22 Soaring • August 2019 • http://www.ssa.org
MD, VA, and WV could benefit from linking their routes
to PA and TN. WV offers very consistent wave conditions.
In theory, TN could challenge PA for national-level dis-
tance records from the other end of the main ridge. Linking
NJ (or NY!) to TN is the holy grail of Appalachian soaring.
The east’s biggest mountains are found in the north of
this region, but for the most part, coastal plains and pied-
mont offer convection, humidity, and the occasional sea
breeze front. Warmer weather stretches the soaring season
the further south you go.
MS is virgin territory for all intents and purposes. There’s
still plenty of opportunity in SC and NC, less so in GA.
AL could produce epic distance if it connected with TN
and points north. FL is the stalwart of the region because
of its cadre of soaring snowbirds, but also benefits from
convergence lift.
Heat, humidity, and friendly terrain, with an especially
long soaring season in the south. The east is predominately
low and swampy, and it gets higher and drier to the west.LA, MO, and AR present opportunity for the aspiring
record holder in every category. Free distance is a popular
format in KS. TX is world-famous for its summertime con-
vection and strong conditions can extend across the south-
ern plains.The biggest records on the continent are made in the Si-
erra Nevada and in the adjacent Great Basin. The Rockies
are scenic and rugged. Desert conditions dominate in the
south. Only the best pilots will have the chance for a claim.The heat map is a sea of red. AZ is the underachiever of