williams soaring center

Williams Soaring Center offers a wonderful variety of glider rides for anyone wanting to experience what soaring is like. They also offer lessons for those wanting to learn how to pilot one of these planes themselves. Everyone at the center was friendly, professional and helpful. The morning we flew the sky was a series of cloud rows broken by blue sky which our pilot, Drew, explained sets up a sine wave of air pressure. Once we were released from the tow plane we surfed these bands of clouds gaining altitude to almost 10,000ft with speeds of 60 to 100 mph! It was hard to believe there was no engine! The sky was a dynamic mix of clouds and sun - exhilarating and beautiful. At one point we flew with a flock of white pelicans! Amazing to see these birds from their perspective! On our way back, Drew asked if we wanted to experience a couple of steep turns as well as at that moment of weightlessness that occurs when you climb steeply, arc, then dive downwards to create that free fall feeling. Of course we said yes and I proceeded to scream my lungs out! Thanks to everyone but especially to Drew, for making our ride an amazingly memorable experience! Happy Soaring!