If it Ain’t the Wind, it’s the Rain…
There was little anticipation for flying early on due to forecasted downpours throughout late morning. It was decided therefore, to put flying aside for the morning, and wait until early afternoon. In the meantime, this allowed us to crack on with yet more technical jobs, and introduce our new MEF students, Adam and Tyler to RAF Shawbury GC.
It’s fair to say we weren’t at risk of starving today, as quite the platter was on offer for our members today. Not only had Mrs #vulcanbomber prepped a stupendous chocolate cake for us, but the muppet that is instructor, Brad, who forgot the cakes last week, had brought a selection of home-made cakes - with the help of Tesco’s finest. The grapes were for show of course; far too healthy for us.
It was great to see MEF student, Harry, today, who is coming to the end of his training at Cosford and will soon be posted to RAF Coningsby where he will be working on Typhoons. We are very pleased to hear Harry plans to continue his gliding at RAF Cranwell GC, where he will have to “make do” with the likes of a Duo Discus, an Astir CS’ with winglets, and an LS8. Don’t worry, Harry, we’ve warned Cranwell you’re coming! We are very proud of what Harry has achieved in the time he has being with us, including going solo, and hope to see him again before he departs to pastures new.
As Harry’s time comes to an end with Shawbury GC, new MEF students, Adam – an ASOS trainee at Shawbury - and Tyler’s – an avionics trainee at Cosford - time begins. After instructor Colin showed them both round the hangar and provided a cockpit tour of his prize string, canvas and wood K-18, instructor Brad took them both on our state-of-the-art simulator, whilst the cataclysmic downpour persisted. Brad was impressed with both their general handling skills of the glider, particularly given the sensitivity of the sim. The 65,551ft/min thermal button gained Adam and Tyler 1000ft with the click of a button, providing them with the opportunity to refine their skills; if only such a button could be installed on the K-21’s! After finishing the annual on his K-18, we were soon joined by Wing Commander Biggles – Colin – himself to demonstrate a spiral dive and spin recovery technique, closely observed by our local aerobatics’ connoisseur, Laura. It’s fair to say, they were both impressed.
New veteran member, Tony was also keen to try out our simulator, and was next to take the hot seat after Adam and Tyler…
Back in the hangar, all hands were to the deck - quite literally, in John Luke’s case. A replacement radio was fitted to R35 and tested, whilst Geoff M once again applied the marigolds and deployed his domestic skills and spruced the footwell up – many thanks our crack inspectors, Gally and Nick for fitting the new radio! Gally then attempted to turn FCV’s trailer into a rave stage by kitting it out with space age LED’S, while Nigel tackled the issue of rectifying R35’s faulty variometers by draining the water that had found its way into the system. I’m sensing a common theme with today’s problems – flipping water! Whilst Nigel set to work on that, #Vulcanbomber was getting to grips with the electronic instrumentation in the Concrete Swan – R66. With the aid of the ‘GOAT’, Gally, this was soon water off a duck’s back for a V-bomber pilot, and he soon had it mastered. Nigel had assembled a motley crew and made cracking progress with KE’s annual – many thanks team! John Luke channelled his inner David Attenborough, as he caught sight of a Hedgehog braving the conditions. It was nice to see a round Hedgehog for a change, as opposed to a flat one.
Meanwhile, Will gathered what was left of the members to rearrange the hangar… yet again. This time, we had to relocate all the aircraft to the East side of the hangar, as the other half was to be used for indoor parade practice due to the RAF being a fair-weather force; after all, it is now Autumn. Adam and Tyler finished their simulator session just in time to be put to work aiding with the assembling of the cordon round the aircraft.
Now, back to the weather… midday soon came and went, and mother nature was still attempting to drown the airfield, and as 13:00 approached, the decision was made by DI Will to scrub flying due to further showers approaching later in the day. So, hurricane gusts last weekend, torrential downpour this weekend, what’s your bets on next weekend’s weather phenomenon?
With that decided, all that was left was finish rearranging the aircraft and call it a day at that.
With that decided, all that was left was finish rearranging the aircraft and call it a day at that.
Another disappointing day on the flying front, but another productive day in the hangar. Many thanks team for your efforts again. Dare I say without jinxing it, but fingers crossed for flying next week… again! Now beware… I’m letting the Colonel take reign of the blog again next week. Be sure to smile for the camera!