Huge congrats to Harry on going solo today. Having completed the MEF programme Harry then progressed to the Malcolm Club Go Solo scheme to continue his flying training. Harry is a phase 2 servicemen at Cosford from where he will graduate shortly on posting to Voyager at RAF Brize Norton and we wish him well on posting. It really is fantastic to see the benefits that the MEF scholarship programme initially brings for our students. Supported by the RAF Central Fund, the programme really does enable our young pilots to experience true unpowered flight in this challenging and exciting sport.

Harry finished his course with an aerobatics tuition trip in the capable hands of CFI Ian Gallacher which ended with a “competition” finish near to the launch point. Ian is polishing his skills in preparation for this year’s annual Inter Services Gliding Competition that sees pilots from the Royal Air Force Gliding and Soaring Association, Army Gliding Association and Royal Navy Gliding and Soaring Association battle for the top spot through a series of cross-country aerial races.

We are always delighted to see families on the airfield and it was fantastic to be asked by Richard, another of our MEF students, to fly wife Louise whilst Richard looked after a very proud son on the ground. We hope that we see you back again Louise and once junior grows a few inches we’ll give him a trip too.

The Vicar was in charge of the launch point but despite his frantic work with the rosary beads the day remained overcast with cloud base at c3,500ft, no sign of the sun and with a bit of a nip in the air…..

…..and with a very full flying programme and a number of instructors away, those on the airfield had their hands full. We were delighted to welcome our next cohort of MEF students together with a familiar face from Cosford, Robert Wyatt, who re-joined the club after a break from flying. Welcome and good to see you all.