The Soaring Society of America competition is taking place at Perry International Airport in Aiken County, South Carolina, from April 20-25. This annual event, the largest of its kind in the United States, features 65 gliders and pilots from various states including Florida, New York, and Alaska. Pilots launch their gliders with the help of motorized planes and aim to utilize thermals—columns of rising air—to soar for three to four hours without fuel. Notably, Greenville resident Scott Fletcher, a retired mechanical engineer, highlighted a flight that reached 10,800 feet. The competition involves navigating routes typically ranging from 200-350 miles, with participants aiming to maximize their altitude and distance. The event not only showcases the skill involved in gliding but also emphasizes the enjoyment of flying for leisure rather than a specific destination.