Standard-Cirrus Sailplanes
Moriarty boasts some of the finest year round soaring conditions in the United States, including 15 knot thermals to 22,000 ft, mountain wave to 34,000 ft, and orographic lift off the Manzano, Sandia, Ortiz, and Sangre de Cristo mountain ranges. Many flights in excess of 1000 kilometers or 600 miles are recorded each year.聽 The airport is located in the Estancia Valley which runs generally north and south with the Sandia and Manzano mountain ranges to the west. The Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the southern t
After releasing from a 2,000 foot tow, a glider pilot can climb thousands of feet higher utilizing nothing more than naturally occurring vertical air currents in the atmosphere. Then the pilot begins a high speed glide towards the destination ahead. The glider may not have to circle again for many miles before yet another graceful climb followed by another glide. This is the sport of soaring.
Although some glider pilots find satisfaction in staying close to their home airport, many consider cross country soaring to be one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences a pilot can have. Either way, every flight is different. Whether it is a badge or record attempt, a competition, or just an enjoyable day in the air pilots must constantly hone their skills and make the most efficient use of the weather to stay aloft..
Standard-Cirrus Sailplanes