Flight Line Newsletter ExcerptsAugust, 1997Walter Brink and Kenda Blair Solo!
Dave Ellis Wins OSTIV PrizeThe Cambridge Aero Instruments team lead by Dave Ellis received the Special OSTIV Prize for outstanding improvement in Sailplane Technology at the July 1997 OSTIV Congress at Saint Auban, France. Dr. Manfred E. Reinhardt, President of OSTIV, presented the award on behalf of the OSTIV Board. The Cambridge Team developed the first IGC approved secure, integrated GNSS flight recorder system. Dave received the following citation at the meeting:“Mr. Ellis and the Cambridge team of experts began with the GPS concept and carried through the design, development and production of a fully integrated flight recorder. Mr. Ellis personally managed the extensive field testing process including substantial Cambridge team field support of the World Gliding Championships in Sweden and New Zealand. The work of Dave Ellis and the Cambridge Team has been instrumental in bringing GPS flight recorder technology into the sailplane cockpit. The technical leadership displayed by Mr. Ellis and his team is worthy the Special OSTIV Prize.” The Organisation Scientifique et Technique du Vol à Voile (OSTIV) is a specialized, independent, non-profit organization affiliated to the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI). The objects of the OSTIV are to encourage and coordinate internationally the science and technology of soaring and the development and use of the sailplane in pure and applied research. The International Gliding Commission (IGC) of the FAI is responsible for all Airsports involving gliders and motor gliders with the exception of aerobatics. The Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI), founded in 1905, is the world's air sports federation. The Official Sugarbush Soaring 1-26 Simulator
From the President’s Cockpit...You will see some familiar faces manning the office desk in the absence of Tom McGowen who is no longer with us. Taking Tom’s place as Office Manager is Debbie Brink—yes, she is back with us for three days a week bringing her very own brand of warmth and good humor. Helping Debbie cover the balance of the week are Heather Carney and Caleb Hanson. Welcome back Debbie and best of success in your new responsibility, Heather and Cal!Our continuing success in attracting new members is putting some strain on our instruction staff. Experienced pilot Peter Ruelke is working on his CFIG rating and will join Rick and Steve as an instructor as soon as the FAA grants him credentials.
Tony Lauck has written an excellent new and comprehensive cross country policy for pilots flying club gliders using material and ideas from Rick Hanson and others. This policy comes in two parts, one outlining the authorization of pilots to fly club ships cross country and the other providing area limits and other helpful rules and guide lines. These important documents are printed in full herein. Other new policies adopted by the Board are one on field and glider check out and one on aerobatic flight in club gliders. A field check will be required annually before flying club ships and an instructor log endorsement is required for each club glider to be flown. A copy of these policies is on the field and in the office copy of the Club Policy Manual. Aerobatic maneuvers in club ships are not permitted for the several reasons of potential liability, staff limitations, possible glider damage and loss of service, and difficulty of policy control. These problems are not insurmountable, but for the present the club will not take the necessary steps to formulate a safe and comprehensive aerobatic program. A haphazard approach to such training is obviously out of the question. Club members wishing instruction in this important and exciting phase of flying may seek power plane instruction with Rick Hanson or Jim Parker. The latest addition of the Member Work Duty Schedule is included in this issue. Please check your assignments and if any conflict in your schedule arises, try to arrange a swap in time with another member. Harvey Howell 
Tango’s LowdownSugarbush Soaring has had an amazing amount of activity this season, measured in accomplishments, if not total flights. We have eleven new members. Welcome, Dave Baker, Larry Barnes, Peter Delnegro, Johann Finkelmeier, Helmut Hietzker, David Hinton, Jim Kater, Stefan Kurant, William Menning, Tibor Reldan and Robert Stein!We have four first solos, Kenda Blair, Walter Brink, Jeppe Christiansen and Alvar Goossen, at the time of this writing. We’ve also had some first off field landings: Dave Nagley in the Club 1-26, Marty Johnson in his Discus, and Buddy Duncan in his ASW 19. Next time you're coming in to land, notice how the "4" and "22" are no longer faded. Thank you, John Daniell, for repainting the numbers. John's contribution is part of an incredible burst of volunteer effort by club members, the likes of which I’ve not seen since I joined in 1981. Let’s keep up the good work keeping the club running smoothly, introducing people to soaring, recruiting new members and helping each other progress in the sport. That way we’ll all continue to have more fun around the airport. Tony Lauck |
