In memory of General Bob Knauff

We did not know Bob for very long, a few years, not nearly long enough. But I think Rose captured what we, Bob, I and all glider pilots share in this short story:

" Rose wrote: "The first time you set foot in Aguila Arizona some people say "What would anybody be doing here? " Unless you're a glider pilot...... it is heaven for them. It's a quiet desert, where no one knows, who you are, where you've been and nobody really cares. The best thermals and plenty of air space to get as high as you can, go as as fast you want. Fly the entire day. I think that's what attracted people like Bob to Aguila. Bob was a decorated 25 yr retired Airforce Major General. I think it was a getaway for him. A getaway from his sadness after losing his wife of cancer 6 months earlier. Some people suggest Cliff not to fly anymore, my answer to that, is, you can't take wings off of a pilot. Cliff says flying is an unforgiving sport, some people make mistakes, or things go wrong and they recover quickly in the air. But for some there is no recovery. We never know who or when, if ever, but if they don't recover, they died loving what they do. Why would these pilots from all walks of life, take the risk?, They work very hard preparing for their flights. It's hot, windy, and dusty. They push the giant glider from its place of tie downs to the runway. But first they need to pull it out of the large trailer and assemble. Add the tail and the wings to the fuselage, put the clear canopy carefully on top. Then it's time to give her a bath. They wipe it clean from all specks of dirt or dust. They seem to enjoy every minute of it. The sun beating down on them waiting for their turn for take off. They know in a few minutes they will be right where they want to be..."

On Saturday, May 10, 2014 12:08:49 PM UTC-7, wrote:
We did not know Bob for very long, a few years, not nearly long enough. But I think Rose captured what we, Bob, I and all glider pilots share in this short story:



" Rose wrote: "The first time you set foot in Aguila Arizona some people say "What would anybody be doing here? " Unless you're a glider pilot...... it is heaven for them. It's a quiet desert, where no one knows, who you are, where you've been and nobody really cares. The best thermals and plenty of air space to get as high as you can, go as as fast you want. Fly the entire day. I think that's what attracted people like Bob to Aguila. Bob was a decorated 25 yr retired Airforce Major General. I think it was a getaway for him. A getaway from his sadness after losing his wife of cancer 6 months earlier. Some people suggest Cliff not to fly anymore, my answer to that, is, you can't take wings off of a pilot. Cliff says flying is an unforgiving sport, some people make mistakes, or things go wrong and they recover quickly in the air. But for some there is no recovery. We never know who or when, if ever, but if they don't recover, they died loving what they do. Why would these pilots from all walks of life, take the risk?, They work very hard preparing for their flights. It's hot, windy, and dusty. They push the giant glider from its place of tie downs to the runway. But first they need to pull it out of the large trailer and assemble. Add the tail and the wings to the fuselage, put the clear canopy carefully on top. Then it's time to give her a bath. They wipe it clean from all specks of dirt or dust. They seem to enjoy every minute of it. The sun beating down on them waiting for their turn for take off. They know in a few minutes they will be right where they want to be..."

Well spoken Rose! And, thanks CH for the post.

Bob T.