The historic Torrey Pines Gliderport has been listed as a National Soaring Landmark by the National Soaring Museum, a San Diego City Historical Site, and is listed on the California Register and National Registers of Historic Places. It is the only gliderport adjacent to the west coast of America that supports four different forms of motorless aviation; hang gliders, paragliders, radio-controlled model sailplanes and full-scale sailplanes. The cliffs along Torrey Pines have been used for soaring and many famous aviators have earned their wings training at the gliderport. During World War II, the gliderport was used as part of Camp Callan for the training of U.S. Army cadets. After the war, sailplanes returned and have flown continuously at the location since 1946. Several national and international soaring records have been set at the site over the years.
On June 6, 1992 the National Soaring Museum designated Torrey Pines Gliderport as a National Soaring Landmark. On March 21, 1993 this site was dedicated as San Diego City Historical Site #315. On May 7th, 1993 the site was recognized as historic by the California State Historical Resources Commission. Later that year it was added to the California Register and National Register of Historic Places.
By Gary Fogel