Thomas Knauff

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Thomas L. Knauff (born 1938) is an American author, glider pilot, flight instructor, FAA Designated Pilot Examiner, and a member of the U.S. Soaring Hall of Fame. He was an early pioneer of ridge soaring in the Ridge-and-valley Appalachians in the 1970's, ultimately setting five world records flying gliders there. He was also the stunt pilot in the 1999 film The Thomas Crown Affair.[1]

Mr. Knauff currently lives near State College, Pennsylvania with his wife Doris Grove, another hall of fame glider pilot. They own and operate the Ridge Soaring Gliderport in Julian, Pennsylvania, which they founded in 1975.

[edit] World Glider Records

• Single-place glider
  • Out-and-return distance: 1 646.68 km, 25 April 1983, Schempp-Hirth Nimbus 3
  • Distance over a triangular course: 1 362.68 km, 02 May 1986, Schempp-Hirth Nimbus 3
  • Free distance using up to 3 turn points: 1 394.04 km, 01 June 1993, Schempp-Hirth Discus B

• Two-place glider
  • Out-and-return distance: 829.7 km, 07 April 1979, IAR IS-28B2 "Lark"
  • Out-and-return distance: 1 000.88 km, 28 September 1981, Grob Twin Astir II

Source: Fédération Aéronautique Internationale[2]

[edit] Other Flying Accomplishments

• Over 50 U.S. national gliding records
• World/National gliding competitions
• Kronfield Challenge Cup 1991 (First American)
• Eaton Trophy (with Doris Grove) 2000;
• du Pont Trophy 1989;
• Stroukoff Trophy 1989
• FAI 1000K Diploma #15 (Int #31) 1980

Source: Soaring Hall of Fame[3]

[edit] Books Authored

• Glider Basics From First Flight to Solo (Hardcover - Oct 1984)
• After Solo (Hardcover - Jul 1995)
• Glider Basics from Solo to License (Hardcover - Jan 1995)
• Glider Basics from Solo to License (Hardcover - 1984)
• Trasition to Gliders: A Flight Training Handbook for Power Pilots
• Accident Prevention Manual for Glider Pilots
• Ridge Soaring the Bald Eagle Ridge
• The Bronze Badge Book

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