Non-Flying Day Sun 30 Nov 25
November went out with a whimper – a total of 39 flights and 15 hours of flying time reflects the challenges of aero-tow operations of the damp, wet grass at Shawbury in Autumn. After prolonged rain yesterday and only a light breeze, ground conditions today were too soft to launch. Even a soaking wet hare thought that it better to hunker down!
With the ground recce complete and flying scrubbed there was then no urgency to complete maintenance on either tug. With carburettors cleaned and balanced, WG completed an engine run.
Every five years the rubber hoses and some components in the engine compartment need to be replaced on our TMGs. This includes all the fuel, oil and coolant hoses plus the carb diaphragms. Also identified was the need to replace worn wing spigots. After its extensive seven-week long maintenance programme, in which a number of other issues were addressed, KE was finally rolled out of workshops today and the wings refitted. Thanks to all for bending to the task over the past weeks.
Elsewhere, Family Adlard are working through the glue inspection of their newly purchased (our old) R46. Fin and rudder complete, although there was quite an animated discussion about what went where, and tailplane next.
We welcomed a visit from Ben Crosby and Mum. Aircraft crazy Ben is doing his D of E and asked if we had any tasks he could volunteer to undertake. Working under Colin’s supervision, Ben is going to help to produce an inventory of all items in the bonded store. Top job Ben.
LIzzie completed an hour on the Sim with Colin, in the process launching and landing successfully. LIzzie had attended an Air Cadet training weekend but didn’t have time to complete the final assessment to the required standard for her Bronze flying badge. Fortunately, Colin had some time today to build on that training and help Lizzie to get to the level required.
Finally, with KE out, R22 was derigged and placed into workshops for the start of its annual inspection.
The lack of flying brings concerns for members’ recency and currency and there is now a real urgency to get back to operating from the hard surfaces at Shawbury, all of which look largely complete. It would be nice to think that we could start using them in December.
Diary Dates
Flying Days December – February have been published. Note that additional Bank Holiday flying days will be published once the Duty rota has been completed.