From Warbirds, to Engineless Aircrafts: "The Aviators" Takes On Soaring
The Soaring Society of America, Inc. partners with the hit docuseries to highlight the increasingly popular hobby and sport.
- (1888PressRelease) July 03, 2013 - Oshkosh, WI - As "The Aviators" takes off for it's fourth season this fall, the producers offer a treat for those who want to experience the sky like the birds have enjoyed it for millions of years. Executive producer and host Anthony Nalli himself heads to The York Soaring Association in Ontario, Canada, and takes on the challenge of commanding a sailplane. The episode is guaranteed to influence and change even the deepest perspectives pilots may have on gliding, while showing air novices what makes experienced sail pilots come back for more.
What makes soaring different from flying a plane? Imagine keeping an aircraft aloft with stricly balance and attention - and without the aid of an engine. The Soaring Society of America, Inc. says the sport allows folks to fly higher than the world's biggest birds. While gliding, pilots can appreciate things that can easily be taken for granted to retain lift; such as areas on the ground to watch out for, and the maturity of clouds overhead.
"The Soaring Society of America, Inc. is pleased to be a partner with 'The Aviators' on their upcoming segment on gliding," states Andreea Alexandrescu, who is on the Volunteer Development Committee of the SSA. "As the national organization overseeing soaring throughout the United States, this partnership presents a unique opportunity for us to spread the word further about soaring. We look forward to seeing this show and hope to partner with The Aviators on future projects."
It might seem simple enough at first; the German-made Schleicher ASK 21 looks like your typical glider from the perspective of a "power-pilot". While it's usually used for instruction and aerobatics, one might be surprised to learn that it could also be used for cross-country flight. With a wingspan of about 55 feet, soaring novice Anthony Nalli finds as soon as he takes control that it's not as easy as it looks - even with hundreds of hours of flight experience under your belt.
Perhaps as expected, Nalli rounds up some of the best in the business to show him the ropes: Charles Petersen and Manfred Radius. After being towed into the air, he finds himself being granted control of the sailplane (and quickly returns that privilege) after learning on his first try the amount of concentration and instinct needed to keep balance. Once the sailplane is under steady control in the air, fans and skeptics alike get an intimate feel for what makes soaring truly special. While the view might be similar to that experienced in a small, single-engine aircraft, the sensation itself is completely different. While gliding, viewers can witness a fluidness that traditional flying simply cannot achieve.
After a quick briefing with Petersen, it's time to move on to Manfred, a man whose calm nature doesn't expose his thrill of intense stunts. Manfred takes his passenger's comfort to the next level, even coaxing Nalli into a few rolls on camera! "I have seen his (Manfred's) aerobatic routine, and recognize his as being one of the best glider pilots in the world, a title that with newly opened eyes means more to me now than it did an hour ago," Nalli enthuses. "A short while later I find myself more composed and once again reflecting on my day of gliding. I really, REALLY enjoyed it. Returning to gliding though is something I can definitely see in my future."
The Aviators' viewership has skyrocketed through its first three seasons, and continues to increase in popularity overseas. The show is currently averaging 10 million viewers a week in the United States alone. Season 4 will be available to PBS affiliates throughout the U.S. this September, and viewers can check local listings for specific airdates. Episode 4-11 on soaring will be available on iTunes November 27th.
About The Aviators:
The Aviators is an award-winning weekly TV series featuring interesting people, the latest aircraft, the coolest technology and the best fly-in destinations. It's action, intensity, and adrenalin mixed with education, entertainment, and beauty. The Aviators is about all things aviation - for everyone who has ever gazed skyward.
Fans can follow The Aviators' Facebook and Twitter Page as cast members make their way across the continent, and catch up on previous seasons on high-definition Blu-ray, as well as on iTunes, Hulu, and Amazon Instant Video.
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