Fixing, Meandering and Caking
Yep, as you may have guessed by the title, flying was a no go today. The low-pressure system dubbed ‘Storm Amy’ was still barraging her way across the country, bringing cataclysmic wind along with her. So sadly, at the risk of cartwheeling the aircraft if we brought them outdoors, the hangar remained populated with gliders and falkes for today. As this had been anticipated earlier in the week, a jobs list had been compiled. The wind was not too strong for the force working on the runway project; it’s great to see them working, as the project nears completion in time for us to return onto ops on the hard surface for winter.
Thankfully, to keep spirits high, cake returned to the menu thanks to #vulcanbomber and Mrs #vulcanbomber who had been on holiday for two weeks taking in the views of the Scottish Lochs in which, in times past, he regularly dropped iron bombs, in the process killing the odd salmon. Apparently, he can be heard to mutter in his sleep “Bombs away Skipper!”
The Colonel was exceedingly optimistic to fly, or so we thought, as he climbed into EEO. After being refused a tow by a sane tug pilot, he decided to try fitting a new device mount; after pulling many faces at it, he soon had it installed, and was soon ready to pounce on the rest of us with his camera.
The Vicar cracked on with checking the set ups of the electronic instrumentation in the fleet and exorcised any errors that lie within their settings. He also ran a short course on how to use the S80 for The Colonel and #vulcanbomber. I believe they are both grateful there is not an exam following their course - that’s if the smoke coming from their ears was anything to go by.
Jack the Lad took lead on refitting the not so “Silent” generator to the back of the bus. Whilst Jack whisked the bus off to be refuelled, the colonel, #vulcanbomber and Brad set the pulley hoist to lift the generator, and after much deliberation between the Colonel and #vulcanbomber as to whether attach Brad, or the generator to the hoist hook, health and safety dictated the generator be attached, as apparently, apprentices cannot be swung around the hangar anymore. The generator was fitted in record time under the command of Wing Commander Colin and Jack, with only minor difficulties in communication as a result of the DOT’s (Deaf Old Twerps – or something along those lines), as the Colonel put it. Jack took the bus outside to test the “Silent” generator whilst Brad put his engineering teachings into practice and lockwire the pulley chains away, under the keen eye of #vulcanbomber. Now, as you will see in the video below, the “silent” sticker is placed below the decibel reading of how loud the generator is - ohhh, the irony! Perhaps this explains the deafness of our membership? A credit worthy shout out to Colin and #vulcanbomber for keeping R22 anchored outside whilst the generator was being tested.
The 96dB “SILENT” generator being run for testing.
Meanwhile, Nigel and Nick took charge – with Tony assisting - prepping KE for its up coming annual inspection. Some repairs were also made to WG’s canopy frame screw attachments as a result of problems experienced last weekend. Will also put himself to work reinforcing the rear of R66’s trailer to improve the stability of R66 under transportation, as he had found out after being retrieved from his 300km attempt that the Astir deviated slightly from the objective definition of stable. John Luke soon rocked up to do some treasurer duties, leading the surrounding membership to quickly scarper. Many thanks’ chaps for your efforts; a Stirling job by all.
Well, after the jobs were complete, many service stories shared and with all the cake gone, there was little left to do and the day was rounded up shortly after midday. Many thanks for coming out today team, despite the winds. Fingers crossed we can do some of this flying malarky next weekend.
