Soaring to New Heights in Nevada Skies

Each year, Pathways to Aviation hosts our signature event, “Soaring to New Heights in Nevada Skies.” This year’s event will be focused on gliding and will bring students, hobbyists, and industry professionals together to explore this topic and inspire tomorrow’s aviators.

Tuesday, April 7, 2026
5:30pm – Career Readiness and Refreshments
6:30pm – Narrated Glider Program
Joe Crowley Student Union Ballrooms – University of Nevada, Reno

Gliding in Aviation Gliding, also known as soaring, is a form of flight that involves unpowered aircraft. Rather than relying on an engine, gliders, sometimes referred to as sailplanes, use thermal air currents and wind to stay aloft. Experienced pilots are able to use air currents and wind to stay aloft for hours and fly for miles. For anyone interested in aviation, gliding is a great way to get started, especially for those who want to become pilots. Because gliders have no engine, glider pilots must expertly manage airspeed and altitude. These skills help create better, safer pilots and can also open up opportunities to pursue other aviation career paths.

Soaring in Nevada Skies is made possible by the generous support of the Gillemot Foundation. Pathways to Aviation partners with the Gillemot Foundation and UNR on this event so that we can expose students and our larger Northern Nevada community to the wonders of aviation.

The Gillemot Foundation’s mission is to honor aviator George W. Gillemot by expanding aerospace, aviation, and STEM education, particularly in Northern Nevada. Through partnerships and philanthropy, the Gillemot Foundation’s mission is to develop future talent, drive innovation, and foster community engagement. They fund initiatives that build a strong “aerospace ecosystem,” including faculty, research, and K-12 outreach, ensuring the region’s growth in the aerospace sector.

Admission is free for students and anyone else who wants to attend, but we also invite local companies and organizations to sponsor a table where they can exhibit what they have to offer as part of the aviation community. Certain levels of sponsorship also include additional promotion, such as a page in our program and promotion before and during the event.

Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from industry speakers, enjoy interactive sessions, and engage in questions and conversation about gliding, including how to learn this skill and get involved. There is no minimum age to take glider lessons, but students have to be at least 14 to solo and they can receive a license at 16. Attending this April event is a great way to get them started. 

We are thrilled to offer the opportunity not only to learn about an exciting aspect of aviation, but also to connect with our local aviation community. Northern Nevada is home to dozens of airports employing hundreds, even thousands, of aviation professionals ranging from pilots to technicians to customer service representatives. And, as of 2025, Northern Nevada is also home to its first aviation school as part of Washoe County School District’s (WCSD) Academy of Arts, Careers and Technology (AACT).