Although the air temperature was within limits, in this continuing spell of hot weather there was little protection from the environment on a dry and dusty airfield.

The flying programme limiting factor was the SleapKosh Airshow. The event is one of the biggest fly-ins in the UK and with a 6NM RAT around Sleap swallowing up Shawbury, all gliders had to be either outside the RAT or on the ground by 1330.

Given the conditions there was emphasis placed on the “E” in ABCDE pre-flight checks at the launch point.

Whilst the old guard pottered around in the heat muttering “Aden” and other such far flung desert locations of past empire, our young members took the lead on the launch point.

All was going so well and then Will tipped up from baby-sitting duties and bagged R35…..

……at which point the tug tow rope said “NO!” and AA recovery were called to sort it out.

With all thoughts of nappy changing out of the way Will briefed (interogated!!1) Lewis for the first of his two trips……

……before launching through the heat haze into the blue sky……

…..where they took the opportunity to find a blue-sky thermal overhead the airfield.

In the air it was hotter in the thermals than it was on the ground. The ground looked scorched.

In this shortened timeframe and by limiting the time aloft, we flew all our MEF gliding bursary students together with all club members, with blue-sky conditions and booming thermals providing some entertaining flying.

Thanks to our young team who pushed and pulled the aircraft on a dry and hot day……