West Michigan Soaring Society

The West Michigan Soaring Society is a low key group of RC pilots with a passion for all forms of RC soaring. Whether your interests lie in winch, high start, electric launch, hand launch or aerotow, have never flown, or are an experienced contest flier, WMSS has a spot for you. Our members come from all walks of life and ages. We all enjoy the challenge of finding lift and soaring. Come join us to fly, learn, or just watch. We are open to anyone with an interest in soaring.

If you find yourself daydreaming under the clouds and marvel at hawks and eagles mastering the rising air currents, come join us at WMSS. Spread your wings and soar!

The appeal of RC glider flying is plenty of fun even if you are a new pilot to soaring. Imagine learning about the "river of air" Dave Thornburg writes about in his classic and difficult to find book, "The Old Buzzard's book on soaring". Dave begins to shed light on the more difficult nuances to RC gliding - recognizing the tale tale signs of finding rising warm air, sinking cool air and the way thermals form, travel in the wind and dissipate. This is just one intriguing aspect of the hobby. Understanding the characteristics of good performing gliders for different purposes is a continual subject of education.

To some, recognizing the well sought after signs of thermals (lift) is much like fishing but without the smell of bait and fish. Good fishermen know to read the environment and the conditions in which fish may be caught but generally the fish remain allusive.

Now imagine yourself soaring an RC sailplane for 10, 15, 30 minutes to an hour and longer after a short launch time lasting maybe 20 – 30 seconds.