I'm sure you've looked up and seen a plane passing through the sky of Portugal on several occasions. But not just any plane - this was an unpowered plane with two long, narrow wings coupled to a tail rudder. You may have wondered what that would be like, so let us introduce you to gliding, a sport that takes place in Portugal in an aeroplane driven by air currents. If you want to experience what it's like to be in this unique aircraft, keep reading to learn about the best sites in Portugal to go gliding.
1. Where to go gliding in Portugal?
Even though gliding is a relatively new aerial sport, Portugal is well prepared to welcome you. You can do so at any of the country's various aerodromes, including Montemor-o-Velho, a Portuguese village in the Coimbra province. From the peaks, you'll see some of Portugal's most iconic sights, including the town's castle and the rural and natural environment that surrounds it. In the Aveiro region, you will be able to go gliding in the municipality of Águeda, which will provide you with some of the most colourful vistas in Portugal. You will be able to have a closer look at the colourful murals and umbrellas that adorn this stunning community, which you will be able to appreciate uniquely. You can also take a gliding flight from the Monforte airport, which will take you all across the Alentejo region. Here you will find a wonderful beach scene to unplug from your worries. Another option is to fly from the Cabeça da Vaca airstrip in Sabugal, a Portuguese municipality that will provide you with an unrivalled mountain beauty of the Serra da Estrela. Which one will you pick?
2. What kinds of flights are available?
Because there are various varieties of gliding, you will be able to select the activity that best meets your tastes and preferences. On the one hand, there's a thermal flight option, which uses the thermal wind currents created by the sun's heat ascending into the atmosphere. Hillside flying occurs when perpendicular currents clash with a hillside, allowing the aircraft to retain or increase height. Finally, a mountain wave gliding flight is an option, in which a phenomenon caused by the meeting of the strongest winds in Portugal creates the perfect undulations required for this sport.
3. What kinds of gliding planes can you fly?
We are lucky in the world of gliding to have a variety of aircraft that will provide us with an unforgettable experience with this aerial activity. The early gliders were built of wood and different materials, and are still available in Portugal. However, as these types of flights must be light and aerodynamic, their composition has changed to fibreglass or carbon fibre, allowing for the deployment of wings as long as 15 or 20 metres. A depth rudder, brakes, and ailerons are also included, giving you more control over the glider. Change-of-direction pedals, aileron controls, compasses, and speedometers are also included. Finally, we have the so-called landing gear, which consists of a skid at the bottom and a cockpit at the front end, giving us a wider field of view. Although single-seat gliders are normal, most gliders feature room for a partner.
4. What is the duration of the experience?
The theoretical portion of a gliding experience is critical because the instructor, usually an experienced pilot, will teach you the fundamental concepts needed to have an experience at altitude safely. These theoretical sessions are typically held in the classrooms of the companies with which you have contracted the activity. The practical training will be carried out during 15 hours of instruction flights once the theoretical concepts have been established. A minimum of 10 hours of dual control, 2 hours of supervised solo flight, and 45 launches and landings are also required. Individual gliding sessions can vary in length, although they usually last around 30 minutes.
5. What do you need to be able to do it?
This question is one of the most asked among glider enthusiasts. The truth is, you don't need a licence to take a free session as a glider co-pilot; all you need is to be above 14 years old and the approval of your parents or guardians, so you may fully enjoy this experience without risking your life. It is essential to have a licence for flights where you are driving the glider. This licence may be obtained through several aeroclubs and consists of an official qualification controlled by the European Safety Agency (EASA). You must be at least 14 years old and have a class 2 medical certificate to take this course. Anyone, however, can have an unforgettable flying experience.
When is the ideal time to go gliding in Portugal?
Gliding is a rewarding airborne sport that can be undertaken at any time of the year. However, it is ideal to choose a day when it is not raining and the wind is not blowing much faster than 30 km/h to ensure that the experience is enjoyable and safe. As a result, any hot summer day can be excellent for gliding.
