Sailplane Rides in northern NH?

[Rich Carreiro]

Hello.

I was wondering if there are any good places to take a paid sailplane
ride in the White Mountains region. This is for a birthday present.

I've done some googling and have discovered there is a glider field in
Franconia, NH and another one in Gorham, NH. I've also run across
www.soarfranconia.org. It appears from the website that the Franconia
group is members-only and doesn't do commercial rides (though the
field appears to be assoacted with a local inn).

There's also "Mt. Washington Sky Adventures" in Gorham, NH which
does do commercial rides.

So I guess,
1) Does the Franconia site do commercial rides, or is it club-only?
2) What's the repution of each place?
3) Is it still good soaring season?
4) What should one look for ask/about to maximize the chances
of a pleasurable experience?

Thanks much!

--
Rich Carreiro

[Tony Verhulst]

> I've also run across
> www.soarfranconia.org. It appears from the website that the Franconia
> group is members-only and doesn't do commercial rides (though the
> field appears to be assoacted with a local inn).

The owner of the inn owns part of the airport property

> 1) Does the Franconia site do commercial rides, or is it club-only?

They do commercial rides in a Grob 103. They normally operate Friday
through Sunday.

> 2) What's the repution of each place?

Dunno about the Gorham operation. The FSA is a good outfit with a good
record.

> 3) Is it still good soaring season?

Don't wait too long.

> 4) What should one look for ask/about to maximize the chances
> of a pleasurable experience?

Try to get a N to NW day when the Kinsman ridge is working.


Tony V.
http://home.comcast.net/~verhulst/SOARING