Pilots of at all age levels enjoy soaring around the world. Many kids at a very young age run around the house making noises like an airplane with paper airplanes in hand and hope to be a pilot when they grow up. Some kids have the chance to really fly an airplane, or to soar in a glider, and enjoy the excitement.

Matthew Garrison,15 years old, of the Huntsville Soaring Club at Madison Alabama, had finally reached the day to solo after many lessons in an L-23 Blanik. His instructor, Ted Mavrotheris, felt he was ready to go solo on April 7, 2013. Matt had a crowd watching him (what nerves).

His Mom Amanda, Ted (Instructor) and John Mittell, a club member and competition pilot, and several other pilots who were all back from the GTA race held at Moontown Airport that day looked on. Matt’s first comment to me after his solo was, “Do you know where there is glider for sale?” So he’s on his way to becoming a good pilot in the years to come. If you see Matthew out and about, congratulate him, but leave his shirt on; he’s been relieved of his shirttail!

Ron Murphy