In 1971 we gathered to revive soaring, with existing material.
In 1972 Athens Gliding Club became independent from Athens Aeroclub.
In 1973 the military government transferred the Air Sports from the Air Force to the Civil
Aircraft Authority. Regular funding of the clubs was secured, and soaring took off again.
This section covers the activity in Tatoi airport in Athens.
Launching was by air-tow, using Piper-Cub airplanes, former reconnaissance planes of the
Greek Artillery. No winch has operated in Athens since.
With the first funds that we received in 1973, we ordered the best trainer of the market, the ASK-13. It flew for 10 years in Athens, then for another 10 years in Edessa. It was the most reliable trainer we ever had. (Photo by P.Savoulidis)
Our second trainer in Athens was a Bocian. (Photo by G.Gioutsos)
Here together the ASK-13 and the Bocian. (Photo by G.Gioutsos)
When not instructing, the Bocian was used for local flights with youngsters who wanted to join soaring. (Photo by G.Gioutsos)
A student getting ready to fly. The tow-planes is ready. Instructor is C.Pikros. (Photo by P.Savoulidis)
B.Katiniotis and C.Pikros in the ASK-13.
Instructors and students Feb.1976: **Standing 1 M.Anthimos 2 C.Pikros 3 P.Kourouvakalis 4 N.Augerinos **Lower row 2 P.Kyrmizis 3 D.Antoniou. (Photo by G.Gioutsos)
The old Weihe of the 50ies was abandoned in the 60ies due to dryness of the wood (so
they said). In the 70ies it was inspected and put to service again. Most 5-hour flights of
the 70ies were in the Weihe. Most after-solo flights too.
First we lost the ejectable take-off wheels. Than the ski area started deteriorating by so
many landings. In the first years of the 80ies it was retired with honors. It was given
later to the Air Force museum. (Photo by P.Savoulidis).
P.Kyrmizis in the Weihe. (Photo by P.Savoulidis)
P.Savoulidis has given his camera to the instructor to picture him in tow. The turn and slip indicator was added over the rear panel, for training in limited IFR with a hood in the rear seat. Not so easy without artificial horizon.. we found out.
Thermaling with the ASK-13 over mount Parnis. The Bocian is below. (Photo by C.Pikros)
The Weihe and the ASK-13. (Photo by G.Gioutsos)
A friendly group from various air sports, in front of the ASK-13, the Bocian and the Weihe. (Photo by C.Pikros)
The first Piper-Cub was bought in 1973. The second (painted black) some years later. (Photo by G.Gioutsos)
The DG-100 of D.Augerinos flew for long with US markings. With it, Dinos achieved the first 300 km "out and return" in Greece (Athens-Lamia-Athens). It still flies, belonging to the club. (Photo by G.Ioannou)
In 1976 P.Kourouvakalis repaired an old Roda and made a test flight in Tatoi, using car-tow. It was next delivered in Edessa Aeroclub. This connects us to the next chapter. The team is: P.Kourouvakalis, P.Kyrmizis and D.Augerinos. (Photo by G.Gioutsos)