Ah yes, back in the mists of time, 10 hours and a silver C in gliding, plus passing the usual ground exams and a flight test, could win the little brown wallet. It actually took me 18 hours of power training, I found the principle difficulty was communication. Already knew how to aviate and navigate...
For those that might not be acquainted with the requirements for the Silver Certificate, it involves a 50 kilometer distance flight, a gain of height from a low point of 1,000 meters, and FIVE HOURS ENDURANCE. Chap in our club did his five hours on our ridge, in February. Average height above the ridge about 300 feet, definitely a man able to sustain great suffering.
On a good classic day in mid Britain in May or June, thermals in streets, not that difficult to stay up for five hours and go places, even in a fairly primitive glider like the K8, which can climb on a sparrow's fart, as they say. But doesn't penetrate into wind very well, so most K8 50 k flights are done in a downwind dash. Your friends come to get you, and all stop at a pub on the way home.
The best things about gliding are fun and friendship. And personal achievement.
Last edited by mary meagher; 19th May 2012 at 22:22.