Community :: Learn to Fly (without a plane)
A great activity to try is iFly. This is for simulating a skydiving experience, minus the large heights. The way it works is by entering a vertical wind tunnel with four 250 horse-power fans. The fans create winds that go up to 160mph, which is faster than the freefall speed of jumping out of a place. Entering the tunnel allows you to experience the feeling of weightlessness and learn how to fly. An instructor stays in the tunnel to help you and experiences "fliers" learn to do tricks like aerial somersaults.
For people in the California Bay Area, more information is available at www.iflysfbay.com. There is a location in Union City for those that live in the East Bay. For first time iFliers training and flights for two people only cost $50 and you can capture your flight on DVD for an additional $25.
If you are in the California Bay Area they have a location in Union City.
I would love to do something like this because I have a great fear of flying and falling but not necessarily of heights. I don't know that the fear came from the numerous nightmares I've had of falling or if my dreams are a result of this fear. I have had pleasant dreams of flying however so I don't know why I'm so scared of flying. On my last trip I nearly broke into tears. I think this activity would greatly help my phobia and I still wouldn't be at risk of plunging to my death. I have seen these places on television where you have to get into this crazy outfit to go into this tunnel with a huge fan underneath that blows enough air to keep more than one person floating in the air. I think I will definitely try this over the summer as long as it's not too expensive since I know my son would love to do it to.
Cool. I might give it a shot :)
I think I saw one in Union Landing. I keep seeing it and I really want to try. I'm kind of scared of heights but flying sounds fun.
The great thing about iFly is that you don't go very high off the ground at all! So it is a great way for people to experience the sensation of flying for those of us that get a little nervous seeing the ground so far away. =)
I think the Civil AIr Patrol has a free soaring program: https://ntc.cap.af.mil/ops/dot/Glider/
Watch it on You Tube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=FzcfMLniEz4