TODAY's NY-based weekend anchor Lester Holt visits Warner Springs, CA

Like a bird — taking flight in a glider

Weekend TODAY host Lester Holt shares his thoughts on adventure in Warner Springs, CA

Weekend Today

Updated: 8:17 a.m. PT Dec 18, 2006

I’m often asked the question, “are you a pilot?” My usual response is, “No, but I play one on TV.” The truth is flying has always been in my blood. I grew up on Air Force bases and have vivid memories of watching the bombers, fighters and cargo jets flying back and forth. I can still name virtually every plane in the military’s inventory, past and present, and offer a fairly detailed description of its capability. I have even been known to park my car along an airport perimeter with my radio scanner and watch planes land and takeoff. Fellow airplane enthusiasts will quickly recognize the symptoms: I am an airplane “geek.”

I love all things flying, and while I have never found the time to earn a license, as a journalist I have experienced many exciting aviation adventures, from flying with the Blue Angels and Thunderbirds to a low-level hop above the desert in a B-1 bomber to landing on an aircraft carrier and riding through burning canyons in helicopters, even lumbering over Manhattan in a blimp. But the one experience that has long intrigued me is the art of soaring in a glider.

My dream of soaring finally came true recently when Weekend TODAY sent me to Warner Springs, Calif., where I met up with the folks at Sky Sailing for an introductory lesson in this delicate aerial ballet. If flying without an engine makes you nervous, this sport isn’t for you. Nature is your only engine. (Full Post)

For more information, visit skysailing.com.

© 2007 NBC News

• Flying like a bird Dec. 17: Weekend TODAY host Lester Holt soars in a glider over Warner Springs, Calif. Today show

There are overnight soarin’ packages in cooperation with the historic Warner Springs Ranch Resort.

The Warner Springs Gliderport is privately owned by the Warner Springs Ranch.

CL35 WARNER SPRINGS

Elevation: 2,885

Latitude: 33-17-04.1340N

Longitude: 116-40-29.0720W