John Spilsbury

Born in Leister, UK just before the end of WW II, moved to Australia with his family in 1948 and living in Saint Helens. He has had many roles in business: engineering draftsman with the HEC, prospecting with BHP in Tasmania and in Queensland. Then back to the UK racing motor cycles
In 1970 moved back to Tasmania. He has 2 children. His son is a scientist and his daughter a lawyer and he is now a grandfather
Then worked in the motorcycle industry, a croupier at Wrest Point Casino before starting up a workshop automotive workshop mainly working on Jaguar cars and then ran a houseboat business.
In 1967 he did six hours training as a power pilot in Hobart. In 1981 he joined the Soaring Club Of Tasmania. He’s also been involved in sailing. His sailing experience includes 30 trips across Bass Strait in 12 different types of boats.

John is an excellent pilot and a L2 instructor for 20 years and for many years the SCOT Chief Technical Officer. He maintains their gliders as well as their motor vehicles, electrics and radios. John’s mechanical experience with diesel motors is unparalleled. In fact such is his reputation when it comes to motors or mechanical devices of any type, his mere presence in the vicinity of the afflicted object is sometimes enough to make it work.

His manner is gentle and not dictatorial or condescending at all. He has an uncanny knack of quietly implanting the knowledge required into the students mind by a series of questions that provoke the listener into analysing and reflecting on what they are doing. He always makes himself available to club members who need his help and trainee pilots who need guidance.
In addition, he was quite willing, despite his retired status, to put his hand in his pocket and advance the club money when they needed it for a new glider.
Quite simply, if it was not for John and his efforts and contributions there would be no gliding club in Tasmania. Thank you John