Flying Report Sun 22 Dec 24
RAF Shawbury is currently undergoing an Airfield Operating Surfaces (AOS) refurbishment, which is scheduled to last until Oct 25. In this phased programme of works, our flying was temporarily suspended pending the completion of an updated Safety Assessment of Change (SAoC).
Thanks to all for their hard work behind the scenes and we are delighted that the SAoC has been accepted by RAF Shawbury and that our flying programme can now recommence – pity that we couldn’t do an SAoC for the weather today that saw gusts in excess of 40kts.
We are currently in Phase 2 of the AOS programme with 600+metres of both hard and grass options and Nigel briefed all on the updated SAoC and the necessary changes to our operating procedures.
To ensure that tug pilots and instructors understand how that impacts on our flying, a recce of the Phase 2 launch points and the routes from Hangar 4, was undertaken. On the ground that launch point organisation and layout was discussed, together with the relevant Engine Failure After Take-Off (EFATO)/Power Loss After Take-Off (PLATO) options. In future this recce, undertaken prior to the morning brief by the Duty Instructor, will become an addition to our normal daily dynamic risk assessment.
So, with the wind deffo not on our side we took the opportunity to check everything in prep for the next flying day on Sun 29 Dec 24. R66 was rigged post its annual……
……that included the John Luke patented procedure of sticking your finger in the hole to make sure it’s all lined up proper like!
Despite the weather there was a spring in our step knowing that we are as prepared as we can be for the next flying day. Thanks to all for your help today and see you next Sunday.