Ridge Running at Talihina: Like a Roller Coaster Without a Track

If you have never flown the ridge, it is a hoot! Like running a roller coaster without a track!

In late December 2025, Doug Dutton flew Buffalo Mountain at Talihina Municipal Airport in southeastern Oklahoma, joining a group of pilots coordinated by Omri Kalinsky out of Texas Soaring Association. Talihina’s Buffalo Mountain ridge has become a winter tradition for a growing number of KSA and WSA members willing to make the drive south.

Doug’s December flight lasted 5½ hours on the ridge. When he shared it with the club, the message was simple:

The video he linked was shot by an Omri Kalinsky production, the AFROHAWK series, which captures the December 2025 group session on Buffalo Mountain. It’s worth watching—the ridge provides constant lift as long as the wind is up, letting pilots run the length of the mountain back and forth for hours at low altitude, trading altitude for speed and speed for altitude in a continuous rhythm unlike any thermaling flight.

Jay Buchanan, who was also at the session, added a tantalizing note for those thinking about their Diamond badge:

Veteran KSA pilot Bob Holliday, who has done extensive ridge flying, offered some perspective on what lies nearby for those ready to push further:

Interested in going? Jay Buchanan passed along the word to the club: “If you want to get on the email list for future ridge events at Talihina, just email Tony or myself and we will ask Omri to include you in the fun.” Omri watches winter weather conditions and the group makes quick logistical decisions to get gliders to Talihina in time. Know that you’ll need to be ready to move on short notice when the conditions line up.

Doug Dutton
Standard Cirrus EY