In early September 13 courageous Rotariansand friends looped the loop in a glider to raise funds for schools in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa. The event which wasorganised by John Moss from Wolverton and Stony Stratford RC, raised over £4,000in sponsorship.

The practical aspects oflooping a glider where handled by three pilots from the London Gliding Club onDunstable Downs. After a bit of avionics, safety on the airfield  and making sure they were comfortable withtheir parachutes and the emergency procedures, they were off!

The first to go up was 84 year old DonLawson from Welwyn Garden City RC,, and one by one they took to the skies beingtowed to around 2000 feet before releasing the tow line and silently gliding.After a short while the pilot ‘suggested' that the 'loop' was performed.Suddenly the glider's nose tilted downward as it gained speed heading towardsthe ground. At around 100 miles per hour the pilot put the glider into a steepclimb and over on it's back to complete the loop. One participant screamed withdelight, and demanded her pilot to do it again, and he duly obliged!

After the 'loop' there was time for aleisurely glide above the Chilterns, where the views were amazing. Canary Wharfcould be seen to the south, and Milton Keynes Xscape building to the north.After landing it was noticed that the flyers could hardly stop grinning andchatting about the incredible experience.

Over the last 5years John has raised over £40,000 John has raised over £40,000for schools in KwaZulu through many challenging events, but this must be one ofthe most original

If you fancy looping the loop, there willbe another opportunity in April 2008. Details from John at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .