Oh god I *adore* flying, but I've only piloted sailplanes. I took quite a few lessons in my youth, including a gazillion takeoffs (kinda weird in a glider since you're tethered to the tow plane) but never got as far as a license.
Landing a sailplane is an exercise in terror. VERY steep angle, spoilers out, praying to god you timed everything right, because you do NOT get a second chance, lol... only did that a few times (with instructor).
And I love that you don't exactly sit in one, it's not like sitting in a chair, it's more like you're lying on your back almost, strapped tight, cockpit glass wrapped an inch over your head, very much PART of the plane, not sitting IN one, if you know what I mean. It's just.. beautiful.
These days, I just go to the same place and buy an ordinary ride, and "accidentally" let slip that I once took lessons, lol... the pilot usually offers to let me fly it then... and it's beautiful... no sound except the wind (and NO sound whatsoever if you stall it for fun, lol). Very, very graceful, peaceful and gentle movements... watching for birds circling in thermals and mimicking their movements... watching thunderheads popping up in the distance... sigh.
