VOLUNTEERS are needed to work on a project to return a veteran German glider back to airworthiness.

Dorset Gliding Club (DGC), which is located at Eyres Field near Bovington Camp, is working on Project Phoenix.

Nick Barnes, of DGC, explained: "At the moment a team is being put together to help rebuild an Alexander Schlicher K8B (G-DDMG) and get her back to flying condition."

The club is home to a number of high-performance aircraft, but the main gliding fleet consists of veteran K13 and K8 German gliders built in the 1950/60s.

Nick said: "They have the advantage that they fly well and are excellent for training, but are straightforward to maintain.

"In fact, anyone who has ever made a model aircraft will immediately recognise the technology."

The club is keen to welcome anyone who has aircraft maintenance skills to offer, or who is willing to learn.

"The DGC is welcoming and sociable and includes members from all age groups and backgrounds," said Nick. "While learning to glide and fly over the wonderful south Dorset countryside is one aspect of the club, you don’t have to fly to be a valued member of the team.

"You can join as an associate member and help us keep these vintage aircraft flying."

The Alexander Schleicher K8B is a one-man glider, with a 15 metres wingspan.

Weighing 191kg, without pilot, the fastest it travels is 80mph. However, its minimum control speed is around 45mph.

Gliding involves flying unpowered aircraft using the same currents of air that birds use to fly. Using these invisible air currents, gliders can soar up to great heights - with altitudes of more than 30,000ft achieved in the UK.

The British Gliding Association says: "Gliding is the ultimate adventure sport, a sport that requires the pilot to harness the power of nature to stay airborne whether they’re flying locally to their club, flying long distances cross country or soaring at high altitude.

"Exhilarating, affordable and inclusive, gliding is enjoyed by people of all ages, physical abilities and backgrounds."

Visit dorsetglidingclub.co.uk for more information on the Phoenix Project and the DGC in general.