A stuttering start that then made way for a full day’s flying to dusk.  Early morning mist…..

…..then light rain all conspired to delay flying and it wasn’t until 11:30 that we really got going - thank goodness for the bus as a place of refuge. 

So in a shortened day it was some achievement to complete 23 aerotow launches and over 7 hours flying time.  Couple of notable firsts.

It was the first time that the tin shed had appeared on the launch point (more later)..…

….. and for some reason 243 appeared at the launch point having been towed out by a hearse.  None could recall that happening before.

Once flying every aircraft seemed to have the air-con operating at full chat.  It was cold, with freezing point at 1,000 feet.  However, three practice launch failures kept those on the ground well exercised as did Jack’s field landing in R66; well it might as well have been one as it was so far down r’way 36 to be almost invisible!

Meanwhile, the model flying club had set up opposite the launch point and kept us interested with an impressive New Year display of jet power.

After the disappointment of the pre-Xmas flying weather it was super to get one of our new MEF gliding scholarship students, Chris, some decent time in the air with Colin and Chris is making great progress.

Laura took a check ride in R22 before bringing out her Platypus 4b, known as the tin shed.  Intriguingly of metal construction, past member Noel Hawley of Shackelton MR2 fame would have felt completely at home with both the noise and the number of rivets holding the tin shed together!

A rattling good launch - all metal construction!

Airborne, and the widespread flooding caused by Storm Henk was evident.  What are normally unseen brooks now look like rivers, and Sleap Airfield looked like a sea of mud in places.

To round off the day our newest tug pilot John Luke converted to the higher powered WG under the guidance of CFI Ian Gallacher.  First a couple of conversion trips followed by several solo efforts, with everyone eager to catch a cheap training trip.  Great work John. 

A great day out despite the cold.