Nick Stolly - Commercial Rating - June 23, 2007. Nick is a talented new member who quickly completed the educational/training requirements for the Commercial Ticket. Knowing Nick, I'm sure the Instructor Rating is not far behind. Congrats Nick! (Photo by Beyer)

Norm Price - Commercial Rating - July 14, 2007. Norm is one of PGC's most active members, but many people don't know Stormin' Norm has been flying hang gliders and ultralights since the late 80's. Norm's passion and experience clearly show in his rapid progress flying gliders. Norm says he will be training for the Instructor's Rating next ... allowing ample time to fly XC, of course. (Photo by Esser)

Ben instinctively assumes a karate position to defend against the incoming threat. Yep, that would work in most cases ... but, this time your best option would be to run away. Ben, I hope you know the words to 'Catch a Wave ...' (Photo by Beyer)

Phil Weber - First Solo - July 14, 2007. Phil peforms a perfect takeoff into a beautiful blue sky on the day of his first solo (Photo by Esser)

Luke Clossen helps Phil exit ... Hmmmm, Luke looks a litte reserved and he is standing far away... anybody know why? (Photo by Esser)

Dave Johnson - First Solo - May 27, 2007. Dave balances PX just before liftoff into a beautiful sky on his first solo. (Photo by Nick Stolly)

The 2006 achievements are below ... these were exceptional rates and may be tough to match in 2007 ... but, PGC has amazing potential, we'll see.

Ben Davne - First Solo - August 1, 2007. Ben exits the cockpit 'happy as a clam' after completing his first solo. But wait, what's that gurgling noise I hear in the background? (Photo by Beyer)

Ben ducks directly into a tidal wave thrown by Beth Taylor that is nicely placed on target - man, that's a lot of H2O. Everybody just loves to congratulate the new solo pilot! Congratulations Ben! (Photo by Beyer)

Phil is grinning ear to ear as he rolls to a stop. Phil was soloed by Luke as his primary instructor, Bill Crielly, was not at the field that Saturday. (Photo by Esser)

Surf's Up !!! Phil gets the traditional wet-down from a new youth member, Sean Horan, who was on field duty (with Klaus Esser) the day Phil soloed. Klaus thought that Sean should get into the spirit and know first hand what would be waiting for him when he advanced to this point. Congratulations Phil! (Photo by Esser)

Dave is a little damp, but looks pretty happy after completing his first solo at PGC. This was a nice achievement ... actually the first solo in 2007 ... Congrats Dave!!! (Photo by Nick Stolly)

John Solt (below) was signed off as tow pilot on 1 May and then also checked out in the Pawnee in July.  From his appearance in this picture John figured out how to turn on the cockpit air conditioner. Congratulations John !!! (Photo by Esser)

Nick Stolley performs a perfect spot landing ... unfortunately it is right in front of Skip's bucket of congratulatory H20. The question is ... can Nick get out of the cockpit faster than "Trigger Finger" can nail him?. (Photo by Bob Lacovara)

Not a problem as PGC President, Bob Lacovara, comes to the rescue and insures Nick is not cheated out of his well-deserved reward. Yikes, did all that water come out of that single bucket ... what was that Neil Young song - After the Deluge? (Photo by Fred Whitney)

Michael aces his first solo and a group of friends escort him to the 'celebration' area. Brian Hamilton and Matt Smith provide transportation while Kelly and Noah Singer stand ready to assist. (These guys are getting serious ... I'm glad I soloed years ago!) (Photo by Finestone)

Above - Kelly and Matt make sure Michael is soaked from head to foot - as one of Mike's Intructors, Ed Ingram, heads over to save him. (Photos by Finestone)

Left - Ed is just a tad too late ... as Michael winds up in the drinkl ! Mike, I hope you are not carrying your wallet.

Below - Ed Ingram gives a very wet Mike Peterson the secret solo handshake. Congrats Michael !!!

We have finally surfaced some slightly damp photos of Nick Stolley's first (glider) solo earlier this year. Nick looks happy, confident and dry in this photo just before his flight. (Photo by Bob Lacovara)

Nick does get out, but just barely ... and gets the traditional PGC rite of Solo Passage. But look, Skip's aim is a little low and Nick escapes the bone drenching head-shot. (Photo by Bob Lacovara)

Bob checks with the PGC co-conspirators ... is he wet enough? The vote is yes ... Congrats Nick !!!

(Photo by Fred Whitney)