First Ever Group of Scouts to Obtain the Airman�s Badge

            It was very early in the morning of an overcast day in Spring when a group of scouts, led by their Group Scout Leader were waiting anxiously for the clouds to clear so that they take-off on the Thruster T600N Microlight from Ta� Qali. A full day of fun and excitement was awaiting us.

            This aircraft, although very small indeed, is rather special. The microlight is able to take-off and land almost anywhere without the much fuss as we are accustomed with conventional aircraft. It is very simple to fly although it fulfills all the stringent rules of flying. On my first experience I felt like floating high up in a bubble.

            Finally the clearance to take-off came from the control tower. This was the beginning of a one day full of hand-on experience and instructions that finally led to the Scout�s Airman�s Badge. All the instructions where conducted by tow able and most enthusiastic captains of the Armed Forces of Malta � Capt. M. A. Said and Capt. A. Dalli. They are the co-founders on the Island Microlight Club.

            The scouts helped to take the aircraft from the hangar, load it on the trailer and tow it to the field. They were explained how to take care of the aircraft and how to maintain it to keep it in good perfect order. They were also instructed on the strict safety procedures before take-off and during the whole flight.

            The Flight experience was followed by the lectures on flight techniques, instrumentation and aero-engines. These were carried out in the Aviation Museum, and all the explanations were carried out on full size models of restored aircraft. It is worth noting that the Aviation Museum is a gem and highly interesting. The fact that you can watch members of the club performing restoration is an admiration in itself. In my opinion inside these huts they are performing engineering miracles. From a wreck of highly corroded mass of metal that laid in the bottom of the sea, they managed to transform a smart looking piece of engineering. It is a pity that it cannot fly, one restorer commented. The highly motivated Director of the Museum, who showed us around, explains it all �we are interested in anything that flies�.

            In the end of a long but most interesting day we were presented by a fully endorsed certificate that every participant is very proud to cherish. I am sure that it won�t be long before we will return for a further flight on the microlight.

By Carmel Mangani
Group Scout Leader, Tarxien Scout Group