Non-Flying Report Sun 8 Sep 24

Our first Sunday flying day as we change to our Winter routine, although to deconflict with the on-going runway refurb programme at Shawbury we may remain on a Sunday schedule for some time.  However, as if to mark the start of our Winter programme, the weather decided to intervene.  Rain and low cloud brought an end to any thought of flying at 1230 as the water flowed into the hangar.

A new aircraft has joined the fleet.  Whilst a permanent home is resolved for the RAFGSA club that was formerly at Keevil, an RAFGSA fleet reshuffle sees the club take temporary ownership of DuoDiscus (R2).  R2 gives us, for the first time, a great cross country training aircraft allowing our pilots coming through the system to push their flying to the next level.

We have, therefore, parked our lovely ASK13 (R46) which will remain at Shawbury on ground risk.

Sadly we say farewell to three of our MEF gliding bursary students, Jamie, Liam and Peter and wish them well in their next postings, their careers and their flying.  Many thanks for sticking with it today and helping us to reorganise the hangar for Battle of Britain Parade Rehearsals.

Club News:

New Oic.  Looking to complete a handover/takeover on 11 September, the club are delighted to welcome Sqn Ldr Franklin (Franki) Kuwan, OC SSS RAF Shawbury as our new Oic. Franki assumes responsibility on the departure of Kev who is hanging up his service boots for a job in civvy street. Franki is a keen sportsman and lifelong Arsenal fan but has no previous gliding experience. He lives at Cranwell and if he gets time at the weekend we look forward to seeing Franki on the airfield.

Meanwhile a big thanks to Kev for all his hard work behind the scenes at Shawbury and looking after the interests of the club. Moreover, his memory will live on as the reg of R2 is G-CKEV!

We wish Kev well on his retirement and getting in the hours with Cranwell GC.