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How long will I be up there?
Our rides are approximately 20, 30 or 40 minutes long. Flights
over 5 hours are not uncommon.
Is there an age limit?
For the rides, there is no minimum age. However, if a child is
too young he/she will not appreciate it. To solo, one must be
14 years old, but instruction can begin as early as 12 years old.
Is it a glider or a sailplane?
The terms gilder and sailplane are often interchanged. We think
of a "glider" as having a glide ration of less than
20:1. This means for every foot that it goes down, it goes 20
feet forward.
How do the gliders get into the air?
The sailplane is towed into the air by a powered aircraft behind
a 200 foot rope. When the pilot of the glider reaches the altitude
he/she wants, they release the tow rope. The tow rope returns
behind the tow plane. Usually, the glider releases in lift and
works up higher. If there is no lift, the glider glides back to
the airport.
What happens if the wind quits?
As long as there is air and gravity the sailplane can safely fly!
Actually, by using their long, graceful wings, the sailplane typically
descends at approximately 100 to 300 feet every minute. By utilizing
the weather the glider can stay up for very long periods of time
and fly great distances, all without using gas or oil, sailplanes
use solar power. Even though it is called a sailplane, it does
not have a sail.
What is involved in learning to solo?
To solo means to fly by yourself. You must be at least 14 years
old and pass a brief written test to solo a glider. We can begin
training at the age of 12. Although these are the only age limitations
imposed on the sport, most Centers will require that you be at
least the legal age of consent. A physical exam is not required,
but you must have no medical problem that would prevent safe operation
of the glider. Before you solo, your instructor must certify that
you have learned everything necessary for safe flight and landing.
What is a private glider license?
A Private Glider license, issued by the Federal Aviation Administration
(FAA), allows you to carry passengers and act as pilot in command
without being under the close supervision of an instructor. You
must be at least 16 years old, pass a comprehensive written test
and take and oral and flight test with a certified FAA examiner.
When can I fly?
We are open seven days a week, year round, with our hours varying
slightly depending on the season. Lessons are scheduled at your
convenience and are conducted one-on-one with your instructor
at your own pace.
What if I have experience in power planes?
Though there are important differences between glider and power
flying, there are considerable similarities as well. If you already
have a power license, obtaining a glider rating will be easy.
You do not need to take another written test and you can be recommended
for your license after 10 solo flights. It's worth noting that
obtaining a glider rating is an acceptable substitute for a Biennial
Flight Review (BFR) and that most pilots believe that glider flying
improves their power flying. If you have power experience but
not a license, your course of instruction will be the same as
a novice with your progress being helped by your experience.
Is soaring safe?
Soaring can boast being one of the safest forms of aviation. We
are proud of this safety record but also know that safety doesn't
"just happen" and that it must be practiced with every
flight and be carefully taught to each new pilot. The best answer
is that soaring is as safe as you make it. We work hard to make
it as safe as it can be. Statistically, the drive to the airport
contains considerably more risk than your flight.
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