Gliding Through the Air
Reported by Erik Smith
Web produced by Christiana Ciolac

Gliding is like being the closest to heaven Video

They fly through the air with the greatest of ease as their wings look for the breeze.

It's a freedom they seek from the earth's surly bonds to soar over hills and ponds, be alone in the sky and the same space where the bald eagle flies.

It is the solace and thrill that brings them to these dizzying heights most of us fear. With no engine to sputter or fuel in her hold, it's the purest form of flying that thrills as we are told.

"Truest form of freedom I know of."

They are an unusual bunch that come to this place, a modest grassfield in a wide open space. You won't find their airport on any map you own. It's up in Livingston County, not too far from my home.

They all chipped in their money to buy this old field because airports aren't cheap, but they did get a good deal. You see there's no place on the runways anywhere else any more for those who love gliders and have that passion to soar.

So the Sandhill Soaring Club went out and bought their own land. Now they can fly every day when the weather permits, and their flights flown in silence don't give neighbors any fits.

Why do it, you say, how much fun can that be? Well, I'm a white-knuckle fly, that smile you see. It must get in the blood and take over the heart because these pilots in gliders, it's what sets them apart. A seasoned instructor, sharing with others. He is 80 years young.

"With a glider, you can fly into the wind and you have control."

Chuck Franklin comes from a family of pilots who love this way to fly. Years ago they built gliders the Michigan way. They are in Chuck's own genes, and in him to stay.

"You don't have the engine noise and the rest of the things going on," he said.

Maintaining the gliders

There are tow lines to fix and a few chores do seem fair.

"You can be a doctor, lawyer or busboy, you leave it and up here, we are all equal," Franklin said.

David is a pilot and club member too. Soar when you can and cut the grass when you are through. Who has to mow the lawn?

"Everybody."

If on a weekend you need something to do, the gang at Sandhill will show you the joys of silence, soaring well beyond earth's noise. There's nothing quite like it, take it from me. It's the closest to heaven I'm ever been.

For more on the club, go to their website.

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