The rugged Piper Pawnee tow plane taxis forward on Runway 22 at Heber Valley Airport, taking up the slack on my tow rope. I give the pilot a thumbs-up, and we roar down the asphalt, the Pawnee towing me skyward in a slow right-hand turn over the pastures west of Southfield Road and toward Deer Creek Reservoir and the mountain ridges east of Wallsburg Valley. At 9,000 feet on the altimeter, I release from the tow rope and begin my search for lift, the essential ingredient for sustained soaring flight. Except for the wind rushing over my cockpit, the blessed silence of unpowered flight soothes my soul. A hawk circles above Strawberry Ridge, a paraglider swoops below Mt. Timpanogos, and I enjoy the view. I am climbing 300’ per minute on uplift created by rising thermals and redirected westerly winds over the lemon-green hills below.
Heber Valley Airport, established in 1947, was developed by local aviation enthusiasts who formed the Heber Valley Flying Service (HVFS). Russell McDonald served as chief flight instructor, head mechanic, and general manager. In 1949, Heber Valley Airport (HCR) secured funding from the Civil Aeronautics Authority (now the FAA) to pave and extend the runway. Once extended to 4,400’, the runway became suitable for both powered and unpowered aircraft. Soon, gliders, balloons, and small propeller-driven aircraft operated from HCR. Due to the end of GI Bill funding, flight training at HVFS ended in 1952, though gliders, balloons, and small private aircraft continued to take to the blue skies above Heber Valley.
In 1991, David Robinson opened Soar Utah, a gliding operation still launching unpowered airplanes and teaching glider pilots how to soar. With the 1984 airport master plan, the HCR runway lengthened to 6,900 feet, and airport services grew to accommodate both private and commercial propeller and jet aircraft. HCR’s gliding community grew as well, thanks to Soar Utah. Competing for airspace with the powered aircraft community, HCR air motorheads fly everything from bug-smashing Piper Cubs to powerful warbirds like the P-51 Mustang, Stearman biplane, and T-41 Trojan. Highly aerobatic planes, including the Red Bull-standard Extra 300, are also hangared at HCR. Nadeem Abu Haidar, owner of OK3 Air, is a former Navy fighter pilot and experienced aerobatic pilot who owns and flies an Extra 300. His red, white, and blue aircraft can often be seen performing loops, rolls, and more above Heber Valley. But we’ll address aerobatic flying from HCR in a future article—along with ballooning!
While David Robinson helped start and lead the soaring community at HCR through Soar Utah, many glider pilots and their aircraft form a dynamic and vibrant aviation community. Fun fact: “gliding” and “soaring” are often used interchangeably, though “soar-plane” sometimes refers to the lighter, more aerodynamic varieties of gliders. The Utah Soaring Association (USA) is integral to Utah’s glider training and club activities at several airports, including ours.
The path to an initial glider rating (FAA certificate) usually takes about three months with two weekly lessons. To solo a glider, trainees must be at least 14 years old, and to become an FAA-certificated Private Pilot, one must be at least 16. A medical certificate is not required, but glider pilots cannot have a medical condition that prevents the safe operation of a glider. Interested glider (soar-plane) pilots can join the USA for a small initiation fee and annual dues. Instructors provide one-on-one sessions, typically lasting about two hours, which include ground school, flights, and debriefing. The cost of training includes club membership, glider usage, and tow-plane services. Instructional flights usually range from $65 to $75.
The Utah Soaring Association hosts various events and competitions, including regional and national gliding competitions.
HCR has ideal soaring conditions—mostly clear skies and active thermals—and is a popular spot for gliding. The real charm of soaring in the Heber Valley is the pristine, majestic views and the great lift available from both thermals and ridges (mechanical lift created by prevailing winds rising off the windward side of mountain ridges).
Heber Valley glider pilots are a supportive and active group, with many opportunities for learning and competition. A few notable members of the glider community at HCR include:
John Ackerson, O.D.
Everyone’s favorite Heber City eye doctor of Ackerson Eyecare, and soaring enthusiast who loves to participate in and share the joy of the sport.
Dave Robinson
A glider and tow-plane pilot and a founder of Soar Utah at Heber Valley Airport. Dave conducts towing operations at Soar Utah in his Piper Pawnee, equipped with a retractable tow rope.
Paul Schneider
An experienced local glider pilot and instructor. Check out Paul’s excellent video, The Art of Soaring in Utah, on the Utah Soaring Association’s website.
Many other members and instructors are listed on the website. Besides posting all the information you need about gliding and how to get started in the sport, the site features fantastic pictures, video clips, and contact information for aspiring glider (soar-plane) pilots. Or, if you just want to experience the silent thrill of soaring, orientation rides are available.
