On August 4, 2026, aviation activity at Montricher Airfield (LSTR) highlighted the operational cadence of glider towing services, according to AVweb. Photographer Gilbert Benzonana captured a sequence of flight activity featuring two distinct taildragger aircraft essential to local soaring efforts.

The activity documented at the airfield included two specific aircraft models performing back-to-back towing missions. A Maule aircraft was observed returning to the airfield after completing a towing sortie, while a Piper Super Cub was simultaneously prepared for departure to commence its own towing mission. These aircraft serve as the primary engines for launching gliders at the facility, reflecting the consistent demand for support equipment in regional soaring operations.

Operational Data at LSTR

Montricher Airfield, identified by the ICAO code LSTR, is a known hub for light aviation and recreational flight activities. The use of robust, short-takeoff-and-landing (STOL) capable airframes like the Maule and the Piper Super Cub is standard for these operations, as they provide the necessary climb performance to pull sailplanes to altitude efficiently.

Why It Matters

The reliance on legacy airframes like the Piper Super Cub and Maule for towing underscores a persistent trend in general aviation where high-utility, simple-to-maintain aircraft remain the backbone of recreational and competitive soaring. As regional airfields look to optimize throughput, the efficiency of ground-to-air transitions—exemplified by the simultaneous arrival and departure observed at LSTR—is critical. Such operations demonstrate the continued viability of traditional tailwheel aircraft in meeting the specific mechanical requirements of glider flight, ensuring that soaring clubs maintain operational continuity without needing more complex, high-maintenance aircraft.