I’m just back from 2 weeks annual leave. This holiday was special because I fulfilled a long-term dream – I flew a glider!
I’ve had the gift voucher for over a year and was pretty excited at the prospect. As the actual flight got closer and closer, I started to wonder if my nerve would hold. I’m scared of roller coasters, big wheels and heights, so it might seem strange that I wanted to fly a small aircraft with no engine. But I love flying and “The Thomas Crown Affair” had me hooked; the idea of soaring over the Cairngorms with just the noise of the wind was a real draw. When they gave me the parachute and told me how to bail out of the glider, I must admit I did think twice.
I’m pleased to say that the experience totally lived up to my expectations. We swooped and soared over the mountains for 45 minutes and I got to take the controls. The adrenaline rush I felt when I got back on the ground took hours to subside.
I have to say that I think I’ve got the bug to go back and do it again.
I always thought of gliding as quite an individual sport but what surprised me was how much of a team effort it is.
The warm welcome I received from the Cairngorm Gliding Club undoubtedly made my experience better. They welcomed me warmly and my instructor Alan showed me around their facilities and made sure I felt comfortable about the whole experience. Other members check the glider and the parachute to make sure they were safe for the flight. Another member checked I was fit to fly and recorded all our flight information for the CAA.
In order to get into the air we needed a tow from a small plane with other pilots guiding our wings until we got moving. And once we landed we needed a tow back to the hanger.
To keep the club going they’ve had to bid for funding to build their hanger, keep their own accounts, maintain the landing strip and satisfy all the regulations. They also make sure they all come together and socialise as a group.
My time in the air was undoubtedly the high point but what I keep thinking about is all the lovely club members that made my experience possible.
The whole experience really encapsulated for me what we are trying to achieve through our One Council Approach – working together, and drawing on all our different skills and contributions, is what is making good things possible and happen for our communities. The ‘themes not teams’ approach to getting things done – thanks to David Logan, Head of Legal and Regulatory Services for coining that phrase.
This week it’s back down to earth and I’m currently at the SOLACE (Society of Local Authority Chief Executives) Conference. I’ll tell you more about that next week.
Have a good weekend,
Pippa
