Heavy rain-laden skies delayed the start of flying so we commenced with the EGM that had been planned for the end of the day. Cloudy skies and the occasional shower then stayed with us for most of the rest of the day but everyone did manage to get a trip, some even managing to find a hole in the cloud cover and get to 3,000ft,

Despite a truncated day we welcomed Harry from Cosford and Josie from Shawbury. Harry is a new joiner taking advantage of the MEF scheme and we placed him in the very capable hands of Alan Swan for the day.

Josie joined us on the popular Soaring Eagles programme, a package consisting of 3x2,000ft aero-tows or a 40 minute soaring flight. In today’s conditions there was to be no soaring but after a spell on the simulator, Josie was able to fit in 3 flights with instructor Nick Lewinton who said that she was a natural. We hope, therefore, that Josie enjoyed her introduction to gliding and that we see her on another occasion.

Undoubtedly a budding pilot of the future was young Andrew on a Discover Gliding Voucher, and who was accompanied by Dad, Richard. After a ground brief on aircraft instruments from instructor Will Dean, Andrew climbed into the back seat of the K21 for a 16 minute trip with Will, which was about average for the day in the 2 seaters. Good flying Andrew and we’ve given you a few tips on how to take your gliding interest forward.