Special Interest Groups (SIGS)
R/C soaring is a very diverse hobby. Aircraft range from few ounces to tens of pounds; from $200 in the box ready to fly to thousands of dollars of swooping molded carbon fiber; from a ballast filled slope rocket screaming 200mph to a gossamer floater lazing on a the lightest puff of lift. SASS members enjoy every facet of soaring; SIGS allow birds of a feather get together.
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Hand launch gliders are a fast growing and exciting part of the hobby. Thrown into the air by wingtip like a discus, they can reach 100mph going up, but are high performance floaters once there
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Altitude Limited Electric Soaring uses electric powered, propeller driven sailplanes with automatic motor cutoff to launch all planes in a competition to the same height. ALES is a good way to get started in competition and offers plenty of challenge for experienced pilots.
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The queen of international soaring competition, F3B gliders push the limits of soaring technology worldwide.
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F3J
F3J gliders are similar to large open class gliders, but are launched by team members towing them into the air.
Slope
Anything can fly on a slope with enough wind