About BSA
A first-time flyer eagerly awaits her flight.
Brandywine Soaring Association (BSA) is a non-profit organization operating out of New Garden Airport in southeastern Pennsylvania. The club provides low-cost introductory flights to non-members and free instructional programs ... from first flight to solo ... for full members. All instruction is performed by club members who are FAA Certified Glider Instructors. Many are skilled ex-military or professional pilots with thousands of flying hours. To keep costs down, a majority of the club activities are based on the volunteer efforts of the members. It is very common to see a crew of members working together to solve a problem.
N316BA on final at Morgantown.
BSA soars over the beautiful and historic Pennsylvania and Delaware countryside nourished by the meandering Brandywine River. In addition to wonderful Pennsylvania Dutch Landscapes, which are especially colorful during the fall foliage season, the Chesapeake Bay, Delaware River Valley and Philadelphia skyline are strikingly visible.
While BSA is a "Flying Club", that is not all we do. We are a very friendly, social group of people from all walks of life who share a common interest in aviation. From engineers to doctors to high school students, every member contributes in making BSA a successful organization. Some members fly every time weather permits, others only fly a few times a year. Whatever your goals, you will not be alone. We even have an non-resident membership for people who wish to remain members even if they live far away.
In addition to basic flight training and leisurely local flying, groups of more experienced club members often arrange trips to compete in regional or national cross country races or soaring safaris to experience the beauty and adventure available at a new soaring location.
History of Brandywine Soaring Association
BSA originated as a club in 1955 to promote the art and science of motorless flight and general aviation. The club was created primarily with the help of the late Stanley W. Smith. Stanley was also a founding member of the Soaring Society of America (SSA) in 1932. In addition to his organizational skills, Stanley was an excellent racing pilot and in 1933 and 1957, competed in U.S. National Championships. He was also a member of the U.S. Team and competed in the World Championships in 1952 and 1954.
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