Flying Report Sun 11 Oct 26
An exciting start to the day with a Royal flyover – the King wanted to check how it was all going at Shawbury!
Well Sire, it went very well indeed and it is difficult to recall when we last enjoyed such a successful day at Shawbury; one solo, one re-solo (first aero-tow solo) and a conversion on type. Well done all.
But first, at the launch point Colin presented Robin, who flew solo last weekend, with his Civilian or “C” Wings - awarded to cadets who have achieved solo flight outside the normal cadet routes. Nice way to mark that first flight and well done Robin.
Robin then went for a check flight before flying solo in R22 and taking his first solo soaring trip having been towed to 2,000ft by Colin!.
Douglas enjoyed a great day, achieving his first solo. Following a couple of check flights and a launch failure practice, Norm sent Dougla solo. Top job young man and just rewards for your hard work.
Lights winds, and as the day progressed the thermals grew in strength making for perfect soaring weather of which everyone took advantage.
Congratulations to naval aviator Olly who re-soloed today under Will’s watchful eye. It’s about 4 years since Olly took his first and only solo trip and this was his first off the aero-tow. Well done Olly
Following his 10th solo trip in the K21 today Lewis, one of our RAGFSA GoSolo students, converted to the single seat Astir after a briefing (interrogation?) by Norm. He then went on to enjoy an hour’s soaring. Super.
Elsewhere nice to see the DuoDiscus was kept busy all day including a trip by Geoff M and his golfing mate! Geoff has two mates, the other one being Mr Wetherspoons!
It was nearing the end of the day when Will put early solo pilot Billy through his paces. Bill took his first solo on 13 Sep and this was the perfect day to hone some of his skills. Practice launch failures and stalling were all in the mix before Billy took a solo trip on the last launch of the day.
And finally, after three months getting its replacement wings fitted EEO took to the sky!
What a great day out. 28 launches and nearly 14 hours of flying time. A fantastic way to spend a Sunday in October.
Club News.
A reminder to all drivers that to drive on the airfield we need you to get a RAF Shawbury Airfield Access Permit. This is completed by conducting online training and a test. The link is in the “How to” in the Member Resources area of the Club Website.
The club will host a visit by 1st Wem Cubs on the evening of Tue 3 Nov 26 in Hangar 4. It’s a fun evening and you can get a flavour fo what goes on from the last cubs’ visit in our Blog @ https://www.rafshawburygc.co.uk/blog/v45zwg9ud0845x1k304uk9su3b932g .
We’re looking for vounteers to assist with running the evening so please sign on in the normal way if you feel you’d like to get involved.😁