Anne har skrevet lidt om sine oplevelser - indlægget er måske lidt langt, men læs det. Det er tankevækkende -
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On Christmas Day, Dec 25, we invited Birgitte and Jorgen to join with our family for Christmas celebrations.
Our gift from them was an invitation to fly in a glider.
My first reaction was to laugh and say no thank you. I would not be going in a glider. Peter was not well, and said he would make decision later. We were both very grateful for the gift, but thought it would never be used. I have never enjoyed flying in small planes, but most of all I do not like taking off and landing. I decided that launching in the glider would not be fun, and I would not be going.
On Thurs 8Jan, we emailed that we would be going gliding.
I felt sick. My legs were weak, my stomach was churning, and I was not going.
By the afternoon I had convinced myself that I should try, and than the weather changed, too windy and cloudy, and the flight was cancelled. Hooray.
Sat 17 Jan, Peter and I had friends visiting from Hillston, and we again received an email, this time telling us to be at the airport at 6 pm.
Again, felt sick, hot, weak and scared. But, having friends to encourage you, and the short time to think about it, I convinced my self I would be safe. Having had several glider pilots stay at the motel, and none of them have crashed, I reasoned that it must be safe.
Gathering a large number of friends, we headed to the airport. No-one thought I would actually do it, but I had made up my mind and I was ready.
I asked Hans Christian, the tow pilot, to go slow, everyone than knew I had no idea what I was talking about. He suggested that it would be better if he was to go rather fast!!!
Now it was time. Our Duo Discus from the Slovaks had returned. I was more worried about Peter doing it than myself, and he was certain I would not do it.
Out to the runway, parachute strapped on, I asked what to pull should I wish to get out, was told not to touch!! Found it difficult to get in the glider, but once in it was quite roomy and comfortable.
Birgitte explained what we were going to be doing and how the glider would move. I was told were to put my legs, not to touch any controls, and do not push on the brakes. I did as I was told.
The take off was my biggest worry. I kept looking at the tow plane as I found this kept my mind of the fact that we were launching and it was wobbly.
We climb to 700 metres and the tow plane left.
It was absolutely fantastic.
It was so quiet and the views were amazing. I didn't realise that you would be able to see so far. Birgitte told me how fast we were travelling and when she would be making turns. By now I was just enjoying the trip. We found a thermal, and I could feel the bump.
After 30 mins we returned to the airport and I was relaxed about the landing. I was surprised at how fast you approach the runway and how low you come in. A perfect landing, smooth and a quick stop. The brakes do work.
A struggle to get out of the glider, but the best trip I have ever had.
I am now a glider pilotPeter was next with Jorgen, he had no choice, I had been and he had to do it. He was looking forward to the views of his home town. Following Jorgen's instructions, he climbed into the glider, but he was allowed to touch the controls.
Once released from the tow plane, the glider reached a height of 1000 metres, Peter was able to move the joy stick forwards and backwards.
Peter thinks he is now a real glider pilot Peter was not as nervous as I was, and Jorgen put the nose of the glider down and they went at 250 kms. Even from the ground, it looked fast. Peter said it was fantastic.
Both Peter and I were amazed at how smooth and quiet it was in the air, and how fantastic the views were. We can see how people are addicted to the sport.
We consider ourselves to be so lucky to have such good friends to give us the opportunity to glide.
I don't know why I was afraid!
/Anne
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