"Top Fun" Scenic Flights From the Jackson Hole Airport
Awesome Aerial Adventures with "Glider Dan" In a Diamond Xtreme Powered Glider
Offering Spectacular Scenic Flights Over Jackson Hole & The Teton Mountain Range
Available Glider Flights >> | About Glider Dan | The Grand Tour | The Mile High | FAQ | About the Glider
All Pricing Given is 2005 pricing / For 2006 these prices may change
Detailed Descriptions of The Scenic Glider Flights:
The Grand Adventure Touring Flight Over Jackson Hole & The Teton Mountain Range Up to 13,770 Feet High - Eye to Eye with The Grand
~75 Minutes Total Time -
After taking off from the Jackson Hole airport, the flight proceeds south-east over the Elk Refuge, the Wild Life Art Museum and Flat Creek, with views of Sleeping Indian, the Gros Ventre river and the slide area. Proceeding over the Snow King Ski Area and the Town of Jackson, the flight then turns west flying over the Snake River toward Wilson and Teton Pass. The flight continues on a north-westerly direction over the Teton Crest climbing up to 13,770 feet high above sea level, providing spectacular panoramic views of the Teton Mountain Range and an eye-to-eye view of the Grand Teton from the west side. The engine of the powered glider is then turned off, and serene silent flight begins, with a graceful glide back, flying over Teton Village and the Snake River, with stunning views of the Grand Teton and mountain lakes, including Jenny and Jackson Lake. The flight then descends into the airport traffic pattern and lands at the Jackson Hole Airport. After landing passengers receive complimentary digital pictures of the flight (on a floppy disk) to share with friends & family.
The Mile High Scenic Loop Flight Over Jackson Hole A Bird's Eye View of The Hole's Highlights from 11,700 Feet High.
~45 Minutes Total Time -
After taking off from the Jackson Hole airport, the flight proceeds south-east over the Elk Refuge, the Wild Life Art Museum and Flat Creek, with views of Sleeping Indian, the Gros Ventre river and the slide area. Proceeding over the Snow King Ski Area and the Town of Jackson, the flight then turns west flying over the Snake River toward Wilson and Teton Pass. The flight then turns north climbing over Teton Village and the Ski Tram up to 11,700 feet high above sea level – one mile above the valley floor. The engine of the powered glider is then turned off, and serene silent flight begins. Several gliding turns and gentle Soaring Eagle maneuvers provides awesome views of the Teton Mountain range, Teton Valley in Idaho, and Jackson Hole. The glider flight continues north east offering stunning views of the Grand Teton and mountain lakes, including Jenny and Jackson Lake. The flight then descends into the airport traffic pattern and lands back at the Jackson Hole Airport.
Power-Up… Take Off & Climb Out… Enjoy Grand Vistas & Majestic Views
Power-Off & Soar on Silent Wings... Climb & Glide on Rising Air Currents
Xplore the Sky... Xperience the Freedom
Fly like an Eagle… In a Diamond Xtreme Powered Glider
About "Glider Dan"
"Glider Dan" (aka Dan Matzke) has a Commercial Pilot's License and is a Certified Flight Instructor for Gliders and Airplanes, with over 3000 hours of flight time. He also holds Instrument & Multiengine Ratings, and is a winner of the prized Barron Hilton Soaring Cup. He enjoys skiing, snowshoeing, hiking and fishing, when not soaring with the eagles or traveling to far corners of the earth.
In offering scenic glider flights over Jackson Hole & the Teton mountain range, Glider Dan considers himself to be an ambassador, having an opportunity to not only share the special beauty and grandeur with others, but also to communicate appreciation and regard for this extraordinary place.
Glider Dan is also the author of an eBook novella titled Wings For Soaring. Inspired by the Spirit of Jonathan Livingston Seagull and the Songs of John Denver… An Uplifting Story about Flying, Freedom and the Nature of Limits.
Call 800-329-9205 to make your Reservations
To Schedule a Flight
Toll Free: 1-800-329-9205
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: What should I bring with me for the flight?
A: It is recommended that you bring a hat, sunglasses and a small camera if you like. If the weather is cool, you may also want to bring a light jacket.
Q: Can we fly over the Grand Teton?
A: Park regulations and the Jackson Hole Airport Board prohibit any scenic flights over Grand Teton National Park. However, we can fly over the Teton Mountain range (south and west of GTNP), at altitudes up to 14,000 feet – eye-to-eye with the Grand!!
Q: Is the Diamond Xtreme Powered Glider an “Experimental” aircraft?
A: The Diamond Xtreme is built in Austria by Diamond Aircraft. It is certified as a “powered sailplane” with a Standard FAA Certificate of Airworthiness, in the Utility Category. The self-launching powered glider is one of the quietest commercially certified aircraft in the world, making it very environmentally friendly!!
Q: What is the difference between a “glider” and a “sailplane”?
A: While the words are interchangeable, the term “sailplane“ is used to refer to a high performance “glider”, capable of “soaring” (climbing in rising air currents). The Diamond Xtreme is a medium performance sailplane, and it is frequently referred to as a powered-sailplane, motor-glider and powered-glider.
Q: How far can we glide with the engine turned off?
A: The Diamond Xtreme has a glide ratio of about 30-to-1, which means that from 1000 feet above the ground, we can glide over 5 miles (in calm air with the engine off).
Q: How fast do we come down with the engine turned off?
A: The descent rate of the Diamond Xtreme is only about 225 feet per minute, with the engine off and propeller feathered. This gives us over 4 minutes of gliding time per 1000 feet - in calm air. By circling in rising air currents (such as thermals), it is possible to climb (gain altitude like the hawks & eagles).
Q: Can we start the engine after we shut it down to glide & soar?
A: Yes, the engine can be re-started at any time, usually within 5 seconds.
Q: Do we need oxygen when we fly high over the mountains?
A: Oxygen is required (by FAA regulations) at any time above an altitude of 14,000 feet, or if above 12,500 feet for over 30 minutes. Our flights do not require the use of oxygen.
Q: Can I fly the glider?
A: The glider flights offered are “scenic” in nature, and are not intended as “flight instruction”. However, if asked, the pilot would be glad to demonstrate the function of the flight controls, and to explain the art & technique of soaring.
Q: Are there any size or age restrictions for flying in the glider?
A: Yes… The maximum height is about 6’4” and the maximum weight is about 225 lbs. The minimum recommended age is 14 (the legal age to solo a glider).
About the Glider
Explore the Sky with the Xtreme Motorglider! Manufactured by Diamond Aircraft in Austria, the Xtreme is a record holding motorglider that offers the best of both worlds.
With its full feathering propeller, 55 foot wingspan and 28:1 glide ratio, the Xtreme transitions from 119 knot cruise to silent soaring in seconds. Another Diamond innovation, the Turbo Xtreme is also capable of towing banners and gliders.
Powered by the Bombardier Rotax turbocharged 914, or the normally aspirated 912, the Xtreme is available in either a tricycle gear (TTC) or tail wheel configuration (TTS).
Summer Activities
