I would like to say a great big huge THANK YOU to all the LESC volunteers who showed up today to help Boy Scout Troop 358 “Discover the Joy of Soaring” at our favorite gliderport today. 

We had a lot of much appreciated volunteers.  All the volunteers pitched in and did their best to make sure that all the flying was done safely and efficiently.  We flew all three of our tow planes, all three 2-33s as well as the 2-32.  We even had our new 1-26 in play with Mike and Jared Sanders opening it up to the scouts for photo opportunities as well as a chance to sit in the cockpit and learn about the controls and instruments before they went for their ride.  Well done guys!

In the end we managed to launch 36 rides in three and a half hours.  I think we set a world record with that performance.  This would not have been possible without the help of all the great LESC volunteers.

Jan and I provided a barbequed chicken sandwich lunch for all the volunteers after the last scout was launched. 

Thanks again to all those who volunteered. We could note have done it without your help.

Rick Lloyd
LESC Vice-president, Chief Ride Pilot

She’s finally here!

We took delivery of a SN 391. After assembly and a positive control check, I took ‘er up for a shakedown flight. She flew beautifully. I took a couple of shots with my cell phone for posterity sake and until we get some better photos, I've included one of them on the Club Equipment page of the web site.

Richard informed me today that this past Wednesday Jerry Gleiforst completed the requirements (including the written test) and was awarded his Bronze Badge. That's outstanding Jerry!

The SSA's A,B,C and Bronze Badge program is designed to foster pilots through their training. It's setup as an attainable stepping stone pathway that will help each of you gain the skills and knowledge to spread your wings and gain the confidence (without jeopardizing safety) to go cross-country or upgrade your rating. In recognition, LESC requires that Student Pilots attain progressively higher badges to progress to higher performance gliders. This program makes it easy for you to learn and set goals. Sure, you have to apply yourself, but we should always be looking for ways to improve our knowledge and skillset. Just ask Jerry, he can tell you that if you follow the program, each step is readily attainable.

Join me in congratulating Jerry on his achievements!

It's been a long and winding road, but after a lot of work and effort, the 2-32 took to the air from Skylark airport today.

What a day! After my checkout by Richard Ensign, I spent the rest of the day in the plane. First thing, Rick Lloyd and Jeff Winkler both received checkouts. After that, Ted Johnson got a well-deserved flight for all the work he put into getting the glider flying. I took Mike Shear up for a dual flight then gave the first LESC O-Flight in the glider.

I've got to say, it was well worth the wait! The ship flies great, very predictable with no unexpected flight characteristics.

Jeff towed the glider behind all 3 of the tow planes to document what the tow pilots could expect when towing the 2-32. He then brief Ted Ripp, who made the rest of the tows.

This is a momentous occasion for LESC and I want to thank everybody who had a hand in it. Of course, every one of us need to give Ted a great big thank you for all the work he's put into this project over the last year, on top of keeping the rest of the gliders flying! I made a comment today (half joking, but serious none the less) that Ted's not going to know what to do with himself when he comes out to the airport. I guess he's just going to have to be satisfied with flying his own glider every now and again (I know how that goes ;-) ).

Eric Strzelczyk forwarded a couple of pictures he shot today and I've post them in the Photo Gallery.

Once again, a lot of people had a hand in this and all deserve a hardy Thank You, but none more than Ted Johnson.

Thanks one and all.