NIMSA has been in existence for 25 years +. Currently we number about 20 members, 10 of whom are active on a regular basis. NIMSA is Northern Irelands only pure glider club, we only accept members who fly gliders. The three types of soaring enjoyed are thermal, electric and slope. Thermal and electric take place at a site belonging to Belfast City Council on the North side of Belfast. Slope soaring takes place throughout NI, but primarily in the Antrim Hills, on sites we have negotiated access to along with the East Antrim Club.

Thermal soaring involves using a winch, hand tow or bungee to get the models to height and then using thermals (rising hot air), to keep the model in the air. Electric soaring only differs in that the model gets to height using a small electric motor mounted in the nose. Slope soaring uses the wind rising up a hill at right angles to the wind to keep the model in the air. The model is flown backwards and forwards along the ridge doing aerobatics and speed runs.

Throughout the summer months, NIMSA runs thermal and electric comps every second weekend and the Area Thermal Championships. Spring and Autumn are saved for slope flying, with a few hardy souls venturing out in the winter months too.

Gliding is a good, cheap way of learning to fly. The models and Radio gear to fly them are relatively cheap. The models fly slowly and are easily controlled. Slope soaring allows long flight times to hone your skills and as you advance,, full aerobatics are possible.

More information on gliding and NIMSA can be found on the clubs website