February – March 2008

There’s plenty for all tastes in this issue of S&G, from the highly practical (how to improve a flying list system) to the lyrical (Pete Harvey’s account of racing in New Zealand mountains).

If you’re used to Pete’s sharply funny blog entries from international comps or his Dear Diary reports from the nationals, you’ll notice that his account of the GP at Omarama, New Zealand, is in rather a different, lyrical, style. Like all his writing, we love it – take a look and see what you think. Equally beautifully written, but from the other end of the experience spectrum, is Graham White’s account of his first high wave flight alone. It’s a long time since we’ve read an article about early solo soaring as evocative as this. We hope you enjoy it as much as we did. It accompanies the latest beginners’ corner, which explains to the newcomer the delights of hill sites. If you’re at a flatland site and know a pre-solo or early solo pilot who hasn’t yet spread their wings over hilly terrain, why not expand their horizons by pointing this article out to them?

For readers who are concentrating on how to get the most out of club operations next season, we recommend turning to Phil Newman’s update on Lasham’s Winter Wednesdays set-up. Matching supply of instructors and kit with demand from students sounds a pretty basic idea, but as any gliding club committee and CFI knows, it’s not always as easy as it sounds. Clubs big or small might learn from Lasham’s member-led initiative – and S&G would really like to know how your own club is organising the flying to meet its pilots’ needs. Email editor@sailplaneandgliding.co.uk to tell us…

Looking ahead to a decision on the Flarm frequency, we run two accounts from UK clubs that have been trialling this anti-collision device. Back on the ground, Roddy Maddocks tries out the new BGA Simulator, which you can see for yourself at the BGA Weekend on March 8. The weekend itself has changed format this year, with the addition of the hugely successful BGA Chairmen’s Conference (the “Governance Conference”) alongside the traditional “Sporting Conference” – if you’re a club official who wants to attend the former, don’t forget to book. The article on page 14 of the February-March S&G explains what’s planned for the BGA Weekend this year.

International coverage this issue includes Sigi Baumgartl’s first flight from Bitterwasser, Jeremy Hamill-Keays’ season in Sweden, and Mark Holden’s report on the Juniors at Rieti – the venue, of course, for the 2008 Worlds. And there’s the usual BGA information, too, with Chairman Patrick Naegeli reporting back important news on Mode S alongside the regular BGA news and reports.

Finally, you may have noticed elsewhere on this website that for career reasons I’m off to pastures new later this year. It’s hard leaving such a fantastic job, but it’s not goodbye just yet. I’m producing the next issue – my 50th – and will be working on the following one, too: as ever, I’d love to see your letters, your favourite photos and your great gliding stories.

Happy soaring