Women Soaring Seminar Returns to Chilhowee

Women Soaring Seminar Returns to Chilhowee  The Women Soaring Pilots Association (WSPA) is pleased to announce that the Chilhowee Gliderport will host the 2012 annual Women Soaring Seminar, June 25-29. Chilhowee Gliderport is located five miles north of Benton, Tennessee, in the southeastern part of the state near the Great Smoky Mountains. The area is extremely scenic, with a number of activities for nonflying spouses and families, including white-water rafting or kayaking on the Ocoee River, canoeing on Parksville Lake, or floating down the more leisurely Hiwassee River. The trails of the nearbyCherokee National Forest are perfect for hiking, with beautiful views and waterfalls. The Women Soaring Seminar, a tradition since 1979, provides a venue each year for both women and men to increase their skills, meet other glider pilots, and advance the sport. It brings together WSPA members from all over North America and Europe. Activities are planned for every skill level, from pre-solo students to advanced cross-country pilots. The atmosphere is fun and non-competitive, with an emphasis on safety and skills development. Past seminars have featured specialized flying experiences like organized land-outs, mini-competitions, dual cross-country, and badge/record work. A registration form is available at www.womensoaring.org. For more information about Chilhowee Gliderport and local lodging, call (423) 506-9015. Quote: "Chilhowee is one of the best seminar locations in the East," said WSPA President Neita Montague. "It is located adjacent to an undemanding ridge, which gives participants an additional source of lift for stretching their cross country distances. I recommend it for any glider pilot who wants to receive training or practice in ridge soaring techniques."