Rich Lanning - FIrst Solo May 6, 2006 - Rich reviews the checklist for his First Solo and PGC Instructor Phil Klauder seems happy with his preparations ... or is it something else? (Photo by Beyer)

Rich Lanning Solo - A congrats from Klauder ... and what's this?... a dastardly act as someone wets down the new pilot ... and inflicts a little collateral damage on the instructor. (Photo by Beyer)

Rich Lanning Solo - Rich, did you really think your were getting off that easy? Club member Norm Price reminds Rich that you have to maintian situational awareness at all times on the day of your First Solo. (Photo by Beyer)

Rich Lanning Solo - Rich, I guess you didn't know you were in for the PGC Hat Trick. Now we know why Phil was smiling. (Photo by Beyer)

Kelly with Jack Goritski, one of her primary flight instructors. (Photo by Beyer)

Kelly takes off on her FAA check ride. (Photo by Lacovara)

.... And nails the landing! (Photo by Beyer)

Klaus makes a perfect take off for his check ride. (Photo by Beyer)

Klaus Esser - Private June 30, 2006. Klaus gets his wings and the coveted FAA handshake from Randy in the photo on the left.

... and a congrats from Jack Goritski, one of his instructors, in the photo above. Klaus is normally scheduling these photo ops for other PGC members ... nice to see him on the other side of the lens. Congratulations Klaus! ( BTW- Jack just told Klaus the instructor pool was 2 to 1 against him. ) (Photos by Beyer).

Steve Fiesel - First Solo July 16, 2006. Steve looks pretty relaxed before his first solo (above), and has no problems cutting the apron strings. Joel Terefenko, one of Steves's instructors, gives Steve a congrats handshake (below). (Photos by Bill Hamilton)

Run Steve, Run !!! I know Joel is a great instructor, but Steve obviously does not have the proper instruction or situational awareness to react properly for this event. Jeez Louise, we might be witnessing a drowning on this one. But fear not, Steve survived and I'm sure we'll see him again shortly getting his wings. (Photo by Bill Hamilton )

Noah Singer- Private July 19, 2006. Noah aces the check ride right after his 16th. birthday and gets his wings and the official FAA handshake from Randy. Noah is one of the talented and enthusiastic 16 year olds at PGC that represent the future of the sport. Great job, Noah ... and can you say 'sailplane racing'. (Photo by Beyer)

Noah relaxes with one of his PGC instructors, Phil Klauder (Jack Goritski was also a primary). These guys look way too cool ... it's hard to tell if it's a pre or post-flght photo. Hey Phil, maybe we have to start a traditional wet-down or something for the FAA checkride? (Photo by Beyer)

Another pair of talented 16 year old glider pilots ace the flight test and 'graduate' at PGC on October 2, 2006. FAA examiner, Randy Rickert, presents new Private Pilot Certificates to Stephen Fiegel (top) and Stephen Hoey (bottom). Congratulations Guys !!! (Photo by Beyer)

Jack Cooper - First Solo - October 5, 2006 - Jack obviously feels invincible after his first solo ... and a big bucket of water piloted by Julian McLeod hardly leaves a damp spot. (Photo by Beyer)

Yes, 'good' things do come in small packages, and Jack's son proves the theory by nailing the 'old man' with a smaller bucket of pure wetness that is right on target. Congratulations, Jack !!! (Photo by Beyer)

Peter Hoey has been making steady appearences in the PGC "Class Of" albums ... this time for obtaining his Instructor's Rating ... on a very chilly November (11/20) day. Congratulations Peter !!! (Photo by Beyer)

Jack Goritski - Tow Pilot Signoff June 21, 2006. 'Smilin' Jack is grinning because now he can harass students from either end of the rope! Actually, Jack is a great guy, flight instructor and now tow pilot. Congrats, Jack. (Photo by Esser)

PGC is fortunate to have a bunch of talented photographers in the club. In the shot on the left, Bob Lacovara uses fellow photog, Joe Beyer, to create an action shot with perfect composition. (Photo by Lacovara)