Celebrating Queen’s Jubilee with style

We had a late start as the weather was looking like it was going to be good later in the day. Ian Gallacher was able to start the day with a couple of practise flights in preparation for RAF Cosford Air Show on the 12th June 22.

Quite out of the blue we had an unexpected visitor. Our dear leader took control of the situation undertaking airborne command and control. He called Hinstock Parachute site on the old trusty airband radio to ask why their jump plane was in RAF Shawburys ATZ, they responded, nope not us.

Unexpected Visitor

We did get to the root of the problem, we sent Nick Lewinton over to investigate. The conversation went something like....... Hi ya, what can we do for you? I'm here for fuel... where do you think you are? Sleap.... na mate, this is Shawbury.... the pilots reply.... #### !!!!! he then departed for Sleap sharply.

The day looked quite promising with John Pickard planning his 50km to Tatenhill Airfield some 58km from RAF Shawbury. The initial climbs where good with thermals upto 4500ft, so John Luke Pickard set off in the battle buss enterprise R66 on track. Like all good power pilots JLP stayed on the magenta line until he hit ground at Otherton Microlight Strip. It was lucky that both CFI and OIC RSGC were able to monitor all from above to asses the tow out opportunities, unfortunately their in use runway was to short for the hairdryer Faulke 25C to be able to yank R66 safety back into the air to return it to Shawbury in one piece.

Andrew Hagan set off to have a quick flight in R38 our ASK13, 2 hours 50 minutes later he returned and hopefully with a Silver Height. His body did indeed let him know how long he had been airborne. Next for Andy, the ASK18.

Andy returning after his epic 2 hours and 50 minutes in R38

A good day for all, Saturday just around the corner and possibly another landout for R66. Standby and watch this space.