Membership Information

The Red Wing Soaring Association (RWSA) currently consists of approximately 40 active members that share their passion for soaring. Prospective members do not need any prior aviation experience to join. We have FAA Certified Flight Instructors available and will provide all the necessary instruction to help members achieve FAA Private, Commercial or Flight Instructor glider ratings. New members join the club with a non refundable onetime ‘Membership Purchase’ similar to a membership fee when joining a health club. Aircraft and Equipment N1973C – Blanik L-13 two person glider, Glide ratio: 28:1 N1974C – Blanik L-13 two person glider, Glide ratio: 28:1 N201AS – Pilatus B4 single person glider, Glide ratio: 33:1, Fully aerobatic N6983B – Piper Super Cub PA-18 (tow plane) 180 HP A fully enclosed hangar for all club aircraft and equipment Ground Equipment – two golf carts, glider trailers, miscellaneous equipment. General Information   RWSA is a chapter member of the Soaring Society of America. The Soaring season is weather dependant and typically runs April thru November. An interactive online calendar is available which contains information on all flight and member ativities throughout the year. RWSA Board Meetings are held every other month on the third Wednesday and all members are encouraged to attend. Board member elections are held each year during November. Our Fiscal year is the same as the calendar year. The season begins with a safety meeting which is usually held in March. Member attendance is manditory. All members share various duties such as Field Operations Officer (FOO) duties which are rotated between members. Each member participates as FOO 2-3 days per year. An associate membership is available for tow pilots. There is a members clubhouse on the field which includes a computer with Internet access, television, full kitchen, and lounge. BBQ equipment is also available for use. A Printable Membership Application is Available Here for Download* Scheduling   Most flying is on weekends when tow pilots and FOO’s are pre-scheduled. Midweek flying is available; however it is up the members to schedule a tow pilot. Member flights are scheduled first come, first served via a daily signup sheet at the flight line on weekends. Students schedule flight instruction directly with their instructors using the online calendar. Costs\Fees Member Purchase: This is a one-time fee to join the club. Funds are used to fund aircraft and equipment. Annual dues: Payable prior to soaring season (April). Used to pay fixed expenses such as insurance, SSA dues, hangar lease. Flight costs: Payable same day of flight. Include tow fee based on altitude of tow and aircraft rental based on time. Instruction fees: These are negotiated with and payable directly to the instructors. See ‘Learn to Fly! Cost Estimates’ for various scenarios. The Following Types of Membership are Available Individual Membership Individual members are expected to do their share of the work; e.g. assembling the gliders at the beginning of the season, disassembling them at the end of the season, maintaining the hangar area, and acting as a Field Operations Officer a few times each year. These duties are light and no members are expected to do it all. Family Membership Family memberships include one adult and one child under 23 years of age, or a married couple may share a club membership. Family members have all the same privileges and responsibilities of an Individual Membership, except that they get only a single vote between them. As with the individual membership family members are expected to do their share of the work to help support the club. An additional $50 per year (annual dues) is the only cost associated with the family membership. Active Membership Status As an active member, you will have access to fly all aircraft you have been endorsed to fly by RWSA instructors. Active members also are entitled to one vote at club meetings. Active membership in RWSA also enrolls you as a member of the Soaring Society of America (SSA). One of the many benefits of the SSA is a subscription to the monthly national ‘Soaring’ magazine. Membership in the SSA is mandatory for insurance purposes. Inactive Membership Status Inactive members are encouraged to participate in club activities however are not allowed fly RWSA aircraft as Pilot In Command (PIC). Inactive members retain their voting privileges. Inactive members are required to pay ‘Inactive Member Annual Dues’ currently $300. Inactive members in RWSA are also enrolled as a member of the Soaring Society of America (SSA). One of the many benefits of the SSA is a subscription to the monthly national ‘Soaring’ magazine. Membership in the SSA is mandatory for insurance purposes. * requires Adobe Reader™ for viewing. Free download here.