Flying Report Sat 16 May 26
It’s two weeks to Women in Gliding (WinG) day on Sunday 31 May. If you haven’t booked yet contact Laura ASP; contact details in this flyer.
Our DuoDiscus is enroute back from Sisteron and should be back in use next weekend. This will allow us to expand the MEF gliding bursary programme. The RAFCF have provided additional funding for the 2026 and 2027 programme that now includes 2 x 2000ft Aerotows and lessons in our DuoDiscus advanced training glider.
The forecast was poor and so it turned out to be, with rain delaying a first launch until 11:20. Cloud base was around 900ft but with holes to around 2,300ft and with the odd shower.
So, whilst we were waiting, KE was fired up by Nick, with Colin assuming Trumpton-like fire-fighter duties, for a successful engine check. It just requires minor fettling before we bring it back into service next weekend.
More importatly, cake returned courtesy of Mrs #vulcanbomber; Lemon drizzle and utterly delicious.
Eventually we set up the launch point and were immediately joined by a Red Kite – fantastic.
Good effort by Grace, one of our MEF gliding bursary students, who had travelled from Brum to be with us for the morning and arrived in time to take a quick trip with John Luke in WG.
Grace then went on to continue her training in the capable hands of Geoff M.
Welcome to new member Andrew, a refugee from the Seighford swampland. An experienced solo pilot, Andrew hadn’t flown aero-tow for a while and so we placed him with Colin. Welcome Andrew and hope you enjoyed your first day with us flying in a military environment. Yes, as well as Myndies, we also have Swampies on the books!
The rain was never going to be far away, but everyone got a trip or two before the front arrived over the airfield and brought an end to flying at 13:50.
Given the forecast, 13 launches was more than we had expected and thanks to all for making it happen.