Can anyone out there confirm whether the timeframe for the overhaul for Tost E85 releases is still 2000 flights, or has that been extended ?. I seem to remember from the dark recesses of my mind that it had been extended, but I have been known to be wrong. Thanks in advance. Cheers, Charles

All right, all you glider pilots who were wondering about the use of a sailplane picture on the packaging of Panera's cream cheese. Direct from the Marketing Director of the company: the sailplane represents the lightness of the product. No specific model was used. Just in case you were wondering:...

Sometime ago, there was a link on r.a.s. to a funny video for a Dutch insurance company. It showed two students, each thinking that the other is his instructor, taking off in a glider. Both instructors then show up on the field, waiting for their respective students until... Can anyone here ...

Some time ago, I had a post here on r.a.s. asking about soaring sites in the Lakes District in the U.K.. Big change in plans, we are now going to Scotland in July instead. My initial enquiry to a specific soaring site there was left unanswered, so here I go again: where does one go for a possible...

Michael is an A & P and last worked on our glider in Southern California. Does anyone know his whereabouts and / or his phone number ? Our plane needs some work and I would like to be able to get hold of him. Thanks in advance. Cheers, Charles

To all you glider pilots out there, This is to wish you a full year of safe flying, 12+ knots thermals and endless cloud streets at 18,000 ft. Cheers, Charles

Hello all, after the several inquiries posted this past few days regarding Fred, I had been waiting for someone else to come up with the grim news. It did not happen, so here it is. I was told yesterday morning that Fred had died by his own hand. I know nothing else. There is no towing right now...

To all you glider drivers out the here's wishing you all a safe 2009 soaring season, 12+ knot lift and endless cloud streets at 18,000 ft. Cheers, Charles

The website for Southern California Soaring Academy ( formerly Great Western Soaring School ) in Pearblossom has been activated. Please go to: http://www.soaringacademy.org Cheers, Charles

To all you glider pilots out there, Here's wishing you safe flying in 2007, 12+ kts thermals and endless cloudstreets at 18,000 ft. Cheers, Charles

For cosmetic reasons, we need to have the rudder and elevator of our sailplane re-covered while the plane is taken apart during its next major inspection. Where can this be done in Southern California ? Thanks in advance for any tips. Cheers, Charles

Some years ago, the Museum of Flight at Santa Monica (CA) airport exhibited the glider in which 2 Navy pilots had set a world record (at the time) for non-stop endurance flight in Hawaii. The museum has since been closed. Does any one know where the glider is now ? Inquiring minds need to know, I...

Will be in NZ in November for a couple of weeks, and would like to fly there for a few days. Questions 1) Besides my logbook and US-issued pilot certificate, what else do I need there to be able to rent a sailplane; 2) WHERE ELSE besides Omarama can one find decent flying conditions. This would...

Catherine Howard was one of the wives of Henry VIII. We all know what happened to her ! Cheers, Charles

Just returned from a trip abroad, and a neighbor told me that there had been a sailplane incident / accident (he does not remember the details) in the area of Palmdale within the last 3 weeks. Does anyone have details ? Thanks, Charles

To all you glider pilots out there Here's to wishing you a great but especially a safe soaring season in 2006, with 12+ knot thermals and endless cloudstreets at 18,000 feet. Cheers, Charles

OK, you all, Go back to http://membres.lycos.fr/cvvacd/, click on "le coin du pilote", then "le coin de l'insolite" (oddities). There are a number of interesting pics, but the 3rd and 4th videos are particularly catching. Cheers, Charles

For whatever it's worth: Panera Bakery sells their own brand of "light" cream cheese. The image on the packaging is that of a sailplane (unidentified) in flight. Perhaps the idea is the connection between the airiness of the product and that of soaring. Cheers, Charles

A few weeks ago there was on RAS a thread concerning the increased cost of German gliders, due apparently to the voracious appetite of Airbus for the raw materials: fiberglass, carbon fiber, etc...I read today that FedEx had cancelled its order and options for a number of A380s, and UPS was mulling...

The first occasional March Bash hosted by the Southern California Soaring Academy was great fun and a great success, with 125+ guests attending and enjoying BBQ ribs & chicken, cold cuts, hamburgers, all the trimmings, salads galore, and " Line Boss " Candace's three birthday cakes. Even the...