Southern California Soaring Academy
Southern California Soaring Academy
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About
Southern California Soaring Academy is the premier provider of exhilarating glider rides in Los Angeles. We are surrounded by outstanding soaring conditions and stunning scenery. Visit us in scenic Antelope Valley, just over 1 hour driving time from downtown L.A., where nearly every day is flyable. Come for a ride and bring a friend. It’s an adventure of a lifetime, something you will be talking about for years to come. Open Fri-Sat-Sun-Mon, 9 AM to Sunset. Call or e-mail for reservations.
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Southern California Soaring Academy
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
5.0
65 reviews
Excellent
62
Very good
2
Average
0
Poor
1
Terrible
0
Vicki L
Palm Desert, CA6 contributions
Oct 2015 • Friends
If you want an exciting activity, just hop in one of these planes with an awesome pilot! We live in Southern California and hike the trails we flew over making this experience even more exciting, in fact we were hiking one day when one of these planes swished over the mountain we were hiking.....wanted to glide ever since! I would recommend this for anyone who loves to fly....its the ultimate flying experience. We chose a two seater since it was our first experience. take pictures and happy gliding!
Written October 18, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tony G
Los Angeles, CA5 contributions
Feb 2015 • Family
Despite being a lifelong aviation enthusiast, I had never been in a small aircraft and never imagined it was possible to become a pilot. After being given a gift certificate for a introductory glider lesson, I was thrilled to have the opportunity to fulfill a lifelong dream. My instructor, Dale Masters and company staff (Chris and Julie Bennet) were enthusiastic and welcoming. My family joined me for a day of fun at the airport watching other glider pilots perfect their craft, walk around looking at the aircraft, and watching their dad fly a plane! The people here love what they do and take aviation seriously. I still can't stop talking about it. If you're thinking of an affordable way to become an aviator, consider soaring. And if you just want a thrilling and inspiring ride you'll never forget, by all means make the trip and let one of these fine aviators give you a ride. Thanks to everyone.
Written February 17, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
vncxrsr
Long Beach, California, United States1 contribution
Oct 2014 • Couples
Ladies, if your significant other is the adventurous type then this is one of the most exciting flight experiences you can offer them. The staff at the Southern California Soaring Academy has been nothing short of amazing helping me include a flight lesson as part of my anniversary surprise for my boyfriend. They understood that it was a special occassion and was very accomodating to fit us in to their schedule (big s/o to Ron and Julie!) even though the season for Soaring was winding down.
I had experienced Soaring before so I was familiar with the feeling of being in a small aircraft, but watching my boyfriend react to the experience from beginning to end was a gift in and of itself. His pilot took really good care of him (another big s/o to Adrian!) and gave just enough of a thrill while he was up in the air to leave him wanting more. As soon as he landed, all he wanted to do was get back up in the air again. Days later, he was glued to their website to plan another trip up and get another flight lesson in the works.
We had such a memorable anniversary and I couldn't have done it without the help of SCSA. Trust me, it's worth the drive to see your loved ones happy!
Recommended tips:
- Book separate gliders! It's more fun when you are able to take control of the aircraft while you're up in the air. Otherwise, there is a two-passenger glider that is more for sight-seeing.
- If you're feeling REALLY adventurous or if you know that your significant other is an adrenaline junkie, ask for a pilot who is certified for acrobatic flights.
I had experienced Soaring before so I was familiar with the feeling of being in a small aircraft, but watching my boyfriend react to the experience from beginning to end was a gift in and of itself. His pilot took really good care of him (another big s/o to Adrian!) and gave just enough of a thrill while he was up in the air to leave him wanting more. As soon as he landed, all he wanted to do was get back up in the air again. Days later, he was glued to their website to plan another trip up and get another flight lesson in the works.
We had such a memorable anniversary and I couldn't have done it without the help of SCSA. Trust me, it's worth the drive to see your loved ones happy!
Recommended tips:
- Book separate gliders! It's more fun when you are able to take control of the aircraft while you're up in the air. Otherwise, there is a two-passenger glider that is more for sight-seeing.
- If you're feeling REALLY adventurous or if you know that your significant other is an adrenaline junkie, ask for a pilot who is certified for acrobatic flights.
Written October 24, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anthony W
Rotterdam, The Netherlands24 contributions
Aug 2014 • Solo
Had a fantastic time but after being used to scratching around in the European Dutch coastal air, jumping off tow at 2k and taking a large single 10knt thermal to 14k was not what I am used to. I flew in from Camarillo by Cessna and there was no issue with using the strip. Sure, it's a commercial operation but everybody was friendly, things were run efficiently and I will certainly return when next in CA.
Written August 30, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Denise M
Ventura, CA14 contributions
Jul 2013 • Friends
Fabulous staff....very helpful, friendly and knowledgeable. Super fun ride. Will definitely come back in the future for another ride.
Written August 6, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anthony W
Rotterdam, The Netherlands24 contributions
Aug 2013 • Solo
I was travelling in California so decided to book in some soaring. I usually fly in Europe and was in for some surprises here, the lift is strong and in the mountains it was rough and really exciting. I flew the DG1000 with George who was really laid back and just let me get on with it, offering many useful pointers. You may wonder why I only give 4 stars. The glider, conditions and George definitely deserve 5 but I had booked this flight some weeks in advance and when I arrived after a 2hr drive the person I was supposed to be flying with had gone home, they said one of the other instructors would fill in, hence George. I had booked the DG for 2 hrs but ended up with just 1hr in the air. To begin with I was just asked to wait around for over and hour while they sorted an instructor. It wouldn't stop me coming back here for more, the flying was awesome, but next time I will call ahead to check the arrangements are as planned.
Written August 5, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Martin S
Germany41 contributions
Apr 2013 • Solo
Glider flying the American way! Make a booking, be there at the set time, do the usual paperwork and off you go. No need to stay behind after your flight, either. Not exactly suitable for welfare recipients though.
Everybody is friendly, the whole organisation works, the equipment I saw is well-maintained. The DG1000 is awesome to fly!
In case you want to fly self-responsible, i.e. single-seaters, be aware that besides your valid license you need to bring your own renter's insurance.
Everybody is friendly, the whole organisation works, the equipment I saw is well-maintained. The DG1000 is awesome to fly!
In case you want to fly self-responsible, i.e. single-seaters, be aware that besides your valid license you need to bring your own renter's insurance.
Written May 7, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wendie M
Pinon Hills, CA1 contribution
Apr 2013 • Couples
Great way to celebrate my 50th birthday and check another thing off the 'ol bucket list! Adrian was a fabulous pilot who caught the thermals and flew us to nearly 11,000 feet. We soared over Baden/Powell and Mt. Baldy and managed a few "acrobatics" just for fun. Julie was a great hostess and the entire support crew was friendly and helpful. As Adrian said, it was an "epic day." Southern California Soaring Academy is an epic company!
Written May 5, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Soar-Socal
Santa Clarita, CA2 contributions
Mar 2013 • Solo
Greetings. I'm a private pilot, SEL + Glider, and have been flying out of SCSA for quite some time now. This is a world class operation with world class staff, world class equipment and world class soaring conditions. If you are pilot looking to enjoy some amazing soaring and vistas, this is the place. Desert, mountains, ridge soaring, ocean views from the local mountains; this place has it all! Incredible thermal activity most of the year and amazing wave conditions prevail throughout the winter. I highly recommend it!
Written April 1, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alexei K
Los Angeles, California, United States36 contributions
Aug 2019
Not good for fly-ins: I've got permission to do an approach, but denied it when I got there. I'd rather spend my money in a friendlier and better organized place.
Written August 18, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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