Picture this......RAF West Malling, about October 1971. As a young teenager, I was lucky enough to be invited to the RAF Gliding school resident at this ex WWII airfield. I recall being awed at the sheer lumbering size of the Sedburgh "Barge", and the exposed tandem cockpit of the Kirby Cadet Mk III. After a bit of waiting around on the windswept grass, I was strapped into the Mark III front cockpit, and unceremoniously hurled skywards by the winch. I remember the initial adrenalin rush as if it were yesterday. At the release point, the peace and relative silence was almost spiritual, and I could see almost all of the weald of Kent and most of London spread out before me in gin clear visibility. (I still have my schoolboys account of this marvellous trip, in an exercise book.....it includes pencil diagrams of straps, controls, and panels!). I remember landing, and getting out, feeling wobbly, and ungainly. However, that was it - I was HOOKED. I joined my local ATC squadron, and before long I was gliding most weekends, at Betty Windsors expense. I have been privileged to fly from the following famous aerodromes.....West Malling, Manston, Tangmere, and Kenley. I soloed at 16, in a Cadet MkIII at Kenley. Subsequently, I have glided (glid????) off and on for about 27 years. Aerobatics in a performance glider is a must to be experienced.
I have flown power now for a long while, and work in the industry - but - I will a) never forget that first ethereal flight, or b) grow tired of gliding, and the challenge of staying aloft on a breeze.
Guess that makes me a bit of an Anorak......but if it does, - Then SO BE IT
Blue Skies