RIGHT: Paul Keast, one of the members of the newly establised glider club. Picture: Daniel Hartley-Allen Gliding club gets off the ground BY MELANIE WHELAN 20 Dec, 2010 12:25 AM THE SKY is now officially the limit for the region's gliding enthusiasts.
The newly formed Ballarat Gliding Club is off the ground with more than 30 confirmed members after come-and-try sessions last weekend. Gliding and ultralight inspector Joe Luciani and his wife Liz, an experienced glider, initiated the club on demand at Ballarat Airport. Both have been gliding since the 1980s and Liz learnt the trade at the world's largest gliding club, Lasham in the United Kingdom. Luciani has been installed as inaugural club president and said the club was in the process of forming a committee. New members are still welcome to join their ranks. "We've got some existing pilots as members but most are completely new to the sport," Luciani said. "We'll focus on flight training initially. "Once individuals are up to solo standard we can concentrate on soaring, flying cross-country and techniques like how to land in paddocks." Ballarat's nearest gliding clubs are in Bacchus Marsh, Ararat and Horsham. Luciani said those interested in the sport, but put off by the travel, could now fly about their home town instead. Ballarat Gliding Club is looking to buy its first glider, a two-seat trainer. Buying equipment and aircraft is an expensive exercise, and the club wants to get it right. The Lucianis said Ararat and Bacchus Marsh had been extremely helpful in supplying instructors and gliders for Ballarat introductory sessions. Liz Luciani said gliding clubs were a community rather than rivals. When the club settles, Ballarat aviation enthusiasts or interested learners can expect more come-and-try days. Until then, Luciani looks forward to seeing gliders soaring above the Ballarat skyline. For more information, contact Joe on 0428 399 001.
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