Forty-six years after making a brief solo glider flight as an air cadet, retired Tavistock GP, Dr Robin Wilson, has fulfilled a long-held ambition by achieving his first solo in a modern training glider at Dartmoor Gliding Society's Brentor airfield.
As well as continuing to hone his skills as a fully-fledged glider pilot, he is also being trained to operate the society's winch, which can launch gliders to 1,500 feet in about 30 seconds.
Dr Wilson (left) is pictured with his instructor, Bob Pirie, following his successful solo flight. Behind them is the K-13 glider in which he flew.
Dartmoor Gliding Society has 120 members and a fleet of five gliders. Operating all year-round at weekends and on Wednesdays, it offers vouchers for trial lessons that includes three months' membership of the club and free flight training.
Club secretary Rob Jones said: 'It's a great way to learn to fly. Providing they receive regular tuition, a complete novice could go solo in less than a year.'
For further information contact secretary Rob Jones, DGS, email, [email protected]">[email protected] or tel 01822 615428.