On Tuesday 6 June, nine members of the ‘Sky’s the Limit’ attended Benalla Gliding Club where Viv Drew and John Blacklock, members of the Benalla Gliding Club and both very experienced glider pilots, presented a thoughtfully planned session which included a slide show presentation, small group visits to the hangars to alternate with experiencing the flight simulator.
It was interesting to learn about the science and technicalities of gliding and to hear Viv and John speak about the benefits in of learning to glide and gliding experience for those who go on to pilot regular aircraft; the efforts the club makes to encourage young people and girls to take up gliding, and the high proportion of gliding club members who have moved to Benalla to live.
During the small group visits to the hangars, John provided an expert explanation of the sleek modern gliders and start-of-the-art tow aircraft to be found there. Sadly, planned small group experiences of using the flight simulator were thwarted by an hour-long plus update to the program of the flight simulator!
It was interesting to learn about the science and technicalities of gliding and to hear Viv and John speak about the benefits in of learning to glide and gliding experience for those who go on to pilot regular aircraft; the efforts the club makes to encourage young people and girls to take up gliding, and the high proportion of gliding club members who have moved to Benalla to live.
During the small group visits to the hangars, John provided an expert explanation of the sleek modern gliders and start-of-the-art tow aircraft to be found there. Sadly, planned small group experiences of using the flight simulator were thwarted by an hour-long plus update to the program of the flight simulator!
Throughout the session and coffee break, stories of gliding were shared, including experiences of being winched and pulled along by tractors rather than tow aircraft, and more. New member James and presenter John reminisced about having been inspired to fly by watching crop dusters at work; while given the overcast conditions, retired meteorologist Graham must have been reminded of assessing the weather for flying conditions, as he did when working. Convenor, retired glider pilot Claire, also shared many stories.
As the change in the time of the excursion to a morning session affected the attendance by some members of the group, and because the excursion could well be of interest to other members of U3A Benalla, a repeat session, with the simulator already updated on the day, is planned for the Spring!
Our speaker at 2pm on Tuesday 4 July is Tony Schneider, pilot and secretary of the Benalla Aero Club.
Claire Rudolph/David Palmer/Bev Lee
As the change in the time of the excursion to a morning session affected the attendance by some members of the group, and because the excursion could well be of interest to other members of U3A Benalla, a repeat session, with the simulator already updated on the day, is planned for the Spring!
Our speaker at 2pm on Tuesday 4 July is Tony Schneider, pilot and secretary of the Benalla Aero Club.
Claire Rudolph/David Palmer/Bev Lee
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