Tom Strickland
Winning a copy of iGlide is quite a thrill! I live in Peterborough, NH, and am still learning to fly. Soaring has been a dream since I took a ride in a glider when I was 17. I’m now 54 but marriage, kids, and jobs kept me from pursuing the dream until a few years ago. I’d still be waiting until “the right time” if not for Scott Manley’s generosity in taking me on as one of his cyber-students.
Using Condor, the Internet, and a telephone Scott worked patiently each week with me and my adult daughter, Megan, to teach us the basics and then more advanced techniques. When we went to Stowe Soaring in Morrisville, VT and actually climbed into real gliders for the first time the result was amazing. On my first flight I had the controls from tow release to final. That flight lasted an hour and 15 minutes and I was able to locate and center three thermals with climbs of 1000-2000 ft each. I don’t know how a first flight could be more thrilling!
My progress has slowed because I’m a big guy and the 2-32 is the only glider I’ve found that’s rated for my weight. Unfortunately, there aren’t many 2-32’s around. But I’m not giving up on flying — or slimming down to glider weight!
Thanks again for the iGlide! I know it will help me continue learning more about this great sport! And, thanks for Soaring Cafe. It’s my #1 source of soaring news.
Tom Strickland
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