The Showers Didn’t Stop Us
It was another early rise for the club’s morning shift as Wing Commander Colin, #Vulcanbomber, Topsey, Gally the GOAT and Brad all arrived pre-07:00 (basically midnight) to continue with more early morning training flights for Brad in preparation for displaying at RAF Cosford Airshow this coming June. The early start proved all the worth-while as alongside achieving five training flights with the GOAT himself, Brad also managed to get a couple of solo practices in. Many thanks once again to the Wing Commander, Topsey and #Vulcanbomber for extricating themselves from their dorms so early!
Brad passing through 1000ft inverted at the top of a loop as he comes to the end of his display sequence
The arrival of the day shift brought an end to the early morning shenanigans and normal club ops were soon underway. The first two launches saw new junior members Bridget off in JMJ (former RSGC R46) with Simon followed by Jenson in R22 with Nigel. Both are currently in the early stages of their journey to solo and we look forward to seeing them progress.
Whilst the youngsters were being towed, the well matured 243 syndicate put some coal on the neurological fire and prepped the Ventus for a test flight after works that had been carried out on the iron thermal in the back. Veteran member Mike won the coin toss and was first to venture up.
Meanwhile, as a result of the inflating aviation fuel costs, European airlines have now contracted RSGC to operate some of their more local flights, and have offered staff as wing runners. Some not wishing to overspend on glass fibre, they have elected to charter the red bomber instead… window seat costs extra!
K13… brought to you by Ryanair
James was next up in JMJ as he progresses through his MEF bursary funding, followed by new MEF bursary recipient, Brad (yes… that’s two of them now!). Brad is currently training at RAF Cosford to become an Aircraft Mechanic Technician, and being only five weeks into the course, is keen to try something different and make the most of what the RAF has to offer. After two flights during the day with our club met professor, Will, he was taken aback by the experience, surpassing expectations… or “mint” as it was more simply said. The Mechanical Endowment Fund (MEF) bursary offers recipients 7x 2000ft aerotows, an hour’s flight in one of the club’s motor falkes and an aerobatic experience flight with one of our experience aerobatic instructors. Students who wish to continue to solo standard after their MEF bursary can then progress onto applying for the ‘Go Solo’ fund, providing them with the financial support to complete their solo syllabus training.
Simon and James taking off in JMJ on a training sortie.
After Brad’s flight, he and old Brad were commandeered to assist with rigging R2 for it to be test flown before it heads off for its annual jaunt to Sisteron for the GSA expedition. With the two Brads, Gally, Colin and Colin’s helper Ben on the job, the Duo was soon assembled, with only a slight difficult in communication caused by having both Brad’s on a wing tip each… it makes it ever so slightly cryptic when you hear “Your wing up, Brad”!
Back at the launch point, Colin soon saw the light as he climbed out of the tug and into EEO for a short soaring flight in his hot ship… well, one of. Pleased to report he brought it back in better condition than KE after its air test.
The red bomber (JMJ) was called upon once more as Simon and #Vulcanbomber ventured up, and then down very quickly (must have been how those bombs felt as they dived towards the salmon) as the two carried out spin checks as Richard works towards obtaining his SPL. Many thanks to Simon for providing us with the ability to perform spin training with JMJ… both are a vital asset to us!
Junior member Will next took the skies with Geoff just before the showers closed in and halted any further launches. Will is also currently working towards solo standard and is progressing strongly throughout the syllabus.
Veteran member, Nick, took a launch in R66 followed by Nigel and Andy Hagan in R22, however, it wasn’t long before mother nature once again rained on our parade, forcing the two to land. Congrats to Nick for achieving a flight of 58mins after much shower dodging!
Today saw the return of potentially the pinkest pilot in the world, Amelia. Stepping away from the dark side for the day, Amelia, with Dad James in tow, spent the day reacquainting themselves with the Shawbury ramble. Amelia obtained her basic instructor rating and basic aerobatics badge with us many a year ago, and has since gone on to achieve her PPL – which she now has a share in a vintage cub to show for. Today though, she was after a flight to renew herself with gliding, which involved using those sliding footrests (rudder pedals) as they are known in the powered world.
Amelia landing on Runway 36 after a solo flight later in the day
Just as Amelia and Nigel climbed into R22 however, the heavens opened like a set of theatre curtains and washed away any hopes of that happening. In desperate time like these, the padre led the congregation to the back of the bus for worship Mrs #Vulcanbomber’s and Amelia’s bakes… they were worshiped so briskly, the photographer never got chance for a photo! The downpour did last for some time, but eventually cleared, and with some extra ballast now added to the pilots after cakes, Amelia and Nigel finally got away. Met Professor, Will, got away next in R66, and then guess what, a seemingly familiar grey sky stuck its spanner in the works again. At least the K13 got a wash though!
Speaking of the red bomber, once the rain had cleared – and for good this time! – Simon and old Brad took off to practice some FI patter work as Brad works towards his Flight Instructor Sailplane (FI)S rating, which will enable him to teach student pilots through the solo syllabus up to solo standard.
After putting in a shift with assisting the rigging of the Duo, Colin’s handy man, Ben was scored a flight in R22 with Nigel, followed by Simon and John “don’t tell them your name” Pike-ard in JMJ, as John continues to progress towards obtaining his Introductory Flight Pilot (IFP) rating.
Whilst flying had successfully resumed, the airmass that had deposited the rain on and around us throughout the day had left us with a parting gift by veering the wind round, creating a tailwind component; the decision was made to change onto Runway 36 for the remainder of the day.
A change in runway also led to a change in Duty Pilot, as the padre, having done a sterling job all day, was finally caught up by his other ongoing over the past week, and retreated to the bus for 40 winks… not that anyone noticed. Many thanks to #Vulcanbomber for taking over, after having endured a long day on the airfield himself!
Junior member, Will and new Brad both managed to bag another flight each and Nick managed to complete essential instructor checks with Simon. Amelia also managed to bag a solo flight in, and having seen the light side once more, will now also be returning next weekend. The final flight of the day was taken by Simon and Brad in WG as they went off to practice more FI patter for Brad’s instructor rating.
How many people does it take to push a glider?!
A smashing effort by all today with a total of 10hrs 39mins flight time achieved across 30 flights. Huge thanks to all for a mint day!
Many thanks to Mrs #Vulcanbomber once again for sending #Vulcanbomber away with two lemon drizzles, and to Amelia for baking up a storm for us too! It appears there is competition to become the club’s OIC (Officer in Catering)!
Club News
May 31st - If any members are able to volunteer their time to assist with the running of the Women in Gliding day (WinG), organised by Laura, please register your interest on the members areas of the website. The event was a triumph for the club last year and is essential for promoting the sport.