Flying Report Sun 19 Jan 25
Low cloud delayed the start but the grey, cold and overcast conditions did nothing to dampen spirits, especially for the “Two Harrys”, Harry C and Harry M both of whom went solo today. The delay in their progress, attributable to the eleven week pause whilst we worked with RAF Shawbury to update the safety case to ensure that we could continue to fly through the various phases of the Airfield Operating Surfaces (AOS) project, has been frustrating for them. However, well done to both for sticking with it, and what a way to see in 2025.
Both started their gliding journeys courtesy of the continued support and generous funding from the RAF Central Fund, through our Mechanics’ Endowment Fund (MEF) gliding scholarship programme . They are just two of 88 students who have been through the programmes, many of whom will go on to fly at their new stations.
The MEF programme provides gliding courses to personnel of any rank attending a Phase 1 or Phase 2 course at RAF Cosford or RAF Shawbury and each student receives:
9 training flights (launch to 2000ft, maximum time 30 minutes)
1 aerobatics experience flight (launch to 4000ft, maximum time 30 minutes)
60 minutes of flying training in a motor glider
Simulated gliding lessons on RSGC’s simulator
An introduction to glider maintenance including fault rectification, daily checks and annual maintenance
Club support to take their gliding further should they wish.
Those who do go on can than take advantage of the RAFGSA Go Solo scheme which is what the two Harrys have done.
A couple of flights with Nick, followed by eventualities training with Ian in one of the Motor Gliders and a final check flight with Colin saw Harry C first to claim the prize.
Harry M followed with a couple of check flights with Will. Harry had already completed eventualities training whilst on a course at Syerston so it was just a matter of finding an opportunity for an eventualities trip with Nick before Nick sent him solo. With the other Harry, Harry C, running the wing (band of brothers and all that), in fading light, with a slight cross wind on the last launch of the day Harry M too claimed his prize..
Well done guys for your perseverance and staying the course.
Although cloud base lifted, viz wasn’t great and the cold conditions prevailed. Recency and currency was the order of the day and making the most of what day remained with an average flight time of only around 15 minutes.
Looking down on the airfield the signs of the pace and scope of the runway refurb programme are all too evident although, now we are back to flying, there appears to be little or no impact on our flying day.
Given the conditions, twenty one launches was a good day’s work and thanks to all for making the day for our two Harrys!😍
Diary Dates:
National Women's Go Gliding Weekend. The concept is that on one day during the weekend of the 26/27 April 2025 (with a fall back weekend of 17/18 May), clubs focus on welcoming women with the aim of helping them to discover gliding and membership of a club.