Glider flying is the purest, most peaceful form of flying - just the pilot and the atmosphere, managing energy to get where you want to go. But how do you get altitude in the first place? While the aero-tow is traditional (using a towplane to pull the glider up), the winch launch is an exciting alternative. Ride along in this video to see how you can go from parked to 1900 feet in about three seconds.

Route 66, the legendary cross-country highway from Chicago to Santa Monica, is synonymous with freedom and adventure - but usually in a car. In this unique video, Matt Guthmiller lands his Bonanza on a gravel strip right next to the Mother Road and explores an abandoned hotel. It's not every day you see airplanes and cars mixing it up on the same piece of pavement.

Follow along with AirFacts editor and weather guru John Zimmerman…