The Long Island Soaring Association (LISA) is primarily a glider flying club, though we have some members who primarily fly our powered aircraft. We have two 2-seat training gliders and two single seat gliders. We launch gliders by towing them with powered aircraft, so we also maintain a fleet of three powered aircraft, two of which are available for rental and training, including tailwheel training. (The other power plane is our primary tow plane and is not generally flown for personal use at this time.)
We are a non-profit organization formed in 1955. We are based at the Brookhaven Calabro Airport in Shirley, NY, which is a fairly busy general aviation airport, especially in the summer. Many of our flights are training flights, with members pursuing pilot certificates from private to commercial and Certificated Flight Instructor in both gliders and airplanes. We hold glider operations as often as possible Saturdays and Sundays and sometimes during the week if there is interest and a tow pilot (and if necessary, an instructor) available. In keeping with long-standing tradition, our tow pilots, CFI-Gs (glider instructors) and officers are all unpaid volunteers, allowing us to keep flying costs low. (Instructors in the power planes however are permitted to set their own rates for airplane flight instruction.)
Non-members are able to fly gliders with an instructor or commercial pilot onboard as Introductory Rides (primarily intended for individuals who might be interested in joining our club) or as Sightseeing / Gift Certificate flights. Fee information is available on our website.
If you're on Long Island and want to see what it's like to soar, get in touch with us!