HOW MANY CAN GO?

 

Our Schweizer 2-32 glider carries up to two passengers in the back seat. We also offer a front seat experience for single passengers in our Schweizer 2-33 glider.

​

​

ARE THERE HEIGHT OR WEIGHT LIMITS?

​

The weight limit for one or two passengers combined is 350 pounds including clothing. Two average size adults fit VERY SNUGLY in the passenger seat. There is no height limit but the seat will feel quite cramped for two large adults. If you have questions about how well you might fit, give us a call: (541) 286-5609.

 

 

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR AND BRING ALONG WITH ME?

 

Wear a hat with a brim that will shade your eyes. Sunglasses are also recommended. You may bring a few personal items including a small purse, camera, phone, and water bottle.

 

It's best to wear athletic clothes that allow you to climb easily in and out of the glider. On sunny days, radiant heat through the canopy will keep the temperature in the glider similar to the temperature on the ground. On cloudy days, it will get cooler as the glider ascends, so an extra layer is recommended.

​​

​

CAN PASSENGERS RIDE IN THE FRONT SEAT?

 

Yes, a single passenger may enjoy a front seat experience in our Schweizer 2-33 glider. Single passengers may also be permitted to ride in the front seat of our higher performance Schweizer 2-32 glider, but that decision can only be made by the pilot in command on the day of your flight. There is no option for two passengers to ride in the front seat.

 

​

ARE THEIR AGE LIMITS FOR CHILDREN?

 

There is no specific age limit, but children 12 or under must be accompanied by an adult. Please carefully consider what your child will need to enjoy the flight. We do not refund for flights that are aborted due to unhappy children.

 

 

HOW DOES THE GLIDER STAY ALOFT?

 

Gliders are engineered to take maximum advantage of the energy in the atmosphere. Heat and moisture combine to create winds and thermal activity that lift the glider. On a good soaring day, a glider pilot in the Hood River Valley can fly over three miles high and stay aloft for hours. Most scenic rides are set for 20-50 minutes, but custom rides of longer duration may be arranged on request.

 

 

IS IT SAFE TO FLY WITHOUT A MOTOR?

 

Yes, it is especially safe because eliminating a motor eliminates the risk of motor failure. The glider pilot designs the flight plan to use the atmospheric conditions to return safely to the airport.

 

 

CAN I FLY THE GLIDER?

 

Our insurance requirements do not permit scenic rides passengers to take the controls of the glider. If you want to experience flying a glider, consider purchasing a FAST voucher offered by the Soaring Society of America (SSA). For only $139, it provides you with a 3 month membership in the SSA plus the option to join Hood River Soaring with a visitor membership.  You will receive an introductory flight lesson, a log book, and a booklet on learning to fly gliders. A visitor membership in Hood River Soaring will permit you to continue taking additional lessons for up to 3 months coinciding with your SSA membership.

 

 

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO TAKE A SCENIC RIDE?

 

If you want a quiet and calm experience, it’s best to fly on a clear and windless day, most often in the early morning or toward evening. If you’re up for a more energetic soaring flight, wind and partial clouds make for the best conditions.

 

 

CAN I BUY A GIFT CERTIFICATE?

 

Yes!  We offer instant gift certificates online.  You may also purchase gift certificates by phone.  Call (541) 286-5609 for more details.

 

 

WHAT IF THE WEATHER TURNS BAD ON THE DAY OF MY RESERVATION?

 

We will contact you on your flight day if there’s any doubt about the weather. For safety reasons, we reserve the right to cancel the flight at any time due to adverse conditions.

​

​

WHAT IS YOUR DEPOSIT AND REFUND POLICY?

 

​A $100 deposit is required to confirm the time and date of your scenic glider ride. In the case of a no-show or cancellation with less than 24 hours notice, the deposit is not refunded. Cancellations within three days of the scheduled time will receive a 50% refund. A full refund will be made if canceled with more than three days notice.

 

 

IS MOTION SICKNESS A PROBLEM?

 

Some scenic rides passengers are affected by motion sickness. If you're concerned that this may be a problem, please advise your pilot who will take precautions to make the flight comfortable for you. We do not refund for flights that are aborted due to motion sickness.