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.
![]() Steve Sliwa President Embry-Riddle Univ. Founder/CEO Insitu       |
![]() Dan Barry NASA Shuttle Astronaut           |
![]() Brian Binnie SpaceShipOne X Prize Winner Winner FAA's Astronaut Wings |
Here are two pics taken of Dan Barry's first Space Shuttle flight:
     
     
     
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 |
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:
Release Altitude | Airport Fee |
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.
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 afternoons (plus selected weekday afternoons by appointment) |
  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.