HGFA Skysailor Magazine

10 SKY SAILOR March | April 2019 from the sea, completely covering the city and land as far as I could see. Fortunately, there was still clear view between me and the airfield. As I flew back to the airfield the cloud started to quickly gather in underneath me. I was at only 1,800ft with cloud just below me as the sun was setting in the west. As I was about to descend for my landing, a prominent cumulus cloud parted just enough for the setting sun to shine through and cast its light across the tops of the sea of cloud below me. It was a glorious sight. That day I was the only person in all of the Newcastle area to see the sun set on the last day of 2016. Now that I am in my 60s, I still get to enjoy flying. I have always been fit and active, and enjoy active sports such as mountain bike riding, road cycling and hang gliding. I’m not getting any younger and my rotator cuffs are sore and showing weaknesses due to my active lifestyle. I have had to give up flying my topless glider, but now I get more airtime per year in my Vlite than I ever had with my hang glider. Add to that the extra mobility and versatility that the Vlite offers, I now get greater and safer flying pleasure than before. Crossing Lake Macquarie, NSW New Year’s Eve 2016 All photos: Allan McMillan Flying over 40: MAintaining the Joy