On Friday, March 8, 2013 6:42:39 AM UTC-7, son_of_flubber wrote:
As someone with zero XC experience, this seems an impressive feat of endurance.



I have a general question and it is not meant as criticism or negativity.



I just don't understand WHY someone would want to spend 4 hours in a glider let alone 11. What does it feel like to do this? What is the attraction? Do you get into a euphoric state after the first two hours or so? Is the euphoria related to mild hypoxia?



My longest flight in a glider has been about 100 minutes and I came down because my bladder was full (no having made anticipated the need). So I really have no idea why people like to stay up that longer than that. What is the difference between a 1.5 hour flight and a 4 hour flight?

That's the difference, flying cross-country, usually with some goal in mind be it personal, badge leg, record (club, state, national, world) etc. When starting out, the first couple flights of an hour or two may seem shattering. The first five hour flight, often done locally in pursuit of the FAI Silver C, may see exhausting. However, if you development a passion for XC soaring, a five hour flight will be no where near long enough and you'll start looking for the 6, 7, 8 or even 12 hour soaring day. It comes with the development of what I call 'your bird brain'.

Frank Whiteley