Learn to Fly

Learning to fly gliders is something almost anyone can do with a little desire and commitment.

The costs are not prohibitive (see rates for details). You could count on spending about $1000 - $2000 for one season of flying depending on how often you can come out.

To start with, you would be flying one of our Blanik L-23 all-metal trainers. You would fly in the front seat while an instructor with years of experience would be in the rear seat.
Instructors do not charge for their services. You simply pay for your own rentals and tows.

Your early training flights would involve the instructor doing the take-off, tows, landings, and letting you follow along with your hands and feet on the dual controls. The instructor would then relinquish control to you when it is safe to do so. If you have any problems, the instructor will simply take control of the glider once again.

It probably won't be too long before you start taking control during the critical take-off, tows, and landings yourself.

If you're fortunate, many of your instructional flights will involve soaring. The Blanik trainers actually soar remarkably well. When the conditions allow, your instructor will put you in the middle of a big thermal (column of rising air) and let you fly the glider up to several thousand feet above your tow release point.