August – September 2006
I’m told that various British pilots have been baffled by that big, unfamiliar T-tailed two-seater spotted in East Anglia, or North Wales, or central southern England. It’s got 28-metre wings, there are fewer than 10 in existence, and the first one in the UK arrived this spring. If you’re one of those puzzled pilots, then the August-September S&G tells you all about the EB28: what it is, what it does and who flies it.
Also arriving in UK skies this summer are two more British world champions. Congratulations to Leigh Wells (Standard Class), Phil Jones (18-Metre Class), Bronze medallists Jez Hood and Pete Harvey and to all the guys for scooping the Team Trophy in Sweden. Phil’s account of the 18-metre race and Pete Harvey’s overview of the comp appear in this issue. From an editor’s point of view, the phenomenal success of the British Team in recent years makes headline writing more and more difficult; I’m running out of puns on the word “gold” or on the concept of being the best of the best. Incidentally, as this S&G appears in print, another worlds is coming to an end: the Club Class at Vinon. See www.glidingteam.co.uk for how they’re doing in France.
Back in England, where’s the best soaring to be found? Neil Moffat is certain that it’s in the Lake District and in this S&G he describesan expedition to Carlisle Airport in search of the elusive Helm Wind. Also in this issue Jochen Ewald tries out one of the new breed of “microlight motorgliders” – the Bee 15MB; Melissa Jenkins and Steve Blundell share stories of their gliding progress; and Roger Emms offers nervous newcomers, and their instructors, a practical tip from the world of public speaking.
Finally, if you’re a fan of photos there are some treats for you in the August-September S&G: not only in Gliding Gallery, not only withTony Hutching’s superb shots of the EB28, but also some remarkable images from Michele Warren that, for me personally, really do capture the grace of gliding.
Happy reading!
Helen Evans
Editor, Sailplane & Gliding
Change on the horizon
British Gliding Association Chairman Patrick Naegeli celebrates the British Team’s success, reports on club chairmen’s feedback, and flags up some critical questions that the BGA is now having to consider
New Bee joins the swarm
Jochen Ewald flies the latest “microlight motorglider” – the recently certified Bee 15MB
‘Get your shoulders down!’
Roger Emms offers a tip from the world of public speaking for brand-new pilots – and their instructors – to achieve better results on those first flights…
The best gliding in England?
Neil Moffat describes how an expedition to Carlisle airport enabled him to soar the Lake District from the east – and is planning future trips for when the Helm Wind blows
From the 18-metre podium
It doesn’t get any better than taking on the world’s best with your brother by your side. New World Champion Phil Jones reports on the 18-Metre Class
Gold stars
Open Class Bronze medallist and diarist extraordinaire Pete Harvey’s personal view – ‘witty and current, never dull or factual’ – of the team’s success at the Swedish Worlds
Soaring science
Tony Segal reports on the OSTIV Congress – the underpinning of the science of soaring
Capturing a moment in time
The photographs of Portmoak’s Michele Warren give us an insight into the grace of gliding
EB28 – even bigger wings
Cross an ASH 25 with an Eta and you get an EB28. Ed Downham describes how his syndicate came to buy one – and the fun flying they are having with 60:1
The world beyond the familiar landmarks
For the first of two articles in this issue that share the joys of achieving your gliding goals, Melissa Jenkins writes about her initiation as a cross-country pilot
First solo
Steve Blundell reveals why his flying was fine when he soloed – but his listening was lacking
Also in this issue:
British Gliding Association news; your letters; BGA Communications News; BGA Development News; Gliding Gallery; BGA Member Club Annual Statistics; club focus (Rattlesden GC); club news; obituary; safety news; BGA Badges; incident and accident summaries
Tailfeathers: Plat and Jay Rebbeck debate when the Golden Age of Gliding really was – or is!
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