Flying Report Sat 18 Jul 26
After the stifling heat of last weekend, a few degrees cooler and we saw a great turn out from members with the complete fleet taken out to the launch point. No one could remember when last we saw an empty hangar!
Another reminder to all about the tinder dry conditions on the airfield and, in particular, if aircraft needed to land on the grass then to check wheel bays and brakes for any foreign objects that might pose a fire risk.
Nice to see a number of our MEF gliding bursary students on the airfield although, having had a night out in Brum, at Roxy’s (known for its “Beer Pong” game) and at Coyote Ugly, there was an IMSAFE check. Incidentally, for those not in the know Coyote’s is known for its Bottomless🤪 Brunch.
The forecast promised much but in reality, failed to deliver. Nick, flying in his ASW20 made the most of the conditions and claimed hog of the day.
With so many to fly it was many thanks to Simon and Liz for allowing us to use their K13 for instruction. Simon and Liz said that they were super excited to have escaped another day on the Mynd opting instead for a day of sanity at Shawbury!
Our MEF gliding bursary students all got in 3 trips during the day – two in the early morning and then a soaring trip each in the afternoon.
Marco wiith instructor Geoff M
Andrei with instructor Simon Adlard
Mathew is flying with instructor Will
With the first wave airborne and with junior member Liam and instructor Colin launching last in R35……
…….a change of wind direction saw us swap r’way 18 for r’wy 36; always interesting if someone hasn’t got their radio volume turned up!!!!
It was the perfect conditions for our old ASK18 (R43) to be out on the launch point and in which both Norm and Andy enjoyed a trip.
Rob and Geoff C attempted to stay airborne in the Concrete Swan (AKA R66) with both dropping out of the sky with remarkable ease!
Lunchtime and it was delight to welcome visitor Steve from Albrighton for a 70th B’day trip. He took two flights, the first with John Luke and then flying with Geoff M. Thanks for staying on to help out Steve and glad that you enjoyed your day with us.
Elsewhere, and with their Ventus 1CT (243), rather like its crew, only firing on one cylinder, Will became duty carer and took Mike O out for a potter about in R22.
Later. Will turned to the Whiteboard to do some circuit planning with Marco and Andrei.
It is always nice to see how our young MEF gliding bursary students are progressing after they have graduated from either RAF Cosford or RAF Shawbury. Harry McBride continues his gliding journey…….
……and has picked up responsibility for RAFGSA PR, whilst Vicky….
……is doing her bit for the Typhoon Display Team. We understand that Vicky has applied for a gliding scholarship to continue her gliding journey. Top job Vicky,
In other news, we’re holding lessons for some our more senior, IT challenged members to get to grips with the new miniature wireless telephonic apparatus that is also known as the launch point mobile.
Despite #vulcanbomber being grounded due to a hydraulic fault he did turn up with cake courtesy of Mrs #vulcanbomber!!. Howevs, with three hungry young gannets fresh from a night out in Brum the cake did not last long!
Club News
Sun 2 Aug 26. We will run a Glider Experience afternoon for members of 605 Sqn RAuxRAF. 605 Sqn provides a cadre of RAuxAF Logistics and RAF Police personnel trained, equipped and prepared to support the RAF both at home and overseas. 14 local RAF Res personnel from 605Sqn will be joining us to get a taste of flying. Any club volunteers able to help get them into the air would be appreciated.
Mon 3 Aug 26. He’s back!
Fri 21 Aug 26. RAF Shawbury Families Day. No flying displays but as part of the RAF Shawbury family we will place an aircraft on static display for selfies and photo opportunities. Volunteers please to set up and run the stand during the day.