Soaring - flying in its finest form.

Every year more people are discovering the pleasure, satisfaction and enjoyment of piloting a sailplane. You realize a new sense of achievement as you glide your motorless craft smoothly and silently; powered by nature's boundless store of energy - the sun.

Saufly Field from a Schweizer It's easy! If you've always wanted to try soaring, here's you opportunity. Coastal Soaring Association invites to to take an introductory ride.

From your vantage point you will experience the feeling of what it is like to be a pilot of your own aircraft, while your instructor explains the basic techniques of soaring. You will have an opportunity to view the beautiful Pensacola area. Often you can see Perdido Bay and the beaches. Be sure to take your camera. If you like, your pilot will allow you to take a turn at the controls.

Soaring has universal appeal. It is a safe and simple sport that isn't restricted to any special group or age. In fact, the Federal Administration Administratin (FAA) has set the minimum age to pilot a sailplane solo at 14-years-old. A day at Coastal Airport near Pensacola learning to fly is a pleasure and soaring is a pastime that the entire family can become involved in and enjoy.

Why not give it a try and discover for yourself the freedom and satisfaction of the truest form of flight.

We'll Show You How! You Need No Previous Flight Experience!

It's east to start. Most people take a introductory sailplane ride to "see what it's like" and then buy a book on soaring to learn more about the sport. Before you start your formal training you should purchase a log book. We can help you do that. Your instructor will also show you how to get your student license. No physical exam is required, but you must be able to certify that you have no physical defects that would make you unable to pilot a glider safely.

The average person will take 30-35 lessons before he or she is permitted to fly solo. The average cost of flights and instruction is $1700. Current power pilots can normally transition into gliders and solo in 8 to 10 flights. Average cost for transition pilots is $550. These estimates do not include initiation and monthly dues.

How To Get Started

All you have to do is contact us and schedule a $50.00 introductory flight. After that, if you find yourself "hooked" - and you probably will... all you do is join the Coastal Soaring Association and we'll take it from there - working with you to schedule training in all the facets of club membership and airfield operation and flying..

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Current Prices and Fees

Association Related Fees:

• Club Initiation

$250.00

• First Month's Dues

$35.00

• SSA Membership

$64.00

Total Join Fee:

$349.00

• Monthly Dues:

$35.00

Flying Related Fees:

• Blanik Rental per half-hour

$10.00

• Tow to 2000ft

$25.00

• Tow to 2500ft

$30.00

• Tow to 3000ft

$35.00

• Airport Use Fee (per tow)

$10.00

• Instructor Fee (per flight)

$10.00

• Intro Flight

$50.00

Weather Check:

Pensacola NAS (13 miles SSE)
  • Conditions: clear
  • Temperature: 66°F
  • Barometer: 29.85 in.
  • Winds: SSE / 10 mph
  • Visibility: 8 mi
    (Last Update: 03/10/2010 7:56 am)

Club Officers:

  • President: Tom Johnson
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  • Vice President: Ralph Tarver
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  • Secretary: John Bolyard
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  • Financial Officer: Roger Hinote
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  • Civil Air Patrol Liaison: Jason Depew
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Club Instructors:

Certified Flight Instructors - Glider (CFIG)
  • Jason Depew
  • Alan Edwards
  • Dave Galloway
  • Roger Hinote
  • Tom Johnson
  • Joe Kuehmeier

Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)
  • Jason Depew
  • Alan Edwards
  • Dave Galloway
  • Brad Jackson

Scheduler

  • John Bolyard
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Webmaster

  • Gene Hilsheimer
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