A super day’s flying at Shawbury that saw 27 aero-tow launches and nearly 12 hours flying time.  The day started early with John Luke and Ian Gallacher taking the TMG for a trip and then John taking both his first solo in the club TMG and also his first step on the ladder to become a tuggie. 

Taking advantage of our reciprocal membership arrangements we welcomed another Myndie for some aero-tow training, with Jarod taking a couple of flights with Alan in R22. 

The main emphasis today was to concentrate on our young RAF members.  Dan joined us on the Soaring Eagles programme.  Soaring Eagles is a publicly funding one-day gliding experience provided at no cost to the individual who receive three aerotows to 2000 ft or up to 60 minutes for a soaring flight.  It’s a great taster and a perfect entrée to the Go for Solo programme that we hope Dan will take up with us later.

Two of our MEF (see our Blog of 29 Mar 22)  students had plenty of air time in what were great conditions for learning to fly.  Marco is making great progress and it will not be long before we see him solo.  Meanwhile Harri continued his development and after a couple of check flights he took R35 for a solo trip toward the end of the day and then made a first solo landing on the grass. 

Toby is getting into his stride before the commencement of his BI course and last flight of the day went to Toby in the back seat of R22.  With a wing and a prayer Nigel volunteered to be the guinea pig in the front seat; another tick on the club succession planning sheet!

Lastly, there was time at the end of the day to prepare for the club exped to Lleweni Parc 8 – 15 Oct 22.  A number of private aircraft are being taken together with R66 which was boxed for the journey.  We look forward to hearing of their exploits.

The next club flying day at Shawbury is Sun 16 Oct 22 and we look forward to seeing everyone then.