The Soaring Society of America (SSA) was founded at the instigation of Warren E. Eaton to promote the sport of gliding in the USA and internationally. The first meeting was held in New York City in the McGraw-Hill building on February 20, 1932. Its first objective was to hold a national soaring competition every year, but other roles were quickly adopted. In 1954, the Society created the Soaring Hall of Fame. Today the SSA, with a nationwide membership of over 12,500, is currently headquartered in Hobbs, New Mexico.
The SSA is run by the 26 members on its Board of Directors, 20 of whom are regionally elected by the general membership and serve for three years. The other six directors are elected annually by the other Directors. In addition to the executive meetings of the Board, SSA meetings are held twice a year and are open to the general membership.
The main responsibilities of the SSA are:
- Flight training and safety
- Technological research and development
- Services to members, such as organising SSA conventions and verifying badge claims
- Sponsorship and monitoring of competitions
- Promoting the sport and contact with the media
- Representing members' interests at meetings with Federal agencies in matters such as airspace
- Publishing Soaring magazine
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