Philadelphia Glider Council (PGC) is one of the premier soaring clubs in North America. Founded in 1941, this unique aviation organization is located just north of the Philadelphia metro area in Hilltown, Pennsylvania - serving glider pilots and the general public in the surrounding tri-state region.

All student instruction and equipment usage is free - students just pay yearly membership dues and tow fees. Younger students are also eligible for PGC's Youth Scholarship Program that subsidizes a portion of membership and flight costs.

PGC members range from beginning students to highly experienced glider pilots; and our soaring activities vary to meet the needs of individual pilots – From basic flight training to post-license training, just-for-fun local flying, cross-country soaring and competitive flying. Inexpensive student flight training is a central part of the PGC mission. Each season, a dedicated cadre of instructors provides basic flight instruction for a new group of student pilots. When their training is complete these students take the required FAA tests and earn their wings!

In addition to basic training, PGC also hosts advanced cross-country soaring camps conducted by national and world soaring champions. PGC racing pilots also participate in SSA regional and national championships, the inter-club Governor's Cup competition, and the world On-Line Contest (OLC).

PGC owns the 138 acre turf airport, eight modern sailplanes for basic and advanced training, two towplanes, a two-drum winch, hangers for equipment, club house a with flight simulator training facilities, and a picnic and play area for visiting family members.

Flight operations are scheduled on weekends and some weekdays (depending on weather) between April and October. We also operate on select days throughout the winter as conditions allow. Check our live webcams to watch flightline operations or verify flight activity if you want to visit and join the fun.

PGC offers Aeronautical Orientation Flights for those who would like to experience the thrill of soaring or who have thought about becoming a pilot. See the contact information to the right, or click on the Join PGC menu to inquire about an aeronautical orientation flight or club membership.

For insight into the sights and sounds of glider flight watch the Soaring Video (may require a high speed connection). Please come visit and watch the beauty of gliders in flight, take an Aeronautical Orientation Flight, or buy a Gift Certificate and treat a special someone to a great aviation experience.