Reflecting on the phases of our lives shortly after an intensive period of gliding training, Caboolture Gliding Club member Andrew Bell drew the following analogy between the two: "Life is like a glider flight. It can be tricky getting off the ground, and dangers abound here (birth and early childhood), while the ascent can be turbulent and unpredictable rising to an undetermined height (adolescence), before release into the smoother air higher up when the bondage of the tow rope is deliberately cut adrift by the pilot (adulthood). The pilot then holds his own destiny in his hands, and if skilful enough may seek calm air, thermals and soaring flight, to prolong the duration and savour the achievement (middle age). Yet there is an inevitability about the flight and at some time the glider must return to earth and the descent on downwind leg commences (old age). We arrive at the final approach, which mercifully is short (senility) before touchdown (death). The perfect touchdown (death) is anticipated and welcomed as a conclusion to a satisfactory and fulfilling flight (life) and when handled appropriately is smooth, comfortable, predictable, painless and does not frighten either pilot (the dying) or instructor (family). The skilful glider pilot has been planning the touchdown from the moment of takeoff, making sure that he wasn't caught downwind, keeping an eye on local traffic and the windsock, and an ear on the radio. A significant number of people today however believe that in life they can go on soaring for ever, and make no preparations for the landing." I thought that the sentiments were worthy of sharing with the wider gliding community. -- Brian Wade Personal Computer Concepts Uniform Time PO Box 114 INDOOROOPILLY QLD 4068 Ph: 07 3371 2944 Fax: 07 3870 4103 Win a fully furnished luxury Gold Coast waterfront home and support Australian War Veterans Total value - $1,005,000 http://www.rslartunion.com To be drawn on 9 May 2001 YOU HAVE GOT TO BE IN IT TO WIN IT! -- * You are subscribed to the aus-soaring mailing list. * To Unsubscribe: send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] * with "unsubscribe aus-soaring" in the body of the message * or with "help" in the body of the message for more information.
