Gliders and sailplanes

[kach22i]

There I was cruising down some country road with the Targa top off, minding my own business when I see this sign saying: Glider Rides! Mind you I have flown in small aircraft, helicopters and operate a hovercraft. However, I have never flown in a glider, it’s always looked fun though. 44 years old, not getting any younger, what have I been waiting for?

It was a complete blast, well worth the $50 (a little more than a P-car fill up), I highly recommend it.
We went up to 3,000 feet, unhooked from the tow plane, then the pilot asked me how I felt about acrobatics, I’m game………………the “wing over” was a blast (check out the gauge pictures). I had a smile going from ear to ear. After a few ups and downs from the thermals I wished I took some Dramamine, but we made it back down without me losing my cookies, no problem.

I don’t think I will be skydiving, that just does not appeal to me, but I will be seeking another glider ride come the arrival of fall colors.

The glider people were really nice, interested in my hovercraft and very interested in Porsches. There seemed to be quite a few motorcycle riders that are members, an adventurous bunch.

http://www.sandhillsoaring.org/

Check out their winter photos……….chill’n.

My ride was the Romanian made Lark sailplane (a good plane):

http://www.sailplanedirectory.com/iar.htm

[kach22i]

More images.

[kach22i]

More.

[kach22i]

..................more.

[kach22i]

Who's going up next?

[Dantilla]

Thanks. Makes me want to finish my rating.

I've gone up a few times, and thought as long as I'm a pilot, Why not log time as instruction. The visability out of a sailplane is incredible compared to any powered light plane. I've flown here in Washington, and outside of Phoenix. Awesome experience.

[kach22i]

The pilot who took me up said there are only 16,000 Soaring Society of America members. Hey there are not even 700 Hoverclub of America members, still each is kind of a rare thing in it's own way.

One thing you all should know; ex-pilot's who have had problems passing their medical - gliders have much lower standards so you can probably keep flying, but without an engine.

I don't need another interest/hobby, but if I were to take one up sailplanes might be it.

[304065]

3 g's not bad. Neat variometer.

Where's the TACH on that thing?

[cstreit]

I'd have been a little concerned that the guy needed reminder notes on the dash though!

[ronin]

then you'd be even more concerned should you get a chance to peek into an airliner cockpit. checklists are de rigeur and a very necessary element in flight safety. airliner checklists can span pages. they're not intended as reminders to the forgetful, but as measures to ensure that as little as possible is left to chance during the most critical elements of any flight

[ronin]

[campbellcj]

My wife and I went up in a sailplane a few years back as a gift from my dad. It was a really blast and I would love to do it again someday if not maybe learn to fly myself! The experience of the g-forces and wind noise with NO engine or other ambient distractions was really a trip. Obviously in our cars we're used to -some- of the same sensations but the visual and auditory perspective is completely different in these planes, plus of course the 3D aspect is vastly more dramatic.

[john70t]

on a related note-back in high school I once took a gf up in a introductory flight(cessna 172)out of the local airport for her birthday. Great fun, and there are pilots who'll take you up for gas money. Never been in a glider, those look incredible.

[kach22i]

Originally posted by john70t
and there are pilots who'll take you up for gas money.

How about Porsche rides for gas money?

[xlr8]

I got my glider rating here

[BlueSkyJaunte]

Originally posted by ronin
then you'd be even more concerned should you get a chance to peek into an airliner cockpit. checklists are de rigeur and a very necessary element in flight safety. airliner checklists can span pages. they're not intended as reminders to the forgetful, but as measures to ensure that as little as possible is left to chance during the most critical elements of any flight

What really freaked me out was when I learned how they memorize "flows", i.e., convoluted paths across the panel from point-to-point rather than memorizing a specific sequence of instruments.

Made it too much like a video game.

[kach22i]

xlr8, that is a great way to learn, a slit between a big rock and the ocean. The 50th state sure is grand.i