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High Desert Soaring Challenge 2026

(formerly the Summer Glider Endurance Event)

This event was held on June 20, 2026. Results can be found Here.

Join the Chino Valley Flyers for a day of electric sailplane competition where skill, strategy, and precision determine the winners. Pilots compete in separate 2-Meter and Open Sailplane classes, launching with just 15 seconds of motor run before hunting for lift and managing energy to achieve a target flight duration. Points are awarded for both flight time accuracy and spot landings, creating an exciting test of soaring ability from launch to touchdown. Whether you’re an experienced thermal pilot or looking for a new challenge, this event offers friendly competition, great camaraderie, and cash awards for the top finishers in each class.

Where: Chino Valley Flyers Field, Chino Valley, AZ
When: Saturday, June 20, 2026
Registration Fee: $5.00 per model, per class

General Information
This is a timed duration and spot landing event for powered sailplanes of any size and power system. There are two classes: The 2-Meter class is for models with a wingspan measuring up to two meters. The 2+ Meter class is for models with a wingspan exceeding two meters.

      • All AMA and club safety rules will be enforced.
      • All pilots must have current AMA and FAA registration.
      • Pilots need not be CVF members.
      • All pilots must provide a spotter who will also serve as the pilot’s timer.

Schedule: The field will be open for practice until 6:30am while the runway is being marked. It will reopen when the runway marking is complete.

      • 7:00am – Pilot registration opens
      • 7:25am – Safety Briefing and rules review. All pilots must attend.
      • 8:00am – Official flying begins.

The 2-meter class will fly first, followed by the 2+ meter class. When both classes are complete, the judges will determine the scores and announce the winners.

Flight Format: This event is open to any electric-powered glider or sailplane with no restrictions on motor, prop, or battery. Each aircraft will fly one time in each of three rounds for each class. Each flight will consist of a powered phase (max motor run 15 seconds), endurance phase (points are awarded based on how close the actual flight time is to the event duration time), and spot landing with more points awarded for being closer to the target.

Scoring & Prizes: Points are awarded for landing within the specified flight duration—the closer to the exact duration, the more points are awarded. Points are also awarded for landing within the specified landing area—the closer to the center of the landing area, the more points.

Cash prizes will be awarded for 1st through 3rd places in each class. The amount of the prize will be based on the number of pilots registered in the class—the more pilots, the greater the prizes.

For More Information: Schedule & Rules

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