11/26 Tehachapi Glider Airport

One of the things I like about staying at the Mountain Valley RV Park in Tehachapi is that it is next to a glider airport.  Tehachapi is a perfect place for a glider airport because it is at the top of a wide pass at 4,500 feet, between the California central valley and the Mohave Desert. This photo shows the rolling hills driving in from the north, almost to the top of the pass.



Took this video and several photos when I arrived today.  I was standing just at the back of my motorhome. This was taken on a warm and sunny Sunday, so the tow plane was constantly pulling up gliders.  I am guessing people were taking rides.  Perfect day!

Click on this link to see a video of a take-off:  Glider Take-Off and Flight

Here are some still photos of gliders getting ready to be towed and flying aloft un-tethered.

Unfortunately, you cannot see the man standing to the left of this photo who is holding up the glider's wing as the tow plane starts to pull it up.  Without someone holding the wing up, it might drag on the ground, causing damage.

It is hard to see the glider, but it is against the wind farm.  

 

 

They offer glider rides here, ranging in price from $70 to $170.  I think I will do that next spring when it is a bit warmer.