Flying-less Report - 12 Oct 25
Now, I know these blogs usually start with an update on the runway resurfacing project progress. I would do the same today, however, in order to do that, we’d have had to have been able to see the runway, which we couldn’t, as the airfield was blanketed in fog.
R22, 35 & 66 were DI’d in anticipation of the fog clearing by midday/early afternoon. Whilst a motley crew cracked on with this, Nigel took lead on prepping WG and KE for their annuals. Harry – now AS1 McBride, if you will – was casting his (extremely) critical eye over WG as he consolidated his two year of training that has finally reached its end. Harry graduates on Friday and will be moving onto pastures new with III Squadron at RAF Coningsby, where he’ll be working on Typhoons. As plans to continue gliding at RAF Cranwell GSA, we wish him all the very best for the future. Good luck, Harry!
In the meantime, Gally the GOAT and Nick were scavenging more parts from their donor ASW20. After some precision spanner-ing & sawing and some rather caveman banging from the dynamic duo, their work was completed in no time at all.
Regional Examiner, Simon Adlard, and Mrs Adlard dropped by for a visit and, of course, to check on his new pride and joy, K-13, R46.
Gally assembled the present instructors for a meeting on the new SPL syllabus, followed by a tuggie gathering; all whilst under the watchful gaze of the colonel’s camera.
Prep work was soon carried out on KE in readiness for it’s annual being carried out through next week. The engine cowlings were removed, leading to yet further critics from AS1 McBride, and the interior was removed, exposing the skeleton so the wings could be derigged. Sadly, as the expendable young ARs had left, it was decided to wait until tomorrow to remove the wings, although KIm Al Swan still thinks that they don’t need to be removed, and after much talking and pointing at components, KE was soon covered up.
A midday weather check by Gally put the final nail in the coffin for flying, as cloud base had rose only to a mere 300ft and visibility extended to a blade or two of grass further than the morning. Flying was therefore scrubbed. So, that’s rain, wind and fog that have stopped flying four times over the past five weeks now. My guess for next week is a blizzard, #vulcanbomber predicts a ‘plague of frogs’, if my hearing hasn’t failed me; any advances anyone?
Felt as depressing as it looks…
With conversation running out, to the extent of the Vicar discussing why a baboon is more dangerous than a lion - I don’t know either - and another sublime chocolate sponge courtesy of Mrs #vulcanbomber all gone, the day was wrapped up a little after midday. These gliders will soon become museum pieces if they’re not flown soon!
Anyway, I shall leave you with a caption competition from a photo captured by the Colonel himself….
Diary Dates:
Annual Membership subs are due in November.