The Scottish Gliding Association's ASH-25
(a brief history)

A number of years ago a training requirement was identified by member clubs within the Scottish Gliding Association for an Open Class two-seat aircraft for advanced cross country and competition training. The SGA sought funding from the Scottish Sports Council for a training glider suitable for this task which would be available for use by all Scottish clubs. Subsequently, we purchased an ASH25 in 1992.

When it was delivered, the ASH25 was the highest performing sailplane in the world. It fitted well with the SGA’s aspirations to provide a coaching tool which could be utilised to train pilots up to National level and beyond.

In providing and maintaining a coaching facility for advanced training, the SGA have put Scottish clubs in a very enviable position. A significant amount of highly beneficial training has been provided for a large number of SGA pilots and many more (not yet ready for advanced training) have experienced the enjoyment of cross country flying in a glider of world-class performance. Others have undergone coaching within competitions at Regional and National level and have subsequently improved their own performances.

In particular, junior pilots have benefited hugely. Each year the ASH25 attends the Junior Championships with a number of pilots in the 18 - 25 age group. This competition provides a superb training environment for these young pilots.

The ASH25 flies an average of 400hrs per annum. It attends at least 4 competitions per year including the Open Class Nationals and the Junior Championships. At any one time there are around 16 instructors who provide coaching at various levels. The coaching instructors are kept busy and are required to maintain a high standard of competence. The ASH25 is managed by the SGA Operations Committee, which allocates it exclusively to individual SGA clubs throughout the year. Every SGA pilot has access to it.

Contributed by Mike Carruthers.

page last updated on 24th December 2006 ©2006 and the

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