Frequently Asked Questions

What is soaring?

Soaring (sometimes called gliding) is the art of using air currents to maintain extended flight. On a good day a soaring pilot may fly on these currents for hours.

Just how can a sailplane fly without an engine?

Sailplanes are very efficient aerodynamically. In still air, a well designed sailplane will only descend at a rate 125 to 150 feet per minute. If the air in which the sailplane is flying is rising at exactly the sailplane's natural descent rate, the sailplane will remain at the same altitude. If the surrounding air is rising faster than the sailplane's natural descent rate, the sailplane will actually gain altitude.

What causes the air to rise?

There are three primary sources of "lift" utilized by sailplane pilots. The most common is thermal lift, formed when air, warmed by the ground, rises. No wind is required to form thermals. The second form of lift is ridge lift, formed when wind strikes a mountain ridge and is forced upward. The third form of lift is mountain wave, formed when wind moves in great waves on the lee side of a mountain, just as water ripples behind a stone in a stream.

Are sailplanes and hang gliders the same?

No. Most hang gliders are open designs with a poor glide ratio. A sailplane is constructed as an airplane, has an excellent glide ratio and a large wingspan. All occupants sit in comfort in a fully enclosed cockpit. Sailplanes are licensed and inspected by the FAA. Also, sailplane ride pilots must be licensed as commercial pilots and instructors must have an even higher level of rating.

What happens to a sailplane when the wind quits?

It is true that sailplanes often gain additional altitude or lift from the wind; however, the wind need not be blowing for a sailplane to fly. For example, thermals, an important source of lift, often form best when there is little or no wind.

What is a thermal?

When the sun warms the surface of the earth and the upper air is cooler than the ground, warm air currents rise to meet the cooler upper air. At this time they form cumulus clouds, big puffy fair weather clouds. Sailplanes at Sugarbush often follow these clouds to an altitude of 5,000 feet or more.

What is a scenic ride?

Our scenic ride is the best way to be introduced to Sugarbush Soaring. One of our commercial pilots will take you on a tour high above our beautiful valley. You may fly over the Sugarbush ski area, along Route 100 to Waitsfield Village, past the covered bridge to the Common Road, past the Round Barn, up onto the Roxbury Ridge, then across the Valley to a smooth landing back at the airport. We have available at Sugarbush sailplanes that can take one passenger plus a pilot. Reservations are not available, but calling ahead on weekdays can help.

What is the cost of soaring?

The cost of soaring instruction compares favorably with the cost of powered instruction. When you consider that you get two planes (a sailplane and a tow plane), a tow pilot and an instructor, the training phase is a good value. When you consider that many experienced sailplane pilots can fly all day without expensive aviation fuel being used, that's a great value.

Why should I fly or take lessons at Sugarbush?

If you have ever vacationed at Sugarbush, you probably already know the answer to that question. The beauty of our Valley brings visitors back again and again. But there is more to it than that. Our lovely mountains and beautiful Valley combine to form the best source of soaring "lift" in the east. Our mountains have provided wave lift to over 23,000 feet, our ridge has provided exciting, high-speed rides for miles and our thermals have supported cross-country flights of several hundred miles.

What a great idea! Can I purchase a gift certificate?

Yes! Just give us a call and we'll put it on your credit card and get it in the mail right away. They are wonderful Christmas and birthday presents. Who knows? It may change your life!

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