Aug-Sept 24

Is a sea breeze our friend or foe? Find out in the Aug/Sept issue, which also highlights the risks when two qualified pilots fly together. You can read about the first National Women Go Gliding Weekend and a development week that boosted understanding of how to plan and fly a cross-country.

Bernard Eckey comments that it’s fair to say most glider pilots like a sea breeze as much as they like a toothache. But is it the demon it used to be? Bernard explains how sea breeze can provide fantastic soaring conditions if we can only manage to recognise the signs and get into the right place at the right time. He proves the point with descriptions of two enjoyable autumn flights in his ASH 30 Mi in the mid-north of South Australia. Did a pair of very long wings help? Undoubtedly, but Bernard says that what mattered was recognising the conditions and acting accordingly.

It’s often stated that the most dangerous glider crew is two instructors. While this is not generally borne out by BGA accident statistics, there are particular risks when two qualified pilots fly together. Do you know the difference between being in control and in command? The BGA safety team considers the hazards involved when flying when another pilot to ensure that ‘mutual’ flights are safe and enjoyable.

With just 8.5% of glider pilots being women, Yvonne Elliott was inspired by a successful French drive to run our own national initiative. The British weather naturally let us down for the April weekend scheduled, but more than 350 women were introduced to gliding. Twenty-seven clubs took part, with more scheduling events for later in the year. Feedback, both from clubs and the women taking part, was very positive and one club has reported a 125% increase in its female membership. Another reports that out of six women on the day, four joined the club.

In Scotland, a cross-country development week was held ‘to unlock the soaring cross-country potential that exists within us all’. There was a cross-section of participants from cadets to ‘old-timers’.  Many skills were experienced for the first time, there were instructional flights with some of the UK’s best cross-country pilots, and a series of lectures from G Dale. Participants report that the experience was not only educational but also incredibly fulfilling. Confidence was boosted and participants gained an understanding of how to fly and plan a cross-country flight.

Also in this issue: Tim Macfadyen is in the spotlight for our pilot profile. Elaine Bunting interviews The Flying Dochertys, three generations of a family from Scotland with gliding in their blood. Kevin Atkinson focuses on operating efficiently using block speed. David Dodds recounts the tale of three enthusiastic teenage newbies tasked with preventing hangar rash. Andrew Jarvis reports on a VGC rally at Usk and vintage events to look forward to. Nick Lewinton had a heavenly landout following an aerotow failure. A collaboration between Derby & Lancs GC and Sheffield University showcases a ‘sport open to all’. Alison Randle looks at ways of making a difference to the long-term viability of gliding. Pete Stratten provides an update on the Fit For The Future initiative. Joey Beard explains how you can help drive forward the Head in the Clouds campaign. Plus, many more of your stunning images in the Gallery pages.

Fly safely and have fun