Top recognition for glider pilot
Local glider pilot Ralph Gore has received international recognition after he was awarded the Paul Tissandier Diploma from Liz King, the New Zealand representative for Federation Aeronautique International (FAI).
The FAI is the governing body for all air sports.
Ralph is one of only seven New Zealand recipients of this prestigious award which: ‘‘may be awarded to those who have served the cause of aviation in general and sporting aviation in particular, by their work, initiative, devotion or in other ways’’.
Ralph has been a successful gliding competitor and an instructor for more than 30 years.
He has been president of Piako Gliding Club and Matamata Soaring Centre, regional operations officer, and regional airspace officer.
He has been an instructor trainer and organiser of cross-country courses and gliding competitions, where he has been contest director, task setter, and meteorological officer.
Ralph has been on the GNZ national executive committee for nine years.
He is also a trustee for a number of gliding-related trusts.
The award presentation took place at the awards dinner on Saturday, December 1, at the completion of the Northern Regionals Gliding Competition.
The seven days of flying saw tasks set between Maramarua to the north, and Orakei Korako and Tihoi to the south.
Each day’s task covered about 300km in testing conditions.
During the week, 14 pilots landed out in paddocks.
The place- getters were Club Class: 1st: Tim Bromhead, Piako 5460pts; 2nd: John Bayliss, Auckland 5379pts, 3rd David Hirst, Auckland 5290pts.
Open Class: 1st: Steve Wallace, Aviation Sports 6889pts; 2nd: Mark Tingey, Tauranga 4131pts; 3rd Bill Mace, Piako 4022pts.