League of Silent Flight New Zealand Coordinator: Paul Lagan, 1183 Blythe Road, RD3 Cheviot (03) 319 8315 E-mail plagan@xtra.co.nz A slim, graceful, long winged aircraft arcs upward smoothly and steeply into the summer sky, accompanied only by the faint whistle of air accelerating past its gleaming surfaces. All eyes focus on the machine as it dwindles with each passing second - a surging aerial trout playing out yards of taut singing line. A tiny parachute blossoms and gently returns the shining nylon filament to earth. Someone hurries to pick up the blossom before it touches the ground and soon another, and then another, sailplane seeks the sun. Little sound or movement is evident among the small group of pilots whose gaze pierces the sky. Yet there is tension and keen anticipation: all are alert for the tiny, almost indiscernible, lift of a wing that signals a bubble of warm, rising air. Now a turn begins and then a tightening sweep into the lift. The pilot curves his obedient ship upward, betraying his or her satisfaction by just a hint of a smile and a noticeable relaxation. Minutes, or perhaps more then an hour later, the sailplane reappears at a lower altitude and is electronically grooved to a perfect landing on the grass at the feet of its once remote master. Such a scene is repeated and recreated thousands of times during the soaring season all over the world by men and women of all ages and talents. Who are these people? What are they doing? And WHY? They are R/C Soaring Enthusiasts: imaginative individuals who prefer to do their thing by piloting sleek radio-controlled model sailplanes. Why? A million answers; yet, no answers. To ask is to miss the point; to do and to be is enough, while sharing a carefully kept secret. They know the close fellowship, companionship with the birds and the wind, and a supreme challenge. The League of Silent Flight was formed in USA to accommodate pilots of like mind and interest and provides a programme through which its members, at their own pace, may acquire soaring skills through self-imposed discipline, perseverance and a search for understanding. Membership now extends worldwide with over 7100 members, each having his own perpetual membership number and each identified at his own attainment level. In New Zealand, the first members from the early 1970s have early (under No. 1000) membership numbers and there are now 47 N.Z members, one (Ray Colville) having achieved Level IV in the five level programme, and five others who are at Level III You can become an aspirant to LSF membership by simply completing and forwarding the form below and then, on successful completion of your Level I tasks, you will become a full member, receive your coveted membership number, and be entitled to display our distinctive logo on your model and flying clothing. If you are already an LSF member and wish to pick up where you left off, please use the same form and annotate it with your LSF membership number. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… To: LSF New Zealand Coordinator Paul Lagan 1183 Blythe Road RD3 Cheviot I, .........................................................................……………………………………………………………...(please print full name) will support the philosophies, concepts and criteria set forth in the Bylaws of the LEAGUE OF SILENT FLIGHT and give notice of intention to become an aspirant and attain Level I of the LSF Soaring Accomplishments Programme, and by so doing, earn full recognition and privilege of membership. (Note: copies of the Bylaws are available on request) Signature:....................................................………… NZMAA membership (or equivalent) number...........……………………… Postal address:.......................................................……………………………………………………………………………………… Upon LSF NZ Coord's receipt of this application, you will become an Aspirant and receive a Soaring Accomplishment Programme Voucher. Complete the tasks for Level I, return the voucher to LSF NZ and you will become a member of LSF, working toward Level II. NOTE: There are no membership fees to be an LSF member. However to help with actual mailing and printing costs, every correspondence with LSF NZ must include at least $2 in NZ stamps or a cheque/money order. This in an honour system and your cooperation will speed up the processing of your needs.