On December 2, 2011, members of the Huntsville Soaring Club gathered with their spouses at The Eaves Restaurant in Huntsville, Alabama to celebrate the 2011 Christmas season and the soaring year just past. The Huntsville club is based at Moontown Airport, a beautiful and very active grass airfield a few miles east of Huntsville.

 

After a sumptious meal and a slideshow commemorating moments in the club’s 26-year history, President Ted Mavrotheris recalled significant accomplishments achieved by the club and by individual members during 2011.

Several members were singled out for special recognition. Ted awarded certificates to Doug Morris for exceptional service to the club and to Stuart Venters as Most Improved Pilot. Stu’s airmanship and pilot skills have improved markedly as he transitioned from the Blanik L-23 to his Ventus 2 and began experiencing the joy and excitement of cross country soaring. John Slifer received the “Persistence and Tenacity” certificate for his three attempts to achieve his 500K Diamond Distance leg. John flew a total of 1,500K in a (finally) successful pursuit of this goal. Joe McKay was recognized with a “Sore Butt” certificate for completing his Silver Badge with a six-hour (over achiever!) duration flight at Chilhowee Gliderport in his Schweizer 1-26. Ted also presented plaques to Bill Elliott, who made the longest distance flight (228 miles) in 2011 from Moontown Airport and to Jean-Jacques Malosse, who soared over 5-1/2 hours to qualify for the longest duration flight originating from Moontown. Finally, Ted presented the “Member of the Year” award to Rand Baldwin for his behind-the-scenes work in support of membership recruitment and other club activities.

 

We welcomed our newest member, Bill Lee, who joined the club in November, and thanked Jerry and Michele Barnett for their hospitality as owners of Moontown Airport. Jerry is also a glider owner and pilot, former Air Force U2 pilot and head of the U.S. Air Force Academy Cadet Soaring Program, and long-time club member. Club instructor Martyn Acreman reminded us that Doug Morris earned his commercial glider rating this year and that Randy Stout made his initial solo in the club L-23 last summer.

Largely through Ted’s efforts, the Huntsville Soaring Club will become a 503(c) non-profit organization in December. We look forward to the New Year with great anticipation and best wishes to everyone for an even better and safer soaring season in 2012!