LIDING NARROMINE ADVENTURES - Gliding Australia Magazine
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G LIDING AUSTRALIA Issue 56 June - August 2021 magazine.glidingaustralia.org NARROMINE ADVENTURES 1000KM IN VICTORIA - BENDIGO GC - VINTAGE RALLY GLIDER MAIL - VSA STATE COMP
G LIDING
AUSTRALIA
MAGAZINE
34 TRAINING - STRESS BY JAMES COOPER
Stress affects pilots' performance and decision-making, sometimes
dangerously. There are ways to work against stress and remain in control.
36 WINNING THE MENTAL BATTLE PART PT 5
Bernard Eckey tells how to deal with confidence, over-confidence,
No. 56 JUNE - AUGUST 2021 commitment and self motivation, and why they are important for pilots.
COVER: ATTILA BERTOK FLYING HIS ASW20 FROM NARROMINE JANUARY 2021
Parachutes Australia have been 38 AIRWORTHINESS
CG position for optimal performance is complex and often misunderstood
supplying the world with emergency 2 FROM THE GFA & PRESIDENT
among glider pilots, but it can help you fly safer and more competitively.
Read the essential updates from the GFA President, Executive
parachute systems for Civilian and Officer, Board Members and Association Departments.
42 OCCURRENCES
Military applications for over 40 years 5 EVENTS - BADGES
46 CLASSIFIEDS
As the 2021 gliding season winds down, check for upcoming events in
The Thinback and Slimpack Emergency Parachute Systems WELCOME TO GA 56
your state, coaching opportunities and competitions.
manufactured by Parachutes Australia are designed, tested Slimpack Emergency Parachute System As we head into winter the outlook for the next soaring season
and manufactured beyond regulatory requirements and provide 6 SAFETY - PROFESSOR SIDNEY DEKKER
looks brighter than it did at this time last year. After a wet and
the maximum safety, performance and comfort. Sidney Dekker explains why a just culture is key to learning from pilots‘
mistakes instead of simply finding someone to blame. lockdown-affected year, we are all hoping that the health
• Certified under FAA TSO C23(b) with Certificate of Type Approval issued by
measures in place will succeed in allowing a full return to our
CASA together with Production Approval No. 515899 7 FLARM-AZING
• Manufactured from durable Cordura fabric. Keep yourself safe as you glide by matching your Flarm ID to your VH beloved sport.
• Military specification harness webbing and hardware for reliable strength and durability. registration number and take better advantge of Flarm tracking. This is the fifth issue of GA in the new formats. As long as you
• Stainless Steel closing grommets and ripcord assembly.
have an internet connection on your device of choice, you can
• Thin, soft pack for pilot comfort. 8 OPERATIONS
Undetected hard landings can damage your glider in ways that aren‘t read GA wherever and whenever you like. Go to magazine.
Also available: always easy to detect. Chris Thorpe explains the procedures.
• Sheepskin Accessory Option for improved comfort and hygiene.
glidingaustralia.org.
• Static Line Deployment Option. 10 VICTORIAN STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS You can also download a PDF version of GA from magazine.
Thinback Emergency Parachute System Gliding Club of Victoria ran the State Championships this year at Benalla, glidingaustralia.org/past-issues.
attracting a surprisingly good turnout of pilots flying challenging AATs..
You can order a very special DIGITAL PRINT copy of the
12 SOUTH GIPPSLAND GLIDING CLUB magazine as well. Each magazine will be ordered and printed just
South Gippsland Gliding Club celebrates the solo successes of two of their
for you, so it will be a limited edition – rare and collectable. Order
enthusiastic, talented junior pilots who tell their stories in their own words.
your very own copy here bit.ly/2TUkFs5
14 GLIDER MAIL - HISTORY YOU CAN HOLD I would love to hear what you think about the new formats and
Believe it or not, gliders are a part of air mail history. Learn how to identify
pieces of genuine glider mail, where it has travelled and why. the magazine in general so please contact me any time. Or you
can leave me a message on the website at bit.ly/2McMqYu
10 BENDIGO GLIDING CLUB
I hope you enjoy this edition of Gliding Australia Magazine.
Despite the challenges of the past year, Bendigo Gliding Club has been
growing and flying, and will soon add a new runway. Sean Young
20 FLYING NARROMINE - ATTILA BERTOK
Attila Bertok shares experiences from the two trips he made to Narromine GLIDING AUSTRALIA
this year, flying long, unforgettable cross country flights in his ASW20.
MEMBERSHIP & CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING
AIRCRAFT REGISTRATION & related
24 1000 KM TRIANGLE IN VICTORIA - TOBI GEIGER Tanya Loriot tanya@glidingaustralia.org
Tobi Geiger started his year by successfully completing his first declared
AIRWORTHINESS & GFA TRAVEL
1,000km task, an FAI triangle in Victoria. Fiona Northey fiona@glidingaustralia.org
Online Glider Facility 28 VINTAGE - HUNTER VALLEY EASTER RALLLY
The Easter Vintage Regatta in the Hunter Valley brought together a
RETURNS
If you are sending documents they must be emailed to
returns@glidingaustralia.org
superb lineup of vintage gliders including a newly built Hütter Hü 28. SHOP The GFA Online shop has a range of useful
We are excited to offer Australian glider owners a products including a Form 2 kit,
32 AROUND THE CLUBS - FIRST SOLOS www.store.glidingaustralia.org
unique glider insurance experience via our online During the Autumn months, glider training continued at a rapid pace as GFA OFFICE
many new pilots around the country achieved first solos
glider facility offering: Before calling the GFA office, please check out our website
www.glidingaustralia.org to buy items, find documents and other information,
and renew your membership.
9am-5pm Monday - Thursday, 9am-3pm Friday
• Competitive insurance premiums Sean Young
EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS Tel: 03 9359 1613 Fax: 03 9359 9865
We invite editorial contributions and C4/ 1-13 The Gateway
Editor Broadmeadows VIC 3047
sean@glidingaustralia.org letters.
• Broader policy coverage email sean@glidingaustralia.org
Other large files and photographs
SUBSCRIPTIONS
Adriene Hurst Non GFA members are welcome to subscribe to Gliding Australia.
Deputy Editor and can be uploaded at 1 year is $64 inc. GST. www.glidingaustralia.org/shop1
adriene@glidingaustralia.org www.glidingaustralia.org/ga
• Option to bind cover on the spot DISPLAY ADVERTISING & WS Media Design & Publishing Services info@westsunsetbooks.com
MAGAZINE ENQUIRIES
sean@glidingaustralia.org
Official publication of Gliding Australia - Gliding Federation of Australia Inc.
GLIDING AUSTRALIA
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ABN 82 433 264 489 (GFA).
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Contact Tel 0490 502323
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Opinions expressed in Gliding Australia are not necessarily those of the publisher, nor does the publisher give
assurances or warrants that the information published is accurate. Readers are advised to check any information
David Tait or Vanessa Edwards contained herein. Editorial submissions are welcome but the publisher reserves the right to edit, abridge, amend
and correct any material supplied for publication as the publisher sees fit. All rights reserved. Reproduction without
permission is strictly forbidden without the permission of the publisher. © The Gliding Australia
07 3274 4732 Print Post Publication Number PP 381712/02675
admin@aviationinsurance.com.au
www.aviationinsurance.com.au
You are encouraged to talk to your
FROM THE PRESIDENT arranged several webinars on these
topics, and we strongly encourage clubs Official Observer about the requirements
our financial year results and the budget
for our new year, which runs from May to
to take a stand to ensure member listed in the FAI Sporting Code. Key April.
to make these important areas of our
behaviours are appropriate for a issues with claims often revolve around The Executive and Board have a had a
organisation work more efficiently.
harmonious club environment. recent changes to the rule on Silver few meetings to look at budget options
Currently the Executive and elected
Distance, and the definition of release and agreed to a number of changes,
Board members all sit on the Board.
THE AIR WE FLY IN point and start point. which includes a CPI (2%) increase in
This results in there being no distinct
Most members would be aware of You will need to provide a .igc file for membership and other fees. The key
separation between the Board, which is
Airservices Australia’s (AsA) proposal to all badge claims other than a duration change was to increase the membership
largely responsible for policy and
reduce the lower limit of Class E flight, and if you can load a declaration fee to $328 for adults and $170 for
direction, and the Executive, which is
airspace along Australia’s eastern onto your flight recorder it will reduce Juniors. Form 2 kits have increased to
charged with the day-to-day running of
seaboard. As proposed, the new levels the amount of information that you have $240.
the organisation. Naturally, any change
would have a major impact on many to write into your application. You will notice that the Regional
to the Articles (constitution) will require
member support which must be sought gliding clubs. It is vital that we protect Association fee of $12, which is passed
our freedom to fly. Consequently we GPC TRAINING DOCUMENT on to your Regional Association, has
at an AGM or EGM. We will keep
have formally communicated, in a CHANGES previously been charged separately, but TERRY CUBLEY AM
members informed as these ideas
robust manner, our concerns in a Operations and Soaring Development is now included within your membership EXECUTIVE OFFICER
develop.
response to AsA, The Deputy Prime have been developing a range of new fee. This makes renewals a little simpler. eo@glidingaustralia.org
Minister and CASA, detailing how the resources for Instructors and Coaches
S2F
proposal is flawed and highlighting the (now referred to as Trainers) to use in You can see all of the new fees on the
Gliding Australia’s S2F program, led NARROMINE WORLD
Summer is over and I have already negative impact its implementation delivering training through to the Glider GFA web page. Go to Member Area/
by Mandy Temple, has been heavily CHAMPIONSHIPS
had enough of winter, but there again, would have on gliding and the broader Pilot Certificate. These documents Documents/Admin docs then
promoted over the past 3 years. The DECEMBER 2023
winter does give us the opportunity to sporting aviation community. provide details about what the trainers Membership and AW fees 2021 2022
Board has decided to move the ideas Australia won the right to host the
attend to all those things that we need Other members of the Australian have to deliver and the performance ADMIN0012.
that S2F has developed into business as 2022 World Gliding Championships for
to get in place in preparation for the Sports Aviation Confederation have standard required, and also provide
usual, meaning that you will no longer Club, Standard and 15m classes, but
next season. The long warm days of a posted similar responses. AsA has many detailed information to the Student pilot. MEMBERSHIP NUMBERS
read or hear about S2F, but rather you with Covid impacting world
new soaring season are indeed hoops to jump through before its The first stage has been shared with AND CHURN
will see all of the fabulous ideas and championship scheduling, this
something to look forward to. proposal could be implemented - it is some Instructors and coaches so that the GFA currently has 2,635 members
programs that S2F has developed just championship has been re-scheduled to
important that we maintain our project team can get feedback on what compared to 2,644 in March 2019, so we
become an integral part of Gliding December 2023. The event will be held
CHANGE vigilance and continue to voice our has been developed so far. This will then appear to have survived Covid 19 fairly
Australia’s day-to-day activity – at Narromine and the organising
It seems that change is a constant objections. allow trialling of the new content and unscathed. Of these members, 2,300 are
modernise, standardise and prioritise. committee is already preparing for the
and if change provides improvements, Be kind to each other and fly safely, resources across a few clubs over the flying members.
Thank you, Mandy, for the huge effort event. This will once again provide an
then change is good and something to Steve. next few months. The plan is for a launch For Junior memberships, our number
that you have put into this initiative. avenue to display Australia as a great
be embraced. The new Integrated to all clubs with training to commence of juniors remains fairly constant at
STEVE PEGLER gliding location and promote the sport to
Training Program has been in before the end of the year. This will approximately 350, but the number of
SAFETY MANAGER PRESIDENT Australian residents. The Narromine GC
development for some time and will mean consistent training, no matter AAFC memberships has dropped from
Under Part 149 legislation, one of the web page advises dates and is calling for
soon be trialled in the real world, President@glidingaustralia.org which club you fly from. 170 down to 46. Given that AAFC is now
four CASA mandated management volunteers to assist with the operation.
followed by a national roll-out later this The aim of our training system is for back flying again we are hopeful that this
positions is that of Safety Manager. Sid
year. For successful implementation it
will be essential that clubs, training
Dekker has been filling this role for FROM THE EO all members to achieve their Glider Pilot
Certificate (GPC).
number will return to the previous values
over the next year.
CASA PART 149
some time but would prefer to put his CASA Part 149 specifies the
panels, instructors, coaches and A common expression used is that of
effort to other areas within the gliding GFA OFFICE requirements for aviation administration
students all understand and support the THE GPC QUALIFIED ‘churn’, which reflects the process of
movement. Consequently, we are eager After 12 months working from home, organisations involved in sport and
program. The changes will challenge us GLIDER PILOT: people joining GFA but then leaving
to hear from members who have a GFA Office staff are now back in the recreational aircraft activities. As a result,
all and the benefits will be real with a l Can fly and soar the glider safely within two years, and currently accounts
background in safety related matters office. We have made some all sport aviation organisations (gliding,
seamless student path from first flight at the required standard, for about 70% of new memberships. We
and would be keen to work with our improvements to the environment and parachuting, paragliding etc) have been
to becoming a competent and confident l Is aware of the Threats and Errors should expect that some people will join
Airworthiness and Operations file storage system. The staff are quite requested to become Part 149
cross-country pilot. The team that has that may arise and can manage these, and decide later that the sport is not for
departments to help develop and lead a flexible and can revert back to working organisations.
been working on this program are a l Has the skills to soar the glider them, or they cannot devote the time
Part 149 compliant Safety Management from home as required, should random GFA has contracted Peter John to assist
group of highly motivated and skilled and to competently and safely fly outside and money required to continue, but
System. If you have an interest in this Covid incidents make it necessary. with preparing our Exposition, which
people and they have done a of gliding range of their takeoff airfield, 70% seems excessive.
area, or you know someone who may Tanya has reduce her hours of work so explains how GFA is structured and
magnificent job – thank you! navigating to a selected site and Managing churn places a heavy load
have, I would be pleased to hear from the office is not staffed every second identifies the responsible officers. A small
complying with all aviation regulations on club volunteers who deliver the
you. Friday. The simplest solution is to make team led by Anthony Smith is finalising
MORE CHANGE within the limits of their authorisations. training. We have been encouraging
direct contact with the office Monday to the Exposition and looking at our Safety
You have all heard about Part 149, so l Can fly independently subject to clubs to review the service that their
GOVERNANCE AND INTEGRITY Thursday 9am-3pm. Email to returns@ and Management systems to align them
I am not going to bore you with any maintaining their competency. members receive to ensure that club
From time to time, we hear of glidingaustralia.org gets good results as better with CASA requirements. At the
further specific detail. Part 149 will As you can see, this goes well beyond practices are not turning members away,
complaints from members about all staff members can see and respond. same time, this is enabling us to review
require some mandated change to our just flying the aircraft, with the soaring such as lack of flying opportunities,
various behaviours seen in some clubs. and improve our systems in alignment
organisational structure and while we aspects taking on a more important multiple instructors, late starts to the day
The GFA Board has a Governance and BADGES AND CLAIMS with other aviation organisations. We
are considering these issues it makes focus. This soaring aspect is more likely and so on.
Integrity Committee that is reviewing all A few members have complained plan to submit the Exposition to CASA
sense to have an overall look at our to entice the new member to stay in the The increased focus on GPC skills is
our policies relating to governance about the difficulty of submitting a badge before the end of the year. It will provide
current management structure. Part of sport and develop their skills further. one way to encourage members to stay
matters including member and child claim for Silver, Gold and Diamond an opportunity to update the GFA and we
that consideration might be how the in the sport. If you have other
protection. Gliding Australia actively badges. There has been a review of the hope that members will support and
roles of the Board and Executive GFA FEE CHANGES FOR 21/22 suggestions on how to address this issue
promotes good governance at all levels, system with significant improvement participate in these improvements.
interface and how we could re-structure The GFA board met in April to consider we look forward to hearing from you.
including clubs. To this end we have expected in the next couple of months.
2 GLIDING AUSTRALIA magazine.glidingaustralia.org GLIDING AUSTRALIA magazine.glidingaustralia.org 3
BERYL HARTLEY
VALE DAVE SHORTER robust finances.
In 2014, Dave became FAI GLIDING BADGES FAI CERTIFICATES
OFFICER
Treasurer of the GFA and made a 1 MARCH - 31 MAY 2021 faicertificates@glidingaustra-
lia.org
great contribution in that capacity
until last August. He continued A CERTIFICATE
ERIC DINES BEVERLEY SC MAURICE PONTT BUNDABERG GLIDING
his association with the
BEN JAMES NORTH QUEENSLAND SSC ASHLEY SIRR THE GLIDING CLUB OF WA
Federation as Chairman of the
NICK NEYNENS KINGAROY SC
Investment Committee, and in MAURICE PONTT BUNDABERG GLIDING ZENON BUSSENSCHUTT ADELAIDE SC
that role, he guided our finances HAMISH SCOTHERN SOUTH GIPPSLAND GC
JONATHAN BLOOMFIELD SOUTH GIPPSLAND GC
into an ever stronger position. JAMES SPENCER SOUTH GIPPSLAND GC
RYAN ROGERS ADELAIDE S
In addition to his financial ASHLEY SIRR THE GLIDING CLUB OF WA
OLIVIER LAPIERRE SOUTHERN CROSS GC
contributions to the sport, he was C CERTIFICATE
NICK NEYNENS KINGAROY SC
a regular task setter, weather MARK KEECH THE GLIDING CLUB OF WA ZAC MALAKELLIS BATHURST FLIGHT
forecaster and all-round ZENON BUSSENSCHUTT ADELAIDE SC KASSANDRA COLE WARWICK FLIGHT
contributor to the harmony and LEO NELSON BATHURST SC ERIC DINES BEVERLEY SC
success of the sport. He regularly THOMAS CLARK GRAMPIANS SC MARC HUGELSHOFER MELBOURNE GC /VMFG
wrote articles on his experiences, MAURICE PONTT BUNDABERG GLIDING
TERRY CUBLEY He was a good contributor to including frank lessons from B CERTIFICATE ASHLEY SIRR THE GLIDING CLUB OF WA
Dave Shorter was a valuable the Board's decision-making and incidents. Many of his features SCOTT CREW ADELAIDE SC NICK NEYNENS KINGAROY SC
contributor to gliding, nationally will be missed. will be valuable reading for years ADAM MECHLER GEELONG GC ZENON BUSSENSCHUTT ADELAIDE SC
through his role as treasurer, and to come. MATTHEW SWINN MELBOURNE GC/VMFG RYAN ROGERS ADELAIDE SC
within the Lake Keepit Soaring CHRIS BOWMAN Dave was winning days at BEN JAMES NORTH QUEENSLAND SC
Club. Sadly, we have to report the Keepit Grand Prix events until a
Dave was GFA treasurer for passing of Dave Shorter. month ago. GFA CALENDAR Competition Organiser Cameron published shortly at
He leaves his wife Carol, four McDonald 0400 581 132 glidingclub.org.au
seven years, from 2014-2020. He Dave has been a great Use the Contact GFA
children and 10 grandchildren, and on the comp web site
also established the GFA contributor to the sport ever menu at www. NSW COACHING WEEK -
and will also leave a gap in the glidingcomp.flights/vsa2022
investment Committee and led since he commenced gliding glidingaustralia.org to send NARROMINE
this group over the past three more than 30 years ago at sport. event details to the GFA 14 – 20 November 2021
CLUB AND SPORTS CLASS
Narromine Gliding Club,
years, taking responsibility for Grafton Gliding Club. Once solo, Secretariat for publishing All suitably rated pilots are
NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS:
investing GFA funds in order to he quickly progressed to become online and in GA. 12 - 19 December 2021
get a better financial return. In an Instructor and then Chief
NATIONAL COACHING welcome to enter and improve
their cross country skills.
Sun 12th is a practice day, leaving 7
this he was very successful, Flying Instructor at that Club.
DIRECTOR 2021 BUNYAN WAVE CAMP1
Contact Armin Kruger – NSW comp days. See
8 - 25 September 2021
SDM glidingcomp.flights/cs2021/
delivering significantly better Grafton gliding camps at Lake Canberra Gliding Club - Bunyan
We are looking for 0477 945 387
returns than we had received Keepit Soaring Club convinced Airstrip, Monaro Hwy, Bunyan NSW
WORLD GLIDING
expressions of interest to For further details email:
previously. Since Dave retired Dave to move his flying inland NARROMINE CUP CHAMPIONSHIPS NARROMINE
fill the important role of bunyanwavecamp@iinet.net.au 21 – 27 November 2021 November - December 2023
from the role last year, the where cross-country possibilities
National Coaching Director. Narromine Gliding Club Narromine was the venue for the
investment committee has are greater. QUEENSLAND STATE
You would become an The Narromine Cup will be running 2015 Junior World Championship,
decided to seek external Dave became a keen CHAMPIONSHIPS this year. Contact Beryl Hartley which was very successful, flying
integral member of the 26 September - 2 October
professional advice on competitor from the time he on email arnie.hartley@gmail. on 10 out of a possible 11 contest
Soaring Development Panel 2021 com for futher details. days. It was the venue where
investments, given that Dave bought his first glider. He was a
(SDP) in a voluntary role, Kingaroy Soaring Club Australian glider pilot Matthew
was no longer available to take ferocious opponent, regularly
supporting a group of See kingaroysoaring.com.au for NSW STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS - Scutter became World Champion
on this responsibility. beating some of Australia’s best, registration details. NARROMINE in Standard Class. Narromine
Soaring Development
Dave was also insurance officer and was a constant on the 28 November – 4 December Gliding Club is honoured to be
managers. MULTICLASS NATIONALS 2021 selected by the IGC and we look
and led the Board discussions on podium.
4 - 11 October 2021 Narromine Gliding Club forward to hosting an amazing
improving our insurance policies He became Treasurer of Lake
Please contact Kingaroy Soaring Club Contact Mick Webster gliding competition.
to ensure better outcomes for the Keepit Soaring Club 15 years ago If you would like to be a part of
Jenny Thompson, Chair See kingaroysoaring.com.au for mick260649@gmail.com f
GFA. and served for seven years. registration details. or further details the organisation and running of
of the Soaring this World Championship
Dave had previously been LKSC During his tenure, Keepit’s
Development Panel CARTER CUP - GCWA VICTORIAN STATE GLIDING Competition please go to the
treasurer, receiving many Membership grew in numbers
CSDP@glidingaustralia.org 30 Oct – 7 Nov 2021 CHAMPIONSHIPS - BENALLA Contact Us page and tell us about
accolades from his club for his from the mid-70s to more than yourself and how you can help.
Gliding Club of WA, Cunderdin 4 – 11 December 2021
work in this area. 140 and he left the Club with Airport, Cunderdin WA Competition details will be
4 GLIDING AUSTRALIA magazine.glidingaustralia.org GLIDING AUSTRALIA magazine.glidingaustralia.org 5
SAFETY
JUST CULTURE 1.0
FLARM-AZING
PROFESSOR SIDNEY DEKKER
BY DAVID JANSEN
National Safety Advisor
There is a link between people’s commitment to
report safety-critical events or near misses on the Did you know that every registered aircraft in the world signal strength around 42.0 dB. The higher the number,
one hand, and how an organization (CASA, the In other words, where there is a duty to exercise is assigned an ICAO (International Civil Aviation the better the Flarm reception or, in other words, the
GFA, your club) handles the aftermath of those care, reasonable care must be taken to avoid acts Organization) 24bit binary code that is linked to the better your Flarm is transmitting. With today’s modern
events on the other. Responses that are perceived or omissions which can reasonably be foreseen to aircraft registration? Power Flarm and a good aerial install, it is typical to see a
to be punitive or retributive obviously put a be likely to cause harm to persons or property. If, When a glider is registered, CASA send the Certificate of glider as far away as 140km from the receiver – and that is
damper on people’s willingness to share their as a result of a failure to act in this reasonably Registration holder a letter containing a code that looks great news if someone is looking for you near last light.
stories. skillful way, harm/injury/damage is caused to a similar to this - 011111000001111011100001. As an aside to this, if your club uses DittoLog, the Ditto
person or property, the person whose action This 24bit binary code is also converted into Decimal base stations should also have a 7C prefix. CASA will give
Nobody wants to unjustly sanction members for
caused the harm is negligent. Code, Octal Code and Hex Code. you a code for a ground station if asked. Kingaroy is
their involvement in an incident. Nobody wants to
jeopardize organizational learning by threatening There are various web sites around that can do the waiting for the assignment of a 7Cxxxx code at the time of
JUDGEMENT CALLS conversion for you, or you can get in touch with CASA, writing this article.
people who disclose their mistakes. Unreflectively
That makes it patently obvious, no? Of course it give them your VH-xxx registration, and they will forward
or arbitrarily punitive regimes destroy the
doesn’t. Because the definition itself is a whole you a letter with all the information. Their web address is RESOLVING AIRCRAFT ID
opportunity to report safety issues without fear of
series of judgement calls: here bit.ly/3i3iCyR So, what happens if you do NOT have a 7Cxxxx Flarm
reprisal. This is why you want to put a ‘just culture’
policy or program in place. It might seem so What we as glider pilots are after is the Hex code code in your Flarm? The Flarm database in my glider sees
simple. But justice, accountability and trust are all What is 'normal standard'? beginning with the combination of 7Cxxxx. your Hex code, which might have been registered by an
hugely difficult to define and agree on. l How far is 'below'? ‘7C’ is the prefix for Australia and is used to specifically ASG29 owner flying out of Poppenhausen in Germany,
I wrote the first book ‘Just Culture’ in 2007. At l What is 'reasonably skillful'? identify your aircraft. with a registration of D-2929. My LX9000 tells me your
the time, just culture was itself mostly understood l What is 'reasonable care'? Your Flarm uses this Hex code and your Flarm code rego is D-2929 and you are an ASG29, when in fact you
in retributive terms. We have come quite a distance l What is 'prudent'? should match your aircraft registration. are an Astir from Lake Keepit.
since then. A retributive just culture tries to draw a l Was harm indeed 'caused by the negligent If I can see your registration electronically, but I’m not
line between what it will accept and what it won’t action'? FROM THE CASA WEB SITE close enough to visually identify you, at least I can have a
accept. If something happens that it won’t accept, "If you are using your EC device on a registered aircraft go at contacting you if needed. I believe the GFA is in the
it tries to assign proportional, fair consequences to Just see if you, for your own flying, can – with an existing ICAO 24-bit address, you must program process of defining a default cross country frequency, so if
whatever transgression was committed. objectively, inarguably – define things like ‘normal this address into your EC device. Contact the civil aircraft a glider from Narromine meets a glider from Bathurst
in the community,’ ‘a reasonable level of skill,’ ‘a register if you don’t know the 24-bit address for your somewhere over the plains, we can at least talk to each
REAL WORLD MESSINESS prudent person,’ or that you could achieve ‘a aircraft." other in the thermal we share. Wouldn’t that be nice?
The idea is that it is simple to say what you foresight that harm may likely result.’ What, really, What is an EC (Electronic Conspicuity) device? (Maybe try 122.7 until that is actually written in the
won’t and will accept, and that it’s easy to is normal, prudent or reasonable – objectively and An EC device transmits Automatic Dependent MOSP?)
recognize this in the messiness of events in the inarguably? Don’t we all want to improve safety Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) information about the
real world. As it turns out, this is far from simple. precisely because the activity we are engaged in position of an aircraft to other airspace users operating SEARCH AND RESCUE
The supposed ‘line’ that a retributive just culture can result in harm? Of course, research has shown similar equipment. There are websites out there that keep a record of your
draws actually only exists after it has been drawn, us a long time ago that once we know the outcome, While Flarm is not technically an EC device (No ADS-B flight track. If for some unfortunate reason you are not
not before. we overestimate the amount of foresight we, or Out) it behoves us as aviators to match our Flarm IDs (Hex home at the end of the day, where will we start to look?
Suppose that you don’t accept a wilful violation. someone else, could and should have had. Code) to our VH registration numbers. Have you ever just gone flying or changed your task in the
What is wilful? Philosophers have broken their With the advent of Flarm tracking through such services air? The ground receivers are watching and can help
brains over the status of human intention and free WHAT, NOT WHO as the OGN (Open Glider Network) and commercial sites locate you if you are in distress.
will for millennia, and last I checked, they weren’t These are all judgement calls that someone will like FlightRadar24, our aircraft are becoming more visible.
quite done yet. Or suppose that you don’t accept have to make. So who is that someone? It is not The OGN maintains a database of our Flarm Hex code, AIRMANSHIP
negligence. Sure, that sounds simple. But what is that we can’t, at some point, make these calls. But which you may sign up to voluntarily, and uses this data to As the airspace becomes more congested and Air
‘negligence’? many of them will remain forever contested, also identify you as you are tracked. If you have not signed up, Services Australia pushes Class E airspace ever lower, we
It turns out that there actually is no such thing inside of gliding clubs. The important question, you are still tracked, just not identified. need to present a professional image to all those that
as ‘negligent behaviour’ because negligence is a then, is who is going to make that judgement. The OGN database can be accessed at this location might like to shut us out. Ever heard the Ed Kilbourne
legal judgment, not a psychological category. So Whom do you trust to do this fairly, equitably and ddb.glidernet.org gliding song ‘The Last One Up’ that goes “When the FAA
you can judge behaviour to have been negligent if well? Don’t count on CASA to be all those things. We have a growing number of voluntarily maintained puts a TCA over every place that we soar, and keep out
you are legally qualified, but even that isn’t so But what about your own training panel? Your CFI? OGN receivers going around Australia, as well as signs all are posted on our ceilings and our floors, when
simple. Just look at the following definition: The Regional Manager Ops? FlightRadar24 receivers – which also receive your Flarm – the privilege to fly the ridge, comes from Washington DC..”
Negligence is conduct that falls below the Retributive just culture approaches are organised so it’s time for us to start thinking about surveillance and You get where we are going here.
standard required as normal in the community. It around finding out who did something wrong and making the numbers match. Eventually, you might see If we can keep our operation as professional as possible,
applies to a person who fails to use the reasonable how to deal with that individual, rather than asking this as a Form 2 amendment in addition to confirming you we keep a voice that matters in the big picture.
level of skill expected of a person engaged in that what was responsible for things going wrong and have the latest Flarm software each year. Go for it….and stay safe for yourself and those around
particular activity, whether by omitting to do how to fix that as a community. If the response you.
something that a prudent and reasonable person focuses on the individual, the who, then underlying WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES?
would do in the circumstances or by doing conditions that gave rise to the problem in the first Checking your Flarm installation! FURTHER READING
something that no prudent or reasonable person place can be missed and left unaddressed. Ever heard someone ask, “Why can’t I see you on my wiki.glidernet.org
would have done in the circumstances. To raise a Flarm?” Go to this web site and click on the inverted tear ktrax.kisstech.ch/devices
question of negligence, there needs to be a duty of In the next issue of Gliding Australia , we’ll drop near the Kingaroy OGN receiver. Glider Radar bit.ly/3fRYDjN
care on the person, and harm must be caused by look at the robust alternative to this kind of Glider Tracker bit.ly/3bZMfNA Glider and Seek bit.ly/3yPRgSW
the negligent action. retributive just culture. Explore the information in the top right info box and you flightradar24.com
will see that the Ditto base station, a Flarm in itself, has a
6 GLIDING AUSTRALIA magazine.glidingaustralia.org
GLIDING AUSTRALIA magazine.glidingaustralia.org 7
GLIDING AUSTRALIA magazine.glidingaustralia.org 9
GLIDING Come and Fly
G
OPERATIONS
LIDING
CHRISTOPHER THORPE
CLAS Manager, Operations
with US!
Executive SI
FIE
In Issue 54 of the Gliding Australia magazine, I ADS D
emo@glidingaustralia.org AUSTRALIA
N O
ONLI W
Issue 11 March - April 2013 www.glidingaustralia.org
AUSTRALIA
wrote of an incident where an aircraft was cleared
AUSSIE TEAM AT
for flight after a hard landing despite suffering NE
News - features - sPorts - CoNtaCts
substantial structural damage. The damage
WGC ARGENTINA
be followed by a careful inspection
resulted in the flight crew experiencing aileron appropriate to the nature of the
control difficulties during the subsequent aerotow occurrence and in accordance
The newest gliding magazine on the grid
launch. with the sailplane manufacturer’s
approved data.
is packed full of great
Incidents involvingstuff about
sailplanes gliders,
that have been The following advice is provided
flown with undetected damage following a hard
gliding and the pilots who fly them.
landing are not uncommon. The Airworthiness
as guidance for special inspection requirements to
certificate of registration holders, pilots and
Department frequently receives reports from individuals involved in the maintenance of
Lake Keepit Soaring Club is a great place to fly…
Inspectors who have discovered undetected hard sailplanes. It is not possible to provide precise
A 7 day a week club operation with a relaxed, fun
atmosphere. LKSC has a modern, well maintained
NOTE If you want to buy or sell a glider,
landing damage while conducting an annual
inspection.
details of inspections to be adopted after every
type of incident due to glider design differences
fleet and launches are by aerotow and winch. The
the classified section is now online.
A hard landing occurs when a sailplane hits the
ground with a greater vertical speed and force than
and the varying nature of the stresses that may
multiclass - wgc benalla - news - orange week - barnes’ amreica
region’s varied terrain from plains to mountains
with plenty of safe out-landing opportunities and
occur.
in a normal landing. However, the forces involved year-round good conditions make LKSC ideal for
Go to may not always be apparent, so for most pilots if
Where the sailplane manufacturer provides for
Cover_11.indd 1
special inspection requirements, those inspections
3/5/2013 5:42:27 PM
pilots wanting to fly further, faster… sooner.
they have to question whether that previous landing
SOMETHING TO SELL
must take priority over the guidance material in this
TO GLIDER PILOTS? If you want to learn to fly gliders, get cross-country
www.glidingaustralia.org
was ‘hard’, it probably was! Any landing where
tyres or wheels are deflated or damaged should
bulletin. Should the manufacturer’s inspection
requirements be found to be deficient the
ADVERTISE to following
the biggest
training, fly badge flights, work towards a GPC,
or be part of the best gliding club in the country,
raise this question. advice is provided to supplement the manufacturer’s
geographical gliding come to Lake Keepit.
Sailplanes are designed to withstand flight and recommendations. community in the universe
landing loads within specified limits. If design limits The inspection process must be to such a scope
are exceeded the structural integrity of the sailplane For Display
as to ensure that all defects, including Advertising
sub-surface Tel: (02) 6769 7514
structure may be jeopardised and safety could be defects, or limitations in Call 02 9332
control functionality2822are or email Email: manager@keepitsoaring.com ���������
impaired. Any report or evidence on the sailplane
and click the classified link on the menu bar
which suggests that the design limits have been
detected. By virtue of theirsean@glidingaustralia.org.
design, sailplanes differ
in the manner in which an abnormal load may
www.keepitsoaring.com �������
24 Gliding Australia www.soaring.org.au
exceeded or equipment damaged should, therefore, manifest itself. Wrinkling or distortion of fuselage or
wing skins may well be an indication that structure
deformation or failure has occurred, and a full
Build it yourself Glider Trailer Kit
investigation should be carried out. Any jamming,
binding or limited travel of controls must be fully
Ad_Pages.indd 24
• Light weight
investigated. Aluminium
A wing frequency Clamshell
check should Trailer also
LKSC AD Gliding Australia 20-6-11.indd 1 20/06/11 9:38
•
be conducted in accordance with paragraph 3.3.4.1
Tail / Wing and Belly Dollies included
of GFA publication Basic Sailplane Engineering
(AIRW-M005).
SO YOU’VE HAD
Should the inspection process reveal that the
sailplane has suffered major damage, the
ASO YOU’VECALL?
CLOSE HAD
Maintenance Release must be endorsed that the
sailplane is unairworthy (i.e. enter a Major Defect in
A CLOSE CALL?
Part 2). The Maintenance Release will then cease to
be in force pursuant to paragraph 19.5.2 of MOSP 3
until the defect has been cleared by an appropriately Often the experience is something you’ll never forget and you have learned from it.
Why not share your story so that others can learn
authorised person. Whyfrom notit share
too? If weyour story
publish so that
it, we’ll give others
you $500. can learn from it too?
If a sailplane has been flown through conditions
V- Towing Bar, Auto- Reverse, Spare If we publish it, we’ll
Email us at fsa@casa.gov.au give you $500.
of severe turbulence, or has been subjected to
Wheel, long retractable Jockey Wheel, lockable one - hand
central Latch on Back of Clamshell, large Hatch in front, Vent flight manoeuvres in excess of the manufacturer’s Articles should
Articles be between
should 450 and
be between 4501000
andwords.
1000 Ifwords.
preferred, your identity
Grill on back, Solar Vent in centre - all standard recommended limits, or has suffered a hard or will be kept confidential.
If preferred, Email us
your identity fsa@casa.gov.au.
willatbe kept confidential. Clearly mark
overweight (e.g., with water ballast) landing, your Ifsubmission
you have video footage,field
in the subject feelasfree to submit this CLOSE CALL’
‘SPORTAVIATION
Bed made from 25mm GFRP Panels, Clamshell constructed including a ground-loop, the sailplane must be with your close call.
from cnc - cut and bent aluminium sheet parts Clamshell is taken out of service and assessed for damage. The Please do not submit
structural when latched giving torsional stiffness to the bed for articles regarding events
inspector must understand the loads which the that are the subject
speeds tested in excess of 100mph. of a current official
sailplane is likely to have been subjected to so that investigation.
Approx Cost: Starting from 6,700 Euro ex. Factory + Shipping & GST. the inspection can cover the likely damage points. Submissions may be
A person holding an Annual Inspector or higher edited for clarity, length
and reader focus.
authority is authorised to perform the inspection
and release the sailplane to service.
ORDER A PRINT EDITION The inspections andRegister
actionsyour interest now soprior
recommended you
OF GA 56 to further flight are detaileddon’tin miss out. Costs
Chapter 25 on of the
shipping will be kept to a minimum,
BIT.LY/3C7X0CP GFA publication ‘Basic Sailplane
as a number Engineering’.
of flat packs
will easily fit into our shipping container
. Please do not submit articles regarding events that are the subject of a current official investigation.
Submissions may be edited for clarity, length and reader focus.
8 GLIDING AUSTRALIA magazine.glidingaustralia.org
For more information ANZ Agent - Swain Johnson: 0412827252 GLIDING AUSTRALIA magazine.glidingaustralia.org 9
Gliding Australia www.soaring.org.au 25
or email swaino@hotmail.com.au or http://aero-works.de
VSA CHAMPIONSHIPS
that reasonably often, but it is cruel when it happens day
after day.
VICTORIAN STATE Each of the first four competition days were lowish
and generally blue, with the occasional cumulus. Speeds
CHAMPIONSHIPS
were typically below 100kph, and often below 70kph.
The final day was a marked improvement with climbs to
7,000ft. It was a short day with thermals predicted to
end at 5pm, and reports indicate that this was the case.
BY TERRY CUBLEY So short tasks were set, but were still very competitive.
Ballasted Class was fairly well determined before the last
task, as long as Tobi did not outland. Tobi won the last
day at 116kph to confirm his overall win.
In Unballasted Class the overall scores were still very
much in play with podium places up for grabs. Jack Hart
won the last day at 92kph, which ensured an overall win.
He was just ahead of Matt Woodhouse and Mark
Goodley on the day.
NEW COMPETITORS
Four pilots were flying their first competition at this
event. Flying a comp is not that difficult – the good thing
is that someone tells you what the weather is and where
you have to fly. By talking to other pilots, you can get
good advice on how to plan the flight. The actual flying
just takes practice to develop the techniques – some
two-seat coaching is a real benefit in developing this.
When the VSA were looking for a club to host the State Championships, Actually flying the comp is a great experience and all of
WHAT IS AN AAT?
now that flying was almost back to normal following the various lockdowns, the new pilots commented on how much they learned over
Gliding competition is about racing against your fellow
the Gliding Club of Victoria committee suggested that we could run it. I was the five days.
competitors to see who can complete the set task at the
just too slow and ended up agreeing to be the Competition Director. The On the flip side, many of the remaining pilots were very
fastest speed. Originally, tasks were fixed. For example, you
critical rule is that the CD and the Safety Officer cannot fly. experienced and skilled. This included Australian team pilots
would fly from Benalla to Katamatite and then Corowa and
Tobi Geiger, Ailsa McMillan and Bernie Sizer, plus many
come back to Benalla. A fast glider might achieve this flight
Bruce Cowan was CD for Horsham week in February and others with extensive skill developed over many years.
in 2 hours, while the slow competitors might take 4 hours,
wasn’t available to help with the State comps – other than
meaning that they have to start early and/or finish late when
actually flying. Luckily, members of his management team DAY WINNERS
conditions are weak. The AAT sets a time for the task and
agreed to keep working in their roles at Benalla, so we had Ballasted Class: Tobi Geiger, Tim Wilson, John Orton, Tobi
the competitors fly as far as they can within this time by
Tim Shirley doing the weather forecasts, John Orton setting Geiger, Tobi Geiger
flying to a series of areas where the scoring system identifies
Tasks and Neil Campbell scoring. Unballasted Class: Jack Hart, Mark Goodley, Kirk Amos &
one point in each area to maximise the distance achieved.
It was easy having a well honed team, all I had to do was Steve Hobby, Ailsa McMillan, Jack Har
speak at Briefing. Fortunately, Gary Cropley agreed to be the
THE FLYING AND OUTLANDING
Safety Officer for the event, as he is well experienced and PRESENTATION DINNER
The first competition day on Thursday, 4 March was
capable for that role. The final night was on Wednesday 10 March and Sue from
meant to be a straightforward flight but the weather did not
Absolutely Delicious opened her restaurant which was well
cooperate. Three pilots in Ballasted Class made it around,
GOOD TURNOUT attended by all pilots, organisers, ground crew and friends.
with Tobi Geiger winning at only 74kph, which indicates how
As it was late in the season after such a delayed start, I We spent a very pleasant evening, with Viv Drew (VSA
difficult the day was, just ahead of John Orton and Arnold
initially thought that we would struggle to get many entries. President) closing the championships and
Niewand (Horsham). Three pilots in Unballasted Class also
Neil Campbell set up our web page and Rhonda did some presenting the trophies and prizes – a
promotion on social media, and of course she contacted all
made it around with Jack Hart (Bendigo) winning at 59kph
with Garry Stevenson and Mark Goodley also completing the
great end to an enjoyable but challenging VICTORIAN STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS BENALLA
GCV members to encourage them to participate. week.
trip. This meant that 12 gliders either landed out or used
By the time the competition started we had 21 entries, 4 - 10 MARCH 2021
their engine to get back, and 66.6% failed to complete.
many more than we had hoped for. We had three competitors STATE COMPS AND UNBALLASTED
Outlanding, typically a safe exercise, is always possible
from other clubs – Tocumwal, Bendigo and Horsham – plus NATIONALS IN DECEMBER 2021 1 FQC JACK HART BENDIGO GC MOSQUITO 3,713
with cross country flying and you get to meet all sorts of
Keith Willis from Bordertown who just wanted to go flying The 2021/22 State comps will also to be 2 AJ AILSA MCMILLAN GCV LS 4B 3,568
people. The best stories often result from experiences with
and volunteered to be the ‘sniffer’ – launching early and held at Benalla, from Friday 3 December to
outlanding. Competition flying does slightly increase the 3 MU MARK GOODLEY GCV HORNET WL 3,434
providing feedback on conditions so that the launch could Friday 10 December – a much better time
chances of outlanding because you get to fly on days when
proceed. of year for weather.
The practice day was held on Wednesday 3 March with
you might otherwise leave the glider in the hangar. Even so,
glidingcomp.flights/vsa2022/
BALLASTED
two-thirds of all competitors landing out is a little careless on 1 VG TOBIAS GEIGER GCV VENTUS 2 AX 4,034
approximately half of the competitors taking part. A short
behalf of the organisation.
Assigned Area Task (AAT) was set but the weather was less The Club and Sports Class National 2 DW JOHN ORTON GCV A SG 29/18M 3,729
In previous weeks we have had lift to 10,000ft and quite a
than optimal and no one completed the task. John Orton Championships will be held a week later 3 N2 MATT GAGE GCV VENTUS 2CXT/18M 3,407
number of cumulus days, but the State comps was
travelled 104km to achieve the maximum distance. At least from Saturday 11 December to Saturday
consistently blue with climbs to 4,000-5,500ft, and many
it gave us a good run-through of the launch, start and 18 December, so we should receive a good Full results at soaringspot.com
days where the lift got weaker and lower as a pilots tried to
scoring, so we felt well enough prepared to start the number of entries for both events. bit.ly/3fUZY9P
get home into the cool Southerly wind. We have days like
competition on the next day. glidingcomp.flights/cs2021/
GA
10 GLIDING AUSTRALIA magazine.glidingaustralia.org
GLIDING AUSTRALIA magazine.glidingaustralia.org 11
SOUTH GIPPSLAND GC
JUNIORS AT SOUTH GIPPSLAND
GLIDING CLUB
know that I could talk to them about anything I might TOP LEFT: Instructor Kevin Owen congratulates
need, not only in the air, but on the ground as well. James Spencer after his first solo.
“There is always something to do at the hangar to BOTTOM LEFT: Hamish Scothern on take off first
help out, and everyone is so friendly and willing to solo.
teach and pass on their knowledge of how things are
South Gippsland Gliding Club operates at Leongatha We incorporated the use of our two seat simulator ABOVE: Hamish Scothern (centre) after first solo
done. This sharing of knowledge enables us junior with instructors Kevin Owen and Ian Shadbolt.
Aerodrome with a fleet of four gliders – two Twin Astir into their training during our wetter months, which members to also teach others who might be new to
and two Astir CS. Our club is a VSA Accredited Youth aided in their progress. The simulator was built with gliding. The overall environment of the club is very doing most of the flying and some of the landings.
Gliding club and we have a number of junior pilots. In funding assistance from VSA and technical assistance welcoming and you always feel respected, seen and “My future ambitions include something related to
the first two weeks of April we sent two of our junior from Alby James of GCV. valued as a part of the whole ‘team.’ I always feel like I flying such as the Air Force, agriculture, even aerobatic
members solo, both age 15. Having keen young members gives the club a breath get so much from club days, not only regarding my flights or competitions. There are many opportunities
James Spencer is from Leongatha South and Hamish of fresh air and they are all very integral to our club. We flying skills and knowledge, but also from the time for my future. I want to buy an aeroplane one day, and
Scothern comes from Wattle Bank. have asked Hamish, James and Josiah, who is age 14, to spent with all the people I meet and learn from.” tow gliders up, explore and go on holidays to places I’ve
put their experiences into words, never been before. The coolest thing I have done in a
below. JAMES SPENCER glider so far would have to be a loop. I have always
“I’m James Spencer. I am 15 years old and a junior wanted to feel positive and negative g-force and when I
HAMISH SCOTHERN member in the South Gippsland Gliding Club. I have just did the loop, it was the best feeling when I got to
“My name is Hamish and I am 15 completed my first solo flight and it was the biggest experience it. Even after I have achieved my aeroplane
years old. I am a recent scholarship thrill. I have been training under great instructors, Kevin licences, I would to still love to continue gliding as it
holder at the South Gippsland Gliding (Kiwi) Owen and Max Speedy. Currently I am working on was the start of my flying passion.”
Club, and I also sit on the club my A certificate and have three out of the required five
committee as the junior member. In solo flights to go. One of my check flights must have JOSIAH WELLS
this role, I represent the other junior the altimeter and airspeed covered up. “I am Josiah Wells and I joined the South Gippsland
members of the club by speaking on “I got into gliding after attending the Avalon Airshow Gliding Club this summer with my dad. I have enjoyed
their behalf at meetings. I can’t even in 2019 with my dad and grandad. I was lucky enough gliding from my first flight, because of the amazing
begin to say how much I love and to get a ticket on an F/A 18F Super Hornet simulator. view from Inverloch and Phillip Island to Wilson’s Prom,
enjoy gliding. The fact that I am able The instructor supervising the simulator trains fighter as well as feeling in control of the glider. I have had 20
to fly still blows my mind. Gliding pilots. He advised that a great way to get into flying is flights and logged just over six hours, and I am currently
makes me realise that I am able to do to start with gliding. The club has built a simulator in working towards being able to fly solo. The club is
whatever I put my mind to, even if at the hangar. It is made out of an old K7 glider that the fantastic. It’s great to hear the adults share stories and
first, I don’t think I can. club once flew. After the club finished building the advice, and they’re always so kind and willing to help
“I have made many close mates simulator, Hamish and myself started our training. you. I learn so much every day at the gliding club and
within the club, both junior and senior Previously to the simulator, I had only started doing during school I often find myself studying the cloud
members. I see my instructors as upper air work in the Twin Astir. The simulator helped base. I would definitely recommend gliding to anyone
mentors both in flying and in life and I me out immensely when we started flying again. I was who wants a fun challenge.”
GA
12 GLIDING AUSTRALIA www.glidingaustralia.org
GLIDING AUSTRALIA www.glidingaustralia.org 13
GLIDER MAIL
Roter Teufel (Red Devil) brand machine of the model type
GLIDER MAIL – HISTORY YOU CAN Hols der Teufel, which translates as ‘Devil Take It’ or just ‘Go To
Hell’. Wikipedia has this to say on the Hols der Teufel:
Image 3
HOLD!
The first glider to be named the Hols der Teufel was the
influential Djävaler Anamma, designed by Alexander Lippisch
in 1923. Its key structural feature was an A-frame which
BY JOHN PATTERSON carried wire braced wings and linked to a flat girder rear
fuselage. It later evolved through the Schneider Grunau 9 into
the very popular Zögling, which avoided the controversial
"skullsplitter" forward member of the A-frame with a vertical
strut behind the pilot.
This plane was the first series production undertaken by
famed sailplane designer and manufacturer Alexander
Schleicher after he started his own business. Interestingly, he
also has a connection with the next item.
IIMAGES 3 & 4
Another very early glider mail item, this illustrated letter
card was prepared for the 6th German gliding competition in
Image 1 August 1925 and was flown about 5km on 31 August from the
well known gliding centre of Wasserkuppe to the nearby town
of Gersfeld. Information available on the web indicates that
“the mail was transported by the well known Rhone veteran
Gottlobb Espenlaub who dropped the mailbag in front of the Image 4
Aerophilately is the branch of philately that specialises in the study of airmail. Since the beginning of post office at Gersfeld”. From Gersfeld it was transported
aviation, enthusiasts have created, collected and studied paper ephemera relating to all aspects of the through the German mail system to its final destination in the
transport of mail by flight. nearby town of Fulda.
The front of the card features a fascinating photo of people
This ephemera can take many forms including official envelopes and cards, other characteristics commonly found watching early gliders in action, with a hand written attribution
government issued flight related postage stamps, unofficial on glider mail include custom made rubber stamps known as to a gliding meet at Gersfeld. The reverse features a printed
privately produced non-postal stamps (often referred to as a cachet promoting the flight or an associated event, printed cachet with an eagle on the left that promotes the competition
vignettes or cinderellas), envelopes or specially created cards glider related imagery, a written indication of the type of as well as the name of the event sponsor, the Rhon Rossitten
carried on important flights or in aviation competitions and glider used and/or the name of the pilot, and occasionally company. This company provides the link to Alexander
often signed by the pilot, aerogrammes and even baggage even a standard ‘Par Avion’ type of air mail label. Schleicher mentioned above – he worked on sailplane
labels. Some glider mail will be transported through normal mail construction for the Rhon Rossitten company at Wasserkuppe
Within aerophilately there are numerous popular specialist channels after having been carried on a flight and will thus before going out on his own and building the Hols der Teufel.
areas of interest such as pigeon mail, rocket mail, balloon also include the non aviation related postal stamps and On the right side of the reverse is a postal cancel mark
mail, parachute mail and air crash mail. The latter one – as cancels. Occasionally, a piece of glider mail will have all of created by the German Reichspost as a one-off for this flight. Image 5
the name implies – is mail that has been retrieved from a these characteristics. Apparently this cancel was designed by a member of the
crashed aircraft. A glider mail cover can be like a little package of clues that, Vereinigung ehemaliger Feldfliegertruppen (Association of
Not unexpectedly, there is also a sub branch of aerophilately if properly interpreted, can provide quite specific insight into Former Field Pilots), which would account for the fairly
known as glider mail. To qualify as glider mail, the item in the origin and purpose of the artefact. To a gliding enthusiast, militaristic nature of the cross and eagle imagery. This
question needs to have been transported in a glider at some they can provide a direct link to important moments in gliding connection points to the important role that ex-members of
point in its journey to its ultimate recipient, and should include history and trigger whole new avenues of glider research. the German air force played in the development of aviation,
some physical indicator to confirm that. To demonstrate these various forms of iconography, here and particularly gliding, in their country in the years following
In addition to the ephemera listed above such as official are some interesting examples of glider mail originating from World War 1.
and unofficial stamps, pilots' signatures and specially created outside Australia that are available on a popular auction site The reverse also features a very early German Mit Luftpost
Image 2 at the time of writing: (By Airmail) sticker and a small red hand stamp identifying
the item as having been flown by glider between Wasserkuppe
IMAGES 1 & 2 and Gersfeld.
An extremely early example of German glider mail dating The pilot Gottlob Espenlaub was himself a noted early Image 6
from November 1924, this card was carried by glider from the sailplane designer who is co-credited, along with Gerhard
town of Buchelburg to the town of Lehningen, a distance of Fieseler, as the first person to demonstrate the effectiveness
about 50km as the crow flies. This trip is indicated by a hand- of the aerotow – their demonstrations lead to the eventual flew to Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington DC, releasing
applied rubber stamp. The card was then transported a few broad adoption of the launch technique. Espenlaub went on one glider over each city carrying mail intended for that city.
kilometres to the town of Neuhausen where it entered the to spend much of the rest of his career designing rocket- Figure 5 shows a cover flown to Philadelphia, while Figure 6, a
postal system and was delivered to its ultimate destination, propelled gliders – which sounds like a tautology to me. cover flown all the way to Washington, has been signed by all
most likely the town of Gorlitz, some hundreds of kilometres four pilots on the sky train and thus is considerably scarcer.
further away near the Polish border. IMAGES 5 & 6
The card obviously had some money raising purpose for These two covers dating from 3 August 1934 are artefacts IMAGES 7 & 8
the publisher, the Aviation Club of Pforzheim, because the carried on the ‘Lustig Sky Train’ – a remarkable experiment to These two fabulous Polish covers dating from 1958 and
text indicates that any profits will be used to further aviation test the potential effectiveness of the glider as a regular mail 1963 each feature a dazzling array of iconography, including
activities. and goods delivery service. A powered plane took off from printed envelopes, special vignette stamps, numerous stamps
The card is also a promotion for the featured aeroplane, a New York towing three Franklin PS-2 Gliders. This sky train referencing Glider Mail, the model and call number of the
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14 GLIDING AUSTRALIA magazine.glidingaustralia.org
GLIDING AUSTRALIA magazine.glidingaustralia.org 15
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