Editorial November 2, 1987 Issue

Soaring aspirations

Ann Kenrick

Last year I had the experience of taking my first lessons in gliding. The class was told that this would be a practical course from the outset. It was not a course to tell you about flying but to teach you how to fly. So after a short briefing and weather report, we were out on the airfield donning our parachutes and climbing into the gliders. Our instructors were strapped in behind us in a dual-control position.

Next came the important procedure of cockpit drill to make sure that all the equipment was in perfect order. These thorough checks are made every time you take off, so that you have complete confidence in your craft. Finally, the canopy is safely locked, and you give the signal for the tow cable to be fitted for takeoff. After a short run you are airborne and carried up to a height of several thousand feet.

Then the thrilling moment when you release the cable and your glider flies freely! Keeping your eye on the horizon and watching that your way is clear, you soar to find those warm-air thermals, rising currents of air, which enable you to climb. The view that stretches across several counties is magnificent.

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