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A 750km from Crowland was a first for both the pilot and the club – it was also flown in a 50-year-old Kestrel. You can read about the flight in the April/May issue of S&G, which also reveals how Hus Bos was transformed for the day to host journalists at the launch of a new pick-up truck. There’s news of a collaboration addressing misconceptions and embracing the vision that gliding is a sport for all, plus a comparison of interruption and distraction with other sectors.

Relatively big flights are rare from Peterborough & Spalding GC, situated on the edge of the East Anglian Fens. Manny Williamson had been watching the forecast all week as, unusually, he would be able to fly on both Saturday and Sunday. Saturday’s flight started well but ended in a field. Sunday was looking good, but with the possibility that convection could end before 6pm. However, not all the forecasts agreed and Manny felt there was potential for the day to go on later than predicted. He came up with a 760km task, with two fallback tasks if the conditions didn’t fit the forecast (or his initial boldness deserted him). It turned out to be the day that everything worked out and Manny flew for almost 9½ hours to complete the task. For the last hour and a half, he thinks he was the only glider airborne in the UK. Manny’s first 750km, and the first 750km out of Crowland.

When The Gliding Centre was approached to use its facility as a press day venue, the opportunity promised a unique way to showcase the club’s creative spirit. The event was to launch the 2025 Isuzu D-Max pick-up truck. It was decided that the hangar would be the backdrop for the launch and the pièce de resistance would be launching a glider behind the Isuzu D-Max for a promotional video. The challenge was how to execute this safely, legally and effectively while meeting the creative demands of a professional film crew. With years of experience helping to manage aerial displays with Aerosparx for high-profile events like Formula 1 and the Dubai World Cup, Rob Barsby was tasked with overseeing the project. As a flying display director, display pilot, and the CFI at The Gliding Centre, he had the best blend to help combine creative ambitions with aviation reality and safety.

A recent survey of all BGA clubs asking questions about how they work with pilots with disabilities made it obvious that there were many misconceptions and myths, for example clubs believing they had to invest in expensive equipment. The BGA subsequently provided an online ‘myth busting’ seminar for clubs, superbly presented by Aerobility’s CFI Al Rosser and CEO Mike Miller-Smith. The BGA is now working closely with Aerobility – who offer disabled people the opportunity to fly powered aircraft – to raise awareness and develop the opportunity to deliver additional Aerobility activity through gliding clubs. BGA Disability Advocate Yvonne Elliott highlights some inspiring stories described by glider pilots with disabilities flying at BGA clubs. A new trophy – the Mike Miller-Smith Wings of Endeavour, presented to an individual with a disability who has been nominated by their peers – was presented to Clare Johnston of Walking on Air/Portmoak at the BGA Sporting Conference in February.

When Paul Jessop found himself in hospital, he was intrigued by the tabard worn by the ward sister one evening. In big letters front and back were the words “Do Not Disturb – Drug Round In Progress”. Clearly someone in nursing had recognised the damaging power of interruption and was trying to prevent drugs being assigned to the wrong patients or in the wrong doses. Paul explains that in rigging gliders, as with dispensing drugs, letting small things get forgotten or leaving things unchecked can be catastrophic. In 2024 there were three incidents that appear to be linked to rigging errors. Paul says we need to learn collectively that it isn’t rude to dismiss idle chat, and that it could prove lifesaving.

Also in this issue: Gillian Wills is in the spotlight for our pilot profile. Andrew Watson and Ed Downham provide an update on Airprox involving gliders. Andrew Jarvis reflects on unexpected mail leading to more vintage adventures. How the Gliding App is helping Essex GC approach the implementation of SFCL regulations. Grimshaw encounters ‘corporate spiffyness’. Kevin Atkinson looks at failings of some YouTube soaring ‘guidance’. John Allan achieves Gold height, completing his Gold badge. Highlights of the BGA Sporting Conference. Alison Randle looks at keeping on top of the invisible tasks at clubs. Pete Stratten provides an update on Sailplane Flight Crew Licensing. Plus, many more of your stunning images in the Gallery pages.

Fly safely and have fun