If you have ever watched a hawk fly without flapping its wings and wished you could do that...
That is what soaring is all about. For some birds, it comes naturally. For us, with bodies designed to move on land, it does not come as naturally. However, both the eagles and the soaring pilots have to learn how to soar. And the only guarantee that I will give is that neither the eagle or the pilot will ever stop learning to soar, further, higher, faster, using previously unknown sources of energy, all with a panoramic and often spectacular view of the earth and its atmosphere. Why learn? For the absolute sheer pleasure of it all, of sharing a thermal or ridge lift with a 15 year old, a ninety year old, a student pilot, a national class competition pilot with a world record to his credit, a vulture and perhaps a hang glider. They will all be your friends in a beautiful sky over wonderful countryside, some might gather with you (the bird probably will have a previous engagement) around an evening BBQ to hash over every moment of a day in an attempt to make it last forever.
YOUR TRAINING
Harris Hill Soaring Corporation is a club. Instruction is given to club members for free by the other members of the club that are instructors. Sorry, but you still pay for the tow and the airplane, about $15 for an instructional flight for a senior member. Instructors are scheduled for duty on Saturday and Sunday mornings from 10 AM to 2 PM, April through October. Often you can catch one on the spur of the moment. Otherwise, make arrangements with a willing instructor to meet at a particular time. Some of us also try to fly some weekday evenings on a regular basis. (Why? 'cause it is fun!)
Age does not matter. What does matter is a willingness to contribute to the club as you can. It also requires some time and devotion to soaking up all of this new knowledge and practicing that knowledge safely with a great amount of fun and some sweat of intensity on a furrowed brow. And it will take some time, for it requires devotion and focus. This all takes place in a club environment, where we play and discuss. It will take some effort, as you struggle with understanding the harder questions on the written exam. Don't worry... there are plenty of people to help you understand what is going on. The only problem is that you might end up with too many people helping you, each discussing his point of view. At times it will be a struggle. (It took me a long time, but then one day, flying the glider on tow just clicked. My instructor grinned with either relief or joy -- or both.) There will be plateaus, just as there will be moments of enlightenment. And then there is the day you outclimb everyone in the same thermal, because you flew better than they did for that moment in time.
QUESTIONS
How long will it take? How much will it cost me? These are questions that are dependent upon each person's situation. How often can you fly? Weather can be problematic. What is your background? What kind of effort is put forth?Generally, I would expect to someone who is conscientious and takes the initiative will solo in one summer and get his license the next summer. However, everyone's situation is different. The cost will probably run about $1100 in flying charges. In addition there is a $200 joining fee, a $15 per month fee, one or two five-hour shifts each month April to October, and a yearly $75 charge for membership in both the National Soaring Museum and the Soaring Society of America. All told, it is probably about $1750 for 17 months and 70 flights. I must warn you about some hidden costs... you might find that you will take a drive up the Hill when you should be cutting grass at home. You might spend time on a Saturday with a blood red sunset joining others for a cookout when you should be doing your laundry. And after a bit, your holiday card list will grow by a third, so it will take you two weekends, not just one, to get them all out. Then there is the week you go to the Amish country in Pennsylvania to help out on your first (or 101st) sailplane meet.
If you are interested in learning how to fly with us, I would suggest coming up to the Hill and hanging out with us for a couple of weekend days. See what we are really like. We hope that it is a fit. And then it is on to what this is all about... cruising the sky, quietly, gently, or perhaps with a high speed whistle... flying sailplanes... enjoying life.
Other Options
For those you would rather learn in a more structured environment, or your life is not conducive to a club atmosphere, please try the Schweizer Soaring School, down in the valley at the Elmira/Corning Regional Airport. They are a commercial operation. I would suggest checking them out also and seeing which of the two operations fits you best. Is there competition between us? Yes!! You should see us battle for the Snowbird Contest trophy during our club meet over Thanksgiving. However, you will see many of the same faces at both Harris Hill and Schweizer Soaring School. Either place is a good place to hang your flying goggles.Please contact the School directly for information.
Sally Lese
Schweizer Soaring School
1250 Schweizer Road
Big Flats, NY 14814
607/739-3821
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