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Aviation History
1964
1964 - 1265.PDF
10 FLIGHT International, 30 April /96-f Stories of the Caterpillar Club Lasham, June 2, 1961 With his pupil at the controls, A. D. Piggott, C.F.I, of LashamGliding Centre was instructing in aerobatics. The last attempt at a chandelle was started at about 1800 feet and during theturn, the glider stalled and fell round the manoeuvre in a steep side slip. As they levelled out the canopy flew off and struckthe port tailplane with a loud bang. The glider remained in normal flight, but did not seem to be controllable fore-and-aft,although the aileron control was normal. Looking back, Mr. Piggott saw that most of the port tailplane had been tornaway, leaving only the rear spar. Considering that control might be lost—even in straight flight— and that landing without control would almost certainly injure the student, who was in the front cockpit, Mr. Piggottsaw his pupil safely away by parachute at about 1200 feet. As he left, the glider reared up, spinning to the right andMr. Piggott had to follow him immediately, only to find him- self sprawled on the wing, pinned by the rolling action.However, Mr. Piggott soon fell clear and saw the glider flying upside-down in a gentle turn, before pulling his ripcord. Bothstudent and instructor landed in trees, but unhurt. The two parachutes used were standard Irvin Glider Chutes,serviced and maintained by the Safety Equipment Section, R.A.F. Odiham. Leslie Irvin, founder in 1922 of this, the most exclusive clubin the world, decided that there would be no social premises, no entrance fee and no subscription. The only class of mem-bership would be "life", the only privilege "its continued enjoyment". Membership would be limited to those who hadsaved their lives in an emergency with a parachute of Irvin design. The gold caterpillar badge has the name and rank ofthe recipient engraved on the underside — and over 40,000 members proudly wear it. All who qualify are cordially invited to apply for membership. IRVIN Irving Air Chute of Great Britain Limited Letchworth • Herts • EnglandTelephone: Letchworth 888 • Telegrams: Irvin, Letchworth Man-carrying, supply-dropping and landing brakeparachutes and missile recovery systems
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