Readers will know that we normally only blog if we go flying or there is a notable event. So belatedly, because there hasn't been any flying recently, here is a notable event blog.
The SF-27A, FLZ, was our aspirational single-seat club glider. However, last year the committee had agreed that we should dip our toes in to the world of GRP gliders and upgrade our "aspirational" club glider. That arrived in the form of an Astir CS 77 (Ed: See the 15 November 2023 blog). So it fell to Richard and I to advertise and sell the SF-27A which was a challenge over the Christmas period.
However, our patient waiting was rewarded and on 19 January Belle Tyler, a 16 yro solo pilot from Derbyshire and Lancashire Gliding Club (Ed: For our "Night Owl" Andrew Downing that's Camphill), contacted me. What followed was almost two months WhatsApp dialogue of photos, information, questions, and answers during which Belle decided to buy the glider, put down a deposit, and formed a syndicate with Tom Oldfield, a work colleague.
This blog is a thank you to all the members who worked hard over the last two months to get the SF-27A ready for sale and to allow the next generation of pilots to enjoy its delights (Ed: With the wet weather attempting to thwart our efforts at every step of the way).
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| The start of the project. The SF-27A in its trailer at the club house. |
So FLZ needed an annual inspection, an Airworthiness Review Check, a five-yearly glue inspection, rudder cables replaced, removal of the defective Glider Guider (Ed: An earlier generation moving map) and an EW micro logger from the panel, weighing, and a control deflections check.
In under two months all the work was done and the glider was ready for collection.
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| Chairman Steve Lewis satisfied that we have done a good job. "You can put it all back in the box now". |
And so Saturday dawned. The overnight rain stopped. Pete Gray, an instructor from Camphill, arrived and we went through the paperwork. Due to the frequent showers we decided not to rig but talk him through it. The balance was transferred and confirmed by our new Treasurer, Mike Jardine. The Bill of Sale and the transfer of UK aircraft registration paperwork complete we went outside.
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| Pete Gray ready to hook up the trailer |
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| Trailer hook up and checks (Ed: I bet you had to zoom out to get the whole combo in the frame). |
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| Mike Bennett waves farewell to the SF-27A at 1030 |
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| At 1615 Pete Gray arrives at Camphill to be greeted by two exited new owners; Belle and Tom |
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| FLZ parked up in the Camphill glider "rack" |
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| The trailer is securely lashed down. (Ed: It needs to be as Camphill is at 1,350 feet above sea level and is on a ridge. |
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| A delighted Belle with the keys to her new acquisition (Ed: Good luck and have fun) |
Final words from Belle:
"Thank you so much for helping us out so much".
"Thank you Gavin and your team..I sure will stay in touch and keep you updated...you must come up and visit one day, perhaps a club trip".
Gavin Short
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