Today promised to be a busy day on the airfield, as six eager ab-initios rocked up, five of whom are MEF bursaries.

Veteran instructor, Geoff M, took the helm of the morning brief, and with the forecast showing positive potential for good soaring conditions, nary a second was wasted in extricating the aircraft from the hangar.

First to launch was one of two gliding bursary students new to the MEF programme, Andrei. Andrei is in training at RAF Cosford; he currently has another year left before he graduates as an Aircraft Technician (Mechanical). So, plenty of time to have him solo by then! Concurrently, congratulations to RSGC’s latest IFP, John Pickard, for his first passenger carrying flight at Shawbury with Andrei.

Following not long after the two were MEF student Grace, and Geoff M. Grace continues to make stonking progress throughout the syllabus, and is proving to be a valuable credit to the club, having volunteered her entire day aiding the static display stand at Cosford Air Show recently! We’re also glad to hear her Land Rover has a tow bar fitted… I’m sure Will be keen to have her number for the next vague attempt at his 300km.

Next up, Lord Upton-Waters, as he set off in his hot 9or not!) ship Ventus, 243, in pursuit of his carer, Geoff M, under the ever-developing cumulus. Over the course of his soaring flight, he was able to perform more running test on the iron thermal in the back.

There was no rest for John Pike-ard upon his return, as we sent him off with our second new MEF bursar, Marco, also an Avionics Technician apprentice at Cosford. With a year to go also, we hope to see Marco solo with us.

With R22 down, next up were Geoff M and MEF student, and our new club pap, Lewis….

Now… a few congratulations are in order. One of our more recent junior members, Air Cadet Liam Dickens, who also flies at nearby Staffordshire GC, flew his first solo winch launch on Friday at Seighford. We are over the moon for him, and hope to see more him at Shawbury as he progresses onto aerotow training. Liam flew with our very own RAFAC WgCo Biggle Haynes as the conditions started to become a little more sporting, with wind gusts picking up. Liam is seen below on his first solo at Seighford…

The final flight of the day went to new MEF bursar, Zack, also in training at RAF Cosford, with basic instructor, Brad. Having held previous powered experience, it didn’t take long to get used to the basic handling of the glider as Zack quickly grasped the control of the elevator early on, and by end of the flight, was able to roll the glider whilst maintaining a steady attitude. Cracking progress made; we look forward to seeing him return.

This flight was one of first and lasts, as whilst it was Zack’s first flight at Shawbury, it was Brad’s last, as having completed his Aircraft Maintenance Mechanic apprenticeship at Cosford, he now moves on to pastures new, as he graduates next week, following which he will relocate to 6 Squadron based at RAF Lossiemouth, where he will be working on Typhoon… and of course, flying out of Highland/Fulmar GC.

Now, I don’t why I have written that last paragraph in third person, given I’m the schmuck writing the blog, but I would like to take the opportunity to say what a simply sensational time I’ve had at RSGC. I have been able to progress in my flying far beyond what I thought I was capable of, and I have been able to do so amongst an amazing and supportive group of people. To all the members I have come to know, I simply say, thank you, for making the past sixteen months possible. Although I had gliding experience before joining the RAF, I was lucky to receive an MEF bursary when I started at Cosford. This enabled me to progress and succeed in the manner I have; I urge any trainee at Cosford or Shawbury to simply go for it; it will take you on an incredible journey, and will open the door to many more flying – and funding - opportunities.

Back to normal service now, and with wind gusts spiking out of limits for the tug, WG, flying was scrubbed. On the plus side, all our ab-initios had flown and with #vulcanbomber present, there was sure to be cake not far away. Many thanks to #MrsVulcanbomber for providing us with two lemon drizzles 😊

With flying scrubbed, WgCo Biggles Haynes was able to carry out checks for a recently distributed AD on the tug, and it’s with a great sigh of relief, WG passed! Before anyone asks, work is continuing as ever on the yellow one that the WgCo broke!