Chilhowee Soaring Association

04/10/2025

09/01/2024

For years I’ve dreamed of becoming the first woman to earn gold in the unrestricted World Gliding Championships, and superstitiously refused to say it aloud, afraid that perhaps it was just too big of a goal.

Along the way I’ve learned how to earn points in glider racing, and a LOT of ways to lose them. I’ve learned that it takes a special set of circumstances to win and not all factors are in anyone’s control. I’ve felt the thrills of victory and agonies of defeat. I’ve learned that in glider racing there are more hard lessons to learn than easy ones. I’ve been buoyed by countless kindnesses and felt the pressure at the top, being hunted by the best in the world.

These experiences of mine have come over but a fourth of the time that Karl has been on his own quest. It seemed like such a fairy tale to wish for us to win, for Karl to get his gold, and again have USA world champions from a contest hosted inside the United States.

When we took the lead early on we both fought hard to keep thoughts of a potential win out of our heads, and just took one day at a time. We couldn’t believe it would happen until we crossed the finish ring yesterday afternoon. Thank you to all who have worked tirelessly over many years to give us this opportunity. Words aren’t enough, my heart is full.

03/20/2024

Diego Nace celebrated his 14th birthday with a beautiful first solo. Celebrating with him are his flight instructors - Jason and Sarah Arnold, his pilot parents - Grady and Holly Nace, and his younger brother - Lucas. This makes 4 generations of pilots in his family.

10/05/2023

Fall is in the air, and you can be too! While you're making plans and scoping out the best scenic drives for those fall colors, consider enjoying them from the most spectacular vantage point of all by gliding!

Yes, you heard that right - consider booking a glider ride at Chilhowee Soaring Association and see all the colors of the season from the a different perspective! Just imagine soaring over those brilliant reds and oranges as the sun glints off the leaves - what a sight to see!!

Gliders can seat one or two passengers, plus the pilot. There's no time like the present to get your fall flight scheduled and come spend some time with us in Ocoee Country - you'll never want to leave!

📸: Jim Caldwell

10/02/2023

08/20/2023

Congratulations to Meredith Williams on her first solo! She brings such joy and positive energy to her work as Chilhowee line crew. When asked something like “do you want to go up? Or, how about a spin?, Or, would you like to help install this towplane engine?… Her favorite answer is… “why not?” Meredith is the 2023 Purduski scholarship winner.

10/25/2022

https://vimeo.com/763635669

This is "Ridge Soaring Chilhowee Oct 22, 2022.mp4" by greg on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them.

12/05/2021

Abram Oaks is one of those young people with a passion for aviation who works to make it happen. He’s been Chilhowee line crew for about a year, and was awarded both the Michael Wallace Memorial Scholarship and a Dennis Purduski Flight Training Scholarship to help him on his way. He was more than ready for his first solo flight today. Well done!

11/29/2021

Today was a perfect day to solo, and 14 yr old Taylor Pilch did a perfect solo. Congratulations!

10/01/2021

Time to brag on Lindy Perry who soloed on her 14th birthday last week. She stayed up 40 minutes before coming back to celebrate with family and friends.

07/20/2020

Chilhowee regular Jack Fike earned his private pilot certificate today. Congratulations and good luck in college!

07/11/2020

With a fabulous 1.2 hr first solo today, 14 yr old Zach Sweat became a third generation glider pilot. Well done!

05/26/2020

17 yr old Jack Fike gets the wash bucket after his first solo 05-25-20.

03/14/2020

14 yr old Pierce Lockhart soloed today, celebrating with his dad and three best friends. Happy Birthday!

03/14/2020

Happy 14th birthday to James Frank! His solo landing was picture perfect full-stall. We are all so proud.

01/28/2020

A Polk County, Tennessee, woman has claimed the first-ever Team USA gold in the 2020 Women's World Gliding Championship in Australia and marked the first World Gliding gold for the U.S. in 35 years.