A gliding scholarship is being made
available to commemorate the life of Australian pioneer aviator Bert Hinkler
[1892-1933], who in 1911and 1912 built and piloted gliders near Bundaberg,
Queensland. He created many aviation records including in 1928 the first solo
flight from England to Australia, in a single-engined Avro Avian. He was killed
while attempting to cross the Alps in the north of Italy. In 1998 Lang Kidby
OAM carried out a re-enactment of the 1928 record flight following Hinkler's
route, in an Avro Avian that he had re-built, landing in Bundaberg.
The scholarship is being sponsored
privately by Mr Frank Wilson, DFC, Wing Commander RAAF (Ret'd), an ex-
Lancaster pilot who is a member of the Geelong Gliding Club and an Upper
Freeman of The Guild Of Air Pilots And Navigators.
The aim of the scholarship is to
encourage and enable young people who are still students to take up the sport of
Gliding, which can be a lifelong pursuit in itself or which can provide an
excellent base for an aviation career. The scholarship is available to persons
aged from 14years and 6mths to 21years. Other terms and conditions are
explained on the application form .
Two scholarships, each of up to $1600,
are to be awarded. The winners will be entitled to receive glider training as a
member of the Geelong Gliding Club, based at Bacchus Marsh Airfield. The club
operates on weekends and Public Holidays.
The winners could progress to Solo and to
C Certificate standard, that is, a qualified glider pilot able to take up
family and friends on local flights. [Glider pilot qualifications take the form
of Certificates rather than Licences; the minimum age for solo flight in a
glider is 15yrs].
Gliding experience can be counted towards
the flight time required for a Private Pilot's Licence.
In January 2009 an Airbus A320 had both
engines stop when it ran into a flock of birds, but glided to a successful
landing in the Hudson River in New York USA. Great credit for the saving of
lives has rightly been given to the pilot, Capt. Chesley Sullenberger . Flying
and instructing in gliders is part of his extensive aviation experience.
Enquiries may be directed to Mr. John
Buchanan, 0409 212 527.
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