The Squadron provided support for the Gliding Awards Course and it was judged to be a great success.

The first aircraft arrived p.m. Wednesday 9th - Denis Woodham's flight being held up by weather. However by Metbriefing on Thursday the Squadron was ready to operate with:-

Dave MacKay - Cessna 120. Leo Baker - Piper Cub. Denis Woodhams - Piper Cub. Maurice Hynett - Yak 52. Michael Ryan - Archer 2. Maurice and his son William (Harrier pilot from 899 Sqdn.)also brought their Commander. Denis Woodhams friend David Findon brought the Bidford Tiger Moth over and did sterling work with 19 tows to height for pre-solo spinning exercises. He achieved this in one day (Thursday) for all students and the first student went solo on Friday - a great contribution. The students were divided into two teams of four and whilst one team was gliding the other worked with the Squadron.The first days flying dreamed up by Dave MacKay, was a TAC(r) exercise over local countryside which exercised the students navigation skills and tested their powers of observation.

Also during the day students had opportunities to experience aerobatics in the Yak 52 and some had a trip in a passing Piston Percival Provost. Maurice and Will also took the opportunity to show off their Commander - an aircraft with "serious purpose".

Friday saw a day of Navexes where students had to not only fly the aircraft but also to map read round a triangular course and land away at either Henstridge or Compton Abbas. Bearing in mind that they had hardly experienced anything that flies before the previous week-end , they were being pushed hard. Admiral Sir Ray Lygo paid a visit on Friday in his twin Golden Eagle and asked the students searching questions before flying on to Culdrose with Bertie Vigrass (who organises these awards) to visit the Gliding Course there. Next year the Squadron could provide a similar service to the Gliding Awards at Lee-on-Solent, Yeovilton and Culdrose provided enough members are willing. It is great fun, a worthwhile contribution and fuel and accomodation are paid for. Any volunteers ? Contact Michael Ryan.