For those of you living near Seattle, here’s some news from the Museum of Flight: “…. In an annual rite of spring, the member clubs of the Seattle Glider Council again present a glimpse into the fascinating world of silent flight at Soaring Expo 2009, held March 21-22 at The Museum of Flight. Full-size gliders and radio controlled gliders will be on display. Lectures, movies and presentations are offered all weekend. Representatives of local soaring and RC glider clubs will be on-hand to answer questions. Glider Expo 2009 is open 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. each day…..”. More info here.
“…… Saturday, March 21
2 p.m.
A presentation by glider designer Danny Howell on the status and performance of the “microlift” glider, LightHawk. He will discuss the design challenges and the manufacturing advances that were required to produce a glider capable of exploiting microlift, a very weak atmospheric lift condition that is hardly usable for conventional sailplanes. The category of Microlift Glider has been officially recognized only since 2004.
Sunday, March 22
11 a.m.
The screening of the documentary film “Silent Wings – The American Glider Pilots of WWII.” Narrated by Hal Holbrook, the film reveals the critical role gliders played in World War II offensives. Through rare archival footage and photographs, the film shows how 6,000 young Americans volunteered to fly large, unarmed cargo gliders deep within enemy-held territory, often in complete darkness. The film includes commentary by Walter Cronkite and Andy Rooney.
2 p.m.
A presentation by RC soaring pilot Brendon Beardsley. Beardsley will share his experiences representing the United States in the World Championship of Radio Controlled Thermal Soaring. He will provide a detailed look at competitive RC Soaring, including what it takes to get started in the activity, the contest format and what kind of gliders are flown in the competitions……”.