Soaring NV - Minden Sailplane Instruction and Rentals

LS4
Rolladen-Schneider is justly famous for the LS line of sailplanes, and the LS-4 is very possibly the best-loved of their design effort. Capable of amazing performance in the strong thermals we experience in the western United States, the LS-4 will help you earn your badges or just take you on spectacular soaring flights you'll remember forever.

SoaringNV's LS-4 was privately owned for many years so does not show the knocks of many rental ships. On top of that it is equipped with modern flight computers to help you with navigation, and a quality communication transceiver and Mode-C transponder so the folks in Reno Approach will "see" you when you fly in our busy airspace. If you have any reservations about setting off on your own over the Nevada desert, consider flying one or two days in the Duo Discus with one of SoaringNV's highly experienced cross-country instructors. You'll see the landmarks that will guide you on your subsequent solo flight, you'll work thermals that will probably be working when you're on your own, and you'll see where you could land out if it comes to that. Enjoy the best soaring in the world in a high performance LS-4 from SoaringNV!

Preflight Check List
Flight Manual
Checkout Test

Duo Discuss
When the sun is only an hour above Job's Peak and you're still 30 miles from Minden at 12,000' MSL, you'll appreciate the high performance and sleek finish of our Duo Discus as you settle into final glide for home. Or when you're towing out to the Pine Nut Range in the middle of the morning, sniffing for those first hints of lift at the foot of Mt. Siegel, those long wings will get you away from the Carson Valley and on course for a Diamond distance flight while the others are still struggling over the alfalfa fields.

Yet for all its high performance the Duo Discus is not a difficult glider to fly. You'll appreciate that fact as the kilometers pass quietly under your wings and the hours stretch out. SoaringNV chose the Duo Discus as a two-place cross country trainer because it gives you performance with safety and good handling. Our Duo comes with state-of-the-art navigation equipment so you can be comfortable with that aspect of soaring as you prepare for long solo cross-country flights. If you're already comfortable with a single-seater but not familiar with the landmarks or sources of lift around Minden, take a day-long flight with one of our cross-country instructors, then jump into the LS-4 on another day to try your hand at a solo flight for hundreds of kilometers. You'll be amazed at the ease of transition from one ship to the other, and thrilled with the fantastic performance of this very special sailplane.

Preflight Check List
Flight Manual
Checkout Test

ASK-21
The ASK-21 is the standard by which two-place trainers are measured all over the world. Built by Schleicher of Germany from the most modern of synthetic materials, the 17-meter K-21is in current production so replacement parts are readily available. The glider is easy to handle and yet fully responsive so beginning and intermediate pilots get a good sense of the air around them and how to use it safely and efficiently.

SoaringNV's K-21 was built and shipped from Germany in Spring of 2008, and has been outfitted with state-of-the-art communications and flight computer equipment, including a Mode C transponder so it is visible to Reno tower controllers. You will not find a more modern, better-equipped two-place trainer anywhere -- an important consideration as you think about moving up to high-performance single-place sailplanes.

Schweizer 2-32
SoaringNV's Schweizer 2-32 is an extra-nice example of an older glider that is in demand all over the USA as a ride glider. The 2-32 is a gentle flier with good handling characteristics and the ability to carry two passengers in the rear seat -- the only three-seat glider ever to go into production!

A word of warning here: the rear seat will accommodate two passengers side-by-side ONLY if they are average-size or less. Father and pre-teen son (or daughter) make a perfect passenger load, as do husband and wife if each weighs less than 170 lbs and does not have long legs. SoaringNV's 2-32 was recently restored to like-new condition and is the snazziest 2-32 you'll see anywhere!

Pawnee 250
The Piper Pawnee is a common sight at soaring operations around the world. A no-frills workhorse with plenty of power to pull the heaviest of gliders into the air, even on the hottest of summer days, the Pawnee also has good visibility (important when the sky is full of circling gliders) and a low stall speed so it can tow the lightest of gliders at speeds that are comfortable for them.

SoaringNV's Pawnee has been flying under the close supervision of a meticulous mechanic for the past year and is in the best of shape. It has the powerful 260 HP engine (derated to 250 HP with the fixed-pitch propeller) and a retract reel for the tow rope so it will not snag fences and other objects, and so the towplane is ready faster for additional tows. You'll appreciate the extra power on hot days, especially if you're carrying water ballast.

Cross Country Adventure
Five days of a cross country adventure with a variety of our skilled staff. Find out more.