Chris Soars Above The Rest

July 4, 2014

It’s a fairly common sight to see gliders soaring above Kingaroy Airport, but did you know how far they can travel? Would you believe Victoria?

The Kingaroy Soaring Club held its annual general meeting and trophy presentation dinner last Saturday night at the clubhouse at Kingaroy Airport.

And there was one name that just kept on being called out: Chris Woolley.

Chris put in some outstanding performances over the past 12 months but one particular flight was amazing.

At 8:45am on January 17 this year Chris got a tow from Kingaroy Airport and headed off to the south-west towards Dirranbandi, he then started to climb again and head south … past Tocumwal. A total of almost 1300km, and breaking a number of Australian and international records along the way.

“I’m still pinching myself that I got that far,” he said.

The next day he had a rest day and then he flew to Narromine. Unfortunately some stormy weather left him stranded there for a few days. He finally made it home, a week later …

Another highlight of the awards evening was the announcement that the Soaring Club’s new hangar would be known as the Ian “Aspro” Aspland Hangar.

Ian, who has been a member of the club since 1956, was described as a “national treasure”.

“He has broken many records, won many championships and has done a tremendous amount of work for the club over the years,” Greg Cole said.

“How do you thank a club member who has done so much work? A trophy? We have done that. A life membership? We have done that.  So … what about if we named the hangar after this particular gentleman?”

Ian, who was presented with the new sign. said he was “really humbled, really tickled pink”.

Footnote: Chris Woolley’s son Adam is also making the news, currently competing at the World Championships in Finland.

Trophy winners:

• 300km Triangle – Chris Woolley
• JA Moore Shield (Best time over 100km club aircraft) – Nev Donald
• 500km Triangle – Adam Woolley
• KSC Cross Country Ladder – Chris Woolley
• John Pennell Trophy (Gain Of Height) – Chris Woolley (11,372 feet)
• KSC Achievement Award – Todd Edwards
• President’s Shield (Most Outstanding Performance) – Chris Woolley
• Bill and Leone Keys Award for Most Outstanding Instructor – Justin Sinclair
• Allan Woolley Shield (Best Local Cats Cradle, Sports, 2 Seater) – Todd Fitzgerald
• KSC Old Farts Award – John Buchanan
• Lindsay Maiden Trophy – Neil Dunn

The trophies were handed out by Member for Nanango Deb Frecklington and Kingaroy Soaring Club president Greg Schmidt.

Mrs Frecklington said there was amazing talent in the club, and their activities really helped the local economy.

“Keep coming and bring your friends!” she joked.