Flying Report Sun 22 Jun 25
The longest day has passed and for the rest of the year the days just get shorter, let’s hope we get a runway back for the Winter!
A blustery and rain affected day, and none of the forecast lift. In reality the rain arrived over the airfield much earlier than had been forecast and just as we were getting the fleet out of the hangar. It wasn’t until 1145 that we made the first launch using r’way 23.
The undoubted highlight of the day was a visit from Terry, a long standing RAFGSA and Club member. Terry has not been well of late and was brought out to join us for the day by his daughter and her partner Peri. Terry soon made himself at home and took a launch in R22 with Nigel (Land Out) Lassiter as back seat baggage. Delighted you enjoyed the day and hope to see you on the airfield on another occasion Terry.😍
While Terry was flying, Colin took Dan for a trip in KE. Dan has been an Air Cadet for three years and is desperate to fly so Colin did the honours and gave him his first flight. Glad you enjoyed the trip and hope that we see you on another occasion.
For those who ventured into the air there really was not much doing. There was little persistent lift to enjoy in the strong wind and blustery conditions, and the hint of Wave was at very high altitude.
Laura completed her annual CFI checks with Ian post her Ass Cat course and then Ian jumped into KE with Will. Well done Will who, having invested a lot of time and effort to gain his TMG rating, was checked out by Ian today to fly KE. Top job will and another tuggie in the wings.
Before another band of rain hit the airfield in the afternoon there was time to get in two flights for new junior member Douglas. Douglas had previously visited the club on 4 May, liked what he saw and joined the club. Today was his first chance to get airborne in the capable hands of Nigel L-O-L. Good to see you Douglas and thanks for your help on the airfield.
More rain and, sadly, flying ceased at 15:35 but that gave us the opportunity to undertake some prep work in H4 prior to our plan to vacate it 29 Jun – 12 Jul for station events. DuoDiscus R2 and all single seaters except R66 were boxed and the maint area was packed away. After flying next Sunday the plan is to box the two ASK 21s and fly R66 and the two tugs over to Seighford, courtesy of the Staffordshire Gliding Club (SGC) where they are available for club members to use.
Club News:
Seighford 29 Jun – 13 Jul 25. Flying days at have been published in the Club website. R66 can be booked by club members holding Bronze C or higher. Tug pilots are asked to signify their availability in the WhatsApp Group. This will be a great opportunity to undertake some evening flying off the winch at Seighford.
Inter-Services 19 – 26 Jul 25. The DuoDiscus R2 is going down to the Inter-Services comp held this year at Middle Wallop. If any club member fancies a back seat trip please talk to Ian, or Alan who is returning from the US for the comp.