Taking a glider plane ride was never something that was on my bucket list. Until my week long trip to the Finger Lakes, a beautiful region in New York, I never even heard of a glider plane. Who would have known that in the small town of Elmira, New York, there is Harris Hill Soaring Corporation, which offers public glider rides. This gliding experience ended up being one of the the most incredible things I’ve done in my life and is something that should be on everyone’s bucket list.
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What is a Glider Plane?
You may be wondering, what is a glider and how does a glider plane work? A glider is an unpowered aircraft. These planes have no motor or engine, rather they simply glide through the air. Rather than using velocity to get into the air, a glider is lifted with a tow plane by a rope. A prop plane tows the glider to 4,000 feet above sea level. At that point, the rope is released and the glider is left soaring through the air.
Gliding Experience
Before the Glider Flight
Upon arrival at Harris Hill Soaring, I wasn’t sure what to expect. At the time, I didn’t quite grasp what glider flights entailed. While I knew a glider is a motorless plane, it didn’t hit me that the glider is completely unpowered. There isn’t anything holding it in the air, aside from air currents. I realized that a glider is essentially a well designed paper airplane. It soars through the air currents until it lands on solid ground. Yet, that didn’t intimidate me. And it shouldn’t intimidate you either. The gliders used at Harris Hill Soaring Corporation are well designed and the pilots are highly trained.
I watched as the pilots took the gliders from the hanger with ease. They easily pulled the gliders to the runway, which made it it was apparent how light weight these planes are. The gliders were sleek and small yet somehow not intimidating to me.
Preparing for Takeoff
Finally, the moment I had been waiting for, my turn for the glider ride. The glider planes only have space for two people: the pilot and a passenger. The best seat view-wise, is the front. However, depending on pilot preference and your weight, you may be asked to sit in the back seat to distribute the weight of the plane better. I luckily was able to sit in the front seat, where I had an incredible view.
Climbing into the small plane, I got a quick debriefing of my flight. The rope got attached to the tow plane and our glider closed securely from overhead. We were ready for takeoff. Yet, I was still not intimidated. The physical plane seemed to offer a false sense of security. I almost forgot that this glider plane was in fact motorless.
Glider Ride – Soaring
Without further ado, the prop plane began to pull my glider down the runway. Suddenly we were air bound, being towed by the prop plane. We were towed higher and higher, until we reached an elevation of 4,000 feet above sea level. At that moment, it was time for the glider plane to detach from the tow plane. And in that moment, everything changed.
There was complete silence and I felt that we were soaring. I have never felt so weightless and so serene in my entire life. There was nothing but me and the pilot, steering us through the air. The views were outstanding from above, especially with the foliage. This is one of the best ways to see the Finger Lakes region.
Yet, it is the feeling of soaring which makes glider rides such a unique experience. No words can adequately describe the feeling in its entirety. Until that moment, I didn’t realize that an adrenaline rush could bring me such ease. We glided through the air and slowly dipped lower throughout the ride. After about twenty minutes in the air, it was time to land. That was the only moment I felt nervous. Yet, the landing was so smooth. This was a bucket list experience, for sure. The gliding experience at Harris Hill Soaring is one you must have for yourself.
Glider Rides – Things to Know
No Reservations
There are no reservations for glider rides. All the employees at Harris Hill Soaring are volunteers. Due to volunteer schedules, cancelations and weather; it is too difficult to operate on a reservation system. Glider rides are offered on a first- come, first-served basis. If you are coming from out of town, you can call ahead to ensure glider flights are available that day.
Price
The cost for glider flights is $105. Personally, I feel that this bucket list experience is well worth the price.
Hours
Glider rides are only available Spring through Fall, due to seasonal weather restrictions in New York. During Spring and Fall, Harris Hill is open on the weekends. In the Summer, glider rides are available 7 days a week from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Check the website to see if Harris Hill is open during your visit to the Finger Lakes.
Restrictions
Keep in mind that there are some restrictions for the gliding experience including weight and weather restrictions.
Weight
The maximum weight for a passenger is 245 pounds. Weight restrictions are in place for safety measures, and Harris Hill Soaring is very firm on those rules.
Age
While there are no age restrictions in place, young children may not be able to see over the side of the canopy and may be uncomfortable flying without their parent or guardian.
Weather
All glider rides are weather permitting. Certain weather conditions are unsafe for flying including wind, rain and low hanging clouds. Be sure to check the weather and be prepared for weather delays or cancelations.
Come Join My Journey was hosted by Chemung County, however, my opinions are as always my own.