At Tocumwal Soaring Centre, the Boomerang and Blanik flew together over the mighty Murray River in a classic formation (top photo). Peter Brunton, 19 years old, had his first wooden glider experience in the Boomerang and managed a 5-hour flight (lower left). Czech pilot Michal enjoyed a great flight as well in Blanik L-13, also for around 5 hours.
At Southern Tabelands Gliding Club, Christopher Edwards (Jnr) took his first solo flight. As he prepared the glider, he was heard muttering, "Wilco must be crazy. He's sending me solo."
After a successful WGC Narromine in December, Beryl Hartley was awarded Narromine Citizen of the Year. Congratulations, Beryl, on a very well deserved honour.
Australia Day
Beryl Hartley was given the Australia Day ‘Event of the Year’ award for WGC Narromine from Narromine Council. L to R: Peter Hoogland, Mick Webster, Tracey Hoogland, Arnie Hartley and Beryl Hartley.
Congratulations to Kaleb, who went solo on his 15th birthday at Kingaroy Soaring Club.
On a spectacular Friday at Kingaroy, duty instructor Greg Schmidt congratulated Gary following his first solo in a glider after a 30 year break from the sport. On his second solo, he climbed to 6,800ft.
At Narrogin Gliding Club, Mia gained her A certificate after her 5th solo flight.
The Rockettes and the Victorian Soaring Association held 'Soar in the Hills at Mount Beauty', a spectacular gliding event nestled in the picturesque hills of Mount Beauty over the Australia Day long weekend in January. The gathering of many girls and women achieved 34 flights.
A massive thanks to Victorian Soaring Association for collaboration on this initiative. Special thanks to Mark Bland, Phil Henderson, Ollie and Noah Tanzen from Alpine Soaring for all the help on the airfield.
Congratulations to James Dwyer who completed his 5-hour task in the Club Libelle at the Soaring Club of Tasmania. Not only did James fly the required 5 hours but he smashed it with a flight of 5 hours 39 minutes. At about the 5-hour mark, James remarked that "the sky is pumping"!
Congratulations to Luke Muir on his qualification as a tug pilot. Luke is the first new tug pilot for Gliding Tasmania for some years, and the first new pilot to qualify on our new Eurofox 915iS tug. Well done, Luke.
Congratulations to Holly, who converted into the Libelle at Temora GC. Holly also undertook outlanding training in the Grob 109, and enjoyed coaching with Coach Scott Lenonin in Canberra GC's DG1000S.
At Temora Gliding Club, the official opening of our new Temora GC Clubhouse on 24 January attracted a crowd to mark this milestone in the club’s history.
The club President Greg Noack introduced Mayor Rick Firman OAM who addressed the crowd from a Council perspective and read Steph Cooke's message.
The plaque reveal (right) went without a hitch, which led into a very special part of the day with the surprise awarding of Life Membership to Tim Causer and Elvon King (Curly) in recognition of their vision and contributions to the hangar and clubhouse projects.
Photos by Stuart Ferguson
Congratulations to Gabriel who went solo in late February at the Gliding Club of Victoria, Benalla. The start of the journey!
Hunter Valley Club member Todd Longworth joined the outlanding club after launching at Narromine. He landed at Trangie airfield while attempting his Silver C distance. It was a tricky day, with overcast skies for much of the afternoon. Well done, Todd.
Congratulations to Beverley Soaring Society's Tim Hutcherson, who recently flew his first solo. Tim said, "Absolutely stoked with the weekend events. Massive thanks to Geoff for sending me up ... very happy to be a new member of a great club!"