About Us

What is PSSA

Puget Sound Soaring Association (PSSA) is an organization comprised of people that share a common interest in soaring. Established in 1974 as a non-profit club, PSSA is staffed and operated solely by its members. Our mission is to promote soaring by providing flying facilities, gliders, towplane, flight training and the various support equipment necessary to operate an active glider flying club. If you are interested in learning to fly gliders or would just like to have the opportunity to experience the beauty and excitement of soaring, it can be done through our Introductory Flight Program. Full memberships are available for those interested.

Where we fly

PSSA operates from Bergseth Airfield, a beautiful private airport nestled in the Cascade foothills just four miles north-east of the town of Enumclaw, Washington. Flight operations are held March through October on weekends and occasional weekdays. Depending on weather conditions flying is generally conducted from mid-morning until dusk. In addition to local flying, annual trips to other soaring sites in Washington, Oregon, California and Nevada provide a wide variety of soaring experiences for our members.

What is soaring

Soaring is simply sustained flight without the assistance of manmade propulsion. Initially a powered towplane is used to tow the glider to an altitude where the glider pilot releases from the towplane. The energy necessary to sustain flight comes from the ever changing atmospheric and weather conditions created by the sun. The types of lift we find are thermal lift, ridge lift, convergence lift created by the collision of differing airmasses, and the amazing mountain waves that often create lenticular clouds at higher altitudes. It is up to the glider pilot to find and utilize the various lift conditions that are presented throughout the day. Depending on the weather, and the pilot’s goals and abilities, flights can last anywhere from a few minutes, to many hours, climbing tens of thousands of feet and covering hundreds of miles. If there is no lift to be found the glider will simply slowly and quietly descend to landing.

Come fly with us

For a truly unique experience come join us for a flight. Bergseth Airfield is easily accessible from the greater Seattle Tacoma area. The drive through the uncongested, rural farmlands offers stunning views of Mt. Rainier as you approach the foothills near the airfield. Find the easiest route from your location here.

Glider flying is dependent upon having acceptable weather conditions. Each day we are planning to fly, a recorded message will be placed on our Operations Line by approximately 9:30 AM. Please call that number and listen to the full message for the status of flight operations for the day.