Glider flight

Szymanów Airport - Wrocław (Poland) 1.05.2019

The idea for a glider flight came right after landing the powered parachute at the Legnica airport. It was then, after a brief conversation, that one of the staff members threw out the question: "So, how about a glider flight now?" A quick analysis of my abilities and limitations allowed me to start dreaming realistically about this next attraction, which I could experience, and most importantly, that could bring me joy.

Organizing a glider flight for a person with disabilities

More than a year after this idea first came up, my friends gave me a Christmas present in the form of a glider flight voucher with a one-year validity period. The joy and surprise were immense. I was excited that I would soon be able to fulfill another extraordinary, amazing dream.

On the last day of April, after electronically booking the flight, we contacted the provided phone number to ask if we could use our voucher the next day. We were informed that flights would be organized, but when we mentioned that it would be a glider flight for a person with physical disabilities, we could sense a bit of concern in the person's voice about whether there might be any obstacles that would prevent the flight. However, they told us to come and assess the possibilities on-site.

Upon arriving at the Szymanów airport, it was evident that the staff was a bit uneasy, as they realized they had a passenger with quadriplegia in a wheelchair. Even though I wasn't the first disabled person intending to fly there, a slight reluctance was noticeable, which only eased a bit after we discussed my situation and limitations.

After positioning the wheelchair close to the glider, we decided to transfer me into the cockpit using the seat from a transport-lift chair. Three people had no trouble moving me to the front seat, and after stabilizing my limp legs, I was ready for the flight.

Glider flight experience

The takeoff was very smooth, without any unpleasant jerks or turbulence, despite the strong winds in Wrocław that day. The ascent was also enjoyable, and after reaching an altitude of 700 meters, we disconnected from the plane that had towed us. The sound of the release mechanism was loud and surprising, causing me a bit of concern, but after a few moments, I returned to savoring the beautiful views stretching out to the horizon. We soared in circles above a thermal column, reaching an altitude of over 900 meters. I tried to make the most of every second of the flight and take in every detail below. From this height, the Earth looked like a huge model, and the passing train resembled a toy electric railway.
After about 20 minutes, we began the descent, which was also gentle and pleasant, although like during the ascent, I had to remember to swallow to equalize the pressure in my ears.

Impressions from the glider flight

I am incredibly happy that I was able to fulfill this dream, one that just a few years ago I wouldn't have dared to even dream about. Of course, I am immensely grateful to my friends, without whom the glider flight would have forever remained just a dream.
I warmly encourage all disabled individuals who would like to see the world from above to take advantage of this experience. Every few kilometers, there is an aeroclub that organizes commercial glider flights, and with a bit of initiative, determination, and help from friends, the dream of flying can come true.
I want to emphasize that the glider flight was the most enjoyable of all the flights I've taken, as when flying in a powered parachute and in a wind tunnel, there was initial anxiety and discomfort, but here, none of that occurred. Perhaps it's due to my growing familiarity with flying, but I believe gliding is safe and pleasant, making it an enjoyable experience for any disabled person, regardless of experience.
If you want to find out if I'm right, getting in touch with the nearest airport is the first, best step.