LEARN TO FLY
A SAILPLANE

The flight will be in one of Adirondack Soaring's Grob 103 Fiberglass trainers with an FAA certified flight instructor and dual controls.

The Grob G-103 is a family of two-seat fiberglass sailplanes developed by Grob Aircraft AG in Germany and widely used as trainers by soaring clubs worldwide. The fiberglass construction was a significant innovation for two-seat gliders when it was introduced in the late 1970s.

Your aerotow glider launch involves a motorized tug aircraft (Towplane) towing the glider into the air using a 200' long rope and a quick-release mechanism.

After a pre-flight check and proper glider placement on centerline of the runway, the towplane initiates takeoff, with the glider lifting off first and then climbing alongside the towplane altitude, maintaining a precise position. At the desired altitude of about 2000', yur instructor will pull a release knob to disconnect, becoming free to search for lift and begin a free soaring flight.

Typical introductory flights last between 15-45 minutes, depending on the weather and thermals, giving you the opportunity to experience first hand the thrill of silent and graceful sailplane flight.

A sailplane flights long as 10 hours have been accomplished. Flights of over 300 hundred miles have been made from Saratoga County Airport!

One of our members was the first pilot to fly a Diamond Distance Triangle from Saratoga, to Stowe, VT, Pittsfield, MA, and return without landing. The pilot flew the 330 mile flight and averaged 60+ mph. Not bad for no engine!!!

Due to the cockpit size and critical weight balance requirements, all pilots and passengers must not exceed a maximum weight of 240 lbs, and exceed a height of approximately 6'1".

Glider safety weight restrictions will vary by aircraft but typically fall between 220-242 lbs per person for solo flights or tandem rides, with a maximum total all-up weight for the glider and passengers combined.

These limits, along with a minimum weight to ensure proper trim and handling, are crucial for maintaining the glider's stability, performance, and structural integrity.