Flight
Tehachapi’s beautiful blue sky is favored by pilots and can be enjoyed by visitors, as well. Popular attractions include Mountain Valley Airport (gliders and sailplanes) and hot air balloon rides:
Gliders and sailplanes
Phenomenal lift conditions generated by the Sierra Nevada mountains to the north, the Tehachapi Mountains to the south, and the Mojave Desert to the east, makes Mountain Valley Airport the perfect location for gliders and sailplanes.
Skylark North has flight training contracts with the US Air Force Test Pilot School, the National Test Pilot School, and the US Army Quality Test Directorate. Skylark North also works closely with NASA on various aviation projects.
For those who would prefer to relax and enjoy the wild blue yonder and scenery below while someone else handles the controls, a variety of glider rides are available, ranging from the scenic, short and gentle “Granny Sleigh Ride,” to a thrilling thirty minute flight in a high-performance, fiberglass sailplane.
Regardless of which flight you choose, your glider will be towed to altitude behind a high-powered, single-engine airplane. Upon reaching your desired altitude, you will release from tow and begin to experience the thrill of motorless flight.
Soaring over the scenic Tehachapi Valley and exploring the tree-covered ridges of the Tehachapi Mountains offers a great way to see the local sights.
For those who prefer to enjoy the sights from Terra Firma, The Raven’s Nest Sandwich shop at Mountain Valley Airport is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., offering an excellent view of the runway and flight-line activities.
Bring your RV and camp out at the adjacent RV Park. Services include electric and water hookups, sanitary dump station, restrooms, showers and a laundry facility.
For more information call (661) 822-5267, or e-mail mva7@earthlink.net.
Balloon rides
Weather permitting, Tehachapi visitors can ascend high above the scenic region any time of year, thanks to Professor Muldoon’s Hot Air Balloons and Flying Machines.
Bob Schaible, a.k.a. Professor Muldoon, started the company 31 years ago in Tracy, Calif. In July 2009, Schaible began offering rides to patrons in the Tehachapi area.
As long as its not too snowy, rainy or windy, Schaible said willing participants can ride for about an hour above the Tehachapi Valley 365 days a year, seven days a week.
Rides usually begin 30 minutes after sunrise, when winds are generally calm, Schaible said.
There are two balloons in Professor Muldoon’s fleet: one large enough for four riders and a pilot, and one large enough for eight riders a pilot.
The balloons are rainbow-colored with zig-zag patterns. The balloons are certified by the Federal Aviation Administration, and pilots are trained and fit to operate LTA (lighter-than-air) machines.
After taking in spectacular views, riders land back at the airport, where they toast with champagne (or water, cider, etc.) and receive 8.5-by-11-inch flight certificates.
“It’s a fun morning activity,” Schaible said.
Schaible said June through October are usually the months with the most flights, but Valentine’s Day can also be a popular time for a high, romantic getaway.
Canceled flights can also be rescheduled as necessary.
Schaible said the Professor Muldoon character was inspired by Phileas Fogg from “Around the World in 80 Days.”
Also, “it kind of rhymed,” with balloon, Schaible said.
“I’ve had it ever since,” he said.
For more information, visit www.professormuldoon.com or call (661) 823-7663.
