Minnesota Soaring SUPER SITE
1900 glider flying as a kite,
Kitty Hawk, 1900.
The answers to basic questions are the most important.

BASIC FAQ Site
Safety FAQ Site
People, books, media of soaring FAQ
Austrailian based FAQ site
FAQ site sponsored by a Washington State Club

SOARING FACT SHEET

Soaring is the most exotic, unknown sport in existence.

Soaring has been enjoyed by the 'few' for over 50 years

20,000 FAA licensed glider pilots in U.S.

Over 100,000 glider pilots in the world.

Over 180 soaring clubs in the U.S.

Over 150 commercial gliderports and soaring supply businesses in U.S.

Soaring exists in every state of the nation including Alaska and Hawaii

There are approximately 4000 registered sailplanes in the U.S.

1000 training 2-place sailplanes

2000 medium performance single place sailplanes

1000 high performance pampered competition machines

Over $19 million spent on soaring in the U.S. annually.

Average glider pilot spends $1,000 a year on soaring and may spend in excess of $20,000 on a sailplane purchase.

New sailplanes average between S20,000 and S60,000. The higher the price, the more competitive.

1-2 years wait for delivery of the competition sailplanes is not uncommon.

Partnerships with 2 or 3 pilots owning a glider are becoming common.

Pre-owned Sailplanes are available from about $6,000 for single to $10,000 for two place gliders.


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