Glider Planes and Club in Suriname SA

I would like to also thank the Glider Club in Suriname for the fantastic experience gained. It was unbelievable when I think of it now that I have flown in one over the landscape in Suriname, South America.

I would recommend anyone there to try it out if you are staying there long as the club members are superfantastic and the trainers are very nice buddies. I will get mor einof on them and the club later on.

Imagine, up in the air in a plane without engines, without secure safe feeling of having an engine, more so not having a flight safety briefing, no usual steward/stewardes comfort of telling you, you can use oxygen masks when needed. No feeling of being safe but rare pure risks filled adventure.

I was brought to Zanderij Airport in Suriname one fine sunday by a colleague as I showed keeness for a chance to fly and join the Glider club. After nearly an hour drive from town into the airport, thru special security, we drove to the hangar, next to the runway. Amazing experience being on the other side of common airport waiting lounges. Being able to stand really really close to landing planes. WOW.

Brought to the hangar, introduced to the nice adventurous people of same 'madness'.

There was a sense of belonging, sense of being "Yes, I'm in". Helped to push the plane (having first hand look into the plane) towards the runway. We sort of had our own runaway. Few guys drove the winch truck almost 1200m away. Got a little briefing and waited for my Inaugural, first time, life changing moment, watching the others 'fly' in the air. Now it is my turn.

God, why am I doing this, one thought. 'Saddled' in, READY? Before i say yes, I saw the wire cable of 1200m long started to move and wiggle, split moments later, Something Happened. I was sky-rocketed almost at an angle of 75 degress closing in towards 80, 85...while I was struggling with my bearing " Where the hell am I now", while my stomach wants to jump into my mouth, we were almost flattened in the sky.

i heard a little sound and the wire cable was detached and the glider became a bird. Flying? Floating? Scared, hell yeah.

Instructor was communicating, i was dreaming. Do not know what to feel, what to look, but amazing. Amazing to feel very very quiet in the air, no engine roar, no noise, just plain pure Thrill. Amazing view, almost 3000m up now, the plane GLIDES almost with no efforts, just moving the , mechanics with a joystick and leg controls of the wings and rudder. Speechless. The whole flight first time lasted around 9 minutes, up and down the Hot Air (Thermal), making a turn and coming down for landing. Landing was smooth with the instructor. GREAT FEELING.

Got addicted. Done many times rightafter over weekends whenever we can. Learnt the mechanics but not enough time to fly on my own. And the beer sessions and chats after the flying trip is almost cherished everytime. Seen many commercial flights landing, almost like steps away.

Been very lucky in life.