It was a day of some much needed admin whilst we continue to work with RAF Shawbury to update the safety case to ensure that we can continue to fly through the various phases of the Airfield Operating Surfaces (AOS) project.  It is amazing to see the stark contrast between a weekday, when contractors vehicles are swarming all over the airfield, and a Sunday when there is not a contractor to be seen.

We continue to make good use of this pause in flying.   The annual on R22 was brought forward and after a week in the maintenance bay…..

….. it was time today to rig, undertake duplicate inspections and range of movements checks before placing R22 back online.  Many thanks to all who worked throughout the week to enable this quick turnround that ensures that once flying commences, we have two training aircraft available.

During the pause a number of members have been flying further afield at the Mynd and Seighford, however, Geoff M, frustrated by all this, has decided to join the model flying club that has still been active on the airfield, and has purchased his own plane (Amazon BTW).

It is also an opportunity to commence the annual inspection and maint of our trailers that seem to ever increase in number.

This break is also a chance for our early solo pilots to prepare for next year’s soaring season and they have a number of tasks including, not least:

• Complete Bronze checks and X-country endorsements

• Understand how to plan and set up a local task on the Oudies and S80s

• R66 trailer inspection and maintenance

R2 to Denbigh

Our Duo-Discus R2 is positioned at Denbigh Thu 7 Nov to Fri 29 Nov  and has already completed its first flights.  It’s the perfect opportunity to fly from another airfield and to experience some of the best Wave flying in the country.  Book either on the club website or by directly contacting Norm Potts. 

KE to Sleap

If we can fly out KE next week it is to be positioned at Sleap for the period Mon 18 Nov – Sat 23 Nov.  The principal purpose is to allow Toby to build up his hours for his tug rating and conversion to a PPL(A).  A number of members have already booked flights but there is still space available so book either on the club website or by directly contacting Toby.

Fingers crossed that we can see the light at the end of the tunnel and get back to flying at Shawbury soon.