As one considers outstanding locations to soar in the US, I believe
one should really add Moriarty, New Mexico to the list. Moriarty has a
lot to offer the soaring pilot including:
1. The area offers great soaring weather and truly outstanding thermal
soaring from April to October with cloudbases often found at 16-18K
(The Moriarty airport is at 6,200 feet)and thermals of 6-8 knots being
very, very common.
2. Very nice wave in the fall and winter months is generated off the
Sandia and Manzano mountains.
3. Excellent routes for long cross-country flights are well known with
minimal airspace "issues."
4. There are plenty of safe land-out areas and the typical altitudes
normally achieved during a normal X-C, give the pilot plenty of range
to reach airports, ranch strips, etc.
5. Sundance Aviation operates 7 days a week and is an outstanding FBO
dedicated to supporting soaring at Moriarty. Tows, instruction and
rentals are available. Moriarty is also home to the Albuquerque
Soaring Club.
6. Two glider repair facilities are located right on the field
(Applebay Aviation & Enchantment Aero) should your ship need any
repair work!
7. The US Southwest Soaring Museum is curently under construction in
Moriarty on Old Route 66 and it will soon be open to the public with
exhibits and numerous historic gliders on display! There are plenty of
very nice hotels and restaurants in town and the airport is just 2
miles from downtown Moriarty.
8. The "Land of Enchantment" offers a lot to the visitor. In addition
to very friendly people, NM offers many cultural and historic
attractions found in: Albuquerque (30 miles West), Santa Fe (40 miles
North)and Taos (100 miles North). The high-desert scenery is great
with the Sandia and Manzano mountains to the West and the Sangre de
Christo mountains to the North.
9. Finally, as many folks found out at the "Lift 2000" SSA Convention
in Albuquerque, there is nothing like the outstanding New Mexican
food! All you will have to do is decide if you want the "red or green
chili..."
Regards,
Renny Rozzoni
Albuquerque, NM