(8/28) Representatives of the Mid-Atlantic Soaring Association (M-ASA) sought support from Liberty Township Board of Supervisors for state funding initiatives. Founded in 1952, the M-ASA includes 100 members, 40 gliders, and several power planes, according to Mike Higgins, Association President. It is one of the country’s largest soaring clubs.
The M-ASA is a non-profit flight airfield located in Fairfield, dedicated to public outreach, education, and promoting the art and science of soaring," said Higgins. The organization is volunteer supported and provides its members with flight instruction, tow services, and gliders. Youth memberships enable students a means to obtain affordable flight training. M-ASA also provides other community education programs through Open Houses and other outreach, focused at enlightening the general public on the topic of soaring.
Higgins said, "the association is looking to expand their resources and is seeking state funding and grants for capital expense projects." Applying for Pennsylvania Department of Transportation’s Multimodal Transportation Fund requires the association to have municipal support, he said.
The funding will go toward expanding the M-ASA meeting building and constructing a glider hanger, said Michael Cooper-White, Association Secretary. The addition of hanger space on the property would not add extra aircraft but will allow aircraft to be stowed assembled instead of disabled in trailers, according to Cooper-White.
A public hearing on the subject is scheduled for September 7 at 6:30 p.m.
