History
From wartime origins to one of Australia's premier gliding clubs.
The Southern Cross Gliding Club has evolved from the amalgamation of several early gliding clubs that sprang up around Sydney, and settled at Camden Airport.
The Early History of Southern Cross Gliding Club
Sydney Button built his Zogling Primary Glider and test flew it in 1941 on the paddocks at Matraville, right next to Mascot Airport. He taught himself to fly by getting a friend to operate his Essex car which had the back wheel jacked up and fitted with a drum full of wire. He learned take-offs and landings first (which is reasonable) before going a bit higher.
The AWA (Amalgamated Wireless Australia) Gliding Club started in July 1944 and purchased Button's Primary Glider, did it up, and test flew it on 1st January 1946 at Doonside. As people from outside AWA were starting to join the club, it was decided to change the name to Southern Cross Gliding Club. The inaugural meeting was held on the 8th January, 1948 at Respins Restaurant, 175 Pitt Street, Sydney.
Miro's System
Some of our more recent club members may be unfamiliar with the name ‘Miro Vitek’, however, to many, Miro will be fondly remembered as ‘The Man in the Tower.’
What is beyond dispute is that the club remains operating from Camden solely due to the efforts of this one man, and arguably owes its continuing existence to him too.
Key Milestones
Sydney Button builds a Zogling primary glider and test flies it at Matraville
AWA Gliding Club formed in July
Button’s Primary Glider rebuilt and test flown at Doonside on 1st January
Club renamed to Southern Cross Gliding Club; inaugural meeting held at Respins Restaurant, 175 Pitt Street, Sydney on 8th January
Club moves from Fleurs Airstrip to Camden Airport
Edmund Schneider Kookaburra two-seater glider acquired in November, funded by bottle drives, raffles and loans
Membership grows to 40 active pilots; Werner Geisler, Roger Woods and George Detto join; Merv Waghorn becomes first Honorary Life Member