Sweden - Tuesday 14 June 2011

Today at briefing a minute’s silence was held following the death of a Finnish pilot in a mid-air collision with another glider during the Finland National Glider Championships on Sunday.  Immediately following this, the Director informed us all that there had been an ‘incident’ at the Arboga site yesterday and proceeded to show us photographs whereby two tugs towing up two gliders were extremely close and then the Pawnee clipped the tailplane of the tug which was in front of it – clearly he had not seen it even though the glider pilot had called out on the radio and had released the tow rope.  The photos of the damaged tailplane on the Dynamic tow aircraft were quite horrific – it was amazing that both planes landed safely with neither pilot injured.

During the briefing, it was decided that there would not be a task because the weather forecast was not for soarable conditions.  This meant that we could have a day of rest, which was handy for me as I was not feeling particularly well – I felt as if I were about to have a migraine attack, and this strange and unpleasant felling lasted all day.  I had a couple of naps during the day, which is extremely unusual for me.

During the evening time, it was the grand Opening Ceremony for the Women’s World Gliding Championships.  We all got changed into the official British Team gear, including the crews and whilst the crews walked across to the North side of the airfield as directed, all the pilots and the team Captains had the pleasure of riding to the Opening Ceremony in a mixture of old vehicles, vintage vehicles and carts which were towed by tractors.  We held our various National flags and it was quite a sight!

Various dignitaries from the FAI, the Local Mayor and Club officials gave eloquent speeches and finally the opening ribbon was cut (dignitaries included:- FAI President – John GrubbstrÖm, Olle Ytterberg, Bengt Lindgren, Hans Folkesson, Mats Lundqvist (Director)).  This event was followed by a spectacular airshow, opened up by a Hawker Hunter, a variety of glider aerobatics, ’Skybirds’ who were a group of female pilots flying Cherokees, aeromodel flying and parachuting.  It was a great experience and the activities continued well into the night with a band.

Tomorrow is the start of the official competition…here’s hoping that we have some good weather.