Flying Report Sun 4 Jan 26 - A last Hooray!
It was with a sense of anticipation that we approached our last day of operations off the grass at RAF Shawbury. With a FOD Plod scheduled for next week, our first day back on the hard surfaces is scheduled for Sun 11 Jan 26.
There is an urgency to return to normal operations. Firstly, it is clear that, despite how hard the ground might be, the rolling resistance of the still growing grass is now too great from which to launch a 2-seater. Second, a combination of ground conditions and weather has reduced us to just 48 launches, Nov 25 to date. Financial income, recency and currency have all been hard hit and we need to be back to normal operations ASP.
With a sense of expectancy on a bright crisp morning and with snow forecast for c1530, R22 and R35 were taken to the launch point with the aim of getting everyone at least one trip.
However, after launching WG and then R35 on test launches it was evident that with a change of wind direction, the snow was not going to pass North of the airfield as forecast. Our luck was about to give out.
Next, we launched R22 on an air test with, we thought, plenty of time to recover before the snow arrived. However, once airborne the crew, Colin and Ian, could see the snow fast approaching, released from the tow and scurried back to the airfield, landing as the first flakes fell.
Just three launches and we were all back in the hangar by 1130……
……as the snow increased in intensity.
Bright sunshine and snow showers followed but with Blacktop conditions changing from Amber to Red we did not venture out on to the airfield again.
Club News:
Flying Sun 11 Jan 26. This will be a day for Club members only and no visitors, with a focus on:
A tour of the airfield aimed at re-familiarising members with runway ops, the new airfield signs, etc.
Check flights for those members who require them.
There will be a discounted rate for a second and subsequent launches to catch up with recency and currency.
Parachute Packing. Sophie will be doing the next parachute packing run in February. If any private owners wish to have their parachutes inspected and repacked please let Sophie know.