Behind the scenes of a successful and enjoyable flying day are many hours of often unseen work.  The club not only operate a fleet of aircraft but it also maintains that fleet.  The club benefits from a team of Qualified Inspectors and maintainers who ensure that the fleet remains airworthy. The maintenance activities operate under the oversight of the BGA, and as part of their assurance programme, the club is audited periodically. 

Last Wednesday, saw such an Audit in Hangar 4, hosted by Colin (Chief Technical Officer) and supported by Nigel.  The audit was thorough and lasted the whole day. 

Whilst the audit was going on, the Air Cadets from Essex Wing on their Annual Camp at RAF Shawbury were using the other half of Hangar 4 for their Drill Competition, under the watchful eye of WO Kev Morley who in addition to being the Gliding Club Officer in Charge, is also the station deputy Air Cadet Liaison Officer (ACLO).

 Following a chat with their staff in the margins of the audit, Colin offered to host the Air Cadets and their staff for a tour of the Hangar after they had finished their timetabled programme.  The cadets learned about how the gliders are maintained and had a good look around the fleet. They learned that one of our fleet (R35) is an ex-Air Cadet Glider and predecessor of their current Viking Fleet. 

Known as the Vanguard TX1, R35 was formerly registered as ZD648 and was one of 10 operated by the air cadets until they re-equipped with the Viking (Grob 103).

In addition to the look around the gliders, they also learned about the Motor Glider fleet and how the aircraft can be used for a variety of tasks including general handling, navigation training and even practice approaches for field landings in preparation for cross country glider flying.  The primary use is Aerotowing of course and the cadets learned how both of the Falke TMGs are operated.

It’s always inspiring to see the younger generations at the club and their questions are often thought provoking.  There has been some excellent feedback from the visit and we'll make sure we offer the opportunity to future camps.