southern california soaring academy

Despite being a lifelong aviation enthusiast, I had never been in a small aircraft and never imagined it was possible to become a pilot. After being given a gift certificate for a introductory glider lesson, I was thrilled to have the opportunity to fulfill a lifelong dream. My instructor, Dale Masters and company staff (Chris and Julie Bennet) were enthusiastic and welcoming. My family joined me for a day of fun at the airport watching other glider pilots perfect their craft, walk around looking at the aircraft, and watching their dad fly a plane! The people here love what they do and take aviation seriously. I still can't stop talking about it. If you're thinking of an affordable way to become an aviator, consider soaring. And if you just want a thrilling and inspiring ride you'll never forget, by all means make the trip and let one of these fine aviators give you a ride. Thanks to everyone.

I havent flown for 25 years and decided to take my son to start gliding lessons over the weekend. The instructors were so nice and well prepared that I decided to go myself for a ride in the local wave! With Dale's instructions I went easily to 11.000 ft and enjoyed every minute!My son did 10 flights in a 3 day crash course and is almost solo:)Great place and lots of fun!Thanks for all guys!

Ladies, if your significant other is the adventurous type then this is one of the most exciting flight experiences you can offer them. The staff at the Southern California Soaring Academy has been nothing short of amazing helping me include a flight lesson as part of my anniversary surprise for my boyfriend. They understood that it was a special occassion and was very accomodating to fit us in to their schedule (big s/o to Ron and Julie!) even though the season for Soaring was winding down.I had experienced Soaring before so I was familiar with the feeling of being in a small aircraft, but watching my boyfriend react to the experience from beginning to end was a gift in and of itself. His pilot took really good care of him (another big s/o to Adrian!) and gave just enough of a thrill while he was up in the air to leave him wanting more. As soon as he landed, all he wanted to do was get back up in the air again. Days later, he was glued to their website to plan another trip up and get another flight lesson in the works.We had such a memorable anniversary and I couldn't have done it without the help of SCSA. Trust me, it's worth the drive to see your loved ones happy!Recommended tips:- Book separate gliders! It's more fun when you are able to take control of the aircraft while you're up in the air. Otherwise, there is a two-passenger glider that is more for sight-seeing.- If you're feeling REALLY adventurous or if you know that your significant other is an adrenaline junkie, ask for a pilot who is certified for acrobatic flights.

Southern California Soaring Academy,Thanks again for the wonderful weekend you provided for the Boy Scouts. Troop 355 had a fabulous time going soaring and completing the Aviation Merit Badge! Thank you for the use of your campground and the clubhouse for teaching the class. Without those facilities we would not have been able to get the boys through the merit badge.What really made the trip a success was you and your friendly staff, the confidence we have in your safety practices as well as having a well organized program. It really was an amazing feat to get over 50 half hour rides all completed in one day! Warmest Regards,Dr. Steve SmithAviation Merit Badge CounselorTroop 355San Marino Ca.

Had a fantastic time but after being used to scratching around in the European Dutch coastal air, jumping off tow at 2k and taking a large single 10knt thermal to 14k was not what I am used to. I flew in from Camarillo by Cessna and there was no issue with using the strip. Sure, it's a commercial operation but everybody was friendly, things were run efficiently and I will certainly return when next in CA.

The staff were all very nice and easy to deal with. It's a great place to learn how to soar, though I was only in the state for the summer, so I was there just twice. I do wish I had stuck with the same instructor both times, which I don't remember having the option. In my case it wasn't an issue at all, since I was only trying to stay "in the cockpit" until I got home. Only real downside I saw is the insane desert thermals you're in danger of getting used used to if you fly somewhere else!

To all future renters and readers,The Soaring Academy strives to maintain a high level of operational safety. We expect our rental pilots to follow the FAA Regulations and our Airfield Operating Procedures. When this does not occur, we first try to resolve safety issues by working with the pilot. When this effort is met with a combative attitude as in this case, we have no choice but to disqualify the pilot from renting our aircraft.The sport of Soaring is supposed to be fun and safe for all involved, and has no room for regulation busting rogue pilots.Southern California Soaring Academy

This is it! Hard to imagine a better place for riding in, learning to fly, or flying gliders. Southern California Soaring Academy (SCSA) is located a reasonable drive from LA, in the high desert just a few miles from the San Gabriel mountain range. SCSA offers all kinds of glider flying--desert thermals, ridge and mountain soaring. Safety is the top priority, with first-class staff and gliders, and radio communication and control.The staff and crew are friendly, knowledgeable, and enthusiastic. Guests represent a broad cross-section of people, but all share a passion for soaring. Equipment is clean and well-maintained, as are the facilities. It's a family place, including picnic, barbecue, and overnight RV parking areas.During my two week visit last month, my 84 year-old friend joined me one day for her first ever glider ride. She came back excited and beaming. She continues to talk about it as one of the most fun experiences of her life, including the moderate acrobatics that she happily accepted trying when they were offered. For learners, instruction is expert, enthusiastic, and highly personalized to the student (perhaps a little more documentation of lesson activities might be helpful, though). You can schedule your lessons through the online booking system, and you can request a particular instructor who you feel suits you best. Charges are very reasonable, and clearly accounted in the billing system. The excellence of SCSA extends even to their very complete, clear, and up-to-date Website. For more details, photos and videos, and current information, visit them any time. I’m certainly very glad I did!

did this with 2 work colleagues of mine that had a day free in SoCal. Couldn't meet nicer people and the flight was absolutely amazing. The pilot - Dale was a total pro and delighted in giving people max enjoyment. Each of the three flights were completely different as conditions were changing. The following link is a short video that one of my colleagues took on his flight. http://youtu.be/xSass-rTBTU

I was given an introductory glider ride as a birthday present. Though the drive to the facility from Santa Monica is long and tedious, it was well worth the trip. Everyone associated with the organization is very nice and knowledgeable and my instructor Dale is an expert glider pilot. My original nervousness soon gave way to exhilaration and my 45-60 minute ride passed far too quickly. Certainly a memorable way to spend the day and welcome my new year!

We took local Boy Scout troop out for a day of soaring and it was great!!!Julie was very accommodating when our numbers changed. Our pilots Dale & Martin were very professional and fun for both adults and & scouts.One mom was a little nervous but came home totally exhilarated.I'd been looking forward to it for years. So much fun!It was a great day for all.Highly recommend it for anyone of any age.

I'm a glider pilot from Washington state, but occasionally I travel to southern California. I always make sure I have time for a visit to Crystalaire, and book a long flight in one of their excellent DG 1000s dual seat gliders. Since I'm a rated glider pilot, they let me fly the glider the whole time, but I fly with one of their flight instructors. The staff is excellent, friendly and pretty laid back, Heck, this is Califorinia :) I usually get there in the winter time, and take time to brush my skills in the preparation for the spring flying. Once, I got there at the end of September and had a blast... Nice puffy clouds, I got up to about 12500 feet, very nice view. The gliders are top notch, DG 1000s are awesome. Even if the location and the weather conditions would be bad, flying the DG 1000s alone, would make up for it. Even the prices are fair. I recommend this place for both (glider) pilots or anyone else interested in to experience soaring. This is as good as it gets.

If you wish to have an Amazing and Beautiful way to enjoy any afternoon, visit the Soaring Academy and ride in a sailplane, soaring over the majestic Southern California mountain range!Steve T

I wanted a romantic surprise for valentines day. I have knowb about this place for years but finally decided to make it happen. I got a 40 min. couples ride in a glider. What a blast. Our pilot, Dale, was lots of fun. He has over 34 years experience and it showed! It was much more exciting and fun than I had imagined. This makes a great experience for anyone looking for something different. Come out and give it a try!

Decided on a whim to do something fun and exciting. I got the thrill of a lifetime. Nothing beats the feel of soaring quietly through the air like a bird over the San Gabrielle mountains. What a view, what an adventure and I couldn't imagine a better group of people to do it with than the pilots and crew of this place. They make you feel welcome and involved in the flight not like an outsider to be dealt with. I can't wait to do it again!!!