Flying Report Sat 25 Jun 22
With the early morning forecast warning of strong winds and rain, we didn’t set our hopes too high. But there was some expectation: thermals all day, and would we be able to get into wave?
The day started with the rigging of R22, back from racking up over a hundred flights at RAF Syerston over the past few weeks. It was great to have R22 back, having not been flown at Shawbury since before it went to Systeron in the French Alps in April and May. While the young(er) members were busy with that, Terry set to fixing the radio in R35, and Mike and Geoff M played around with their iron thermal
Today we had the delight of a visit from Wing Commander Bear, an esteemed member of the Royal Air Force who is looking to fly in as many types of aircraft as possible. Naturally, we took very good care of him and assisted him in achieving his aims by letting him fly our motor glider, K21 and Astir. Our members found it enlightening to share the cockpit with a bear of his merit and experience, whilst Wg Cdr Bear enjoyed taking in the views of the Shropshire countryside and contrasting his latest experience with that of flying in the likes of Hawks and F15Es. Naturally, he held it together in the bumpy thermals and didn’t require his custom-made sick bag!
We also had the pleasure of a visit from Myndies Chris and Laura, who came in search of better banter, fewer “snowflakes” (not my words), and more aerotow training than they could find on the Long Mynd. They put Gally to good use through the day and enjoyed soaring flights over this side of Shrewsbury. It was good to see you both!
We also a wonderful visit from Emma, who had received a trip in a glider from her partner Joe as a birthday present, and former glider pilot Ajay came over to see what we were all about as well. As Joe and Ajay are in training to be helicopter pilots, they weren’t allowed to fly with us but we look forward to flying with them once they’ve qualified. Emma was shown the sights around Shropshire in the capable hands of Wg Cdr Bear (and Colin) - the first three-up flight at RAF Shawbury GC! Happy Birthday Emma and we look forward to seeing you again soon.
All in all, it was a more productive day than many had expected. The strongest winds on the forecast didn’t materialise, and only a couple of strong showers put short delays on proceedings. The day brought incredible cloudscapes and some booming thermals. With a relatively small crew, we racked up over 10 hours of soaring. Well done, team!
