guidance: arrive light and layered for temperature swings at altitude, secure loose items and glasses, and note the operator weight limit (101 kg) and pregnancy restrictions. Expect clear safety briefings and an opportunity to feel soaring lift if conditions allow. Whether you want the quiet thrill of engine-off gliding or a scenic aerial tour, the motorglider delivers a close, intimate look at Devon’s moors, estuaries, and coastline—where the sky briefly hands you the controls.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Southwest Motor Gliders · Exeter, Devon
You climb into a slim two-seat motorglider, the Rotax engine humming as the countryside shrinks beneath you.
Within minutes you’re peeled away from fields and hedgerows, climbing toward a mile above sea level. The pilot eases power back, the propeller coasts, and then—silence. For 15–20 minutes the aircraft becomes a true glider, drifting on air that dares you to listen: waves of wind over Dartmoor, the Exe estuary breathing below, the coastline chiselled like a page from deep time.
Devon’s geology reads plainly from the sky: granite tors of Dartmoor rising from peat and blanket bog, then the sedimentary cliffs of East Devon’s Jurassic Coast slicing toward the sea. Human history threads the view—medieval market towns, narrow lanes, and cider orchards that mark centuries of land use.
This private, 45-minute experience includes a pre-flight briefing and optional hands-on instruction; passengers can take the controls under guidance. Weather is a deciding factor—thermals that extend silent flight build later in the morning into the afternoon, but stronger winds can cancel flights.
Practical guidance: arrive light and layered for temperature swings at altitude, secure loose items and glasses, and note the operator weight limit (101 kg) and pregnancy restrictions. Expect clear safety briefings and an opportunity to feel soaring lift if conditions allow. Whether you want the quiet thrill of engine-off gliding or a scenic aerial tour, the motorglider delivers a close, intimate look at Devon’s moors, estuaries, and coastline—where the sky briefly hands you the controls.
easy.
45 minutes.
Minimal fitness required—able to climb into a low cockpit and follow safety briefing; suitable for most adults within weight limits.
Expect roughly 15–20 minutes of engineless flight; actual duration depends on thermals and pilot decisions to extend soaring.
Yes—under instructor supervision you can be given control for part of the flight after the safety briefing, subject to conditions and pilot discretion.
This operator is not recommended for pregnant travelers and enforces a maximum weight of 16 stone (101 kg); disclose weight during booking.
Flights are cancelled for unsafe conditions; the policy allows full refunds if you cancel at least 24 hours before departure or if the operator cancels due to weather.
Exeter and surrounding airfields have long aviation links from WW2 to modern recreational flying; the landscape below includes medieval towns and prehistoric Dartmoor features visible from above.
Operators aim to minimize low passes over sensitive habitats; stick to approved flight paths to reduce disturbance to wildlife and support local aero-club conservation guidelines.
Southwest Motor Gliders operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.




You climb into a slim two-seat motorglider, the Rotax engine humming as the countryside shrinks beneath you.
Within minutes you’re peeled away from fields and hedgerows, climbing toward a mile above sea level. The pilot eases power back, the propeller coasts, and then—silence. For 15–20 minutes the aircraft becomes a true glider, drifting on air that dares you to listen: waves of wind over Dartmoor, the Exe estuary breathing below, the coastline chiselled like a page from deep time.
Devon’s geology reads plainly from the sky: granite tors of Dartmoor rising from peat and blanket bog, then the sedimentary cliffs of East Devon’s Jurassic Coast slicing toward the sea. Human history threads the view—medieval market towns, narrow lanes, and cider orchards that mark centuries of land use.
This private, 45-minute experience includes a pre-flight briefing and optional hands-on instruction; passengers can take the controls under guidance. Weather is a deciding factor—thermals that extend silent flight build later in the morning into the afternoon, but stronger winds can cancel flights.
Practical guidance: arrive light and layered for temperature swings at altitude, secure loose items and glasses, and note the operator weight limit (101 kg) and pregnancy restrictions. Expect clear safety briefings and an opportunity to feel soaring lift if conditions allow. Whether you want the quiet thrill of engine-off gliding or a scenic aerial tour, the motorglider delivers a close, intimate look at Devon’s moors, estuaries, and coastline—where the sky briefly hands you the controls.
You climb into a slim two-seat motorglider, the Rotax engine humming as the countryside shrinks beneath you.
Within minutes you’re peeled away from fields and hedgerows, climbing toward a mile above sea level. The pilot eases power back, the propeller coasts, and then—silence. For 15–20 minutes the aircraft becomes a true glider, drifting on air that dares you to listen: waves of wind over Dartmoor, the Exe estuary breathing below, the coastline chiselled like a page from deep time.
Devon’s geology reads plainly from the sky: granite tors of Dartmoor rising from peat and blanket bog, then the sedimentary cliffs of East Devon’s Jurassic Coast slicing toward the sea. Human history threads the view—medieval market towns, narrow lanes, and cider orchards that mark centuries of land use.
This private, 45-minute experience includes a pre-flight briefing and optional hands-on instruction; passengers can take the controls under guidance. Weather is a deciding factor—thermals that extend silent flight build later in the morning into the afternoon, but stronger winds can cancel flights.
Practical guidance: arrive light and layered for temperature swings at altitude, secure loose items and glasses, and note the operator weight limit (101 kg) and pregnancy restrictions. Expect clear safety briefings and an opportunity to feel soaring lift if conditions allow. Whether you want the quiet thrill of engine-off gliding or a scenic aerial tour, the motorglider delivers a close, intimate look at Devon’s moors, estuaries, and coastline—where the sky briefly hands you the controls.