fly in a glider

It seems so quiet and peaceful. I would love to do this someday

I did this on my birthday a long time ago. It actually started a tradition for me of doing something out of the ordinary on my birthday each year. A plane towed us up to a certain altitude and then we circled in a thermal until we reached a higher altitude where we could just fly around. It was a two seater glider. The instructor let me take the controls for a few minutes. I loved it, and I would like to do it again.

I did this when I was about 12 or so (thanks to my dad’s interest in aviation and access to a glider club in Littlefield, TX). It was very fascinating, but I remember wanting it to be over long before we landed. It’s pretty dizzying to go in circles so much.

It is definately worth doing if you can find a place, and find the cash. I’ve only done it once (last weekend), but would definately do it again – and take the loop-de-loops next time. If you get motion sick, I’d recommend dramamine, or ginger tea or whatever settles your tummy, as there are a few bumps when you hit the thermals and start to rise. It is beautiful and quite, and calm.

I went with a place called Sky Sailing outside of San Diego CA.

An awesome experience. The glider was towed to a high altitude by a small prop airplane. After our release, we glided above the north shore of Oahu for what seemed like an hour. The pilot said the winds there are so steady, we could stay up all day without coming down. We “buzzed” some cows in a field and the air currents were strong enough that we could easily regain altitude. It is so quiet and peaceful up there. I highly recommend giving it a go!

I contacted my local gliding club and Im doing it this weekend… I hope they have the aerotow launch

Gliding- go for an aerotow launch rather than a winch launch. You’ll get a higher lift from an aerotow, and a longer flight.

I went a couple of years ago, and it’s a wonderful, spellbinding experience- incredibly quiet and serene. Make sure you get to have a go at flying, it’s not very hard.