Take an Introductory Ride in a two-place sailplane!
We'll show
you a flying experience like nothing else. Riding in a sailplane (or
glider, if you prefer) is the purest form of flying there is. You'll be
sitting in the front seat of our glider with your pilot flying from the
rear seat behind you. As you are towed to altitude behind one of our
towplanes, the view will be breath-taking.
Once you have reached your release altitude, your pilot will release the glider from the towrope by pulling a lever, and you will find yourself in motorless, silent flight.
Now you are gently floating through the air, with plenty of time to take in the view. In the small, quiet setting of a sailplane, you will experience the true freedom of the skies!
We offer an introductory soaring experience flight. Altitudes and duration of the flight will depend on the weather and other factors. Usually, a ride lasts approximately 20 to 25 minutes, but can be extended if favorable conditions exist. Gift certificates are available at the field or by flywvsc@gmail.com. Calling ahead at (503) 647-0913 is encouraged to find out details of the day's operation, but feel free to just drop in as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can more than one person go at a
time?
Not with our current glider fleet. The gliders we use for rides are two-place planes and one place is needed for the pilot.
Are there age, weight or height limits?
Yes. Children must be over 10 years old, and should be tall enough to see out of the window. People over six feet may have trouble fitting into the passenger compartment. The weight limit includes the pilot and passenger and varies with each plane. We will ask you to give an estimate of your weight so that we can adjust the ballast to ensure your safety. Passengers from about 90 pounds to 220 pounds can be accommodated. Guests are encouraged to bring a camera (strap required) and sunglasses. The view from the glider is something special and we want to you take full advantage of it.
Is it safe?
After more than 20 years, we have a 100% safety record for rides. The pilot is an FAA certified Commercial glider pilot. There are risks associated with all aviation activities, and you are agreeing to assume these risks by taking a ride with us.
Can I fly the airplane?
If you ask, most likely the pilot will let you take the controls and get a feel for flying the plane.
What is the best time to come out?
Mid morning (1030-1200) is the least busy, but we can usually accomodate people at anytime during the day.
Do I need to call ahead?
Not to schedule a ride, but you may want to call to confirm we are operating on a given day. We are a volunteer operation. Our regular field schedule is to fly Wednesdays and weekends from the end of April to about October. Rides are a very popular way for guests and possible new pilots to get a taste of glider flight. We do not make reservations so rides are on a first come first serve basis. We encourage visitors to call the field on the day you plan to go for a ride, just to make sure the operation is up and running.
How much does it cost? Do you accept credit cards?
Our standard ride costs $90, and a flight in one of our high-performance aircraft is $120. Cash is preferred but we accept checks and credit cards as well.
How does a glider stay aloft?
When favorable conditions exist, the pilot uses updrafts called thermals to gain height.
How can I purchase a gift certificate?
If you prefer to purchase a gift certificate in advance, we can take check or visa as payment. Checks should be mailed to the address shown at the bottom of the page. There is no expiration date on the gift certificate. It can be redeemed anytime during the season, generally from mid April to late October.