The clocks going back, heralding the start of the winter season, saw those members that were able to attend all the better for the extra hour in bed. Although many of the RAF students were on the Autumn Annual leave, spirits were high as the sky sparkled with promise of a good days aviation.

At morning brief, weather and objectives were discussed. KE required an air test now that her annual was complete, so Colin and Nick went off to do that.

WG needed an engine run after her 100 hours service, DTP Geoff and his faithful sidekick and syndicate partner, Mike, set to it before flying.

The main objective was to get everyone flown before showers that were forecast, depending on which weather forecast was to be believed, set in.

What we didn’t expect, was wave. Richard and Jack took the first couple of launches, and when Richard didn’t come straight back down again, heads were scratched, sky was peered at and “Glide and Seek” was employed to find Richard.

He was found at just under 3000ft overhead the Battlefield area of Shrewsbury…… and he was going up! …..Wave was declared and Toby and Jack got in to R35 to investigate.

…. closely followed by Sophie in R22 who had a good view of their antics.

Sitting at around 3000 ft, neither losing or gaining height, Sophie’s view was spectacular with Storm Babette’s flooding still in evidence.

More solo flights were undertaken in both the K21s and the Motor Gliders. Colin taking a little “Me Time” to enjoy a trip around Shrewsbury, Attingham Park and enjoy views of the Wrekin.

Rarely do we have a day like this with very few in training, especially when the weather is good. Sunday was special in the fact that it was a little unexpected, but properly taken advantage of. Everyone who flew in the K21s managed an extended flight/soaring trip in the wave. Others took advantage of the range that the motor gliders provided. We can only hope that the winter season provides us with more of the same. A good day all round.