As spring appeared to arrive at RAF Shawbury the hanger was buzzing with activity preparing for a day of forecast shower dodging, with a few of our older stalwarts away and plenty of younger members on the airfield the clubs average age today must have been half its usual number. With R22 away on ops supporting services adventurous training it was R35, fresh from its annual check, that would be first into the air with Colin and Nick the brave souls to confirm all was well before it was again thrust into action with our MEF scholars, you can read more about our MEF Scholarships here. Algimantas was next to take R35, whilst Amelia went off in R38 to continue her training with Alan J and John Luke continued to build his motorglider hours with a trip weaving between the showers that would later dampen our day.

With the two seaters occupied and plenty of hands on the airfield it was time for some of our our solo pilots to take advatage of the high numbers and get flights in the single seater R43 with Colin, Andy, Sophie and John all taking trips, the latter two making the most of what would be shortlived improving conditions to both get flights over half an hour. Whilst Mike took a trip in his Ventus and was hog of the day at 1 hour 18 mins.

It was then the turn of Clarke and Connor to continue their training and hopefully it wont be too long before we’re celebrating solo successes at RAF Shawbury whilst Robert W continued his training after an extended break from gliding. After watching the showers skirt around the airfield and enjoying sunny skies everyone was convined the vicar had put in a good word but showers interupted what had been a steady launch rate.

As the showers were apearing to pass through rainbows appeared on the airfield and whilst we hoped to find a pot of gold alas all that could be found was our very own leprechaun John Luke

It was with optimism we launched Robert K for some aerotow training, visiting from Midland’s Gliding Club at Long Mynd, taking advantage of the reciprocal arrangements between our two clubs, we hope you enjoyed your visit. Sophie would also grab some rear seat time before the showers would return and proceeding would be brought to a halt with 20 launches complete.