It is always hugely gratifying to see someone sent on their first solo and all that hard work of both the student pilot and instructor comes together.  Well today we achieved not one but two solos so congratulations to Andy Hagan and to Michael Harrison.

The day had started well and the forecast for sunshine and moderate winds, although with a slight crosswind, boded well.  To keep everyone occupied it was evident that Wave, albeit at a high level was forming over the airfield.

Andy had been waiting some time to go solo and it was only a string of previous flying days with strong winds or rain that had prevented him achieving his goal.  With near perfect conditions and after a couple of check rides and the inevitable practise launch failure with Norm Potts it was time for the adrenalin rush that is your first solo.  Well done Andy on your much deserved achievement.

Michael joined us last week for the Cosford flying course and was one of a number of students who might well have gone solo had not the weather intervened on day 2 of the course.  So after blagging his way out of Sunday household chores at home, Michael picked up where he had left off last week and was sent solo by Alan Swan. Great work Michael and congratulations.

Well done guys on a great achievement and keep on flying

Next we welcomed back to the club Jack Haynes.  Jack is a past member and it was a delight to see him return alongside Dad Colin.  So whilst Jack refreshed his memory of past flights in the K21, Dad Colin, our newest instructor, was put through his paces by CFI Ian Gallacher with a series of Instructor Acceptance Flights prior to being let loose with students.  Well done Colin.

At the start of the day Darcey and Ian Gallacher had repatriated R38 from the course at RAF Cosford. 

So the last flight of the day saw Darcey’s instruction continue in R38 with Dad Ian.  Given her progress we guess that Darcey will undoubtedly go solo at the earliest possible age.

Whilst all this was going on the 243 boys with the iron thermal on top had been out exploring the Wave conditions.  Earlier we had established that there was, in line with the forecast, weak Wave at c3,000 ft but Geoff M, fresh from a Covid-free booze cruise around Barbados, found himself at 5,500 ft over Shrewsbury before complaining of cold feet and returning home.

A cracking day out with over 5 ½ hours flying that was enjoyed by everyone.  Thanks to all for making it happen