A friend of mine is interested in taking a sailplane ride. She's 83 and quite spunky. I know some of you fly sailplanes or are intimate with the locals. Do you have suggestions for a club/flight park in the area? Front Royal maybe? What are the going rates?
Thanks,
sailplane ride for an 83 year old?
Moderator: CHGPA BOD
Re: sailplane ride for an 83 year old?
Soaring Society of America (ssa.org) has a program called FAST (Fly A Sailplane Today). You get an introductory flight/lesson, a logbook, 30-day membership (for the insurance), copy of the magazine, and a couple of textbooks - all for $99 (that's 40% cheaper than a hang-gliding tandem ride at a towpark). You pay with a credit card and download the certificate, which you can negotiate at any soaring club or business. I'm in Skyline Soaring Club at Front Royal and we definitely honor FAST certificates. Alas, we have concluded our flying season, but we start up again in February or March. After that, she can come out any weekend with certificate in hand and get that ride. Call me and I'll alert the duty crew so they can work her into the schedule smoothly. - Hugh
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Danny Brotto
- Posts: 709
- Joined: Mon Feb 14, 2005 9:29 pm
Re: sailplane ride for an 83 year old?
What Hugh said. There are a number of operations in the area that could accommodate her when the season opens. Check the SSA website (ssa.org) for various locations across the country.
It is best to call ahead with the FAST certificates. Most clubs will have you fly with a commercially rated pilot and weaving that into a schedule is best coordinated ahead of time.
Try to get the ride in a G-103 or an ASK-21 instead of a 2-33; much more comfortable and "elegant".
While you're at it, you should also get yourself a FAST coupon and have a go at it. Fly her in the am when things are pretty and calmer and you fly in the early/mid pm when things are cooking.
Danny Brotto
It is best to call ahead with the FAST certificates. Most clubs will have you fly with a commercially rated pilot and weaving that into a schedule is best coordinated ahead of time.
Try to get the ride in a G-103 or an ASK-21 instead of a 2-33; much more comfortable and "elegant".
While you're at it, you should also get yourself a FAST coupon and have a go at it. Fly her in the am when things are pretty and calmer and you fly in the early/mid pm when things are cooking.
Danny Brotto