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EAGLEVILLE SAILPLANE OFFERS A BIRDS EYE VIEW
The Eagleville Times - May 2004
If you look towards the horizon at Bedford County, Rutherford County line on a sunny Saturday or Sunday afternoon, you can see what looks like “follow the leader” in the sky. A closer look reveals that actually the illusion is a tow plane with a glider following, climbing higher in the sky. Against the blue sky with the sun shinning, the planes are a peaceful picture. And from their birds eye view in the cockpit, Glider Pilots enjoy the serenity of non- motorized flight and the views they capture.
Eagleville SailPlane has been operated by Bill and Kathy McFarlane since 1984. Located on Highway 41, at Russell Puckett Field, the facility includes an office, hangers for the planes and gliders, and a grass runway, perfect for smooth take offs and soft landings for the gliders. The gliders or sailplanes themselves are made from a combination of carbon composites, fiberglass, aluminum, wood and special fabric stretched over steel tubing. Gliders can seat one person and weigh as little as 250 lbs, or accommodate up to three people and weigh as much as 1000 lbs. Wing spans can vary from just under 40 feet to over 90 feet from tip to tip. While some people chose to purchase a manufactured glider there are also kits available for the “do it yourself” types.
Rather than using an engine, glider planes flown in Tennessee utilize what is known as thermals to remain aloft. A small engine tow plane takes the glider to the sky. Once the plane reaches optimal height, the tow cable is disconnected and the glider is on its own, gliding. By steering the glider and catching the strong warm air that rises from the earth known as thermals, the gliders can stay aloft for hours. One flight Kathy McFarlane recorded lasted 8 ½ hours. Gliders can soar to 40,000 feet but the average height of local gliders is 1 mile high.
Flying a glider is a learned skill. In order to safely stay aloft and safely land, the pilot must understand aerodynamics and learn to control the glider. It takes approximately 24 lessons to be proficient in knowledge and skill to “solo”. Lliam McFarlane, Bill and Kathy’s son soloed at age 14.
Eagleville Sailplane offers Glider excursions for those who want to fly as the birds do, but with someone else on the controls. The cost for a ride in the glider is $50.00. Lessons are also available for those who are hooked on the sport and want to eventually solo. These cost $56.00. To contact Bill or Kathy about the Eagleville Sailplane call the airport on weekends at 615-274-6341 or during the week at their home at 931-294-2280.
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