We asked a few attendees at just one of our many events to share their experiences. Getting out of their wheelchair, into a glider and into the sky. Here is just a few of the many experiences shared on that day.

From some of FWI’s guests at the Philadelphia Gliding Council event

Prepping another guest

From: Bob Foyder Sent: Jun 6, 2011 11:55 AM

A round of applause should be given to the team of Pilots & Ground Crew to make everything work.

My flight this year was a lesson in understanding about lift & thermals, my pilot in the rear seat explained about the pedals, stick, brake.

Like most flights, it is never long enough ...I will look forward to the next opportunity to Soar.

Two thumbs -Up

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From: Brigette Woods Sent: Jun 6, 2011 12:10 PM

What a program, the opportunity to fly is the greatest thing that I could ever achieve in my life time. I have big plans thanks to everyone that made this happen hopefully I’ll be able to give back one day, thanks again.

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From: Richard Beardsley Sent: Jun 6, 2011 12:16 PM

I'm paralyzed from my chest down. But, getting into the plane was quite easy.

The flying was very smooth. Being early in the day, there was no lift. At one point, we turned sharply to the right. Then I looked straight down at the lush Bucks County landscape. I enjoyed that.

As we began to prepare for landing, the pilot [Chris Lynch] (I forget the pilot's name) asked me to help him. I controlled the spoiler (which affects lift) doing my best to follow his instructions. Being part of the landing process made for a memorable first time soaring. I laughed when [Chris] referred to us as gimps as he talked to the landing crew.

From: Ash Ahuja Sent: Jun 6, 2011 6:38 PM

I loved the experience and meeting everyone at the club. Bruce my flight instructor/pilot was extremely helpful in explaining the nuances, the differences and after the flight all the things I should consider if I wanted to take training at the club. I am really excited to have signed up as a member, and look forward to my instruction as a glider pilot after my current sport pilot license. I really liked the clockwork with which the flights were scheduled and the amazing BBQ and food! thank you again for the amazing experience!

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From: Lauren Ostrowski Sent: Jun 6, 2011 8:17 PM

Having been in the Freedom's Wings gliders six times now, I know that there is one thing about gliding that is always certain: every ride is different. This time, we had communication headsets in the cockpit, which made communicating with the pilot much easier. In addition to a wonderful ride looking at the scenery below without competing with bright sunshine, I learned quite a bit about the way gliders bank (or turn) and that they can even be flown upside down with special training. I loved the relaxing ride and felt as if I was floating the whole time. My pilot made controlling the glider seem effortless, leading me to think that I would love to stay up there for hours. It's always so much fun!
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From: John Simko Sent: Jun 7, 2011 3:23 PM

I had a really exciting flight this year as always. From start to finish it was a roller coaster of a thrill ride. The feeling of being 3,000 feet in the air is indescribable. I would stay up there for hours and hours if I could. The clouds looked like big pieces of marshmallows and the houses looked like monopoly houses. This year I got the chance to fly the glider and be in control of where I was going. I loved it. The pilot was very nice and taught me about the different instruments on the glider and how to stay up in the air longer. When we came down to land it felt like a bumpy roller coaster and loved the feeling. Can't wait to do it again next year! Thanks.