SOSA

Important Notice

SOSA has been offering the VertiGo Mile flight to the general public since 2002.  However, due to high demand; significant volunteer effort required to ensure that each passenger gets a top quality experience; combined with the limited availability of qualified pilots: SOSA has opted to only offer VertiGo Mile flights to club members.

We will of course continue to honour any valid gift certificate, or existing booking via SOSA or TryThat.

Glider Aerobatic Thrill Ride - VertiGo Mile

Your introduction to the world of aerobatics, in the capable hands of our Transport Canada qualified aerobatic glider pilots.

YouTube video of the flight

Briefing
Your flight starts with a full briefing. An overview of the flight from pre-flight preparations to launch, manoeuvres and the landing. This is the time for questions no matter how fundamental and you’ll find our pilots full of interesting knowledge and experience.

The Glider
The glider is the aerobatic SZD 50-3 Puchacz  two seat fiberglass plane. It is fully certified by Transport Canada and is our best aerobatic training craft. The canopy is impressive, a clear uninterrupted Perspex, providing a superb view.

Preparation
The pilot will prepare you for flight with some instruction on the important safety precautions, and parachute use. You will be seated in the front and carefully strapped in with the five point harness system.

Launch
With the pilot in the back seat the tow plane is summoned and the ground crew hooks up the two craft with a 200 foot rope. After the pre-launch checks and the all clear signal the take-off commences and both planes are soon flying in formation over the countryside. You’ll see the towns of Cambridge and Hamilton, Lake Ontario and perhaps Toronto in the distance.

Maneuvers from One Mile High
The pilot releases the tow plane and the smooth silent flight is interrupted only by the slipstream and pilot going through the pre-aerobatic checks.
The sequence of maneuvers is set out on the SOSA Aerobatic Intro Sequence below. Each item will be announced by the pilot before the entry. The loops, rolls and stall turns are just magnificent and the G-meter will vary from plus 4 to minus 1. During the inverted flight, you will be hanging from the straps and see the world from this unusual attitude. The sequence continues with  some more linked loops and a reverse ½ Cuban 8.
Once down to 2500 ft, the pilot will ask you for your favourite maneuver or two and then demonstrates them again pointing out the key points for the maneuver.  Below 2,000 feet a couple of wing overs, zero G parabolas and a steep turn will position you  nicely for the circuit and landing.

De-briefing
After landing, you’ll have a quiet moment sitting in the glider on the grassy runway verge to reflect on the past 20 minutes.  The pilot will emerge from the back seat and assist you in removing your straps, and answer any questions you have about the flight.

What to bring
Loose clothing
Sunglasses

Health
No pregnant ladies
No heart problems
Size Age and weight limitations

We take bookings from club members for Saturday and Sunday morning when our aerobatic pilots are available.  Time slots are 09:00 and 10:00.

Pilot Profiles
Scott McMaster: Glider Aerobatic Instructor, Power Aerobatic Instructor, Competition aerobatic pilot. Has been flying aerobatics since 1977.
Andrea Kuciak: Glider Instructor, Glider Aerobatic Instructor. Competition aerobatic pilot, has been flying aerobatics since 1998.
Joe Stubbs: Glider Aerobatic Instructor, Competition Aerobatic pilot. Has been flying aerobatics since 1998.