HIGHLIGHTS:
 

1. Timothy Ables came out to Avenal last Tuesday just to look around and perhaps take a demo flight. He got hooked, not because glider flying is so great, which it is, but because in his short flight in the Blanik he really showed me a smooth hand on the stick, unusual for someone's first flight and even more so in the Blanik. That smoothness carried over into today's three training flights. Once in awhile he got carried away and tried too hard, over controlling the glider. But the majority of the time, his stick and rudder work was excellent. On the second flight he snagged a thermal and continued to work it and others he found for 48 minutes. Quite amazing considering it was his second flight in a glider. But he takes direction well and it paid off with altitude gained on an otherwise very light lift day. He joined the club and we're happy to have him aboard.

CONGRATULATIONS AND WELCOME, TIMOTHY!!

2. Phil Decker, a Super Hornet FA-18 pilot from Lemoore is back off sea duty and now will pursue once again his commercial glider add-on rating. Phil had soloed earlier and just one refresher flight proved his skill was still in evidence. Now that he's back the process of acquiring the rating should go smoothly and quickly.

3. Curtis Modin came out today prepared to solo the 2-33. When I asked to see his student license, a blank look overtook his normal smile. Seems as though he'd never heard of the student license even though he has flown at other gliderports in search of his Private Pilot's License. So, we couldn't let him go solo today and instead flew two flights to pattern altitude in preparation for next week when we know he'll be here with the student license.

4. Irene Wiegand brought her father, John Ruch, out to Avenal again along with Jack. Jack flew several flights but this time John rested and just watched the activity. You may recall from last week that John fell and bruised his left leg. So he just wanted to watch today and enjoyed the time at Avenal as we all do in such a peaceful surrounding.

5. Hanna Marlette drove out with me today and in late afternoon had a chance to fly a glider again. She hasn't lost her skill set and flew quite smoothly and confidently. It was nice to see her aloft again at Avenal because lately all her flying has been in preparation for her solo in power. That solo is only a week or so away. Stay tuned.

6. Last but not at all least is the great news that Richard Walker finally took his neat little Schweizer 1-35 aloft. He brought it out to Avenal on a trailer back in June of this year. And he hesitated to assemble it because he thought it would take too many people and when he's there, most members aren't. But some weeks ago we convinced him to put it together. So it was just a matter of timing to fly it, and this Saturday proved to be the day. He loved how it flew, had no trouble with the flap system, thought the whole issue was a non-issue regarding flap versus dive brake, and is hooked on his wonderful 1-35. Congratulations, Richard, on your purchase of the glider and your first flight. May it be one of many enjoyable flights over the years ahead.