For the last year I have been frequenting a number of gliderports with two goals in mind. I wanted to add a commercial glider rating to my ticket, and along the way I have started something of a personal photo project, documenting this corner of the aviation world, experienced by only a small percentage of general aviation pilots. I visited with, photographed and piloted gliders at a number of places during the year, mostly smaller, rural operations. The flying and photography does not include dramatic mountain scenery and high performance fiberglass ships you might see in a glossy magazine or on a calendar. This is a more intimate view of weekend fliers, working to squeeze maximum performance out of older machines. Pilots passing on their knowledge and experience to a new group of aviators. The goal on any given day is to get a club member soloed, not set a world record; to enjoy the day, the sky and the good company of fellow glider pilots.
The aircraft are not new or sleek. The venerable Schweizer 2-33 and the single place S-1-26 appear often, as does the Blanik and the Lark IS-28. These ships are towed aloft by aging ag planes that have found new life and purpose after being retired from their original mission. There also seems to be a large number of retired pilots in this group, no longer worrying about traffic delays and weather, just wanting to stay active and in the air.
Come along and share a season of soaring by looking through my notebook and viewfinder. Who knows, you may find it inspires you to find a glider, a thermal and some excellent company along the way.
