Introductory flights

Introductory glider flights

For those who would like to experience soaring, PSSA offers a 30-day temporary membership and introductory flights (see rates). Reservations are recommended during the busy flying season; without a reservation, introductory flights are made on a first come first served basis. Depending on the conditions of the day introductory flights typically last twenty to thirty minutes. The 30-day temporary membership gives the member the opportunity to return and make additional flights. Introductory glider flight gift certificates make for a unique and unforgettable experience... perfect for most any occasion.

Many people also take introductory soaring flights in anticipation of obtaining a private pilot glider license (see here).

What is it like?

After a brief explanation of the glider and its instruments and controls you will take your seat in the glider. The instructor or commercial rated pilot will describe the different phases of the flight.  Both seats have all the required controls to pilot the glider. Foot pedals control the rudder and a control stick is used to control pitch (nose up and down) and bank for turning. All controls are linked together so it is possible to observe and feel what your pilot is doing.

The glider is connected to the tow plane with a 200 foot rope and is pulled aloft in about 10 minutes to around 3000 feet AGL (or 4100 feet MSL at Bergseth Field). The pilot (or you) releases the glider from the towrope and gently banks to the right with the tow plane banking to the left. You notice now that it has become quieter as all you can hear is the air rushing past.

In the right conditions the glider is capable of staying aloft until sundown if your pilot locates sources of rising air which we call lift. If the wind is strong enough, the ridges to the east will provide a continuous source of lift. Other times we might locate some thermals which are invisible columns of warm rising air. Keep a lookout for hawks, turkey vultures and bald eagles. They are expert pilots and many times show us where the thermals are. It is a wonderful experience to actually be circling in a thermal with one of these birds. Your introductory flight will last about 30 minutes if the pilot finds some lift. Without lift the flight will be a little shorter but still highly enjoyable. At your pilots discretion he or she may let you control the glider to let you get the full experience of flying and hopefully get you addicted to this wonderful sport.

As the glider gets lower the pilot will enter the landing pattern and set up for a soft touchdown at about the same spot from where your flight started. After the flight either the pilot or field manager will answer any questions you might have. We do have flight certificates available if you would like to provide a friend or relative with an opportunity to enjoy soaring.