By Louise Sinclair
I participated in the Women’s Replacement of Component Course held in May, organised by NSW Gliding and hosted by Southern Cross Gliding Club in Camden, NSW.
Six weekly online sessions ran from 2 April to 7 May 2026, giving participants the opportunity to build a strong foundation before arriving in Camden for hands on teaching. Across those sessions, a wealth of knowledge was shared by Nick King, Roger Perrett and Len Diekman, whose presentations guided the group through the many responsibilities involved in flying and servicing gliders.
The course covered an impressive range of topics, from airworthiness terminology and documentation to legislation, rules and operating guidelines. Participants explored sailplane materials, structures, loads and flutter, as well as fatigue, corrosion, stress, strain and undercarriage systems. Rigging, tow releases, instruments, harnesses, canopies, electrical systems, hardware, lubrication and inspection procedures were all part of the learning experience.
Combining online theory sessions with onsite practical training, the course brought together participants keen to expand their technical knowledge and work towards their Replacement of Components Certificate, also giving women in gliding the chance to build practical skills, confidence and connections.
After six weeks of reading, listening and absorbing new information, Akemi Ichikawa, Julie Lentle, Kerrie Claffey and I arrived at the club for five days of onsite training.
The facilities at Southern Cross Gliding Club provided an ideal setting for learning, and Roger Perrett, Nick King and Arnie Hartley welcomed the group with generous support, practical guidance and the kind of experience that only comes from years in the sport.
The practical component gave everyone the chance to turn theory into action and to experience first-hand the care, precision and teamwork required in glider maintenance.
The hands-on lessons quickly became a favourite part of the course. We learned how to use tools effectively, from removing split pins and nuts, to tackling the ever-challenging Tost release. Getting that spring back into place became one of the week’s small but satisfying victories!
Throughout the week, the workshop and hangars were busy with activity. The group completed tasks including wing tests, checked aileron and rudder deflections, de-rigged gliders and worked through a long list of practical maintenance tasks.
Wings were cleaned and retaped, air brakes inspected, seat pans, wheels, rudders and Tost releases removed and refitted, canopies removed and cleaned, participants even had the chance to try cable swaging and instrument testing. It was impressive to watch each of us step up, give every task a go and bring her own skills and determination to the team environment.
By Friday afternoon, everyone headed home with more than just some notes and completed tasks. The women left with greater confidence to work on their own gliders, a deeper understanding of maintenance practices, and a renewed appreciation for the friendships and support that grow through shared learning. It was a pleasure to share the experience with Akemi, Julie and Kerrie.
Special thanks go to Nick King, Roger Perrett and Arnie Hartley for the time, patience and commitment they gave in travelling to teach and support the group. Their guidance, encouragement, humour and hospitality helped make the week both productive and enjoyable.
Thanks, are also due to Southern Cross Gliding Club for hosting the course, and to Women in Gliding and Gliding Australia for continuing to provide these valuable opportunities for women in gliding.
We would also like to thank and acknowledge the support of those people working behind the scenes, including Jenny Thompson, Beryl Hartley, Melysha Turnbull, just to name a few.
This course is an opportunity well worth taking. It offers not only practical skills and technical knowledge, but also the confidence to be more involved in maintaining and understanding the aircraft we fly.
For any women interested in airworthiness please contact Melysha Turnball via email at
