WHITE SANDS SOARING ASSOCIATION
A SCRAPBOOK HISTORY
PART III
In 1984, the club sold the 2-22 and the 1-26 to
purchase an L-13 Blanik. The Blanik turned out to be very popular with club members
for both training and recreational flights. Jim Day set a New Mexico state
record for altitude gain of 22,300 feet in an open class multi-place ship in this glider
on April 13, 1986 at Alamogordo. Jim was to set a few more records before he
retired from gliding, but his soaring accomplishments were merely incidental
to his contributions as a motivator and mentor. His enthusiasm was infectious
and he inspired people to stretch out to their potential.
Jim Day in the Ventus "Stray Dog"
Blanik at TurkeyFest 1987
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Ka-8 at Hobbs
March, 1988
Norman Bloom gets some last minute advice from CFIG
Frank Wilson before flying the Ka-8 for the first time. |
1988 - The Examiner
Gerald Bagdy with Tammy Chapa for her
Private Pilot check ride in the newly painted Blanik |
 |
John "Mad Max" McMurray awaits the signal to throttle up the winch
Meanwhile, back at the Blanik, winchees Roger McMakin and Dave Fletcher get
their ducks lined up. "OK, on the count of three..."
In 1985, the club sold the Bellanca Scout and purchased a 1969 Cessna 182,
N-71784 for $17,000. Ed Eisler installed a tow hook in December and the club had its
fourth tow plane ready for business.
Still working on it... Geo