An Introduction to the Torrey Pines Gliderport Historical Society, Inc.
By Gary Fogel

The Torrey Pines Gliderport has been used for soaring since 1930. Here the westerly prevailing winds are interrupted by a 350 foot cliff thereby creating steady lift that can be used to sustain flight. Using a Bowlus sailplane in 1930, Charles Lindbergh flew in the lift at Torrey Pines during a flight that started from the top of Mount Soledad and ended on the beach near Del Mar. Other pioneer pilots advanced the state of the art in this unique environment. 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.

The area directly adjacent to the cliff edge is a San Diego municipal park (Torrey Pines City Park). The area inland of the cliff edge includes property that was given by the citizens of San Diego to the Regents of the University of California in order to establish University of California, San Diego. This includes a runway that was re-established after the gliderport was closed during World War II. During that period, a majority of the Torrey Pines Mesa became U.S. Army Camp Callan, for the purpose of training anti-aircraft artillery. Every year since World War II, then there have been full scale (man-carrying) sailplane activity sponsored by the Associated Glider Clubs of Southern California, chartered by the Soaring Society of America. In the 1950s and 1960s, model sailplanes were flown at Torrey Pines. Flying these radio-controlled aircraft have been a regular activity at the cliffs since then. These activities were primarily sponsored by the Torrey Pines Gulls Radio Controlled Soaring Society, until the late 1980s, when another radio controlled soaring club, the Torrey Pines Scale Soaring Society formed. Both of these model aircraft clubs are chartered by the Academy of Model Aeronautics. Hang gliding activity began in 1969 at Torrey Pines and the site was quickly recognized as a Mecca for ultralight enthusiasts. By the 1980s, paragliders also became popular along the cliffs at this location.

In view of the variety of user groups and potential for conflict, the Parks and Recreation Department of the City of San Diego asked that a volunteer advisory organization be created. The Torrey Pines Soaring Council was formed in 1978 to meet that need. That organization has been in existence ever since and continues to monitor and support the safety and enjoyment of flight activities at the cliff, advising the City of San Diego, the University of California, San Diego, and the Flight Director at Torrey Pines of any problems or concerns. The Torrey Pines Soaring Council currently has voting members that represent the four major different flight activities at the local and national levels: full scale sailplanes, ultralights (hang gliders and paragliders), and radio controlled model sailplanes. These individuals represent the great majority of fliers that will use this facility and, in addition, understand what is required to properly educate and guide those who visit this area for the sake of participating in flight activity at Torrey Pines. The Torrey Pines Soaring Council serves to bring about a new and higher level of camaraderie, provide more enjoyment and safety for spectators and provide San Diego with an attraction like none other on the west coast of America.