Taking Graphics to New Heights with Custom Glider Vinyls

At Parrot Signs & Graphics, we’re known for workplace safety signs and also for the occasional vehicle graphics on vans and cars. This project gave us the chance to do something a little different. We were asked to design and produce vinyl graphics for a glider.

It was a unique challenge and one we were excited to take on.

About the Glider

The glider is owned by a syndicate of four experienced pilots who purchased it in 2025. It previously belonged to a group led by Mike Costin, formerly of Cosworth, who made the decision to retire from gliding at the age of 96.

Over the winter, the new owners carried out a number of updates to prepare for the flying season. This included refreshing the logos and identification markings with new vinyl graphics.

A Passion for Flying

For the syndicate, gliding is first and foremost a hobby. While they do take part in competitions, the focus is on enjoyment and the social side of flying.

“We fly the glider as a hobby and also enter a couple of competitions for fun. Nothing too serious, we are social flyers really.”

Between them, the group has decades of experience. All four members have spent many years gliding as instructors, and two have held the role of chief instructor during their careers.

Steve, one of the owners, has a particularly strong connection to aviation.

“I was brought up with flying. My parents did it. According to my mother I flew before I was born, although I didn’t take it up seriously until 2001.”

Since then, Steve has completed over 2,300 flights and built up almost 1,300 hours in the air. He also spent 21 years skydiving and has been involved in a range of other sports. Before retiring, Steve worked as a chef before moving into the fire service. He went on to spend 27 years working alongside the RAF search and rescue helicopter team at Leconfield.

Achievements in the Air

Although the syndicate is still relatively new to this particular glider, they have already completed several long-distance flights of over 300km.

The aircraft is used purely for personal flying, giving the group the freedom to enjoy their time in the air and continue building on their experience.

Why Vinyl Graphics

When it came to updating the glider, vinyl was the obvious choice.

“We chose to use vinyl for the details as they are the most practical and easiest way to replace.”

Vinyl offers a clean and lightweight solution, which is important for aircraft. It also makes future updates simple, helping the glider stay looking its best with minimal effort.

The Application Process

Applying the graphics required care and patience, but the process itself was straightforward.

“The application process is straightforward. You simply need to follow the instructions and take your time.”

We always aim to make installation as simple as possible by providing clear guidance, even for more specialist applications like this one.

A Proud Association

The group is also part of the Wolds Gliding Club, where they continue to fly and enjoy being involved in the local gliding community. 

A Project to Remember

This was a great opportunity for us to apply our skills in a new way. It shows how adaptable vinyl graphics can be across different types of vehicles and surfaces. From road to runway, the same attention to detail and quality applies. We are proud to have helped this experienced team get their glider ready for the season ahead.