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Air and gravity. As long as both exist (which we can be thankful for), a sailplane can glide. The term "sailplane" refers to aircraft without an engine, with a glide ratio of greater than 20:1; that is, for every vertical foot
plane descends, it travels 20 horizontal feet (gliders, on other hand, have a glide ratio of less than 20:1). The high performance model we rode in had a glide ratio of 35:1, which allows for more maneuverability. And although many people assume sailplanes are flimsy, lightweight vehicles, modern sailplanes are built to withstand higher G-forces than those experienced by commercial airlines (as Howie demonstrated to us with stomach-scrambling effectiveness).
Sailplanes have climbed to altitudes greater than 45,000 feet, flown distances farther than 1,400 miles and can fly at maximum speeds of more than 200 mph. Because of aerodynamic efficiency of modern sailplanes, pilots can remain in flight for 6 or 7 hours at a time if conditions are favorable. "In a sail plane, we're basically continuously descending. What really limits us, however, is our bladder," Howie informed us matter-of-factly, "We can stay up for 5, 6, 7 hours at a time if we want, but at a certain point, you need a break."
The sail plane is launched either slingshot style via ¾" bungy cord or, more commonly, under tow from a propeller plane. On our ascent behind our propeller plane, I was struck by how smooth and graceful flight is. The only sound is air rushing through vents in canopy to provide ventilation. We could feel air growing cooler as we rose higher (maybe it was just tranquility of flight). At around 2,000 to 3,000 feet, I released tow cable and our sailplane was at mercy of gravity, aerodynamics and Howie. We soared above rolling foothills of Palomar Mountains, brown with summer heat. Highway 79 below us was a ribbon of gray, with matchbox cars inching along. I felt bad for those stuck on terra firma, missing out on what we were experiencing above them. Neener neener neener. In distance I could see tge sea - Salton Sea Desert lapping up on foothills. A truly hypnotic moment. I could easily see how one could get hooked on this. I imagined myself after a long week in grind heading straight to airport, strapping myself into my sailplane, launching into sky and soaring above my worries until I forgot what they were.
When our 30 minutes of soaring smooth skies was over, after dives and banks and buzzed mountaintops and all possible Top Gun references, Howie began our descent to land. Landing is done in a fashion similar to that of powered aircraft: descent (during which our airspeed topped out at 200mph), an approach to runway, and touch down. "Sailplanes can land in a surprisingly short distance if need be," Howie informed as reassuringly. Right. Crashing. But touchdown was perfect- a perfectly smooth landing for a perfectly smooth ride.
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By Josh Edelson - Jetsetters Magazine Correspondent at www.jetsettersmagazine.com
Josh Edelson - Jetsetters Magazine. Join the Travel Writers Network in the logo at www.jetsettersmagazine.com
