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The
Soaring Society of America (SSA) was founded at the instigation of Warren E. Eaton to promote the sport of soaring in the USA and internationally. The first meeting was held in
New York CityNew York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
in the McGraw-Hill building on February 20, 1932. Its first objective was to hold a national soaring competition every year, but other roles were quickly adopted. In 1954, the Society created the
Soaring Hall of FameThe Soaring Hall of Fame recognizes individuals who have made the highest achievements in, or contributions to, the sport of soaring in the United States of America. It has been located at the National Soaring Museum in Elmira, New York, since 1975...
. Today the SSA, with a nationwide membership of over 12,500, is currently headquartered in
Hobbs, New MexicoHobbs is a city in Lea County, New Mexico, United States. The population was 28,657 at the 2000 census.Hobbs is the principal city of the Hobbs, New Mexico Micropolitan Statistical Area, which includes all of Lea County.-Geography:...
.
The SSA is led by the 17 members on its Board of Directors and its Executive Committee, ten of whom are regionally elected by the general membership and serve for three years. The other seven at-large directors are elected annually by the other Directors. In addition to the executive meetings of the Board, full SSA Board meetings are held twice a year and are open to the general membership. A support staff administers the daily business of the society from the headquarters offices.
The main responsibilities of the SSA are:
- Flight training
Flight training is a course of study used when learning to pilot an aircraft. The overall purpose of primary and intermediate flight training is the acquisition and honing of basic airmanship skills....
and safetyAir safety is a term encompassing the theory, investigation and categorization of flight failures, and the prevention of such failures through regulation, education and training. It can also be applied in the context of campaigns that inform the public as to the safety of air travel.-United...
- Technological research and development
- Services to members, such as organising SSA conventions and verifying badge claims
- Sponsorship and monitoring of competitions
- Promoting the sport and contact with the media
- Representing members' interests at meetings with Federal agencies in matters such as airspace
- Publishing Soaring magazine
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