Soaring is quite unlike any other kind of flying. Plunk yourself down in an open field on a warm, sunny day, as I did last fall, and watch a hawk, wings outstretched, wingtips moving only slightly to adjust the flight path as they trace seemingly endless patterns across the sky in search of a meal. Natural soaring is silent, so quiet, in fact, that a hawk circles unnoticed unless eyes happen to turn skyward.
We Fly: Stemme S12
Key Takeaways:
- Soaring offers a unique, silent flight experience that blends scientific skill in finding thermals with the emotional satisfaction of engineless flight.
- The Stemme S12 motorglider provides a "best of both worlds" solution, combining high-performance soaring capabilities (82-foot wingspan, 53:1 glide ratio) with the safety and convenience of a retractable 115 hp Rotax engine.
- The author's first-hand account highlights the tranquility of flying the S12 in the Colorado Rockies, the challenge of navigating thermals with specialized avionics, and the distinct experience it offers compared to traditional powered flight.
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