Membership at Brandywine Soaring Association
Experience the thrill of soaring with the Brandywine Soaring Association! Soaring is very much a team sport, so we encourage you to visit us during our flying operations (see map: New Garden Airfield) to witness the excitement firsthand. Check our online calendar, and give is a heads up before you come out (email membership@brandywinesoaring.org).
Flying Schedule:
The soaring season at New Garden Airfield typically runs from May through October. While some years allow for winter flying, we use the simulator when weather and field conditions are poor. During the season, we operate on Wednesdays and weekends, weather permitting. The club calendar is always kept up-to-date with the latest information.
- Student Pilots: Instruction is usually available most mornings, depending on instructor availability. Student pilots train in our Blanik L-23. We encourage students to visit whenever we're flying to connect with members and learn about our operations.
- Licensed Members: Flying for licensed members is typically scheduled for afternoons, as soaring conditions are often better later in the day.
Membership Details:
Members enjoy access to all club equipment and instruction at no additional cost beyond tow fees, which vary based on release altitude (e.g., a 3,000 foot tow is $44).
- Regular Membership: Initiation fee - $500; Monthly dues - $65
- Non-Resident (100+ miles away): Initiation fee - $500; Monthly dues - $35
- Youth Membership (under 18): Initiation fee - $250; Monthly dues - $35
Becoming a Member:
- Experienced Glider Pilots: We can expedite your application for membership.
- Pilots Seeking Instruction: You'll be placed on our waiting list. Pilots with a Private Pilot License (PPL) transitioning to gliders can expect a shorter training time and are exempt from the written FAA exam.
New members are typically considered at our regular monthly Board meetings during the flying season, after submitting the initiation fee and first month's dues. To secure your spot on the active waiting list, please submit a check for the initiation fee and first month's dues ($565 total).
Brandywine Soaring Association
7209 Lancaster Pike
Ste 4, Box 244
Hockessin, DE 19707
Our Fleet and Locations:
Our primary base is New Garden Airfield (N57), home to our Blanik L-23, ASK 21, and SGS 1-26. We also have an SGS 1-26 and a Grob 103 at our alternate base in Smyrna, DE. Our tow plane is a Piper PA-25 Pawnee.
Simulator Training:
During inclement weather, we often conduct training sessions using our Condor Simulator, located in the EAA240 Hanger (see map: EAA 240) at the top of the hill at New Garden Airport. Check the website calendar for scheduled sessions.
Contact Us:
Please feel free to contact us with any questions (email membership@brandywinesoaring.org).
Ready to Join:
Click Membership Application to fill out our membership application.