Jim Lee

Jim began flying sailplanes in 2004 at Seminole Lake Gliderport and holds CFIA and CFIG ratings. Supported by his very capable wife Kathy, they have travelled to contests around the US, enjoying the company of fellow fliers and crews, and the intense (and endless) learning opportunities provided by the other competitors. Jim and Kathy have traversed the continent in their Phoenix motorglider several times and Jim has crossed the Gulf of Mexico (700 miles) in the Phoenix three times. In 2016, when Kathy suggested that they move to Minden, NV, Jim almost fainted and knew he was going to heaven. He enjoys distance flying in the desert southwest, and his most memorable flights have been downwinders in the fully ballasted JS1-21 from Minden into eastern Wyoming, Utah, and Montana. He also enjoys the challenge of flying in the Sierra wave, marveling at the beauty of the lenticular clouds and the awesome power of the wind. Jim placed 9th in the 2018 WGC in the Standard Class, and with almost 1000 hours in the JS1 and the former holder of the du Pont, Stroukoff, and Barringer trophies, feels ready for the Open Class in the 2024 WGC in Uvalde, TX flying his EB 29R. Jim and Kathy lived on a sailboat for two years with their daughter Rachel, and they all enjoy skiing, surfing, hiking, birding, mountain biking, and even the Denver Broncos.