The glider can carry two people: the pilot and one passenger.
Gliders are very safe. In fact, gliders are so safe that the FAA permits 14-year-olds to fly them solo with a CFI-G sign-off.
Yes. Your pilot is certified through the FAA, just like an airline pilot, and is required to complete a flight review every two years. Your pilot also holds a commercial rating–an advanced rating required by the FAA to carry passengers for hire.
Gliders have the same flight controls as airplanes. Your pilot will explain all the flight controls and instruments to you at the beginning of your flight–just ask.
No, our insurance does not allow for customers to fly the glider and Palms to Pines Gliding offers NO instruction.
No. Aerobatics have to be performed in a special aerobatic glider, and both the pilot and passenger must wear parachutes as required by the FAA.
We don’t fly in rain or other bad weather. Fortunately, the weather in the Coachella Valley is so good that there are only a few days of the year that we stay on the ground.
The weather in the valley is much different from that of Los Angeles, Orange, and San Diego counties. It may be foggy and wet elsewhere, but it’s usually sunny and warm in the valley with excellent visibility.
During periods of adverse weather, your pilot may delay or cancel flight activities. He is responsible for the safety of all and is the final authority.
Palms to Pines Gliding rides feature incredible views of the entire Coachella Valley including the San Jacinto and San Gorgonio mountains in the west and the Salton Sea in the east. From Joshua Tree National Monument in the north to rugged Toro Peak and the Santa Rosa Mountains in the south, you’ll see it all.
On our longer rides, which go to higher altitudes, it’s not uncommon to see Catalina and San Clemente islands, Mount Baldy, Saddleback Mountain, Palomar Mountain, and well into San Diego County. Visibility aloft is often in excess of 100 miles! Your pilot will point out landmarks and points of interest. Feel free to ask questions; your pilot enjoys sharing the beauty of flight.
Yes, you may bring your cell phone or small camera with you on your flight, but please don’t get so involved in photography that you miss out on the joy of flying!
It’s best to wear loose-fitting comfortable clothes and soft shoes (No boots or high heels, please). In addition, be sure to bring the following items:
In the parking lot at the south end of Higgins Dr. Give your pilot a call at 760-275-2090 to let him know that you’ve arrived and he’ll come out and meet you there. There are clean restrooms, a comfortable Pilots lounge and even a putting green for those who want to wait. Your pilot will have a cool bottle of water to enjoy during your flight.
We’ve given rides to people from 10 to nearly 100. Minors must be accompanied to boarding by a parent or legal guardian. We recommend a minimum age of 12 as younger children may feel heightened levels of anxiety.
Yes. Passengers must be 225 pounds or less. The maximum height is 75 inches, (6’3″).
