Purpose
Soaring Tigers, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to the development and promotion of
motorless flight, and to the training and instruction of its members in the art, science and sport of
soaring. The major focus of the club is on flight instruction for
new pilots. While flight instruction is limited to active members, the club extends to the broader
community opportunities to learn of motorless flight through lectures, soaring meetings, and subsidized
demonstration flights.
Member Responsibilities
We offer greatly reduced rates by having all members contribute time for the benefit of the club.
Members are required to help with different tasks (e.g., ship maintenance, washing, assemblydisassembly,
recruiting, web-site maintenance, etc.).
All members must sign a statement that they have read and will comply with the applicable Federal
Aviation Regulations, club insurance policy, airport rules and regulations, and the latest version of club
rules as set forth in this and successor manuals. In addition, each member must read and sign a Release
Liability Form provided by the club.
All pilots flying Soaring Tigers rented or owned aircraft must fully comply with all club policies,
operational procedures, rules, plus airport and U.S. governmental regulations.
Published Articles about Soaring Tigers
Click
here to view the AOPA article "Soaring Tigers: Gliders offer an affordable
entry into aviation...and space".
Click
here to view the "Wild Blue Yonder" article.
Prominent Past Members
Click the pictures below to learn more about our prominent members.
Membership Types and Fees
|
Dual student pilot:
|
$400/year dues until the pilot's first glider solo. The
membership rate is then immediately adjusted to the full
standard membership fee on a pro rata basis for that season
and for all future seasons.
|
|
Standard membership:
|
$700/year dues for anyone that has ever received a logbook
endorsement to solo a glider. Standard members have access
dual instruction and use of Soaring Tigers' complete fleet of
aircraft, subject to appropriate logbook endorsement from a
club CFIG. Standard members who own, insure, and actively
fly their own glider are eligible to receive a 25% discount on
their membership dues.
|
|
High performance ship pilots:
|
$500/year additional fee for eligible and qualified pilots to fly
our SGS 1-34 high performance single place glider.
|
|
Recurrent training member:
|
$200 for ground instruction and up to six flights with a club
CFIG in our SGS 2-33A (no solo flights). This membership
level allows licensed glider pilots, private or commercial, to
accomplish their recurrent training needs. Recurrent training
members can complete a Flight Review, safely practice
emergency procedures, complete WINGS Pilot Proficiency
Program flight tasks, or other training goals as mutually
agreed by the CFIG and member. All applicants must first
complete an interview with a Soaring Tigers CFIG to ensure
this membership level is appropriate to help them meet their
goals. Recurrent training members can upgrade their
membership, within the same flying season, to Standard
Membership and receive credit for their already paid $200
dues.
|
Family membership:
(1+ members of same family)
|
1/2 applicable dues for additional family members
(For example, a dual student pilot family member pays 1/2 of
$400 = $200/year)
|
|
Club instructors:
|
No fee for active CFIGs providing instruction to members on
a regularly scheduled basis eight or more days annually
|
|
Board and/or officer:
|
Soaring Tigers elected board members and/or officers with
voting rights must either be active dues paying members or a
non-dues paying board/officer member. This non-dues paying
category of membership does not, by itself, enable that person
to have any club dual or PIC flight privileges
|
|
Scholarships:
|
Available and considered on an application basis
|
Flight Charges
The club does not currently charge members for the hourly rental of club ships or for flight instruction,
both of which are free of charge to members.
In addition, all club members are fully responsible for the cost of their tows. Tow fees are paid directly
to the Fixed Base Operator (FBO) at Van Sant airport in Erwinna, PA. A current tow fee schedule is
available from the FBO. Tow costs as of March 2018 (NOT including tax) are:
| | |
| Simulated Rope Break | $35.00 |
| 1000' AGL | $40.00 |
| 1500' AGL | $45.00 |
| 2000' AGL | $50.00 |
| 2500' AGL | $52.00 |
| 3000' AGL | $55.00 |
| 3500' AGL | $60.00 |
| 4000' AGL | $65.00 |
| 4500' AGL | $75.00 |
| 5000' AGL | $90.00 |
Members are personally responsible for PAYING FOR THEIR TOWS TO THE VAN SANT FBO
BEFORE LEAVING THE FIELD EACH DAY.
Members are also responsible for ENTERING DETAILS FOR EACH OF THEIR FLIGHTS IN THE
FORM THE FBO PROVIDES ON A SMALL CLIPBOARD WITH THE 2-33A. Members must enter
the date of their flight(s), the ship that they flew, and the duration of the flight. This information is used
to update the ship's logbook.
Sign-Up and Scheduling Procedures
Van Sant airport is also open from Wednesday to Sunday each week for Soaring Tigers FAA licensed private and commercial glider pilots to reserve our ships and to schedule tows for glider flights on days when the weather is suitable. Soaring Tigers members have sign-up rights each week for scheduling the ship for instruction, solo flight and flight reviews.
On each Tuesday afternoon, our club CFIGs will notify all members via email
which days in the coming weekend they will be available to provide instruction,
supervise solo flights, provide check rides, and conduct flight reviews
(previously called BFR for Bi-annual Flight Reviews).
Active club members should then call Bird of Paradise
(610) 847-1119
or e-mail
BarAndDannie@866mustfly.com
to schedule your flights.
You may sign up for:
| SGS 2-33A: | 1.5 hour/weekend morning and also in the afternoons |
| SGS 1-26B: | Any available time |
| SGS 1-34: | Any available time |
Members with their Private or Commercial Glider Ratings may also fly at
any other available times either on weekends or on weekdays. Please call
(610) 847-1119
or e-mail
BarAndDannie@866mustfly.com
at The Bird of Paradise
to confirm and schedule tow plane availability.
