DescriptionAfter climbing to between 3,000 and 5,280 feet high, the tow plane disappears out of sight and you are left with only the sound of the wind as you experience flying in its purest form.
You will sit in the front seat of a two-place glider, with your pilot seated behind you. The clear Plexiglass canopy allows for an unobstructed view picturesque country side and quite lakes.
The glider’s wings seem to sprout from your shoulders, and you feel yourself flying like a bird. You may even be lucky enough to find yourself exploring the air currents with a red-tail hawk.
An incredible experience you will both be talking about for years to come!
The Tow
For those of you new to soaring, here’s how you get airborne. The sailplane is connected to a 200 foot rope and towed aloft by a powered tow plane. The passenger usually sits in the front, and the FAA certificated pilot in the rear. Both positions have nearly identical controls, and the sailplane can be flown from either position.
The two ships climb in formation to about 3,000ft in about five minutes. The glider pilot releases the sailplane from the rope by pulling a lever in the cockpit and gently banks away to the right...and it gets wonderfully quiet.
The Flight
After release, a sailplane can stay airborne until sundown if it’s a nice soaring day. An ideal soaring day is one in which the air is cool and dry, the wind is light, and the sun is hot. Cumulus clouds gather at the top of warm, moist thermals and mark the lift for us.
Most gliders perform best in the 60-70MPH range, to give you an idea of cruising speed, but if you’re in a rush to get home, most of the newer ships are rated for at least 160MPH!
Seven days a week. April 1 to mid-November, weather permitting.
LocationFaribault Municipal Airport, Faribault, MN.Duration20, 30 and 40 minute flight optionsEssential InformationNo experience necessary. Passenger weight cannot exceed 242 pounds.Participants1 per glider.WeatherThis experience is weather dependent. Always contact the Experience provider with any questions regarding weather conditions.What to WearWear comfortable clothing appropriate for weather conditions. Temperature in sailplane is about the same as it is on the ground.Booking InformationFor this experience, it is recommended to request bookings at least 7 days in advance.Cancellation PolicyOnce you have received a booking confirmation, cancellations and rebooking are allowed up to 14 days prior to the Experience. Failure to appear on your booked date or to cancel and rebook at least 14 days prior to your booked date will result in the loss of the value of your Experience.
