Flying Report Sun 17 Sep 23

The weather was pants with, at the start of the day a low cloud base and poor viz with no horizon and, at the end of the day a fast approaching band of heavy rain, all conspiring to limit flying.

Add into the mix a pause in flying for both the departure and arrival of Callsign SHARK, a flight of 3 helos taking part in the Shrewsbury Battle of Britain commemorations.

For this month’s sweepstake, participants had to guess how many aircraft would fit into Hangar 4, which seemed vast even when all our gliders were present at the start of the day. . . . .

. . . . .which is where, after a break for illness, we were delighted to welcome Nigel back on the airfield.  Caroline was the taxi driver and Nigel took a trip in WG with Norm followed by a flight in R35 with Nick.  Great to see you making progress Nigel.

Members goals saw, inter-alia, BI training for John Luke under the watchful eye of Norm, and junior member Darcey who was put through her paces by instructor Will as she works through the training syllabus prior to going solo.

With no lift around the single seater jockeys managed two flights between them but quickly put K18 R43 and Astir R66 back into Hangar 4.

A big well done to early solo pilot Connor who demonstrated, in a stiff cross wind, all the skills you would expect to see from a more advanced pilot.

Looking after our visitors was high on the agenda today.  Making use our reciprocal membership arrangements, a gaggle of Myndies saw Suzan and Steven undertake aero-tow training with instructor Nigel (Land-out) Lassiter. 

Meanwhile we placed the Camp family in the very capable hands of instructor Amelia.  They had travelled a long way to be with us and, after their previous planned visit had been rained off we were delighted to get all three family members in the air today.

As well as fitting him into the back of the Jeep we also fitted our airfield dogsbody James, who seems to get everywhere, into the last flight of the day.  Thanks for all your help today James.

It was hard work today but we managed to fit in 27 launches and, in the circumstances, it was a good all round effort as we packed up just prior to the arrival of. . . . .