When I was in high school, I was daring. I loved roller coasters and couldn’t wait to skydive and bungee jump and do all of the things that wild and crazy people do. Somewhere along the line, I lost my courage. I never got a chance to do any of those adventurous things. So when I had the chance to fly a glider plane, I was hesitant at first. After some persuasion, though, I was ready and excited!

Freedom's Wings was started in 1980 by Irv and Mary DeAngelo Soble. Their home base is at Van Sant airport in Erwinna, Pa. On June 2 and 3, Freedom’s Wings offered free glider plane flights for people with disabilities in Hillstown, Pa. When I arrived at the air park that Saturday, I saw three glider planes lined up, each attached to a Piper Pawnee tow plane. Overhead flew another glider. My heart began to beat just a little faster. It was hot and muggy. I signed in and was immediately taken to my glider. Wow! That was quick, I thought. I began to sweat. If it was from the heat or my nerves, I wasn’t quite sure.

The Freedom’s Wings team helped me transfer into the plane by placing a soft cushion on the rim for me to place my butt on so I could continue the transfer down into the seat. Had I not been able to use my upper body for the transfer, a Hoyer lift was available. The glider was a two-seater. I was in the front. A certified pilot was in the back.

As I was strapped in, someone explained all of the gauges on the face of the plane to me, including an altimeter (reads height above sea level), an airspeed indicator (reads speed of the aircraft), and a variometer (reads rising air in lift and going up or sinking air in sink and descending). I have to admit, as I listened to the instruction, my mind was wandering. All I could think was, I hope I don’t crash, I hope I don’t crash...! I thought maybe they should label those dials for people like me whose nerves take over their brains when learning what could possibly be crucial information!

The top of the plane was secured and the glider was attached to the tow plane. There was no turning back now! As the tow plane began to move, I quickly felt the glider come off the ground. The more we went up, the more my stomach dropped!

Before I knew it, we were 2,500 feet above sea level! I looked down at the houses below, and thought about how refreshing it would be to take a dip in those pools!

Every so often I felt a bump. You can probably guess by now that these bumps made me nervous, but the pilot behind me assured me that this was a good sign. Each bump was called a “thermal.” After the glider was detached from the tow plane, these thermals were our source of staying in the air.

I glided for about 15 minutes. I have to be honest, although given plenty of opportunities, I probably only piloted the plane for three minutes. Luckily the professional pilot behind me had his own set of controls! I did, however video tape the entire experience from the air. I wasn’t going to let this go undocumented! It’s too amazing – I can’t step up a curb, but I can fly a plane!

Although I was terrified, I know it is important to step out of your comfort zone every once in a while. Somehow it reminds you that you’re alive.

I think after a traumatic accident which results in disability, there are two kinds of people: Those that think, “Lightening won’t strike twice, I might as well seize every opportunity and stare danger in the face!” and those that think, “The world has proven to me that I am not invincible. I need to be careful with my body and my precious life.” Slowly but surely I have crossed from the first type of person to the latter. Still, I am happy to know that I have enough courage, even if just once, to face my fears. And it’s especially nice when the daring adventure is actually a safe ride with qualified professionals who have a {knockon wood} perfect track record.

The Freedom’s Wings team did a great job of making me feel comfortable, safe and excited. As I spoke to each member of the team, I could see how much they love giving people the opportunity to get out of their chairs and soar. Please contact them to schedule a ride!