Flying Report Sun 25 Jan 26 - Airborne!!
The last flying day in January and pleased to report that the weather gods were with us at last. It was:
Our first day of aviation in 2026!
Our first day flying off the super new runway surfaces at RAF Shawbury and, given the heavy overnight rain, we would not have been able to operate off the grass surfaces.
Probably the first day in the long history of RAF Shawbury that a fixed wing aircraft has operated of r’way 04!
It was clear that we only had a short weather window. As we set up, the Tower was showing a 1,200ft cloud base and 8/8 cloud but it was evident that there were gaps developing.
Recency and currency were high on the agenda and for those requiring them check flights were the priority. Another spell of good work today from young Ben who is doing part of his D of E volunteering with the club. He and Mum helped set up the launch point and as a thank you Nick took him off for a trip in R35. Many thanks Ben and hope you enjoyed your flight.
Beccy and Hoss, two of our MEF gliding bursary students eventually pitched up for the day after all the graft had been done – brilliant timing you two!💤💤 We’re sending the Duo-Discuss R2 to Denbigh 7/8 Feb for a junior meeting of the BGA organised Winter Series and they are both attending along with Brad. Fantastic.
With an ever-evolving weather picture, launch heights varied from 1,000 up to 2,000ft for those who timed it right.
Sadly, with light rain in the air and the newly appointed Club Met Member absent, it was left to others to check the forecast. Not surprisingly there were as many different forecasts as there were apps; Colin just about got it right – but that had less to do with his Hogwarts style hat!
With Nigel and Beccy only achieving a launch height of 1,000ft, after an hour of siting on the bus it was decided to scrub at 1345.
Finally, thanks to all our tuggies for a top job.
A grand day out. Despite the short flying window, following a string of non-flying days it was great to be out on the airfield and enjoying the hard surfaces. Fingers crossed for next weekend.
Club News:
Coming soon. Watch the various social media platforms for some of Junior Member Lizzie’s club content