Ian Benning has been interested in flying since childhood. Flying model planes and radio control planes and visited the Sunraysia Gliding club in his teens when visiting his sister here.
When moving to Mildura 30 years ago, he joined the gliding club, and he went solo in the club Blanik training glider on his 39th flight at age 39, which was a coincidence.
Over time, Ian has been an instructor in the Sunraysia Gliding Club and is now the current club president.
He also learned to fly powered planes and even had a flying school for a few years at the aerodrome. But gliding was his main sporting interest, and he enjoyed the fellowship of the members and passing on flying skills to people who see the fascination of flying planes without engines.
The Sunraysia Gliding Club has operated on the same site since 1954 when a group of local flying enthusiasts decided to bring gliding to Mildura.
Some say it is Mildura's best kept secret. The club operates all year round but the best weather for flying are the warmer months from November to April.
Gliding is a satisfying sport and provides a gateway to flying powered aeroplanes. You can enjoy flying locally or venture cross country and obtain merit badges for various distances or you can go all out and fly in competitions.
The club has its own instructors and operates every Saturday, weather permitting.
Website: sunraysiaglidingclub.org
Facebook: Sunraysia Gliding Club
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