Albuquerque Soaring Club

Moriarty boasts some of the finest year round soaring conditions in the United States, including 15 knot thermals to 22,000 ft, mountain wave to 34,000 ft, and orographic lift off the Manzano, Sandia, Ortiz, and Sangre de Cristo mountain ranges. Many flights in excess of 1000 kilometers or 600 miles are recorded each year.  The airport is located in the Estancia Valley which runs generally north and south with the Sandia and Manzano mountain ranges to the west. The Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the southern terminus of the great Rocky Mountain chain, are to the north.

After releasing from a 2,000 foot tow, a glider pilot can climb thousands of feet higher utilizing nothing more than naturally occurring vertical air currents in the atmosphere. Then the pilot begins a high speed glide towards the destination ahead. The glider may not have to circle again for many miles before yet another graceful climb followed by another glide. This is the sport of soaring.

Although some glider pilots find satisfaction in staying close to their home airport, many consider cross country soaring to be one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences a pilot can have. Either way, every flight is different. Whether it is a badge or record attempt, a competition, or just an enjoyable day in the air pilots must constantly hone their skills and make the most efficient use of the weather to stay aloft..

The world altitude record in a glider is more than 79,000ft. Distance flights of more than 1000 kilometers are not uncommon. The longest task ever flown in a glider is just over 3000 kilometers.

​The Albuquerque Soaring Club (ASC) was established in 1960 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. After numerous moves the club found a permanent home at the Moriarty Airport in the summer of 1970. The clubhouse, which was designed and built by club members, is one of the first hangars constructed at the airport. 

The purpose of the club is to:

• Promote the sport of soaring.
• Provide the facilities necessary to allow glider rated pilots the opportunity to soar in the Albuquerque area .
• Provide safe and reasonably priced equipment and services to its members.
• Provide ongoing training and education to its members.
• Provide for the growth of the ASC by recruiting and training new members.
• Promote fellowship through club sponsored social events.
• Be a "good neighbor" to the town of Moriarty and its residents.

Our clubhouse and operations are located in Moriarty NM, 35 miles east of Albuquerque on I-40.   Click here for a map.

The airport is southeast of the town of Moriarty. From I-40, take the Hwy 41 (Howard Cavasos Blvd.) exit and go south. Pass through 1 stoplight (at old Route 66) and turn east at the next stoplight. Drive straight east until the airport (and airport signs) are visible on the right.

The clubhouse/hangar is near the main runway and taxiway, it's a long, gray hangar that runs parallel to the runway.