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Greg Bennett (kimja@hawk.igs.net) To read an article on SOSA's 1999 CAS Clinic, link here. Over two months has gone by since we held the cross country clinic at the Montreal Soaring Council and soaring is already drawing to a conclusion (as this piece was being written - ed). The clinic was judged to be a success, as expressed by its participants, but success has also appeared at MSC in the form of more awareness at the club regarding the importance that cross country flying has to the sport in general. The pattern and frequency of cross country attempts and successes has changed this season. We have three members who have achieved their silver badges and a long list of those who have ventured out to explore the countryside. It is great to see how many have taken the time to report their efforts to our club statistician, George Couser. The fact that in July 2000 MSC will host a second bigger and better clinic says something for the feeling of the cross country enthusiasts in the club.
Three Birddogs anxiously waiting on standby as a sniffer checks out the conditions for launch (The Montreal Soaring Council airfield, Hawkesbury, Ontario. The club is situated on the Ottawa River, midway between Montréal, Québec and Ottawa, Ontario.)
The 1999 clinic was sponsored by CAS and hosted by MSC. It had 10 registered students (sheep) and as many instructors (shepherds) all of whom did a marvelous job of keeping the spirits soaring and the information flowing. The level of experience within the room was, at times, overwhelming. Walter Weir, a legend in soaring, anchored the sessions and kept the topics in perspective. Although the purpose of the clinic was to become familiar with a variety of topics relating to cross country flying, the different levels of experience in the room soon became apparent, which lead to the formation of three groups which became the flying teams. The weak weather was a factor but fortunately each group was able to practice what they had learned during the ground sessions on Monday and Tuesday. Many, if not all soon discovered that the theory of flight is not necessarily a reality in the air. The good and the bad aviation decisions all appeared back at the roundtable the next morning where they were discussed and critiqued by the ones who have been there before and then added to the ever-growing list of data each student was compiling. The one factor that rang out loud and clear was that safety on the ground and in the air was the number one priority. This, ironically, built up confidence in many of the beginners. Each in his own way expressed a stronger desire to get out there and set a task which would add a fuller meaning to the art of soaring.
Aloft in a twin classroom is an ideal learning experience for a cross-country student.
Socially, the group fared well. Friendships were established and strengthened through the evening suppers as well as the easy style of the club's bar. It never hurts to have a willing chef take charge of the evening hunger pains after the hangar doors are closed. On Thursday evening friends and families participated in a watermelon feast, delivered by the L19 towplane onto the runway, compliments of MSC. On Friday, the last day, twenty questions were answered by the clinic participants and this information is presently being organized and will eventually be turned into a cookbook for the organization of future clinics. Thanks to CAS for its support and to MSC for being a host and a sponsor. Many thanks to all the participants; the sheep, the shepherds and the support crew. This was one week that created many great memories for us to carry with us for the love of the sport.
Many happy moments and good conversations are had in front of the MSC clubhouse.
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