US High School Soaring Team: The Pursuit of Excellence

By Eric Tellman

In January 2022, Steven Tellmann achieved his Private Pilot Glider rating. Within a remarkably short span of three weeks, he fulfilled the requirements for a silver badge from the Soaring Society of America, paving the way for his entry into his initial contest. As a proud member of the Tampa Bay Soaring Society, Steven embarked on his inaugural regional contest in Cordele, GA, using the club’s LS-4 glider.

Meanwhile, through a generous donation, the Lakeland Aero Club had recently acquired a DG-400 glider. Seizing the opportunity, Steven Tellmann became the first high school student from the Lakeland Aero Club to compete in glider contests, thus setting the stage for a pioneering initiative. With him named the team Captain, Lakeland Aero Club organized the formation of the first-ever US High School Soaring Team.

In 2022, the team participated in the Sports Class Regionals in Waller, Texas, marking the conclusion of their debut season. The following year, they ventured into more challenging competitions, including a guest appearance at the Seniors Gliding Championships and the Cordele 15 Meter Nationals, before returning to the Sports Class Nationals in Waller, Texas. During this period, Steven’s outstanding performance has earned him a spot on the US Jr worlds soaring team. He will be one of four US Teammates racing against multiple countries representing the USA in Ostrow Poland, July 2024.

The High School Soaring Team’s mission extends beyond individual achievements, focusing on training young adults to not only acquire their ratings but also to apply them effectively within a team dynamic in a safe manner. Following in the footsteps of his mentor, Team Captain Steven Tellmann, Qwest Hipps recently attained his Private Pilot Glider rating. Qwest is now immersing himself in the intricacies of cross-country racing, poised to participate in his first cross country camp in Cordele, GA, this summer, paving the way for regional contests, which will soon lead to nationals and beyond.

The world of glider cross-country racing remains largely unknown to many, characterized by the exhilarating sight of 60 gliders lining up on the runway, towed aloft by six tow planes within an hour or less. As the task manager announces the day’s task, the contest director announces the start gate is open, gliders vanish into the horizon, navigating distances ranging from 150 to 500 miles, enduring flights lasting up to 5-7 hours on better than average soaring days. Upon their return, pilots share tales of their experiences, fostering a sense of camaraderie and safety within the “soaring family”.

Behind every pilot stands a dedicated support crew, meticulously preparing the glider each morning, ensuring its readiness for the day’s challenges. From wiping down the gliders to charging batteries and attending to every detail, the harmony between pilots and support crews is essential for success. Ultimately, the team’s aspiration lies in securing berths at the junior worlds, a testament to their dedication and unwavering effort in the pursuit of excellence.