Who Was Adam
Adam Leinweber
FRIENDLY & ADVENTUROUS SPIRIT
From a very early age, Adam always had his sights set on climbing as high as he could possibly go, either at the playground or up the tree in his backyard. His competitive spirit drove him to always try to be the first to finish any task, however as he matured, this desire morphed into a determination to apply himself and excel at everything he did.
One of the major influences in Adam’s life was the martial arts, which he trained in since he was five years old. Over the years, the members of Tecumseh Taekwon-Do became a second family to Adam, and he infused the club with his tremendous energy and enthusiasm.
His contributions were many, as he was always eager to mentor, instruct, volunteer for club events and compete. He qualified as an International Taekown-Do Federation Class C official at his first opportunity, attended an International Instructors Course, and competed in the Canadian national championships in 2018. Adam earned his 2nd Degree Black Belt on 13 July 2019.
Adam brought this same determination to Air Cadets, which he joined as soon as he was able to at 12. He rose through the ranks to Warrant Officer 2nd Class and was involved in many activities within 604 Moose Squadron, including leading the drill team to victory in the 2019 regional competition, where he also took the prize for top Commander. It was in Cadets that Adam truly came into his own as a leader, and where he developed his love of aviation.
Adam’s desire to succeed carried over to his schoolwork. He earned Honours throughout his time at Crescent Heights High School where he excelled at sciences, math, computer programming and auto mechanics. Adam was thrilled when he was accepted to study Physics at the University of Calgary and was excited to start this next chapter of his life.
No matter what he was involved with, Adam approached everything with a fierce determination, and a sense of fun. He was able turn any kicking drill into a game the kids enjoyed and his #1 rule when teaching any subject to junior cadets was the lesson must not be boring. Adam was inclusive, and always wanted to bring others along, and share the fun.
During his downtime, Adam was unusual in that he enjoyed hanging out with his parents hiking in the Rockies, or movie and game nights at home. He had a drum set that he loved to play, always slipping the mutes off minutes after his Mom asked him to put them on. This same scenario played out during video games with Adam constantly increasing the volume hoping his parents would not notice. Adam was always eager to pitch in and help, rarely complaining about chores with the exception of yard work.
As hard as he tried, he was not able to find fun in mowing the lawn. He enjoyed working with his hands and built several treasured shelves and racks over the years as Mother’s Day presents.
Adam had many dreams that will go unfulfilled, such as attending University, becoming a licensed pilot, and travelling to Europe. He had a joie de vivre and adventurous spirit like few others.
Adam’s confidence, warm smile, and booming, infectious laugh made him a joy to be with. His death left a hole in many lives that will never be filled.
What Is Gliding
FLYING WITH THE BIRDS
A glider is a type of unpowered aircraft built of composite materials with wide wings making it light enough to be able to soar like a bird silently in the skies. This recreational activity draws pilots from around the world to compete in races, cross country flight and aerobatics.
A glider’s ability to fly with no engine or propulsion is possible because of atmospheric phenomena such as thermals, ridge lift, and wave lifts. The pilots utilize the same instruments as with powered aircraft with the exception of engine controls.
Gliders can potentially stay airborne indefinitely if the conditions are right averaging speeds of 50-90mph and altitudes of 3,000-6,000 feet stopping at cloudbase. A record altitude of 76,000ft was made by the Perlan (using wave lift) in 2018 for the purpose of collecting high altitude air current data with a $3 million cost of the glider.
Gliding (also known as soaring) is a beautiful flight that only requires fuel to launch either by winch or aerotow. It is the closest that a person can come to realizing the ancient dream of flying with the birds.
