What to expect, how each day works, and what to bring
The 2026 Tehachapi Safari is a week-long cross-country soaring event at Skylark North, Mountain Valley Airport (L94). This is a "bring your own glider" affair for up to 15 pilots. It's not a contest — it's a structured opportunity to fly world-class soaring conditions with fellow pilots, share knowledge, and have a great time.
Skylark North has three Pawnee tow planes, so tow capacity is not a concern.
Arrive & Assemble: Tuesday, July 28, 2026. Skylark has offered to let participants arrive a day early to assemble gliders and tie down.
Flying Days: Wednesday, July 29 through Monday, August 3, 2026 — six flying days.
Skylark North is closed Tuesdays.
Each day follows a rhythm designed to maximize your flying while building community:
Morning Pilots Meeting (10:00 AM) — Weather briefing and forecast discussion, a safety topic for the day, suggested soaring tasks (optional — fly your own plan if you prefer), and PIREPs from the previous day's flying. This is where the group learns from each other.
Flying — Go soaring. Chase thermals to Lone Pine, ridge-run the Tehachapis, explore the Owens Valley — whatever the day gives you.
Evening — Three optional group dinners at restaurants in town will be organized during the week (see the Dining page for options). Other nights are on your own — plenty of good choices within a few miles of the field.
On the first day, the Skylark North staff will give the group an orientation to the field, operations, and local flying area. Pilots can also sign up for an optional area familiarization flight with a Skylark instructor — highly recommended if you haven't flown Tehachapi before.
Mountain Valley Airport is located at 16334 Harris Road, Tehachapi, CA 93561. It's about a 4–5 hour tow from the Bay Area via I-5 South to CA-58 East, or via CA-99 South. The town of Tehachapi is about 3 miles from the airport.
The airport elevation is 4,220 feet MSL with two parallel runways (9L/27R and 9R/27L), each about 4,890 feet long.
There is ample room for glider trailers at the field. Trailer parking and tie-downs are free. Contact Skylark North at 661-822-5267 to coordinate.
Tow pricing is set by Skylark North. Current rates are approximately $124 for a 3,000-foot tow and $160 for a 4,000-foot tow. Each pilot books and pays for tows directly with Skylark — there is no group billing. Contact Skylark at 661-822-5267 to confirm current pricing.
Your glider and trailer, all normal XC equipment (parachute, oxygen if you fly high, water, snacks), sunscreen and a hat (it's the desert in July), and your flight recorder/logger for uploading to WeGlide or OLC. Also bring your sense of adventure — the flying here is unlike anything you get in NorCal.
There is no registration fee for the safari. Your costs are tows (paid directly to Skylark), accommodations (see Lodging), food, and fuel to get there. This is a community event, not a commercial operation.
If you plan to stay at the Mountain Valley RV Park on the field, book directly at 661-822-1213. Spaces include water, electrical hookups, restrooms, showers, and laundry. Tent camping is also available.
Once you've confirmed your spot, you'll receive an invite to the Tehachapi2026 Google Group. This is where we'll post updates, share logistics info, and where participants can connect with each other leading up to and during the event.
All previously registered pilots must confirm their spot by May 20, 2026. Unconfirmed spots will be released to the waitlist.
Contact Matt at matt@digitalshorts.com.