Airplane Field

Torrey Pines Gliderport (RC slope soaring)

La Jolla, CA

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At a glance

Flying area
Aircraft
Runway surfaceNot applicable
Runway size
Heli padsNot sure
Stations
Control lineNot sure
Track surfaceNot applicable
Flying rules
Power
Smoke
AMANot sure
FRIAYes - FAA-recognized FRIA
Noise
Who can fly
Who can fly hereMembers only
Field accessOpen to the public
Guest feeSite fee $10 a day or $200 a year
When to fly
HoursSunrise to sunset
At the field
FacilitiesPortable toilets (porta-potty)
Visitors
Camping
Pit powerNo power - bring charged batteries

Runways

Runway 1Not applicable
Runway 2Grass (Turf)
Runway 3Grass (Turf)

Rules for visitors

Motorless slope gliders only - no electric, fuel or drones. Pilots must be AMA members, belong to Torrey Pines Gulls or TPSSS, sign the City of San Diego waiver and earn a gliderport rating. Shared with hang gliders and paragliders.
Guests may fly only under the direct supervision of a rated pilot.

Recreational pilots need an FAA TRUST certificate, and aircraft over 250 g must be FAA registered.

About this field

The Torrey Pines Gliderport on the cliffs above Black's Beach in La Jolla is one of the best-known slope-soaring sites in the country. RC flying here is organized by Torrey Pines Gulls and the Torrey Pines Scale Soaring Society, and the site is shared with full-size hang gliders and paragliders.

It is not a drop-in RC site: pilots need club membership, the city waiver, a site fee and a gliderport rating. Only motorless gliders are allowed. The site is an FAA-recognized FRIA.

Camping & RV