2024 was another eventful year at Harris Hill, and our members came together time and again to celebrate our shared passion for flight. Here is a visual recap of the year.
We started the year in February with a group trip to Bermuda High Soaring in South Carolina to get an early start on training before the flying season at HH. There was lots of learning and lots of fun!
March is the beginning of our flying season at Harris Hill. Our spring checkouts are often chilly!
Corky (in the car), at 91 years young, is our oldest junior! Most days he can be found at the hill, keeping an eye on the flight activities. Here he is with Rob Whitcomb and Jake Barnes.
Rob Whitcomb getting ready to fly in his newly refurbished Schweizer 1-26.
Hanging out with Corky at the Flight Center. He has many excellent stories!
In July, Corky was honored with the Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award. This is the FAA’s highest award to recognize individuals who have 50 or more years of safe mechanics operations experience. The Charles Taylor “Master Mechanic” Award recognizes the lifetime accomplishments of senior mechanics. Mr. Taylor served as the Wright brothers’ mechanic and is credited with designing and building the engine for their first successful aircraft. The Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award is the most prestigious award the FAA issues to persons certificated under Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 65. This award, named after Charles Taylor, is to recognize individuals who have exhibited exemplary aviation expertise, distinguished professionalism, and steadfast commitment for at least 50 years or more of aviation maintenance experience.
One of many spectacular sunsets enjoyed after weekday evening flight instruction (WEFI).
Sandra Ryder (seated in the glider) has been flying at Harris Hill for only a couple of years, and in that short time has achieved her Private Pilot and Commercial Pilot ratings! Sandra also organizes the weekday evening flight instruction sessions. She’s an inspiration for our junior pilots!
History runs deep at Harris Hill. We have been soaring here since 1930. Harris Hill is also the home to the National Soaring Museum. Every three years history comes alive, when the International Vintage Sailplane Meet brings vintage gliders to soar at Harris Hill.
Scott Schiffres and Dave Welles about to fly to practice cross-country and thermalling skills.
David McMaster and Jacob Barnes Jr represented Harris Hill at the FAI Junior World Gliding Championships in Poland!
Kicking back after a day of summer flying.
Sean Murphy represented HH at the FAI World Championships in Uvalde, TX. Several Harris Hill members played important roles in the organization of the event.
We have the best junior program in the country! Many of our juniors can fly before they can drive. Here’s several juniors having a good time during summer operations.
An incredible display of the aurora borealis captured at the Hill by Mike Goldstein.
Harris Hill is the best place in Chemung County to see the sunset!
Celebrating many of the milestones achieved by our members in 2024.
