Fly an Ultralight Glider
Gliders have been around in one form or another for over one hundred years, but became more of a sporting use in the 1930’s. Originally used for recreational short flights, today’s gliders can even be used for cross-country flying as weather permits.
Gliders, also called sailplanes, originally were usually made of wood. Steel began being incorporated later, and now we are seeing new materials such as fiberglass, Kevlar and carbon-fiber. Since aerodynamic efficiency is crucial for good performance, using a composition that provides smooth surfaces which reduces drag is preferable.
For the most part, ultralight gliders do not have engines, but there are a few ultralight motorized gliders that use the motor to maintain flight if needed. Additionally there are self-launching sailplanes designed to eliminate the need for a second plane to launch and ground crews.
Although ultralight gliders can be more expensive than other ultralight aircraft, they are cheaper to fly since no fuel is needed. As is the case with other ultralight aircraft, a glider can be obtained in a variety of ways. New, factory-built non-motorized gliders can be purchased for $30,000 to $70,000. Many choose to purchase a used glider at a much lower cost and since there is very little to wear out on a glider this can be a good option. You can locate used ultralight gliders for sale on various websites. For the enthusiast that not only wants to enjoy flight but also the pride of building the aircraft, there are a number of kits on the market, and going this route will generally cost 30% to 60% less than buying a new glider. Lastly, if the cost of any of these options is too much, or if you want to “try before you buy” there is also the option of renting a glider. This can be done as an outright rental or by joining a flying club.
“Soaring” as the sport is called, is growing in popularity with many organizations you can become a part of to learn more about this exciting endeavor. Soaring is also very safe – even the FAA recognizes this and allows 14-year-olds to fly gliders solo which says a lot when you consider that in most American states they must be 16 years of age to start driving a car. Today’s gliders are built to be very sturdy and can protect the pilot in the case of a rougher landing. Landings are at a generally low speed so all out crashes are very rare, especially when the pilot has undergone a thorough training program.
The graceful nature of a glider is the closest a person can get to feeling the freedom of flight that a bird experiences. Whether you fly for personal pleasure or for competition, soaring is a sport that will engage you in such a way that you’ll wish you could stay in the sky indefinitely. So, check into this growing sport for yourself and soon you may be soaring or even performing in aerobatic competitions doing loops and rolls!