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THE CONSTRUCTION and maintenance of a motorless plane is a precise and delicate operation. Be- fore, making her. first flight, "Elle" McCullough gets pointers from Eugene Pahl, club president.
THREE MEMBERS carefully carry a wing from the trailer in which the hangar adjoining the war-surplus runway, so the craft must be taken glider is carted back and forth from the club's flying field. There is no apart and hauled away in trailer at night to prevent weather damage.
PLAYGROUND IN THE SKY
THERE'S more to the sky than meets the eye is at no time truer than when a glider pilot takes off for a jaunt among the clouds. Unsoon but powerful updrafts, air currents and changes in temperaturo make gliding an oxciting sport, pitting man and machine against the mysteries of the air.
In addition to the exhilaration of floating in epace is the knowledge gained, often providing designs for powered planes.
Among the many glider groups in America is the Republic Aviation Club at Farmingdale, L. L, New York. Privato so¢re-
tarios, engineers, designers and inspectors during the workday, its active members take their craft out in evenings and on week ends. Scores of associate members support the group and ty occasionally.
AN
The club's latest recruit-is Eleanor McCullough, a secretary, holder of a pilot's licence for powered planes alnce 1946. The pictures on this page show, "Ellie" making, her first flight.
After 25 flights with an instructor, she will be eligible to solo. From then on it's a matter of practice and more practice until she's ready to enter the annual soaring meets..
"up de fight,” “Eile
Trbund and damaged. Wings must be kept clear as dust impeder ge
The glider is ship-shape and ready for flight, so "Ellie" waves goodby to other club members as she takes her place in dual-control craft.
Hitched to a 300-foot rope, the glider jumps into the air before the towing plane reaches its flying speed. The craft cast off at
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