Chilhowee Gliderport

Benton, US 🇺🇸 Small Airport

ICAO

92A

IATA

Elevation

770 ft

Region

US-TN

Local Time

Airport Information

GPS Code: 92A

Local Code: 92A

Location: 35.226501° N, -84.5849° E

Continent: NA

Type: Small Airport

Terminal Information Not Available
Terminal arrivals and departures are only available for airports with scheduled commercial service and IATA codes.

External Links

Wikipedia Live Flights

Nearby Points of Interest

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What Travelers Say

AI-Generated Summary Based on web research

Travelers to Chilhowee Gliderport (92A) in Benton, US, consistently express high satisfaction with their experiences, describing it as a unique and thrilling opportunity for motorless flight. The overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with many highlighting the breathtaking scenic views and the professionalism of the staff.

What Travelers Love

Exceptional Gliding Experience: Visitors are thrilled by the chance to soar silently above the Appalachian Mountains, Tennessee Valley, Hiwassee, and Ocoee Rivers, often likening it to flying like a hawk. The local topography provides excellent thermal, ridge, and wave soaring conditions, allowing for exhilarating flights at impressive speeds.
Professional and Welcoming Staff: The gliderport is staffed by FAA-certified glider flight instructors who offer both guided tours and private lessons. The owner, Sarah Kelly Arnold, is an internationally recognized champion glider pilot. The team is generally seen as helpful and knowledgeable, and the gliderport welcomes individuals with special needs.
Stunning Scenery: The location offers gorgeous views of the Cherokee National Forest, the Hiwassee River (including ancient Cherokee fish traps), and distant blue ridges of the southern Appalachians.
Instruction and Training Opportunities: Chilhowee Gliderport is a popular spot for both introductory rides and comprehensive glider flight instruction, including primary training and transition training for power pilots. It's also a starting point for experienced pilots embarking on long cross-country flights.
On-site and Nearby Amenities: While not a traditional airport terminal, the gliderport offers possibilities for camping on-site with access to a shower in the clubhouse. There are also numerous nearby attractions and lodging options, including white water rafting, hiking, and local restaurants. Pets are permitted on a leash as it is an active airport.
Dedicated Parking for Glider Trailers: Specific instructions and assistance are provided for parking glider trailers safely and efficiently.

Common Complaints

Limited Operating Hours and Wait Times: The gliderport primarily operates Friday through Sunday from approximately 11:00 AM until sunset, weather permitting, with irregular weekday hours. One traveler noted a long wait list for the gliding club, suggesting that availability can be a challenge.
Weather Dependency: As with all aviation, flight experiences are weather-dependent. Overcast or chilly conditions can affect the flight ceiling, though experiences are generally still positive.

Chilhowee Gliderport provides an exceptional and highly recommended soaring experience for both first-time adventurers and aspiring glider pilots, offering stunning natural beauty and professional instruction in a welcoming environment. While operating hours and potential wait times require planning, the unique thrill of motorless flight and the scenic views make it a memorable destination.

Generated 5 days ago

This summary is automatically generated by AI based on web research of traveler reviews and experiences. AI-generated content may not always be 100% accurate.

Current Weather Conditions

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Airport Routes

Popular Flight Routes

Routes Not Available: Flight routes are only available for airports with scheduled commercial service. Chilhowee Gliderport is classified as a small airport without scheduled service.

0 destinations displayed

Destination	IATA	City	Aircraft Type	Airline	Details	Route Map
Route Data Not Loaded Get fresh route data for Chilhowee Gliderport from FlightAware API Last updated: 4 days, 22 hours ago This will fetch real-time data including recent departures and scheduled flights

For Pilots

Designation	Length	Width	Surface	Status
`03/21`	2600 ft	200 ft	TURF-G	Active

Type	Description	Frequency

Ident	Name	Type	Frequency

Ground Transportation

Ground Transportation Information

Detailed ground transportation information for Chilhowee Gliderport is being prepared. This includes information about taxis, rental cars, and public transportation options.

Taxis

Taxis are typically available outside arrival terminals at most airports.

Rental Cars

Major rental car companies typically have counters at airports with commercial service.

Public Transportation

Many airports offer bus or train connections to nearby city centers.

Distances are approximate and calculated as straight-line distances.