NC State engineers “soar” with March 24 sailplane exhibit

What: Aerospace engineering students at North Carolina State University team up with pilots and flight instructors to show off another way humans defy gravity — soaring. Up to six modern gliders, which are also called sailplanes because they can fly more than 100 miles without an engine, will be on display on NC State’s Centennial Campus. Attendees can learn the basics of glider flying and how to earn a pilot’s license. Media coverage is invited.

Who: NC State’s chapter of the Sigma Gamma Tau Honor Society for Aerospace Engineering and the North Carolina Soaring Association will display the high-performance sailplanes. Students and staff from the organizations will answer questions and share how these gliders can be used for activities ranging from racing to wave soaring.

When: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday, March 24. A seminar on soaring will be held from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Where: The Oval surrounded by Engineering Buildings I, II, and III at 890 Oval Drive on NC State’s Centennial Campus (map). Introductory glider flights will be offered at the Harnett County Airport on March 26 and April 2.

Cost: The event is free and open to the public.

More information: Learn more about soaring from the Soaring Society of America and the North Carolina Soaring Association.

Media Contact: Nate DeGraff, Engineering Communications, 919.515.3848