Flying Glider Plane with Hand-Controls

The San Gabriel Mountains in the Mojave Desert of Southern California have nearly perfect conditions for flying a glider plane, explains Dale of Southern California Soaring Academy, and that is why he chooses to set up his glider businesses in the tiny town of Llano near Palmdale, Dale has been flying glider planes for over thirty years and could probably do so with his eyes closed. “This is my religion,” he said with a smile, “and this countryside is my paradise.”

Experiencing the thrill of piloting a glider is now more accessible than ever, thanks to adaptive equipment and specialized training programs. The Southern California Soaring Academy, located in Llano near Palmdale, offers such opportunities for individuals with limited or no use of their legs. Approximately an hour and a half from Los Angeles, Palm Springs, and Las Vegas, this location boasts ideal conditions for glider flights. approximately an hour and a half away from 

The Academy utilizes the Schleicher ASK-21 glider, modified with hand controls to accommodate pilots who cannot use traditional foot pedals. This two-seat glider allows an instructor to accompany the student, ensuring safety and guidance throughout the flight.

One of the experienced instructors at the Academy is Dale Masters, who has been flying gliders for over thirty years. He describes his passion for gliding by saying, “This is my religion, and this countryside is my paradise.”

Glider flying relies on natural atmospheric phenomena to stay aloft, as these aircraft lack engines. Pilots harness various types of updrafts:

• Thermals: Rising columns of warm air created by the sun heating the Earth’s surface.
• Ridge Lifts: Winds that are deflected upward by mountain ridges or slopes.
• Waves: Airflows that ascend after passing over mountain ranges, allowing gliders to achieve significant altitudes.

The convergence of cool Pacific Ocean breezes with the warm air of the Mojave Desert near the San Gabriel Mountains creates consistent and favorable conditions for gliding.

Before taking to the skies, pilots receive thorough briefings on these atmospheric dynamics and the operation of the glider’s controls. Safety protocols, weight distribution, and communication systems are also covered to ensure a secure and enjoyable experience.

For those interested in adaptive glider flying, it’s advisable to contact the Southern California Soaring Academy directly to learn more about their programs, scheduling, and any prerequisites. Embracing the freedom of flight is an exhilarating adventure, and with the right support and equipment, it’s within reach for many.

As one participant shared, “From the moment of take-off, until you land, you feel like a bird. Being one with the air and soaring like hawks makes you feel so much a part of this earth.”

Embracing the freedom of flight is an exhilarating adventure, and with the right support and equipment, it’s within reach for many.

For a visual glimpse into the experience, you can watch this video:

Additional Details

• Reservations: Required
• Email: office@soaringacademy.org
• Phone: 661.944.1090
• Directions Note: Off 165th Street and right next to the admin building for the Crystalaire Airport is a dirt road. Follow this dirt road for less than a mile and on your right-hand side will be a cluster of trees and planes signaling that you are at an airport. You will see two module buildings. The first one is the business office and the second one is the “pilots lounge” where you can park directly in front.