by Robert Pugh, GCV Tug Master

The selection of our mid week tug pilots has been completed and I am delighted to inform members that Jeremy Birkbeck (from the UK) and David Sole (from Shepparton) have been selected to fly for us this summer.  It is important to note that the selection of an overseas tug pilot has been bought about due to the inability of the club to train a suitable candidate without the use of MCF.  MCF is due back in Benalla in November and will be utilised to check-out David Sole, who is a successful CPL pilot from Shepparton. Both candidates were interviewed on the weekend of September 5 and 6 by me, Ron Olson and Tony Vost.

Jeremy is a senior public servant on leave from the UK Ministry of Defence. As far as flying experience goes, he holds current UK and Canadian private pilot licenses (both with night ratings) and has about 420 hours total time (without accident/incident), including about 350 hours on tailwheel aircraft. Most of his  tailwheel time has been on the Super Cub, Citabria and Auster, but has also recently converted to the PA-25 235hp Pawnee tug aircraft at the Bidford Gliding Club. He also is flying gliders, but at this stage isn't solo.  He hopes to attain that standard before he arrives here to work with us. I am sure that Jeremy will fit in very well in our club and look forward to having him as a crucial part of our summer team.  He is arriving here on the 21st of October and I expect to have him in the air before the 1st of November.

David Sole is the other mid-week tuggie.  I first spoke to David last year and received a glowing reference from his CFI at GAWN Aviation - Chris Gregory, who called me on the phone when he heard that David was applying for a position.  David is a commercial licence holder with a Multi Engine Command Instrument Rating and lives with his family in Shepparton.  He is an impressive young man who is committed to a full time career in aviation.

Both of these pilots have shown commitment and an understanding of the role required.  I am sure they will provide our club with the very best of service over the coming summer.   My thanks to Tony Vost and Ron Olson for their assistance in the interviewing process.