Happy New Year and it was nice to be on the airfield for the first day that we have been able to fly in 2025.  Today, with persistent low lying mist taking time to burn off, it wasn’t until 1105 that the viz had improved sufficient for the first launch.

Whilst the Airfield Operating Surfaces (AOS) project is in progress, In line with our revised procedures, following a ground brief initially one of the TMGs was launched to assure performance followed by the first glider launch crewed by an instructor only.

With a delayed start on a cold day and thus only a four-hour flying window Colin and Army BI Danny took KE, the perfect opportunity for Danny to get in a site check on his first visit to Shawbury.  Danny is here on a course so we look forward to seeing him on the airfield in the coming months, although in truth we only indulged him today because he bribed us with cakes.

Welcome too, to Cosford based new MEF Gliding Bursary student Esther.  Although Esther had flown with us at the Mynd in December this was her first visit to Shawbury.  Esther kicked off her training with Nick as they took a couple of trips in R22.

With a combination of ice crystals in the air and low sunlight, we knew from experience that viz was always going to be a challenge, particularly when launching on r’way 18.

Although the inversion sat at about 2,000ft, once airborne there were some stunning views including The Wrekin that was just visible.  It was clear that the ground remained waterlogged.

We also welcomed Cosford based new MEF Gliding Bursary student Harry.  We couldn’t quite squeeze Harry into R22 so we sent him off with Colin in KE,

The main aim was to get everyone else current and brush off the cobwebs, and that was achieved amongst whom John Luke, continuing his training journey, got some BI patter time in with Colin. It was also an opportunity to become familiar with our new operating procedures

With misting canopies and a low sun, the last trip of the day was taken by Danny who launched into a sky that had by then put on a stunning display just for us.

Dates for your diary:

The club is hosting a visit by Shawbury Air Scouts 1930 – 2130 on Fri 17 Jan 25.