UPDATE: A historic glider flight has just made headlines as it completed an astonishing 1,112-mile journey from Minden Tahoe Airport in Nevada to Dodge City, Kansas. Pilots Gordon Boettger and Bruce Campbell achieved this record-breaking feat on December 19, 2023, fulfilling a dream that took 40 years to realize.
This flight, which spanned over 12 hours, marks a significant milestone in aviation, showcasing the incredible capabilities of gliders. “That was something I’d envisioned… wondering if the impossible was possible,” Boettger stated. He meticulously planned for this venture, assessing weather conditions days in advance.
The success of the flight hinged on precise preparation, as Boettger noted the complexities involved, especially just days before Christmas. “We were contacting flight towers, filing a flight plan and looking at the weather all the way to Kansas,” he explained. This level of preparation is unprecedented and demonstrates the determination of the pilots.
The flight commenced at 2 a.m., with the team arriving at the hangar an hour earlier. Despite strong winds, Boettger managed to climb to a remarkable 24,000 feet shortly after takeoff, utilizing mountain wave conditions that Minden is known for. “Once on the east side there would be a wave system, I could climb as high as possible,” he revealed, underscoring the tactical nature of soaring.
The journey was not without its challenges. Boettger and Campbell faced freezing temperatures and altitude pressures while navigating airspace shared with commercial air traffic. “You’re very busy sucking oxygen, and it’s super cold,” Boettger noted, highlighting the demanding environment of high-altitude gliding.
As the flight progressed, the duo soared over breathtaking landscapes, including Capitol Reef National Park and Lake Powell, before reaching a critical juncture near Monticello, Utah. Here, they encountered a key mountain wave that allowed them to maintain altitude over the Rockies. “If we hadn’t found a mountain wave, we would have landed in Durango, Colorado,” Boettger said.
Upon reaching the final destination of Dodge City, the pilots celebrated their achievement with fellow crew members, including Gary Ittner, who drove a trailer across the country in anticipation of their landing. The successful flight has garnered significant attention, with Boettger livestreaming the journey to an audience of over 1.2 million viewers on Instagram.
“This flight shows what a glider can do,” Boettger stated. His hope is to inspire young people to explore soaring and potentially establish a soaring center at Minden, a location he describes as a “soaring mecca.” The pilots are eager to raise awareness about gliding and encourage the next generation of aviators.
As this remarkable story unfolds, the aviation community is buzzing with excitement. Boettger and Campbell’s achievement not only sets a record but also opens doors for future glider flights, proving that with determination and preparation, the sky is not the limit; it’s just the beginning.
