Ryszard P is our latest solo sailplane pilot at SoAGC.
Ryszard started flying with us in July during one of our gliding courses and has already made it to solo standard!
Ryszard flew his first solo glider flight in one of our two-seat K21 training gliders, G-CLVU.
He had an excellent first flight, returning for a spot-landing on our short ‘crosswind’ runway at Snitterfield Airfield.
Well done Ryszard!
Congratulations to our newest solo glider pilot at Stratford on Avon Gliding Club, Junior member Jenna D!
We had a tricky start to the day on Sunday with a low cloud base and north-easterly wind so we didn’t get flying properly until the early afternoon.
Once the low overcast lifted and we began flying, senior Stratford instructor Mike C put Jenna through some simulated launch failures and flying skills tests to ensure her readiness.
Mike then authorised Jenna for her first solo flight, in Stratford’s K21 G-CLVU!
Launching on the winch, Jenna climbed to altitude and flew on her own as pilot in command of an aircraft for the first time!
Then, rejoining the circuit, she flew back and performed a perfect landing on ’09’ at Snitterfield.
Jenna was then given a second solo launch for consolidation.
The smile afterwards said it all! 😀
Stratford on Avon Gliding club is a Junior Gliding Centre offering a range of programs and opportunities for young pilots aged 14-26 to take part in sport aviation at discounted cost.
Jenna will now begin to work towards her ‘Bronze’ flying certificate and ultimately her Sailplane Pilot Licence.
Well done Jenna!
At the end of February, Stratford Junior Sailplane Pilot Charlie W flew his first solo in K13 G-DCBW.
Charlie was cleared for his first solo sailplane flight by senior full-cat instructor Andy S.
Well done Charlie!
On bank holiday Monday, 15 year old junior glider pilot Ben L flew his first solo glider flight at Stratford on Avon Gliding Club!
Earlier in the day, Ben flew with senior full-category instructor Allan W in a series of simulated launch failures to ensure he was up to the required high standards of handling and airmanship for solo flight.
Making the grade, Allan briefed and authorised Ben for his first solo in our club K-13 trainer G-DCBW.
https://www.facebook.com/StratfordOnAvonGlidingClub/videos/1656060841115326/
Ben flew an excellent first solo flight and landing whereupon he was congratulated on his achievement by mum and dad, his fellow solo junior glider pilots and the rest of the Stratford Gliding club members.
Ben is already studying for his Bronze C exams and is keen to become a cross-country glider pilot.
Well done Ben!
Congratulation go to David R who on Thursday flew his first solo sailplane flight at Stratford on Avon Gliding Club.
David flew with instructor Andy B in the morning as was referred to Stratford full-cat instructor Steve F in the afternoon for solo-standard checks.
Making the grade, David was sent solo in K13 G-DCBW.
https://www.facebook.com/StratfordOnAvonGlidingClub/videos/1638870729501004/?permPage=1
Well done David!
Congratulation to Ed who flew his first sailplane solo flight at Stratford on Avon Gliding Club on Sunday!
Ed who is an experienced PPL (powered aircraft) pilot flew his first glider solo in Stratford’s K21 training sailplane G-CGAG. Ed’s daughter Emily, acting as launchpoint controller launched him on his first glider solo and later met and congratulated him upon landing.
Ed was tested and authorised for his first sailplane solo by senior Stratford instructor Barry K who also authorised Ed’s daughter’s first solo flight last month.
Junior glider pilot Emily flew her first solo glider flight from Stratford on Avon Gliding club last Sunday.
Emily, who is just 14 years old was met on landing and congratulated by her dad.
Emily has beaten her dad, also a pre-solo pilot and at Snitterfield and a qualified power pilot to the first glider solo goal. Hopefully this is a good sign of future family competition as they progress as glider pilots.
Stratford Full-Cat instructor Barry K put Emily through her paces with simulated launch failures and general handling tests before authorising her first solo flight.
Despite being late season, there was enough lift for a few thermal turns before returning to Snitterfield for a spot-landing parallel to the northerly cross-track.
Emily takes over from Ben as the youngest solo glider pilot at Snitterfield.
Yesterday Ben Edkins was sent on his first solo flight in a glider at Stratford on Avon Gliding Club on his 14th Birthday!
Ben who has been flying with us for some time was put through his paces by senior instructor Barry K, handling every simulated launch failure and situation put to him to prove his readiness.
When the moment finally came after lunch, mum and dad Sharon and Chris were watching along with Ben’s grandparents.
Ben ready to launch with Instructor Baz holding the wing of K13 G-CHSM.
Ben flew an excellent launch for a short flight followed by an equally excellent circuit and landing back at Snitterfield.
Instructor Barry congratulates Ben after his landing.
Ben is the third generation of Edkins to fly gliders with us, after his father Chris and his grandfather.
Proud mum Sharon with Ben, instructor Baz and equally proud dad Chris.
As one of our new solo pilots, Ben will be working towards his Bronze C and has ambitions to fly cross country and possibly in competitions when he is 16.
From there, Ben went straight over to Wellesbourne airfield for his first flying lesson in a powered aircraft on the same day. While you can go solo in a glider at 14, you have to wait until you’re 16 to solo in a power plane.
Peter C recorded his first solo in a glider using an action camera mounted in the back of K-13 G-CHSM.
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tLvbcqiiHGI[/youtube]
You can read more about Peter’s first solo glider flight here.
Two days and two new solo pilots!
Today, Peter C went solo after patiently waiting for a day with suitable weather. Peter was checked-out by CFI Steve Brown with a series of simulated launch failures and handling exercises before being sent off for the first time on his own in K13 G-CHSM.
CFI Steve Brown with Peter after his first solo
Despite the shorter cross-field landing direction, Peter made a great flight and landing then flew his second solo just a few minutes later.