Take an Introductory Ride in a two-place sailplane!
We continue to take precautions against COVID-19. See our policy below in the FAQs.
We'll show you a flying experience like nothing else. Riding in a sailplane (or glider, if you prefer) is the purest form of flying there is. You'll be sitting in the front seat of our glider with your pilot flying from the rear seat behind you. As you are towed to altitude behind one of our towplanes, the view will be breath-taking.
Once you have reached your release altitude, your pilot will release the glider from the towrope by pulling a lever, and you will find yourself in motorless, silent flight.
Now you are gently floating through the air, with plenty of time to take in the view. In the small, quiet setting of a sailplane, you will experience the true freedom of the skies!
We offer an introductory soaring experience flight. Altitudes and duration of the flight will depend on the weather and other factors. Usually, a ride lasts approximately 20 to 25 minutes, but can be extended if favorable conditions exist. Gift certificates are available at the field or by flywvsc@gmail.com. Calling ahead at (503) 647-0913 is encouraged to find out details of the day's operation, but feel free to just drop in as well.
Sign up for an Intro ride today!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is our covid policy?
WVSC is a volunteer organization. Rides to members of the public are provided by club members who are also Commercial Pilots. These rides are given in the close confines of a glider cockpit where social distancing is impossible. Some WVSC Pilots have health concerns relating to the Global COVID-19 Pandemic and may require that passengers be 1) fully vaccinated and up-to-date on all vaccinations, 2) wear a mask, including a N95/KN95 mask, or any combination thereof, during a ride. The health decision of each Commercial Pilot is left up to each individual Pilot and will be supported by the WVSC Operations Officer of the day. WVSC recognizes that some members of the public may not vaccinate or mask for religious reasons or reasons of disability. WVSC will reasonably accommodate any such member of the public by providing a Commercial Pilot who does not have pandemic-related health concerns. If such Commercial Pilot is unavailable on a particular day, WVSC will seek to accommodate the passenger on a day one is available.
Can more than one person go at a time?
Not with our current glider fleet. The gliders we use for rides are two-place glider and one place is needed for the pilot.
Are there age, weight or height limits?
Yes. Children must be over 10 years old, and should be tall enough to see out of the window. People over six feet may have trouble fitting into the passenger compartment. The weight limit includes the pilot and passenger and varies with each glider. We will ask you to give an estimate of your weight so that we can adjust the ballast to ensure your safety. Passengers from about 90 pounds to 220 pounds can be accommodated. Guests are encouraged to bring a camera (strap required) and sunglasses. The view from the glider is something special and we want to you take full advantage of it.
Is it safe?
After more than 20 years, we have a 100% safety record for rides. The pilot is an FAA certified Commercial glider pilot. There are risks associated with all aviation activities, and you are agreeing to assume these risks by taking a ride with us.
Can I fly the GLIDER?
If you ask, most likely the pilot will let you take the controls and get a feel for flying the glider.
What is the best time to come out?
Mid morning (10:30AM-12:00) is the least busy, but we can usually accommodate people at anytime during the day.
Do I need to call ahead?
We are a volunteer operation. Our regular field schedule is to fly Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays and Sundays from the end of April to about October. Rides are a very popular way for guests and possible new pilots to get a taste of glider flight. We do not make reservations, so rides are on a first come, first served basis. We strongly encourage visitors to call the field after 9:30 or 10:00AM on the day you plan to go for a ride, just to make sure the operation is up and running.
How much does it cost? Do you accept credit cards?
Our standard ride costs $180. Cash, checks, credit cards, and PayPal (see below) are all accepted.
How does a glider stay aloft?
When favorable conditions exist, the pilot uses updrafts called thermals to gain height.
How can I purchase a gift certificate?
If you prefer to purchase a gift certificate in advance, or as a present for someone, we can take check or visa as payment. Checks should be mailed to the address shown at the bottom of the page. There is no expiration date on the gift certificate. It can be redeemed anytime during the season which is generally from mid April to late October.
If you wish the gift certificate to be shipped to a separate address, please include that address in the "Add Special Instructions to Merchant" or “Ship To” section on the PayPal site. Gift Certificates will be mailed, and should arrive within 3 business days.
For more information, please call (503) 647-0913, and someone will get back to you shortly.
Introduction to Soaring Glider Ride - $180
Does WVSC Accept other organizations Gift Certificates?
Other than the gift certificates that we issue, the only gift certificate that WVSC can accept from another organization is the FAST (Fly A Sailplane Today) certificate from the Soaring Society of America (SSA).