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The article focuses on soaring and hang-gliding hobbies in the U.S. It mentions that both hobbies can be traced back in the 19th century when English inventor George Cayley and German engineer Otto Lilienthal separately started to apply their knowledge of birds to enable to get man off the ground. It states that the Americans' interest in gliding started in the late 1920s and credits the important role of Schweizer Aircraft Corp., the first manufacturer of sailplanes in the country, in increasing the popularity of the hobbies. It reveals that some of the popular gathering places for sailplane pilots include the Sugarbush Soaring's field in Warren, Vermont.

The article offers news briefs related to gliding and soaring in the U.S. as of April 2015 which includes the scheduled and mandatory firmware update of FLARM technology, Kolstad Scholarship announcement, and the review of the Airbus A team on the progress on the Perlan II aircraft.

The article discusses the establishment of paragliding organization Accident Reporting committee (ARC) in the U.S. Noted members include Frank Drews, Neil Hansen, paragliding member Rolf Bienert and paraglider pilot Josh Pierce. Also tackled is the author's experience of training pilots for flying hang gliders.

The article offers the author's view on the thermaling techniques of hang gliders in the U.S. The author states that in any gliding competition, there is a big difference in thermaling skills. The author mentions that top pilots would sometimes make a thermal circle in half time compared to a lesser skilled pilot.

A personal narrative is presented which explores the author's experience of joining the U.S. Soaring Team for the 7th FAI Championnat du Monde Feminin at Aeroclub Issoudun in France.

The article presents updates on gliding achievements by soaring pilots across the U.S. as of December 2013. Transition pilot Rome Harding soloed on October 5, 2013 to regain his wings after a three-decade hiatus of flight. On October 14, 2013, Michael Langness passed his private glider check ride at the Southern California Soaring Academy. On May 25, 2013, Chuck Kraisinger made his second first solo at the Pittsburgh Soaring Club.

The article assesses participation at U.S. Nationals soaring contests. It found that there has been a decline of pilot participation in gliders, standard and sports classes, among other categories since 2002. It examines the factors for the decline and offers recommendations on how to address few contest pilots, unprofitable contests and fewer organizers.

The article discusses terrain-induced convergence zones around the U.S. It mentions examples such as the Tehachapi Shear Line and the Elsinore Shear Line in California to explain the interaction of elevated terrain with shear lines in airmass movement that results to convergent wind flow that soars the aircraft in flight.

The author discusses how simulation-based glider flight instruction (SGFI) might help boost the bottom line of a soaring club and a commercial glider operation (CGO) in the U.S. Among the benefits of SGFI to a club are the retention of the advantages of the instructor-on-duty model and the improvement in the student's experience. Tips for CGO owners on how to use SGFI in improving their bottom line, which include rethinking of priorities and reducing expenses in equipment, are provided.

The article cites the achievements made in the U.S. gliding scene. Glider Adam P. Orr passed a private pilot glider check ride at the age of 23. Another glider Norm Leet of Enon, Ohio flew his first glider solo at the Caesar Creek Soaring Club on September 17. Pilot Bill Trainor also achieved the same success of Orr in Prescott, Arizona.

The article discusses cross-country soaring over the Sierra Mountains of California and Nevada using a Duo Discus T sailplane. Preparations for the 13-hour flight include weather evaluation, flight planning, and coordination with the controlling centers. The flight's first turnpoint was 396 kilometers south of Minden, the second was 490 kilometers north of the first turnpoint, and the third turnpoint was 505 kilometers to the south near the first turnpoint.

The article discusses the highlights of the 2011 Sports and Club Class National competition sponsored by the Chilhowee Soaring Association (CSA) in Chilhowee, Tennessee on May 3-12, 2011. The competition would determine the qualifiers for the U.S. Team that will compete in Argentina in 2012. Major contenders were the father and son tandem of Manfred and Sean Franke, Robin Clark and Sarah Kelly-Arnold. The event was hosted by Sarah Kelly-Arnold, CSA owner and operator and skippered by Rick Sheppe and John Good.

The article presents gliding achievements of amateur and professional gliders across the U.S. Trevor Jacobs made his first successful solo flight at Bermuda High Soaring in Jefferson, South Carolina on September 9, 2010. Tom Trump performed his first glider solo at Blue Ridge Soaring Society in New Castle, Virginia on November 20, 2010. Whit Gravely made his first glider solo at the Blue Ridge Soaring Society in New Castle, Virginia on October 24, 2010.

Several photographs of various people who have earned major accomplishments in gliding in the U.S. in 2010 are presented, which include Mark Greyson of Virginia, Brian Fromme of Maryland, and David McPeak of Virginia.

This section offers news briefs on soaring and gliding milestones in the U.S. Cadet Kevin Smith flew by himself aboard his L-23 Blanik at Farmers Pride Airport on July 16, 2010. Bill Batesole has made his first glider solo in Springfield, Vermont, on October 3, 2010. John Gardener has completed his private pilot glider check rider with local DPE Mike Rielage.

This section offers news briefs about soaring and gliding in the U.S. During his 16th birthday on July 15, 2010, Nic Morrey has received his private pilot license in Colorado. Brothers James and Nathan Ballard performed back-to-back solo flights in Cherry Valley, Arkansas on August 8, 2010. Lindsay Sorg made her first solo flight in Indiana at age 14 on August 18, 2010.

Several letters to the editor are presented in response to articles in previous issues including "Soaring Tech" in the June 2010 issue, the "Condor Corner," and a discussion on the rules for the validation of badge flights in the U.S.

Several photographs regarding gliding achievements and final glide in the U.S. are presented, including James Galway of the Valley Soaring Club in Middletown, New York receiving his private pilot rating, Craig Campbell doing his first solo flight on June 5, 2010, and Nick Windsor, who made a solo in an SGS 2-33.

The article discusses a project plan aimed at providing a light and inexpensive Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) avionics equipment to the soaring community. The plan will be a joint effort of the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Soaring Society of America (SSA) based on a memorandum of agreement (MOA) signed in November 2009. The plan will include operational safety analyses and FAA certification requirements, as well as the development and testing of a battery-operated transceiver for gliders.

The article reports on a flight test which measured the performance of the new 18m 304S sailplane from HpH Ltd. The test was sponsored by Texas Soaring Association (TSA) in cooperation with Dallas Gliding Association to evaluate handling of the 304S. Tests proved the 304S to be an outstanding entry in its class, exhibited very good handling, stability and quiet performance at high speed.

The article describes the appeal of Ely, Nevada for soaring and gliding enthusiasts. The soaring conditions that make Ely popular among glider pilots from the U.S. and other countries include pleasant climate, excellent visibility, good lift, picturesque terrain, a high base and lots of cumulus clouds. In addition, Ely provides a tow lane, accessible amenities and a great social atmosphere.

The article focuses on the dynamics of winch launching in gliding and soaring. It defines winch launching as an airspeed behavior with pitch inputs and bounds on the height achievable utilizing a method of winch control called constant tension. According to the author, the probable leading reason for poor winch launch experiences among U.S. pilots is airspeed control, or lack of it. The only two things controllable concerning a winch are cable speed and tension.

The article provides a safety summary report from the Soaring Safety Foundation for the period November 1, 2007 to October 31, 2008. During this time period, it was found that U.S. soaring accidents decreased over 28 percent compared to the fiscal year 2007 reporting period. The report, according to the article, represents an incomplete view of the accidents involving U.S. glider pilots. Other topics discussed in the report include the phase of flight, takeoff accidents, inflight accidents, landing accidents, fatalities, and damage to aircraft.

The article reports on the letter of agreement signed by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Potomac Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON), the Soaring Society of America (SSA) and the Mid-Atlantic Soaring Association (M-ASA) to implement discrete transponder codes for gliders and tow planes. They informed Frederick Municipal Airport controllers in Maryland about the procedures. M-ASA pilots familiarized Potomac managers about soaring. TRACON held the Operation Rain Check to educate controllers of various types of SSA and M-ASA aircraft.

This article focuses on the use of gliders or sailplane in military test pilot training. It discusses the pioneers in aviation who make use of gliders to learn valuable knowledge in aerodynamics and aviation. Accordingly, the gliders became a useful tool in training pilots in the during World War II. It cites that the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School started its glider syllabus in the 1960s with sailplanes flown at off-site locations.

This article presents information on letters from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) that are of concern to the members of the Soaring Society of America (SSA). The letters are addressed to the SSA and contain information whose aim is to urge the SSA to take action on the safety recommendations provided in the letters. The NTSB calls on the SSA to expand its safety efforts for glider operations. In addition, the SSA makes its manifestation for its stands on the issues cited by the letter from the NTSB.

The article reports on the dedication of Marfa as a National Landmark of Soaring (NLS) site. It notes it is the fifteenth in the U.S. It states that George Moffat, Marfa-winning world champion and the first American to win a world soaring championship returned to help celebrate this event along with his peers including Dick Johnson, Ben Greene and John Byrd. The main responsibility of the NLS program is to recognize and memorialize sites which are related to national history of motorless flight in the U.S.

Highlights the Midwest Slope Challenge of the Lincoln Area Soaring Society held at Wilson Lake in Lucas, Kansas from May 13-16, 2004. Number of pilots who attended the event; Program of activities; Categories of the competition.

The article discusses the medical requirement for flying a glider and the regulations regarding certification and requiring abstinence under the Federal Aviation Regulation (FAR) in the U.S.

The author discusses the value of setting up a commercial winchery in the U.S. He cites his experience in setting up the Cross Country Soaring in Minnesota in which he learned and practiced important strategies in winching. The author also shares the challenges associated in winch launch, however, he contends that it offers fun and enjoyment to gliders and pilots.

The article reports on new agreements with the Soaring Society of America (SSA) and the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) in the U.S. in 2013. In order to promote soaring and aviation development, SSA and CAP offered a First Flight certification for CAP cadets upon completion of their initial glider flight. Cadets are also given free web sources about flying and gliding.

Focuses on the significance of glider planes in the life of man. Features of gliders; Gliders used by the U.S. Armed Forces while invading Europe on July 9, 1943; Person who invented gliders.

The article discusses the inaugural transcontinental Smirnoff Sailplane Derby held in the U.S. It features two participants, namely, Paul Bikle and 47-year-old Texas-based Wally Scott. The sponsor of the race is Benn Dunn of the firm, Heublein, Inc., the producer of Smirnoff Vodka. The other participants include A. J. Smith, John Ryan and Ross Briegleb. The race was won by Scott, who was named the grand champion.

The article explores the upward trend in the aviation industry in the U.S. as of April 15, 1930. Topics discussed include the recovery of aviation stocks, merger for Trans-Atlantic flights, and the popularity of gliding as a sport which creates demand for gliders. Among the companies that merge include National Air Transport and United Aircraft and Transport, the Wright Aeronautical Corp. and Curtiss-Wright, and Zeppelin Luftschiffbau which is forming a transport company with American partners.

The article intends to provide readers of "Soaring" publication the opportunity to learn from others and achieve a higher level of safety in soaring operation. The daily "stand-up" emergency procedure being used by the U.S. Air Force Pilot training is cited. Multitasking to maintain aircraft control while handling an abnormal situation is also mentioned. The article also provides a scenario of abnormal situations where the ability to maintain aircraft is the abnormal situation.

The article presents news related to gliding achievements in the U.S. compiled as of August 2013. MacKenzie Campbell of the New England Soaring Association has completed his fist solo flight in March 2013. Mason Killebrew of the Evergreen Soaring has completed the check ride for his private glider rating in May 2013.

The article focuses on the U.S. National Weather Service's (NWS) Lifted Index Analysis chart. It explains that this chart presents Lifted Index and the K-Index which are calculated from the upper air balloon soundings over the U.S. It highlights the importance of this chart in planning soaring flights and provides instructions on how to use it.

A calendar of contests and special events for the U.S. soaring community for March to October 2013 is presented including winch clinics by the Associated Glider Clubs of Southern California, Region 5 North Contest in Perry, South Carolina, and the Region 8 Championship in Ephrata, Washington.

The article discusses the developments in the soaring sector in the U.S. It focuses on how to properly promote the growth of soaring in the country, particularly the key role played by a winch in the future of a soaring club. It claims that a thrilling winch launch could attract younger people in the air sport. The research work by Ulrich Neumann on the winch launch is also cited.

This section offers news briefs related to gliding in the U.S. as of December 2012. The U.S. Air Force Academy has turned over 12 TG-10B sailplanes to the Civil Air Patrol as part of its efforts to boost its auxiliary glider program. The Fifth Annual Sequatchie Ridge Badge and Record Camp will be held in Jasper, Tennessee on March 5-14, 2013.

The author discusses the preparations of the U.S. Soaring Team for the 2012 World Gliding Championship. Some of the team members include Dave Leonard, John Seaborn, Gary Itnner and Dick Butler. The U.S. Soaring Team Committee approved and set up a training camp at the Chilhowee Gliderport in Tennessee and the team was coached by Brian Spreckley. The daily routine includes morning briefings followed by training tasks flown by pairs of team pilots working, flying and talking together.

This section offers news briefs of interest to soaring enthusiasts in the U.S. as of February 2012. Members of the Huntsville Soaring Club celebrated the 2011 Christmas season at the Eaves Restaurant in Alabama on December 2, 2011. The Minden Wave Camp will be held on March 25-31, 2012. The construction project at Air Sailing in Nevada is also discussed.

This section offers news briefs concerning gliding and soaring clubs in the U.S. The Las Vegas Valley Soaring Association (LVVSA) has successfully staged its Spring 2011 Roach Dry Lakebed Autotow and Campout weekend. Bob Spielman received the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award at the annual meeting of the Nevada Soaring Association in Reno, Nevada. Three pilots each had a chance to try the Associated Glider Clubs of Southern California's (AGCSC) Perkoz at Warner Springs.

A calendar of events for the motorgliding community is presented, including the Philadelphia Glider Council winter ground school in Souderton, Pennsylvania on January 8, 2011, Soaring Society of America Conference at the Sheraton Society Hill Hotel in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania from January 27 to 29, 2011, and Flight Instructor Revalidation Clinic in Perkasie, Pennsylvania on Ferbruary 19 and 20, 2011.

The article presents a ten-year review of accidents involving glider pilots for 2009 to 2010. It points out how they happen and what can be done to minimize such accidents. It adds that the most common of soaring accidents is when glider pilots hit a mountain and the causes of these accidents are stress, fatigue and inadequate or confusing information which pose cognitive limitations on dangerous situations. It recommends the standardization of glider pilot training and by complying with U.S. Federal Aviation Regulation rules.

The article talks about landout survival kits and provides three sample kits which include one that is to be kept in a person's body or parachute, one that the author keeps handy when flying over northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin and the one that is meant for flying over inhospitable regions. The third kit includes a space blanket, waterproof matches and snakebite kit. The author recommends having the first two kits on board for all flights and provides a list of web sites that provide information and supplies.