The Franconia Soaring Foundation (FSF) was established by the Franconia Soaring Association in 2016, with a mission of training and educating the public on the art of motorless flight, and preserving the Franconia Gliderport (airport identifier 1B5) for future generations.

The Foundation continues the Association’s reputation as New Hampshire’s only soaring operation for over four decades. We are ideally located in Franconia, New Hampshire, at the foot of the White Mountains and Franconia Notch, where glider pilots can experience the best of thermal, ridge and wave soaring.

Please take a few minutes to look at our introduction to flying videos below. We think you’ll really like it.

In addition to creating greater public awareness about the art of motorless flight, we promote all phases of Glider training and education, from ground instruction and ground school webinars to flight operations; from basic instruction to advanced techniques.

We are an all-volunteer organization capable of providing our members with instructional services, aerial tow services, and a fleet of gliders at substantially reduced costs. Our Youth program provides an opportunity for school-aged children and young adult to train and earn a pilot’s license at substantially reduced cost. Our Youth members actively support field operations as a vital part of their training in the sport.

The Foundation is also dedicated to the preservation of the Franconia Gliderport as a means of facilitating glider operations in close proximity to the uniquely favorable soaring conditions in the White Mountains geographical region.

As a way to create greater public awareness and education about soaring, The Foundation hosts Airport Open Houses, an Adaptive Soaring Day for people with disabilities, and other public events.

Most importantly, our goals are to share the joys of soaring with the general public while providing our members with an enjoyable and affordable opportunity to fly gliders.

The Franconia Soaring Foundation is an IRS-approved 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

We invite you to come visit us and partake in the unique experience of soaring, whether you are simply seeking more information or are an experienced pilot.