On the Wing

BY ARBUTHNOT

A brief visit to Yeadon found the Appleyard Chilton G-AFSV in service with its leg out of splints again, and wearing its trousers properly. This engine change has been so successful that another conversion of a Chilton is now in hand at Denham. The Luton Minor G-AFIR is now undergoing its annual Permit to Fly check, and should shortly be back in service resplendent for the Summer season. West of London we find P.F.A. member Hugh Kendall renewing the C of A on the 'hot rod' S.K.l. We are hoping, however, that the not too distant future willfind Hugh and his wife back on the ultra lights and achieving the sort of efficiency that enabled him to win the Daily Express race a few years ago.

After a serious car accident Harry Judd of the Aldenham Group is now back in circulation, but as a result of his accident is not fit to fly yet, bad luck, Harry.

The effect of this fuel shortage was very apparent when visiting the Aviron Group at Panshanger recently. No flying could be undertaken and faces were glum indeed. However, the Group retains its enthusiasm under the guidance of Paul Falber, the Secretary, and Baron de Saigny the C.F.I. who was well known pre-war as the operator of the Norfolk and Norwich Aero Club at Mousehold and an early exponent of steep climbs with sailplanes, an H.Il in particular, using a belly hook. Also at Panshanger the Herts Potrice Group operate a very clean Tiger Moth on which instruction is given by Dave Brown who as a change from writing Pilot's Notes during the week, puts it all in practice at week-ends. With the Biggleswade Group Tiger as well, Panshanger bids fair to oust Elstree as the aerodrome with most GrouPs.

Lord Brabazon of Tara is well known for his sporting achievements and recently at an august dinner of aviation personalities, he gave our Association a real boost. His Lordship stressed the important part that ultra light construction could play in making aviation a success for the youthful but impecunious. After several amusing references to Santos Dumont, the noted Btazilian designer of the 'Demoiselle' for which plan sets were available about 50 years ago, Lord Brabazon told his audience Yery forcibly that there is now no excuse-plans can be purchased-now is the time to get out our bradawls, and chisels, and whatever else one uses to get building. Sound advice indeed from our Number One pilot-one member of the audience thought so and placed his order for Turbulent plans there and then at the dinner. VERB. SAP !

The Annual General Meeting of the Popular Flying Association will be held at Londonderry House on SaturdaY, 25th May, at 2.30 P.m.