Torrey Pines Gliderport

is a city-owned private-use glider airport located 11 nautical miles (20 km) northwest of the central business district of San Diego, a city in San Diego County, California, United States.

It was first established as a soaring site in 1928 and is the home to hang gliding, paragliding, radio-controlled scale models, and full-scale sailplane flight. It is listed as a National Landmark of Soaring, a San Diego City Historical Site, the California Registery of Historic Places, and the National Registry of Historic Places.

Operated by the Associated Glider Clubs of Southern California (AGCSC), the full scale sailplanes fly only between February and April, while models, hang gliders, and paragliders fly any time the wind permits. The local Flight Director and Concessionaire maintains and enforces safety rules to protect both pilots and spectators.

History

The Torrey Pines cliffs have featured soaring aircraft since the 1930s with many famous aviators earning their wings on the strong ocean breezes.

Many aviation pioneers flew at Torrey Pines. Charles A. Lindbergh flew along the coast from Mt. Soledad to Del Mar on February 24, 1930. Woodly Brown was the first to launch from the top of the Torrey Pines cliff and come back to land at the same place when he did so in 1936. Other notables include Hawley Bowlus, Bud Perl, and Bill Beuby.

During World War II, Camp Callan was located nearby and U.S. Army cadets trained at the gliderport.

The site has been the location of several national and international soaring records since 1946.

Facilities

Torrey Pines Gliderport has one runway designated 9/27 with a 1,500 by 30 ft (457 x 9 m) asphalt surface.

References

External links

* [http://www.flytorrey.com/ FlyTorrey.com] – Torrey Pines Gliderport
* [http://www.tpghs.org/ The Torrey Pines Gliderport Historical Society]
* [http://www.nps.gov/history/nr/travel/aviation/tor.htm National Park Service] - Historical Place of Torrey Pines Gliderport
* [http://www.agcsc.org/torrey_pines_history.html Associated Glider Clubs of Southern California] - Torrey Pines Gliderport History
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