ex SE-TCL

1967-built Schleicher K8B operated by the Bowland Forest Gliding Club based at Chipping near Preston Lancashire.

Crusaders Gliding Club was Cyprus based but closed in February 2012. This aircraft had been taken over by Windrushers Gliding Club. It was previously RAFGSA R91, NEJSGSA, BGA 2619 and D-5703.

Lying in a bit of a secluded area in one of the exhibit hangars. I was slightly surprised to see a Dutch glider here, so far away from home. It was donated to the museum by its Dutch owner in 2013 and is the only civil sailplane to have flown on Malta. This was achieved through special permission during the Malta International airshow, when the aircraft was towed into the air. After the rope release, it performed a number of aerobatic manoeuvres before landing back at Luqa. Back in 2013, it still had its wings attached and was seen underneath the left wing of the DC-3 that is present in the same hall.

This K-8B was amateur-built by a club or group and registered D-0131. In Nov-1985 it became OO-ZOX.

This K-8B was built in 1959 by a group or a club. Its first registration is unknown, but it became D-KACH later. It must have had an engine then as D-K*** registrations are for motorgliders. However, it was converted back to glider and reregistered D-5139. In Mar-1979 it was registered in Belgium as OO-ZAX.

This K-8B was amateur-built by a club or group and registered D-0131. In Nov-1985 it became OO-ZOX.

The aircraft was lost in an hangar fire on the 29th of October 1980, together with PH-445, PH-658 and PH-663. A sad day for the flying club.