Flying Report Sat 2 Apr 22
A brilliant soaring day in which everyone enjoyed a good trip. Booming thermals to 4,500ft were interspersed with snow showers which, if you were flying the K13 you got the odd snow flurry in the draughty cockpit which was, incidentally, very cold. Highlight of the day was Will Dean completing his 50km.
We were delighted to host another group of Officer Cadets from Taurus Squadron, which is the Defence Technical Undergraduate Scheme (DTUS) support unit for Aston and Birmingham Universities. Great to see you folk and hope that you enjoyed the trip.
Will Dean just needed his 50km to complete his Silver Badge so well done on eventually finding Bidford, via Melton Mowbray, instead of Shobdon! Setting off at 13:25, Will arrived at Bidford at 16:44 and enjoyed an uneventful trip by all accounts. The trip back was faster!
Thanks for the pix of your trip and many congratulations Will. You’re now set up for your next step on the instructors ladder.
Off he went…
…down past the Wrekin……
…over Bridgnorth (twice!) and….
..Halfpenny Green. Next…
he sailed past Brum….
..then Chipping Norton (is that on the way to Bidford?) before…..
….he finally found Bidford. Apparently he missed it the first time and continued flying South before turning back!
Meanwhile, back at RAF Shawbury, with little wind, strong sunshine and thermic activity kicking off from the first flight it was a day to experience, in particular for our early solo pilots and those in training, all able to enjoy a number of trips during the course of the day. Andy Hagan took a check flight and then a solo trip lasting 1hr 1min in the K13 and in so doing took a first foot on the Bronze ladder. Micky drives from Valley to fly with us and took a flight of 1 hr 2mins and both he and Luke (1hr 26mins) made the most of some booming thermals.
Incidentally for those who are new to this gliding lark, it is recommended that if you are going to take on water on a a long trip, then remember it has to go somewhere so do take your gentleman’s plumbing apparatus!
What a cracking day, 21 launches and over 18 hours of flying.