Soaring is for the young...

and the young at heart!

The Northwest Soaring club invites you to experience the thrills, excitement and beauty of seemingly motionless flight over the Lake Michigan shoreline, Frankfort, Betsie Bay, and nearby inland lakes. Our licensed pilots will help you enjoy the beauty of glider flight over glorious Benzie County. Join our club for a day and choose from one of our introductory flights below. After your flight, consider a lifetime membership. Ask any club member for details.

Introductory Flights The Fledgling We now offer a 2,000-foot tow that gives time for a quick look from the air at Crystal Lake, Frankfort, Lake Michigan, and the beach. Hopefully you will be inspired to return for a longer flight. Release Altitude: 2,000 feet Cost: $55 includes Tow Plane, Fuel, Tow Pilot, Glider, Glider Pilot, Wing Runner and YOU! The Eagle Enjoy one of America’s most beautiful costal locations from the air! Observe all aspects of a glider flight including flight line prep, take-off, and glider in tow. Reaching 3,000 feet, or cloud clearance limits, experience the exhilarating spring to freedom with a release of the tow hook and continued flight without the assistance of an engine. Gentle turns and silence will dominate as you take in the scenery of Crystal Lake and the dune shoreline of Lake Michigan. The coastline of Wisconsin 60 miles across Lake Michigan may be observed on a clear day. If available, a thermal may be circled to gain altitude. Slowly descending, your Pilot will prepare for a landing at the Gliderport. Once landed, you will enjoy the lasting memory of glider operations at Frankfort, Michigan. Release Altitude: 3,000 feet Cost: $75 includes Tow Plane, Fuel, Tow Pilot, Glider, Glider Pilot, Wing Runner and YOU! The Thunderbird The ride includes all aspects of the Fledgling, however lasts approximately 30% longer, provides better viewing with an additional 1000 feet of altitude, and may provide time to introduce you to the controls of the glider! Release Altitude: 4,000 feet Cost: $95 includes Tow Plane, Fuel, Tow Pilot, Glider, Glider Pilot, Wing Runner and YOU! The Mile-High Club This five thousand foot tow is the highest of our normal operations. There is time to become acquainted with the aerodynamics of tow, glider positioning on tow, and release procedures. Bring a camera, as this ride will allow plenty of photo opportunities. At times, the release will be at an altitude higher than the clouds. Release Altitude: 5,280 feet Cost: $135 includes Tow Plane, Fuel, Tow Pilot, Glider, Glider Pilot, Wing Runner and YOU! The Top Gun Document this day! You are a student pilot. These flights provide an FAA Certified Flight Instructor offering a brief orientation to the principles of flight, familiarization with the operations of the glider and other equipment, and TWO tows to 4,000 feet or cloud clearance limits. On the first flight, you are aboard to closely observe all aspects of a glider operation. If you’ve paid attention, your second tow is for you to FLY! Your instructor will direct you to the time and type of control inputs required for proper maneuvering of the glider in the air. You’ll take this one home with you because it includes an official Glider Pilot Log Book with official endorsements for your flight training from an FAA Certified Flight Instructor. Take your logbook to any glider operation for further training, or use it here to finish your rating in the future. Release Altitude: 2 x 4,000 feet Cost: $250 includes Tow Plane, Fuel, Tow Pilot, Glider, Glider Instructor, Logbook, Endorsements, Wing Runner and YOU!

To hear recorded information about flights please call 231-352-9160 or click here to contact one of our club members to learn more about soaring.