December – January 2015

If a portable flight recorder is topping your list for Santa, do not miss the December-January issue of S&G, where you can also see some stunning vintage photographs from the VGC International Rally. Read about a comp with just one task – a 2,400km round-Europe safari, see the annual round-up of results and ratings, and discover how you can continue to develop your cross-country skills.

Gliding has come a long way since the days of turn point cameras and smoking barographs to prove where you’ve been and how fast you got there. Today downloading and submitting your flight has become very simple with USB/SD devices. Shaun Lapworth takes a look at the new generation of independent battery-powered flight recorders.

If you’d like to improve your cross-country performance, see the final article in the three-part Ask the Coachfeature Learning How to Go Faster. Leading coaches Kevin Atkinson and Bernard Eckey discuss how to adaptspeed-to-fly methods with Tony Cronshaw, with some top tips on STF in headwinds and tailwinds..

Jeff Warren and Bernie Morris put their performance to the test with an amazing 2,400km round-Europe safari. They took part in Euroglide, a biennial gliding race over more than 2,000km through several European countries, flown as quickly as possible. Having flown through six countries in five days – in varied conditions over some spectacular terrain – Jeff describes the experience as “unique and rewarding”.

Another rewarding event for contestants was the 42nd VGC International Rally, held in Denmark. Our cover shows Jim van Aalst flying Graham Saw’s Petrel, beautifully photographed by Ole Steen Hansen. There are more stunning photographs, by Ole Steen Hansen and Alexander Gilles, in the centre spread feature.

Also in this issue: Charlie Jordan reports on a fiercely competitive Junior Championships. There’s another tale from Down Under, as ex-London GC member Mark Dalton describes how he gained a valuable gliding insight from a large green amphibian. Geoff Martin learns some valuable lessons during an eight-hour ‘Compass’ flight. Dave Hope describes how Black Mountain’s members are going further and faster with a BGA initiative. Annie Robinson reports on a Derby & Lancs event to inspire more women to join the club. Max Kirschner looks at the impact of new technology on world and European gliding. Development Officer Alison Randle encourages clubs to look beyond the perimeter fence and build relationships. Pete Stratten reports on EASA’s 2018 extension. Keith Wilson looks at how a scholarship scheme transformed Nene Valley Gliding Club into a vibrant part of the community. Plus, there are many more of your stunning images in the Gallery pages.

Fly safely and have fun