Many of you know that world record setter Klaus Ohlmann recently flew over Mt. Everest in a sailplane—but have you seen the video? If not, here’s your chance. Enjoy!
Video – Discover Mt. Everest with Klaus Ohlmann in a Glider
by Bill Elliott •
Yearly Archives: 2014
Solo at 81! Simultaneous continental records????!!!!!
by Bill Elliott •
What a great way of living! Still being fit enough at age 81 ,to start a glider course and still being in good health and tough enough, to go solo!Remarkable! Was, like many others,impressed with this news ,shared by the Chilhowee Gliding Association where Sarah Arnold is with her husband Jason,the owner,mechanic, instructor and tuggy.…
WSPA’s February 2014 “Hangar Soaring” is Online
by Bill Elliott •
The February, 2014 issue of Hangar Soaring, a monthly publication of the Women Soaring Pilots Association (WSPA), is online. According to Hangar Soaring editor Frauke Elber, WSPA is the most active and visible Division in the SSA with a membership spanning the globe. Please help us to stay that way and encourage more women to…
Video – Maiden Flight of the First ASH-30Mi in Australia
by Bill Elliott •
Thanks to John Koch for sending us a link to this video, which features the maiden flight of the first ASH-30Mi to enter Australia. This gorgeous open class machine is based in Corowa, NSW. We’re all envious, John!
Winter 2013 Issue of Vintage Soaring Association “Bungee Cord”
by Bill Elliott •
We are delighted to inform Café readers that the Winter, 2013 issue of Bungee Cord, a quarterly publication of the Vintage Sailplane Association (VSA), has been published. We invite attendees at the upcoming SSA Convention in Reno, who are interested in vintage or classic sailplanes, to stop at the VSA booth in the exhibit hall and meet us.
The Art of Flying on Silent Wings: An Essay by Bob Buck
by Bill Elliott •
You play with a silent, invisible and illusive force. You try hard to do what the birds do easily. It is completely absorbing, commands all your attention and skill. You work, but in a calm, peaceful and rewarding way detached from the material world in an almost dreamlike environment. Kings may have their sport, but soaring is a sport of the gods and they kindly allow us mortals to share in it.
Flying the FES-equipped Silent 2 Electro
by Bill Elliott •
A while back, I had read that a nearly 700 lb (315 Kg) sailplane equipped with an all-electric FES (Front Electric Self-launching) system had demonstrated serious climb rates (around 400 fpm, or 2 m/s) as well as multiple launches on a single charge; and I remember thinking at the time: “This is the future: All the advantages of self-launching and self-retrieving without any of the drawbacks of retractable pylon-mounted propellers or IC (Internal Combustion) engines.”
Solo above the Roof of the World
by Bill Elliott •
On February 1st Klaus Ohlmann reported the first solo soaring flight above Mount Everest. In an e-mail that was quickly distributed around the world he explains: “In a measurement flight near Lukla I stopped the motor. Nearly no wind below 6000 m, difficult thermals. Between Pumori and the entrance of the Khumbu Glacier smooth lift…
Finland, venue of the 2014 WGC !
by Bill Elliott •
Time to look ahead at the 33d WGC for club, standard and 2 seater [20m] class. After spending a few { working-}holidays in Finland at Rayskala, as TC [EGC], steward [EGC], editor [JWGC] and crew, I think it is nice to share with you some moments from our visits, to bring you in the mood,…
Witches meet in Dachau
by Bill Elliott •
Translated from a German article by Katharina Milke Oh, no! This is nothing to be scared of. The “German Witches” are neither mean nor dangerous… They simply love to fly. On their brooms? No, they are using sailplanes, just like you and me! Two weeks ago the German women glider pilots held their 40th annual…
