Our Club--Mid Georgia Soaring Assn, in Atlanta ,GA sells glider rides by
appointment. We use the ASK21. Our 'Rides Pilots' all are active, current
pilots with at least Commercial licenses (many are instructors), and have
had a special check-out as a 'Rides Pilot". We especially avoid steep banks
and abrupt maneuvers unless requested by the guest, or required by safety of
the flight. We ask about any special concerns in advance. We describe what
is happening as we go along. We describe the traffic pattern before entering
it, and declare where we will touch down, early in the pattern, so as to
allay any fears about not being able to land without an engine.

This time of year in Georgia (USA) we have little turbulence and "T-shirt"
temperatures. The turbulence is usually gentle and "soft", unless there has
been a very recent cold front passage and it is windy (15 mph or more). The
ASK21 is a very strong , modern fiberglass aircraft, comforable and sleek
looking.

We have been doing this a few years now and the usual result is a ear-to-ear
grin on the face of the guest. Most people are impressed with the view, and
the comfort of the cockpit.

Enjoy your ride!


Hartley Falbaum


"TravelMan" wrote in message
om...
I'll be taking my first glider ride this week (not soaring, just
gliding) and was wanting a description of what to expect. I've never
flown in anything but a passenger jet, so that's my only frame of
reference. We'll be using an ASK 21 model. I've been told gliding is
like floating down with no sound, but that sounds too easy. What is
the turbulence like? Is it shaky at all? Cold up there? How safe are
the newer gliders? Thanks for any info on what to expect, it is
appreciated.