Glide Navy, Go Army

Despite autumnal showers and strong winds two experienced pilots from Seahawk Gliding club took to the air with one of the Army’s top pilots, hoping to gain their instructors tickets.

Major Allan Tribe, of the Army Gliding Association, visited the Seahawk Gliding Club at Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose recently to run a Basic Instructor course for two members. The club has needed new instructor blood for some time as it continues to provide service personnel at Culdrose the opportunity to take part and enjoy top level gliding in the south west and beyond.

The fledgling instructors, Jordan Richards and Steve Moore had all the flying experience needed to qualify as instructors and had worked hard all summer preparing for the course. This was the weekend to pull it all together! 

After two days of intensive briefings, manoeuvring aerobics and avoiding Cornish rain clouds, their final tests including high level spinning and stalling exercises, circuit work and dealing with every eventuality thrown at them. Both Jordan and Steve passed the tough assignments with "flying” colours! They are now qualified to pass on their skills to a new generation of aspiring navy glider pilots.  

Commander Chris Bryning of the Seahawk Gliding Club said,   “The club is extremely grateful for the Army's assistance in running this course which without Allan's perseverance would never have happened. His dedication to service gliding has made a huge contribution to the future success of the Seahawk Gliding Club and gliding at Culdrose.”