Chilhowee Gliderport

Specialties

Experience the thrill of motorless flight over the beautiful Tennessee countryside and ridges. Admire the Hiwassee River from thousands of feet in the air as you go up like a bird in a warm thermal. On some days you can fly the ridgeline at awesome speeds. Other times you can take hold of the controls with your pilot and feel what it is like to fly a glider through the various air currents that sustain free flight. These are all the joys of soaring at the Chilhowee Gliderport.

Since the early 1970’s Chilhowee Gliderport has offered rides, instruction, and towing. It is a great place to come spend the day watching the beauty of soaring, hitching a ride, or the start point for a long cross-​country flight. Our powerful Pawnee towplane can tow most any type of glider year round and rides are provided by FAA certified «commercial glider pilots.» Additionally, you can get primary instruction for the new pilot or transition training for the current power pilot who wants to add «glider» to hi

History

Established in 1972.

Since the early 1970’s Chilhowee Gliderport has offered rides, instruction, and towing.

Meet the Business Owner

Sarah A.

Business Owner

Sarah was raised on a farm near Lumby, British Columbia. Surrounded by the freshness of nature she grew up splashing in creeks, climbing trees, and camping under the limitless night sky. Special family friend «Uncle» LeRoy took a mentoring interest in Sarah. He taught her how to make a whistle, deliver calves, and care for machinery. At age 13, Uncle Leroy began teaching her to fly. Sarah was instantly hooked. Just as she had learned to operate farm machinery, Sarah quickly mastered the basics of flight and soloed in an ultralight aircraft. Working in a bakery throughout her teen years, Sarah earned enough to buy her first car, pay for flying lessons, and purchase her share in a 1948 Piper Vagabond. Sarah went on to obtain her Canadian private pilot certificate on her 17^th birthday. An instrument rating, Airframe & Powerplant mechanic, and commercial pilot certificate soon followed.

In 2001, Sarah accepted an accounting position with a Tennessee-​based non-​profit for troubled boys. In