If you “flew” with the engine off, you were indeed gliding on the air currents. I once did that as a passenger with an experienced ultra-light pilot at the controls of a small flexible wing aircraft. We glided to a landing and rolled to a stop right where he wanted the aircraft to park. He was very skilled.

Very true, John. The mobile phone cameras are quite powerful and versatile.

Fascinating. That must be so exciting for the cadets. I assume you’ve flown in them many times? I guess the closest I came to that was when our instructor turned off the engine over Long Island Sound and we coasted on the updrafts.

It is indeed. Glider flying is as close to flying like a bird that a human can achieve. Cadets love the idea of being able to fly some simple maneuvers in the glider at altitude and the pilot shares some basic aviation theory in the typical 20-minute flight.

I’ve already visited your site and checked out your challenge response. I used to be sad that when the opportunity rose, that the only camera I had with me was in my cell phone.
Unless I have the need for a really long lens for the photo op, I have learned that my cellphone camera is likely up to the task.

Thank you! I am really looking forward to creating my challenge response for your challenge. I have already found a challenge or two that I haven’t ever joined. No time like the present.
Thanks for the great idea in your challenge.