My mother always claims that June 22nd is really the longest day. It certainly was for her in 1954 because on that day in that year I, her firstborn, arrived. I’m not sure if she has recovered yet. June 22nd this year was, for me, the longest day ever – in a glider. I pedaled…
The excitement was palpable when our club found out that Harris Hill pilots Karin Schlosser and Heinz Weissenbuehler, Jr. were selected to represent the United States in the 20 meter Multiplace Class at the World Gliding Championships in Finland. Nicknaming themselves Team ARC for the Arcus T glider they are flying in the contest, we…
Schulgleiter “SG38” at Eutingen Airport (Germany / Baden-Württemberg), Summer 2014 That’s how to feel freakin Free!
Once again I don’t think anyone was too inspired by the forecast this morning. Weatherman John Lubon said it was going to be blue blue blue, unless a crazy thermal was heated up enough to make it up to the lofty altitude of nearly 7000 feet. So, we all expected solid blue. What most of…
Cockpit set. Thumbs up. The super cub starts revving its engine. The slow start of the spinning wheel directly under me vibrates the entire cockpit as our beautiful club starts speeding past me. I only need a gentle touch and I am airborne, waiting for the tug to lift off as well. The rest is…
“…forecast is either for storm, many storms or the whole country covered in storms.” It was waiting on day 3 from the Finnish Nationals in club and standard class flown from Rayskala. Good practice this competition, specially for the overseas pilots, participating in the WGC starting on June 22. A competitive way to get to…
The Summer 2014 issue of Bungee Cord is distributed to Vintage Sailplane Association (VSA) members and we thought the rest of the gliding and soaring community should know about this special 40-page issue, published in conjunction with the VSA’s 40th anniversary. Summer 2014 Bungee Cord: Table of Contents The editorial by Jim Short discusses “Fine…
With less than a week to go before the official start of the 18m Nationals here at Minden, NV, we contestants still don’t have a final waypoint database. What we do have is an email from CD John Godfrey citing John Leibacher’s workload as the excuse for not having the updates out by now, and…
Thoughts on Low-Cost Gliding Navigation Ok, before we start a little DISCLAIMER: The following text only represents my personal, subjective opinion and reflects only upon the personal, subjective experiences I gained over the last years, flying club, private and rental gliders in recreational, cross-country and competition flying and is subject to change and in no…
My soaring group teaches me about team spirit and a wonderful sport. It’s great to know that I am part of a team – I’m mean all people who pursue this sport called soaring. These kind of free-time activities teach you how to work as a part of a team and learn to work with people who…
