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 June 2005
Everyone of us, at one time or another, has stopped to watch a bird soaring high in the sky and wondered ... wondered what that would feel like, wondered at how the bird can seem to fly so effortlessly. Just down the road at Eagleville Saillplanes, the answers to these questions can not only be found, but experienced. One trip up in a sailplane will change the way you look at that bird soaring up above, replacing that wonder with awe at the world we live in.
Upon a stop at the airstrip, the first person you'll likely meet is owner Bill McFarlane. As a young boy, Bill was already interested in flying, with a particular fondness for gliders. He credits this preference to the probability that he couldn't afford model plane engines, so thus he settled for gliders. However, it becomes obvious that Bill has a God-given innate curiosity for gliding that has developed into his life's passion. While he's the self-proclaimed "fill-in guy" for his hired instructors and pilots, he's the best one for a first-class tour of the facility. A fully restored WW II Army training glider is the first treat for any flying enthusiast. This glider, and others like it were the ones used when Eagleville Sailplanes was founded just after the World War. Another historic note, US Champion glider pilot Dick Butler learned to fly here. There are now eight sailplanes based here, one of which is the "trainer" a two-seater for the instructor and the student.
Prior to take-off the guest student will receive the rudiments of gliding. Essentially, the goal of any glider (and most birds, too) is to find "lift", which is any rising air currents that will help hold up and carry the glider. The warmer air rising through cooler air is called a thermal. A single-engine prop plane will take off with the sailplane in tow, attached by a tether. With no engine and, thus, no fuel, the plane only weighs about 850 pounds. The tow pilot will circle above the airport looking for cumulous clouds forming or birds circling, both good indications of lift. He also stays in the general vicinity of the airport, as the sailplane will need to be able to glide back and land there. When the plane reaches the desired altitude (usually 2-3,000 feet), the cable is pulled and the sailplane begins its own free flight, a quiet, peaceful process of spiraling circles as the pilot seeks to find the elusive thermals channeling through the air. Interestingly, it's now that the benefits' of being in a sailplane are realized. While still considered a glider, a sailplane is a special class of glider with increased sensitivity and response to lift, resulting in longer glide time. It's typical in the first 5-10 minutes of free flight for the sailplane to gain altitude, rather than lose altitude quickly. While, on average, a tow to 2,000 feet typically results in a: 15-20 minute glide; and a tow to 3,000 feet can keep you in the air for about a half an hour, experienced sailplane pilots can stay in the air for 4-5 hours on a good day, or basically as long as their bladders hold out ... and that's all on pure "wind-power." So, how's the time to sit back and enjoy the view. A few glances at the Rutherford and Marshall County landscape below makes you realize how green our fields and forests, and how very straight our roads!
During successful lift, it's a daily occurrence to have buzzards come and b egin spiraling with the glider. Buzzards, who rely on lift for energy conservation while hunting, consider the glider just another bird that's found the lift they seek. First one. joins ... then two ... then four, and soon 16 or more are gliding in the same pattern as the sailplane (for more incredible facts on buzzards and lift, see below). Eventually, the last draught caught, the time will come to come down, and with a gentle bump just like a regular plane, your flight is over. But the memory and the joy of flying with the birds lasts forever.
Eagleville Sailplanes, Eagleville, TN 931-294-2.280. Open year around every Saturday and Sunday from mid-morning to evening. Introductory packets, which include a tow, a gliding book, a video and gift certificate, are available for a present for your father on Father's Day-especially for' the father who has everything-or another loved one, including yourself! For $52, you will receive a tow to 2,000 feet. A 3,000-foot tow is only $19 more. Bill will send the packet to you upon request. Call Bill at (931) 294-2280 or visit www.eaglevillesailplanes
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Jen Schwartz & Tom Ridley
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