RAF Shawbury Gliding Club

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Flying Report Sun 29 Sep 24

After a run of non-flying days, it was great to be out on the airfield albeit for a limited time only.  The forecast was not great, so with a narrow window we started early with the aim to get our MEF gliding scholarship students into the air.

Pleased to report that the annual on TMG KE was completed last week.  All that remained was for Colin to take it through its paces on a local test flight from which it was evident that, given the wind strength, there were Wave conditions around.

With a SE wind of sufficient strength, The Wrekin can generate lift although the beat is fairly short and height probs tops out c3,500ft.

So for those who made it to the airfield today they were conditions to be enjoyed particularly for our younger members who had not experienced a Wave trip before.

A warm welcome to new member, Cosford based Karina.  Whilst the rest were setting up, Karina was first away with Geoff M for a general handling trip in WG, returning once the launch point had been established.

Both K21s were in use with Karina, Harry C, Harry M and Lewis experiencing contrasting conditions – very turbulent at lower levels and silky smooth in Wave. Lewis took the longest flight with Laura, only returning to terra firma for a crew change.

The Wave bar generated by The Wrekin was roughly aligned along the Telford – Shrewsbury A5…..

….. and it wasn’t long before it was picked up by both K21s flying a very short beat before being joined by DuoDiscus (R2).

Whilst our students occupied the K21s, it was the first day of instructor training with Ian, Nick and Colin on our newly arrived DuoDiscus (R2).

Colin was soooo excited to get in R2 that he left his shoes behind and spent most of his flight trying to find them with his Apple Airtag!  It is amazing what people track!

The wind picked up in strength and changed direction and with all three aircraft running for home, flying was scrubbed at 13:15

R2 wing flex on landing was interesting and not something that we are used to seeing.

Club News:

A new member has taken up residence in H4

The RAFGSA  AGM takes place at Shawbury on Fri 4 Oct.  Please log in online if you are attending.  Note that the H4 ladies loo has kindly been cleaned by ESS in preparation.