RAF Shawbury Gliding Club

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Flying Report 18 Feb 23

Wave (and Rotor) all around and much for our youngsters to take in as the rapidly closing gaps did provide some challenges.  Well done the tuggies who persevered in a difficult environment and full marks for getting almost all into a position where they could take advantage of the conditions.

We were delighted to welcome Ellen and Jenna, both in their last weeks of training at Shawbury.  We placed both under Colin’s tuition for their first flight with the club before they move on, but hope that we have given them the appetite to take this great sport forward.

Our next priority was to get our MEF and Go-Solo students into the air and they enjoyed 8 flights between them, the pick of the day probably went to Alasdair with flights of 43 and 53 mins, taking advantage of a Wave bar sitting over the threshold of r’way 05.  Connor is verging on going solo but the gusty conditions on the ground were just to strong.  Well done guys and let’s hope for calmer conditions on your next trips.

Toby Jones our Vicar, has made great strides toward his BI rating.  Following a couple of trips with Alan Jolly (he of the jolly hat) he was pronounced competent…..

…..to practice his patter on nervous BI student (and Instructor) Nick Lewinton.  Subsequently, Nick confirmed that the patter was more like a sermon but delivered in style with grace and reverence (for an Aussie!).  Congratulations Toby and only the CFI’s examination to go in order to confirm you as our next BI.

Whilst all this was going on the panel of judges were critiquing Ian Gallacher’s attempt to land the tug on the grass (Seven!).

A busy day with 21 launches and over 91/2 hours flying time.

We take a break next weekend to enjoy the RAF Shawbury 10K run, a unique event around the airfield.  Whilst some club members put on their running shoes, other will be cheering them on whilst undertaking some much needed aircraft maintenance in Hangar 4.