We are being towed to altitude before relasing the tow cable. This flight was over central Florida at the Seminole-Lake Gliderport near Clermont, Florida..

A glider and tow plane on takeoff at the Seminole-Lake Gliderport near Clermont, Florida. Gliders or "sailplanes" are aerodynamically designed for maximum lift and can soar for a long time and over long distances without a motor taking advantage of rising air currents to stay aloft.

Trailing its tow-line, a glider tow plane comes in for a landing at the Seminole-Lake Gliderport near Clermont, Florida. These powerful little planes are used to pull the gliders up to their release altitude so that they can begin their journey on the thermal updrafts, much like a hawk or eagle.

A glider coming in for a landing at the Seminole-Lake Gliderport in central Florida near Clermont and Orlando. Gliders or "sailplanes," are designed to fly with no engines after reaching their cruising altitude. An experienced pilot can remain aloft for hours and hundreds of miles.

Almost ready to be released from the tow plane, this glider has been towed to altitude by one of the tow planes at the Seminole-Lake Gliderport in Clermont, Florida. The adventure begins.