Flying Report Sun 28 Sep 25
Another great day out at Shawbury. Despite the overnight rain, the nicely manicured lawn on r’way 36 had dried out and the ground was firm, allowing a lot to be achieved today.
Early doors, and having completed his planning and ground brief Rob departed on a NAVex under the watchful eye of Colin. Rob thought that he was going to be able to use his Google Maps app to get him round the course and was utterly surprised when Colin gave him an aeronautical chart to follow instead🤣
Super to see so many of our MEF gliding scholarship students out today, all continuing their flying programme and we have to say that they are all making great progress. Hoss took top MEF boss honours with a trip of 38 minutes. Becky flew two trips with Laura at the start of the day when conditions had not really got going but then towards the end of the day got in a decent soaring trip with Colin.
Adam who also flies powered at Sleap, is only a couple of lessons away from gaining his PPL, top job Adam. He enjoyed two trips in the MEF chariot (R35) with Laura in the morning and then flew with Geoff M late in the day.
Patrick enjoyed a soaring trip with Colin making the most of the early afternoon thermic conditions to climb to 3,000ft.
It was another fantastic day, a light breeze, some booming thermals and great viz with the radio telescope at Jodrell Bank 55kms away clearly glinting in the sun.
Things were going so well that the CFI decided to leave the airfield in R66 for an hour. Despite standing orders to the contrary concerning reflections on the canopy, Ian decided that a rather fetching reflective Pink was the order of the day!
Fantastic to see Douglas, one of our junior members out today. With schoolwork complete Dougles enjoyed two flights with Ian, some of which time was spent inverted – now that is bragging rights when you get back to college!
And whilst airborne, they also took the time to go over look down on Laura and Hoss in R22.
Elsewhere, Geoff M scared himself by taking Anthony (aka Grod) airborne. Grod’s claim to fame is that he had flown at various service airfields that included Lossiemouth, Cranwell and Odiham. After landing Geoff said that flying with Grod was quite the experience and needed a rest before he could continue.
Colin and John Luke launched in R22. John is practicing his patter as he works towards his Assistant Instructor rating. However, Colin, never short of a kind word, thought his patter was more appropriate for a night out in Wolves and as John is an ex-copper that is a thought!
A brilliant way to end the day with Laura, flying with Ian, completing her assessment for her Aerobatic Instructor endorsement. Well done Laura and many congratulations.
The sun was well into the West as we finished. Many thanks to all for making making it work today. 26 launches and over 13 hours of flying is not a bad day’s effort!
