First Glider Ride, Erie

Of course, you can expect to feel butterflies floating around in your stomach, this is natural and expected when you take your first glider ride, Erie! We promise, these butterflies will fly away as soon as your glider takes off and begin to soar. The anxiety is replaced with an intense rush of adrenaline; the more your plane accelerates the more adrenaline you’ll feel, the more exhilarating the ride becomes, the more you won’t want it to end.

We’re sure that when you arrive for your first flight you will want to get the adventure started right away, and you will. Before your actual flight however, we will give a brief overview on ground about glider planes and how best to operate them. In this brief classroom setting, we will go over safety procedures, and give you a chance to practice using the controls.  

If weather and wind conditions are favorable you can expect to be in the skies for at least 30-45 minutes. Yes! 30–45 minutes of flight time we feel is considerable, especially when you will be experiencing aerobatic maneuvers, just as many flips and turns as you can possibly stand.  You will be flying tandem with a certified pilot; you in the front your pilot in the back, your hands on the control from time to time, steering the plane in the direction you want.

Once you have tasted flight in a glider plane we can get you ready for your first solo flight. Discover for yourself the joys of maneuvering this silent and majestic wonder. Take your first glider ride Erie!

Learn To Pilot a Glider

Climb aboard and strap in! At Erie Glider Rides though we aim to schedule lessons around times that are convenient for you, we suggest that your lessons not be too far apart, that way you are always building on what you learned in previous training. The basics you need to know before embarking on your first solo flight are:

• You may begin your training at the age of 12, but must be at least 14 years or older to fly solo.
• Most instructors feel that 30 to 35 flights of pre-solo flight time are the minimum needed for most people with no previous flight experience.
• An experienced private power pilot can generally solo a glider in 10 flights.

Imagine! In just a few lessons you can learn the mechanics of flying a glider around the airport and be on your way to becoming a solo pilot. We make learning to fly a glider a safe and easy experience. The glider will have dual controls so you can learn the control motions while your instructor sits behind you with all the direction that you will need.

Your next steps will be toward your solo flight in the air. This will include instructions on alertness, self-control and self-discipline; a fine balance of determination, flexibility and much practice is necessary to gain the proficiency and skills you will need to fly solo in cross-country flight and ultimately in competing with other pilots.

Master the technical aspects of the sport and have a lot of fun while learning; complete your initiation into the world of glider pilots. 

Call Erie Glider Rides today we are available nationwide to arrange your breathtaking first glider ride, Erie.