Cross Country

Overview

Cross country flying is a captivating experience because it draws from so many different aspects of our skills and emotions. A typical flight depends on our understanding of the art and the science of soaring techniques while at the same time delights us at the site of joining a thermal with a red-tailed hawk.

A single flight is a constant stream of small decisions that rely on the efficiency of our piloting skills along with the calculations of our inner engineer.

SCOH members enjoy the great soaring conditions in our area on a nearly year round basis. We fly flights lasting for hours that range from the area near the gliderport to more than 500 miles to the north, south and west. Some of our pilots make cross country flights that nearly encompass Houston, Waco, Austin and San Antonio and back to Houston by the end of the day.

Types of Lift

Gliders are able to make cross country flights by utilizing different types of lift. In Texas, most cross country flights are accomplished using thermals. Others types of lift include...  More..

Top 20 US Soaring Sites

Looking for cross-country soaring sites to visit on vacation? Places to retire with top-notch soaring? The analysis here was based on three years of US OLC (Online Contest) flight data covering 270+ sites, more than 40,000 flights, and in excess of 5 million miles flown. More...

Computers in the Cockpit

GPS and related technology aids the decisions we make and has changed the way we prove that we completed a course. More..