Truckee Tahoe Soaring Association
Flight. Friends. Fun.
Download the SOP + 2020 Pilot Intake Forms:
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Dear Truckee-Tahoe Soaring Association Pilots, Families, and Friends,
UPDATE 5/20/20, OPENING PUSHED TO FRIDAY, JUNE 5
We were all set to open on Memorial Day weekend as per usual... During the regular interactions with all the agencies involved, we could not get in touch with the Army Corps of Engineers (ACE) and neither could Truckee Tahoe Airport (TTAD). The Army Corps of Engineers owns and maintains the road, Martis Dam Road, from Highway 267 to TTSA and holds the authoritative proverbial key to open the road for all of us to use. Once we finally were able to physically speak with a person, we were informed of a directive to keep all ACE properties locked down until further notice re the Covid-19 safety protocols. Knowing we would need time to find the person to authorize opening the gate to the glider port, the Executive Team of the TTSA's Board of Directors made an emergency decision to push opening by two weeks to Friday, June 5. We are finally in communications with ACE and look forward to a smooth opening even though all the details are still in the process of being worked out. Stay tuned...
UPDATE 5/20/20, OPENING PUSHED TO FRIDAY, JUNE 5
We were all set to open on Memorial Day weekend as per usual... During the regular interactions with all the agencies involved, we could not get in touch with the Army Corps of Engineers (ACE) and neither could Truckee Tahoe Airport (TTAD). The Army Corps of Engineers owns and maintains the road, Martis Dam Road, from Highway 267 to TTSA and holds the authoritative proverbial key to open the road for all of us to use. Once we finally were able to physically speak with a person, we were informed of a directive to keep all ACE properties locked down until further notice re the Covid-19 safety protocols. Knowing we would need time to find the person to authorize opening the gate to the glider port, the Executive Team of the TTSA's Board of Directors made an emergency decision to push opening by two weeks to Friday, June 5. We are finally in communications with ACE and look forward to a smooth opening even though all the details are still in the process of being worked out. Stay tuned...
Perseverance. While our globe is currently under unanticipated stresses and strains, we are mindful of
those in the heat of the contagion battle and those suffering through. As we continue to do our part to
stop the spread of this pandemic, we remain hopeful for health and restoration for all who have been
affected, directly or indirectly.
Safety. At TTSA we are adhering to local, state, and federal guidelines concerning safety as well as
following guidance from the SSA to curb the Covid-19 outbreak. We are developing appropriate
procedures to implement as the season opens in an effort to keep all of us safe while we seek to enjoy
our soaring activities and our community.
Opening Preparation and Flexibility. We are working to be prepared to open as usual on Memorial
Day weekend yet may need to adjust the opening date as is necessary. It is still too early to tell exactly
how our state and country will be doing and what protocols and mandates will be in place by the end
of May. We will keep you posted.
New Board of Directors and Advisors! As of January 2020, the new Board of Directors of TTSA is
comprised of: Greg “Shifty” Peairs as President; Greg Scileppi as Vice President; Eric Niedrauer as
Treasurer; and six other members including Allison Diaz (NTSB), Thomas Greenhill, Mike Johnson, Bill
Ludlow, Mike Mayo, and Alex Neigher. Advisors to the Board include Catherine Bodenstein serving as
General Manager and Office Manager; Mark Montague as Chief Flight Instructor; and Rick Hammer as
Chief Tow Pilot, A&P, and general contractor.
Winter Updates. We have been updating corporate documents, seeking increased compliance, and
developing increased safety protocols. TTSA’s Bylaws have been revised. The SOPs are in the process
of being updated. TTSA has enjoyed robust communications with the Truckee Tahoe Airport District
and are looking forward to increased collaboration on topics, including updating lease and tower
agreements; ADS-B compliance; campsite cleanup for fire mitigation; safety training, emergency
protocols, and general operations. TTSA pricing structure is being revisited as are protocols and
procedures. The website will be updated before the season starts.
New Aviation Education Program Line Crew Internship. The old method of training and Line Crew
involvement was in need of a serious upgrade. A comprehensive program has been developed to
address the needs of Line Crew (as aviation students), TTSA operations, and the aviation community.
We are looking forward to implementing this program. To request information and an application for
the Line Crew Internship, send inquiries to generalmanager@soartruckee.org. The Board has decided
not to hold a Youth Camp as was organized in prior years. The Aviation Education Program is designed
by Mark Montague, Chief Flight Instructor, to benefit all students, not just the Line Crew.
Soaring Season 2020. TTSA anticipates a successful season, although it may start a bit slower due to
the necessary safety protocols. Rick has done a fabulous job on the regular winter maintenance of the
tow planes, and the sailplanes will be ready to soar. Core staff have been hired, a few more are
needed, and, of course, more Line Crew are needed. Like everyone else, we are in a “wait and see”
mode and will make decisions as we are safely able. Yes, don’t pilots enjoy exercising flexibility! We
are looking at the possibility of opening to the private pilots as soon as the lockdown is lifted. Students
will be welcome as soon as social distancing is no longer needed. Glider rides already booked may
need to be rescheduled, but interest is high and phone call inquiries are steady. Organizers for special
events such as the SSA Region 11 Contest and Navy Camp will be in touch with participants as
necessary.
Stay tuned! We have an exciting and memorable season approaching...
those in the heat of the contagion battle and those suffering through. As we continue to do our part to
stop the spread of this pandemic, we remain hopeful for health and restoration for all who have been
affected, directly or indirectly.
Safety. At TTSA we are adhering to local, state, and federal guidelines concerning safety as well as
following guidance from the SSA to curb the Covid-19 outbreak. We are developing appropriate
procedures to implement as the season opens in an effort to keep all of us safe while we seek to enjoy
our soaring activities and our community.
Opening Preparation and Flexibility. We are working to be prepared to open as usual on Memorial
Day weekend yet may need to adjust the opening date as is necessary. It is still too early to tell exactly
how our state and country will be doing and what protocols and mandates will be in place by the end
of May. We will keep you posted.
New Board of Directors and Advisors! As of January 2020, the new Board of Directors of TTSA is
comprised of: Greg “Shifty” Peairs as President; Greg Scileppi as Vice President; Eric Niedrauer as
Treasurer; and six other members including Allison Diaz (NTSB), Thomas Greenhill, Mike Johnson, Bill
Ludlow, Mike Mayo, and Alex Neigher. Advisors to the Board include Catherine Bodenstein serving as
General Manager and Office Manager; Mark Montague as Chief Flight Instructor; and Rick Hammer as
Chief Tow Pilot, A&P, and general contractor.
Winter Updates. We have been updating corporate documents, seeking increased compliance, and
developing increased safety protocols. TTSA’s Bylaws have been revised. The SOPs are in the process
of being updated. TTSA has enjoyed robust communications with the Truckee Tahoe Airport District
and are looking forward to increased collaboration on topics, including updating lease and tower
agreements; ADS-B compliance; campsite cleanup for fire mitigation; safety training, emergency
protocols, and general operations. TTSA pricing structure is being revisited as are protocols and
procedures. The website will be updated before the season starts.
New Aviation Education Program Line Crew Internship. The old method of training and Line Crew
involvement was in need of a serious upgrade. A comprehensive program has been developed to
address the needs of Line Crew (as aviation students), TTSA operations, and the aviation community.
We are looking forward to implementing this program. To request information and an application for
the Line Crew Internship, send inquiries to generalmanager@soartruckee.org. The Board has decided
not to hold a Youth Camp as was organized in prior years. The Aviation Education Program is designed
by Mark Montague, Chief Flight Instructor, to benefit all students, not just the Line Crew.
Soaring Season 2020. TTSA anticipates a successful season, although it may start a bit slower due to
the necessary safety protocols. Rick has done a fabulous job on the regular winter maintenance of the
tow planes, and the sailplanes will be ready to soar. Core staff have been hired, a few more are
needed, and, of course, more Line Crew are needed. Like everyone else, we are in a “wait and see”
mode and will make decisions as we are safely able. Yes, don’t pilots enjoy exercising flexibility! We
are looking at the possibility of opening to the private pilots as soon as the lockdown is lifted. Students
will be welcome as soon as social distancing is no longer needed. Glider rides already booked may
need to be rescheduled, but interest is high and phone call inquiries are steady. Organizers for special
events such as the SSA Region 11 Contest and Navy Camp will be in touch with participants as
necessary.
Stay tuned! We have an exciting and memorable season approaching...
Who We Are
Truckee Tahoe Soaring Association aims to advance the science, art, and safety of soaring flight in the Northern California and Nevada region with a specific focus on training the next generation of soaring pilots and aviation youth leaders to serve their community and society.
Our Vision is to be the preeminent glider training and flight facility in the northern California/Nevada region.
Our Vision is to be the preeminent glider training and flight facility in the northern California/Nevada region.
Contests, scenic rides, and weekend BBQs, stop by and join us!
Youth Aviation - The Next Generation
Glider pilots can earn their solo status as young as age 14, and their full glider private pilot rating at age 16. To do this requires dedication, and maturity at a level significantly above that of their peers. These are exceptional youngsters and we are proud to serve as role models in their development.
Truckee-Tahoe Soaring Association provides youngsters aged 13-18 with glider flight instruction. Many of our “Line Kids” have gone on to serve in both military and civilian aviation.
Truckee-Tahoe Soaring Association provides youngsters aged 13-18 with glider flight instruction. Many of our “Line Kids” have gone on to serve in both military and civilian aviation.
How You Can Help
The young men and women assisting you with your aerial adventures are a critical part of making Truckee-Tahoe Soaring Association a success. They help on our flight line, they help our glider ride patrons into and out of our aircraft, they help our private pilots assemble their airplanes, and they are part of the “eyes and ears” on the flight line making sure that safety is achieved. They learn responsibility, the value of hard work, and how to work as a team to achieve a goal.
Flight instruction is expensive. Our Line kids earn credits from their efforts but it in no way pays for the instruction, which can cost up to $5,000 to get achieve a private glider rating. 100% of your donations to our Youth Aviation Scholarship Fund supports this effort- and all donations are tax deductible!
Flight instruction is expensive. Our Line kids earn credits from their efforts but it in no way pays for the instruction, which can cost up to $5,000 to get achieve a private glider rating. 100% of your donations to our Youth Aviation Scholarship Fund supports this effort- and all donations are tax deductible!
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Please donate here to help the next generation achieve their aerial goals. To save on additional fees, please feel free to mail a check to the address below. If you prefer a credit or debit card, we encourage you to use the donation link to your right.
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Support our Capital Asset Campaign.
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Please make the check payable to "Truckee Tahoe Soaring Association" and mail to:
Truckee Tahoe Soaring Association P. O. Box 2657, Truckee CA 96160 |
Support our youth pilots.
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*This link will take you to an off-site gift certificates page. Your purchase will be honored with the Truckee Tahoe Soaring Association.