The Great Tennessee Air Show was held  May 7th and 8th at Smyrna Tennessee. This year’s highlight was the the Air Force Thunderbirds, along with other static displays. A lot of smoke from biplanes like Gene Soucy’s to FA-18’s whose afterburners made  you cover your ears to soften the noise, and a lot jet fuel to clear your head. The thrill of flying goes back to the Wright brothers, who found joy in just gliding through the air with no noise or the smell of jet fuel. The formation of our club near Eagleville TN was another leap by the grandfather, you might say, of gliding in Middle Tennessee, Garland Pack, who helped many learn to fly sailplanes. Later, Bill Mcfarlane and his wife Kathy bought the soaring operation at Puckett Field and spent decades introducing our wonderful sport to probably thousands more. After Bill retired from the sport, the Eagleville club  was formed to keep alive the dream of flying with no engine.

My brother Tim and I had a chance to work with the event planner and secured a spot at the airshow to put up a booth and display two sailplanes. We were joined by several other members as well, and we spent two days talking to people about the club, how it works, and the benefits that accrue to club members. The response was more that we had dared dream. We are always looking for new members and interested prospects. Plans are in the works to have a booth set up again next year. So if you happen to be in middle Tennessee, . . . look us up, and see what soaring is all about. Dick Butler, and other well known competition pilots have learned to fly gliders here. For more information, visit us online at   http://www.eaglevillesoaring.org ,

Ron Murphy  H301 Libelle