Discover Soaring
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DISCOVER What is Soaring? SOARING Soaring is the art of sustained The Soaring Society of America, formed in flight without a motor. Since the 1932 and one of the oldest aviation organiza- dawn of time mankind has tions in the United States, currently serves the dreamed of soaring like an eagle, needs of over 12,000 American glider pilots. and today that dream is reality. The SSA is also the only aviation group in this Modern sailplanes routinely fly country primarily governed and driven by vol- unteers. It is a non -profit organization whose great distances and to awe inspir- purpose is to foster and promote all aspects of ing heights using the pilot’s skill to gliding and soaring in sailplanes. harness the power of nature. SOARING magazine is the monthly publication of the SSA and contains a wealth of information. Everyone from new- comer to seasoned vet- eran will enjoy articles on soaring technique, contest reports, equip- ment reviews, and more. For more information about member- ship in the SSA and the sport of Soaring, including where to fly in your local area contact the Soaring Society of America: E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.ssa.org When once you have tasted flight, you will Phone: (575) 392-1177 forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you will always long to return. Soaring Society of America, Inc AND — Leonardo da Vinci P.O. Box 2100 CHALLENGE YOUR SPIRIT! Hobbs, NM 88241 © 2005 Soaring Society of America, Inc frequently available free of setting sun. There are end- All About Soaring... hourly charge with paid less ways to grow as a pilot Useful to know... membership at one of the and continue to explore the What is soaring? How safe is it? numerous local clubs. Many magic of silent flight. Do I need a license to fly a equipment and performance. Soaring is the art of flying a Most anyone can learn the pilots choose to own their sailplane? A top of the line, new racing sailplane runs $75K -$100K. sailplane. Flying this aircraft basic skills required to pilot a sailplane. Yes. Sailplanes and sailplane is an exhilarating experience. sailplane safely. The aircraft After I learn to fly, pilots are regulated like all What are the operating costs You will learn to harness the are built and tested to rigor- other aircraft by the FAA. if I own a sailplane? energy in the sky - using ous standards set by the FAA what’s next? solar power, which causes and underneath the smooth For many soaring pilots the Are there fitness require- Primary costs are tows, main- hot air to rise in currents exterior of the slender air- ultimate experience is flying ments? tenance and insurance. Main- tenance is usually minimal called thermals, and powers craft is incredibly strong great distances. Modern A medical examination is not costing around $2 -300 per the wind that blows across modern composite material. sailplanes can fly incredibly required to fly a glider; even a year for a required annual mountain ridges. far at amazing speeds. motor glider! Good general inspection. Insurance costs Can I afford this? For the goal oriented, the Is soaring for me? health and vision are needed vary significantly with the When learning to fly: By SSA recognizes a broad A good way to find out is (vision correction is ok). flying every day a beginner value of the sailplane; a range of achievement awards with a ride or an introductory I’m a FAA airplane rated pilot. can often solo in two weeks group insurance plan is avail- from the ABC badges earned lesson. Typical cost is What does it take to add on a for about $1,500. Flying only able to SSA members. as you work towards your around $100. glider rating? on the weekends, solo can What is a motor glider? pilot certificate to the Soaring is both mentally and • be reached in roughly 35 You can add on a glider 2,000km Diploma. Record physically challenging and Motorized gliders come in flights for about $2,500. rating with a minimum of 3 flights are acknowledged at ultimately it is extremely two basic forms, self -launch Completion of your Private hours dual and 10 solo the state, national and world rewarding. It demands per- and touring. A self launching Pilot Glider License will typi- flights. levels. The current world sonal discipline, requires • glider uses a retractable mo- cally cost another $1,500. No written test is required. records are: excellent decision making • tor and propeller. The touring Who can fly sailplanes? Training through a club can Adding this rating will up- Altitude: 49,009 ft skills and in return rewards motor glider looks more like You can! often be substantially date your Flight Review . Distance: 1,869 miles you with the opportunity to a conventional single engine Glider clubs and commercial cheaper but may take longer. * fly like the eagle; at one with Eventually I want to buy my aircraft with the propeller at operations across the coun- Speed: 154mph Once you have earned nature. own sailplane, how much will the front. Motor gliders can try can introduce you to the your pilot license: Aero- it cost? takeoff under their own challenge and joy of silent Where can I find out tows, where the glider is A pre -owned sailplane capa- power and can operate out of flight. FAA rated instructors more? towed behind an airplane, ble of safely providing terrific any airport, even if the airport teach flight fundamentals Contact the Soaring Society are the most common soaring enjoyment costs does not have a gliding op- and prepare you first to solo, of America or a soaring op- method of launching a $5K-$25K, depending on eration or tow plane. and later for the private pilot eration near you. Contact glider; these cost roughly certificate examination that details are on the back page $30 (depending on height). allows you to carry passen- or insert card. Sailplanes can be rented for gers. Some pilots enter contests $25-$50 per hour from where they race over courses Soaring is a great activity for commercial operators, or are Happy Soaring! the whole family. Teens can of up to 300+ miles. Others solo a sailplane at age 14 become glider instructors. and obtain a pilot certificate Additionally, soaring can be at age 16. Youth involvement shared with friends and fam- is encouraged, and some ily by taking them up for a scholarships are available for flight. Soaring clubs provide dedicated young pilots. a family atmosphere where the accomplishments of the day can be shared in the * Average speed over a 100km course. .