Glider pilots often release tow at arbitrary altitudes, sometimes in sink or past lift. Aim for a climb rate of 300 feet per minute above the tow plane's average. Beginners should tow higher; experienced pilots may release sooner for a challenge. Always ensure clear space before releasing.
Read MoreIn soaring, mental readiness is as crucial as physical safety. Every moment demands acute attention, from pre-flight checks to securing the aircraft. It's about engaging with every detail, adapting to uncertainty, and making informed decisions with precision. Embracing the endless learning curve ensures not just immediate success, but also lays the groundwork for future triumphs in the soaring journey ahead.
Read MoreProgressive wear (on hinges, canopy seals, brake discs and pads, tires and tip wheels, skid plates, fabric, cracks in Gelcoat, etc.) may not prohibit this flight, but if you fail to inspect them today, you’re more apt to forget next time
Read MoreA silent glider overhead lured me to a hidden airstrip, where twenty dollars bought my first, thrilling step into soaring. With Ed, a pilot as calm as a school teacher, we danced above a quilted landscape, turning me from a curious bystander into a soaring devotee.
Read MoreIn my final New England autumn, I embarked on a pilgrimage to Hunger Mountain, known only from the skies. Climbing through humid woods, I lost my shirt to a dust devil on the summit, an unexpected twist in my adventure.
Read MoreOn that remarkable Memorial Day, as I groomed the cat on the porch, fur wads defied gravity, hinting at something extraordinary. It turned out to be our region's greatest soaring day, with towering cumulus clouds. Yet, I was confined to short flights and lessons, watching as others seized the skies, making history.
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