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Welcome to the Sunflower Gliderport
Soaring has been a part of south-central Kansas for more than half a century due to the enthusiastic efforts of pilots who joined together
to further the art of soaring. The Sunflower Gliderport is owned and managed by the Sunflower Soaring Foundation (SSF), a 501c3 non-profit organization.
Two soaring clubs exist at the Sunflower Gliderport, the Kansas Soaring Association (KSA) and the Wichita Soaring Association (WSA).
These organizations exist in a symbiotic relationship with the goal of promoting and advancing the sport of soaring in the state of Kansas.
Being a part of our soaring community is one of the most unique experiences imaginable. Friendship, community, learning, and accomplishing incredibly interesting goals together are just some of the driving forces behind our passionate member base. Some members are just looking for something to do with their time while others are goal oriented and driven competitors who find the challenges of soaring irresistible. With everything from contests, cookouts, and aviation programs, you will not be bored should you embark on our unique offerings.
Three organizations operate at the Sunflower Gliderport; the Sunflower Soaring Foundation, the Kansas Soaring Association, and the Wichita Soaring Association. Each organization has it's own unique purpose, responsibilities and leadership structure.
Click on the boxes below to learn more about each organization.
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Sunflower Soaring Foundation
The Sunflower Soaring Foundation (SSF) is a 501C3 nonprofit organization which owns and operates the Sunflower Gliderport. Its purpose is to support and promote the sport of soaring in the state of Kansas by maintaining the Sunflower Gliderport, providing scholarship support, fostering national and international competitions, and supporting the development and growth of soaring pilots. The Foundation consists of a board of directors which oversee the operation and direction of the foundation and its assets. The foundation does not have traditional members but relies on the volunteer effort of the local community for maintenance, general upkeep, and improvements of the facilities and equipment.
Activities that fall under the purview of the SSF include but are not limited to:
- Use of the Sunflower Gliderport and/or its facilities.
- Use and Maintenance of nonflying equipment such as the golf cart, mowers, tractors, etc.
- Rental of hangar/tiedown space.
- Youth scholarship selection.
- Planning and oversight of the Spring and Fall Workdays.
- Camping/overnight stays at the Sunflower Gliderport.
SSF Board of Directors
| Member (Manager) |
Tony Condon |
Term - 2025 |
| President |
Bob Hinson |
Term - 2025 |
| Treasurer |
Rob Rippy |
Term - 2025 |
| Secretary |
Kirk Bittner |
Term - 2025 |
| Director |
Bob Blanton |
Term - 2025 |
| Director |
Mike Davis |
Term - 2025 |
| Director |
Dave Pauly |
Term - 2025 |
| Director |
Matt Gonitzke |
Term - 2025 |
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Kansas Soaring Association
The Kansas Soaring Association (KSA) is the state chapter of the Soaring Society of America (SSA) and is the primary membership organization for the sport of soaring in the state of Kansas.
While KSA is a tenant of the Sunflower Gliderport and does not own or oversee the management of the facilities, it is the primary organization responsible for soaring operations at the gliderport.
As such, KSA owns and operates the two towplanes based at the Sunflower Gliderport as well as all equipment associated with soaring operations such as tow ropes, aviation fuel, and auto towing equipment.
In addition to the towplanes, KSA also owns the Grob G103 two place sailplane. Use of the KSA tow planes or sailplane require a current membership in the organization.
As the state chapter of the SSA, membership in KSA includes a membership in the SSA. SSA membership is required to be a member of KSA.
In addition to the day to day soaring operations at the Sunflower Gliderport, KSA also organizes regular club meetings, camps, local outreach events, the end of season banquet, as well as local, regional, national, and international competitions.
KSA is a non-profit organization and is run by a board of directors, elected by the general membership.
KSA Board of Directors
| President |
Kirk Bittner |
Term 2025 - 2026 |
| Eastern Vice-President |
Bob Blanton |
Term 2025 - 2026 |
| Western Vice President |
Bob Hinson |
Term 2025 - 2026 |
| Secretary-Treasurer |
Josh Maes |
Term 2025 - 2026 |
| Tow Plane Manager |
Steve Leonard |
Term 2025 - 2026 |
| Director |
Brian Bird |
Term 2025 - 2026 |
| Director |
Bret Chilcott |
Term 2025 - 2026 |
| Director |
Doug Dutton |
Term 2024 - 2025 |
| Director |
Andy Arnold |
Term 2024 - 2025 |
| Past President |
Tony Condon |
N/A |
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Wichita Soaring Association
The Wichita Soaring Association (WSA) owns and operates a fleet of rental gliders based at the Sunflower Gliderport. Membership in the WSA is only required if you wish to operate one of the WSA gliders. As use of the KSA Grob 103 sailplane requires a private glider license or higher, membership in the WSA is required for student pilots wishing to learn in the WSA training gliders. WSA is a 501C3 nonprofit organization and is overseen by a board of directors as well as member elected officers.
WSA Board of Directors
| Board Member |
Harry Clayton |
| Board Member |
Steve Leonard |
| Board Member |
Phil Ciholas |
WSA Officers
| President |
Bob Blanton |
Term 2024 |
| Vice-President |
Kirk Bittner |
Term 2024 |
| Treasurer |
Sue Eldridge |
Term 2024 |