Allegheny & Bald Eagle Ridges (Pennsylvania)
When to fly here: April - May, September - November
The Allengheny & Bald Eagle Ridges, affectionately known by glider pilots as "The Ridge", are part of an Appalachian range that stretches with only a few gaps from central Pennsylvania to near Knoxville, Tennessee. This unique formation which provides excellent conditions for ridge soaring but also for thermal and wave flights has yielded many world records in the 70's and 80's. Although the emphasis of world record flights has now shifted to more exotic locations, the Ridge with its easy access from Central Canada continues to be one of North America's premier soaring locations. There is no formal camp at these locations, but pilots from several Canadian clubs located in Southern Ontario frequent this excellent soaring location, including the SOSA Gliding Club, York Soaring, and the Toronto Soaring Club.
Flying conditions on the Ridge are best in the spring and fall. Weather forecasts that include thermal activity, winds from 280º - 320º, and 10+ knots of wind are likely to lead to good flying conditions. However, weather conditions can change quickly on the Ridge. Good sources for detailed weather information for the area include Dr. Jack, nullschool, and Windytv.
The two most popular airports to launch from to fly the ridge are Ridge Soaring Gliderport and Mifflin Airport. The Ridge Soaring Gliderport is a private-use gliderport. Detailed information about the airport location can be found here. A dual flight is required in order to fly at this location, which can be arranged through renting a club training glider with an experienced instructor. After a check flight in the area, tows can be taken with individual or club gliders. To see flights originating from Ridge Soaring Gliderport, click here. The Mifflin Airport is a public airport, out of which the Mifflin Soaring Association operates. However, outside of competitions, there are no club operations and no gliders are available to rent. Contact the Mifflin Soaring Association directly to arrange a tow. To see flights originating from Mifflin, click here. Both the Ridge Soaring Gliderport and the Mifflin Airport have club houses and bunk beds available to rent, with motels located near the Mifflin Airport.