Pilots From Across America Are Meeting In Arizona To Become International Stars

Humans, as a species, have always dreamed to fly. Feeling the wind against your skin, and looking down to see the earth getting smaller and smaller below you.

Luckily, we found a way with the invent of aeronautical engineering. Now, the best pilots from all over America are meeting in Arizona, but why?

The Soaring Society of America

Founded in 1932 by Warren E. Eaton, the Soaring Society of America was initially conceived to promote "soaring", or gliding. This is a type of flying that uses unpowered aircraft to glide across the naturally forming air currents.

Nowadays, the society is focused on education and safety, helping the next generations of pilots get their wings. They also stand to sponsor competitions, one of which, had its day (or days) right here, in southern Arizona.

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Flying Above Tucson

For the first time since 1983, the Tucson Soaring Club, an extension of the SSA, will be hosting the national soaring competition. Competitors will  compete against one another for a chance to represent the Red, White, and Blue at the international competition.

Pilots will each take on a course, and attempt to complete it as fast as possible. The two main judging points are speed and distance, and the pilot with the highest average will be crowned the winner. Limited moisture, heat, and thermal updrafts make Tucson a pristine location for the sport, which led to the decision to host this year's competition in Marana.

The event ran from May 27th through June 5th. Around 30 participants were a part of the event.

[Tucson Soaring Club][KGUN9]