Arizona Soaring Association

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Soaring in Arizona
The Arizona Soaring Association is a group of about 55 members who fly sailplanes at all levels of the sport: from pilots new to soaring just learning to fly, through to internationally-recognized competition pilots. ASA is a subchapter of the Soaring Society of America.

What is a sailplane?
A sailplane is an airplane specifically designed for sustained flight without use of a motor. It has the same basic controls as an airplane and will take off, fly and land under full control of the pilot. Typically constructed of fiberglass or carbon fiber with long wings and highly polished surfaces, sailplanes are aerodynamically very efficient. Pure sailplanes are launched by winch or behind a tow plane while motorgliders have engines for launch. A sailplane stays in the air by climbing in rising columns of hot air called 'thermals', or by flying in the wind flowing up and over mountains. In good conditions, a sailplane can fly all day and travel hundreds of miles without landing.

Where to find us
We fly from several locations. These include two commercial operations close to Phoenix, Turf Soaring and Estrella Sailport, and the private Tucson Soaring Club, as well as airports in Sedona and Prescott. During our active race schedule, we also fly from Willcox and Bisbee. Join ASA!

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