Popular Flying May/June 1961

il Unloading fuel calls for the same speed and efficiency as fuelling " says Bill Coupleditch, airfield operator for Shell and BP.

"All the time an aircraft stands in the maintenance area it's losing money for its company. "That's why a call from our control room sends us streaking n over to the maintenance bays. Pumping in or pumping out fuel is all part of the Shell and BP Services. We take pride in seeing the job's done with the thoroughness that's made our services the best in the world."

PopulonFlying

The Popular Flying Association is the representative body in the United Kingdom of amateur constructors and operators of ultra-light and group operated aircraft.

EDITORIAL

HE 24th Paris show was noteworthy from the British light aircraft point of view because at long last, with the Beagle-Auster Airedale, we were able to compete on equal terms with the American and European entries. In the post-war years, as all members of the p.F.A. are only too painfully aware, Britain has greatly lagged, to put it mildly, in the light aircraft field.

Managing

CONTENTS

1. Eorronrer.

2. AusrnAlrA's Lrcnr ArncRarl Boou.

4. Lrcrrr Amcupr Rour.ro-up.

6. "WHrnE ANGELS FnrrR ro TREAD.,,

8. TnB Bnrrrsn Cn.trrBNce.

10. Wrrn TuE Gnoups.

12. OprnATroNS AT WooDVALE.

13. SarurE To A VETERAN.

14. AmcnAFr CoNSTRUCTToN AND MAINTENANCE.

16. P.F.A. MnunBnsnp Cnuparcx.

Individual membership Cf the P.F.A, (two pounds per annum) entitles each member ,o popur,,qn FLvrNc .free of charge. Additional copies mav be obtained .from P.F.A .Headquarters at Londondjerry House, 19 Park Lane, London, l,y.l, at ls. 6i. including postage.

To back this welcome challenge to the American, French and ltalian competition the Business [Isers Association has been formed. This association includes the Pressed Steel Co., the manufacturers of the Beagle range, McAlpines and [Inited steel and one of the principal objects of the exercise is to help to popularise the use in country of light aircraft for the business executive. It is highly appropriate that our president, Mr. peter Masefield, who has long been a leading protagonist of the idea of British executive aircraft, should be the driving force behind the Beagle project.

The two Beagles so far to take to the air, the Airdeale and the Terrier, made their public debut at Baginton, Coventry, at the recent Shackleton aviation week-end and aroused a good deal of public interest.

An encouraging sign that Britain is awakening from its prolonged light aircraft slumber is that in the rast nine months the number of light aircraft registered for private or business use jumped by some 4\y"-from 376 to 522and the number is steadily rising. That is splendid news indeed.

This renewed public interest in private and executive flying has come none too soon. If Britain finally decides to enter the European Common Market, and there are certain signs that suggest that this may be so, the British light aircraft industry will have to be ready to supply a vast potential market on competitive terms. To compete successfully the industry requires strong Government backing and the support of a light aircraft-minded population.

THE EDITOR.

P.F-A. Groups receive one coDy free and Secretaries may obfain a discount in additional orders from the Group. Populu Flying, May-June, 196l

Australia's Light Aircraft Boom

f N Australia's outback more people r than ever are becoming private aircraft operators.

Mrs. Hazel Roberts, a widow who owns the Ennis Downs cattle station in N.W. Queensland, flies her Cessna to town for shopping, and also flies her children to boarding school in Brisbane, 1500 miles away. She also uses her aircraft to move her station workers to jobs at scattered points on her property.

When floods turn the far western plains of New South Wales into a vast quagmire, all land transport is paralysed and the air swarms with small aircraft carrying people in and out of stations, bringing in mail and supplies, and searching for missing sheep and cattle.

It is in this region that the air taxi has come into its own. Allen Matthews, owner-pilot of Sunraysia Air Taxis based at Mildura (Victoria), operates atypical air service charging aflatrate of Ugd. a mile. He uses an Auster and a Cessna.

Today there is a boom in light aircraft in Australia. Many factors contribute to this surging growth of private flying including a favourable climate and terrain.

A private hangar for the family two or fourseater alongside the garage is a common feature of the farms and stations in many parts of the country. The uses to which private akqaft are being put are legion. Farmers use them for crop dusting, for droving and for dingo hunting. At popular surfing beaches, light 4ircraft maintain continuous patrols to warn surfers of the presence of sharks

Use of executive afucraft is spreading throughout Australian business and industry, and at least 30 organisations operate their own aircraft )

between inter-state branches or on construction projects.

Two big industrial organisations-Broken Hill Pty. Co. Ltd., the big steel and ship-building company, and Zinc Corporation Ltd.-use a fleet of four executive aircraft.

A recent addition to the fleet was a Grumman Gulfstream which cost f,A500,000. This is a prop jet powered by two Rolls Royce Dart engines with a range up to 2,000 miles and alr -, carrying capacity from a ,ro..nul -10;-

augmented 25. The other planes in the fleet are a fA44,000 twin-engined Italian Piaggo P-166 six-seater with a cruising range of I,500, 4-engined de luxe Heron and a S.T.O.L. Scottish Pioneer.

The Snowy Mountains Hydro-Electric Authority flies passengers from its Canberra headquarters to the big construction works in the Snowy Mountains in de Havilland Beavers.

Big developments are taking place in aerial agriculture, and the industry is settling down on a sounder and better organised basis after the haphazard operations of the past decade. Today the trend is towards the formation of groups of operators. The major operator is Aerial Agriculture which is expected to have 11 Beavers this year.

Australia makes a crop-dusting aircraft which is proving to be an efficient work horse. It is the Ceres, an adaptation by the Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation of its former trainer aircraft, the Wirraway which was the basis of the Royal Australian Air Force's wartime pilot training programme. It is selling in Austraha, and a few have been sold in New Zealand.

The Australian Aero Clubs, which are subsidised by the Federal Government to carry out flying instruction, have been able to get licenses

Popular Flying, May-June, 1961.

to import U.S. aircraft in recent years. They have been reconstructing their fleets with the types which overseas experience has shown might be expected to stimulate popular interest in private flying.

This policy has paid off handsomely by attracting many new pupil-flyers in the 40-60 age groups who formerly regarded flying as a pastime for venturesome youth.

But the aero clubs buy little more than 60 per cent. of the light aircraft sold in Australia. The "dn big market being tapped is among the business 'executives, the graziers and farmers, the doctors and the engineers.

While the U.S. companies are at present getting the best of the market the American

companies' grip is likely to be challenged soon. British aircraft groups, for example, have projects for suitable new light ahuaft, and may be expected to enter the fray with a bid to make up the leeway.

A continental plane which is regarded as a possible threat to the present main suppliers, if the problem of servicing can be overcome, is the French Morane-Saulnier Rallye.

From the Australian aircraft industry, too, comes a bid from Victa Consolidated Industries of Sydney which proposes to produce a locallydesigned Millicer tourer. The designer is Harry Millicer, former chief aero-dynamist of the Government Aircraft Factory, Melbourne. It was this design which won him the Royal Aero Club's award for a British light aircraft design.

Cessnas, Pipers and an Australian crop-duster, the Ceres, at an air pageant at Avalon near Melbourne.

P opular Flying,' May-Jrme,' 1961,

BERCK RALLY

rfiUg Aero-Club de Berck et Environs recently I acted as host to 45 British light aircraft which arrived to celebrate the opening of Customs facilities.

As many are aware the growing traffic at Le Touquet has caused problems to light aircraft pilots, particularly those without radio, so with th.e prohibition on non-radio aircraft into Le Touquet the facilities at Berck are most timely and reflect a more enlightened attitude towards the legitirnate rights of private pilots than can be said in the U.K. where facilities for the " little man " are marginal.

With very poor weather it seemed that the meeting would be a failure from the start, reports coming in of pitots turning back, not starting, or awaiting a more hopeful forecast at Lympne. However, late in the morning th.e first aircraft arrived and appropriately it was Norman Jones in his Turbulent G-ARGZ. His arrival could be regarded as a lesson by many who postulate fully-equipped expensive aircraft with all sorts of devices as the only means of flyingwhile most of the expensive devices were on the ground Norman Jones was happily puttering along, was in nobody's way and arriving on time.

Before sunset a steady stream of aircraft booked in and 'Berck Club' on 123.5 had a busy time-frequency allocaters please note that all this traffic on the light aeroplane frequency did not interfere for one second with local commercial traffic not ten miles away.

Notable in this meeting was the family atmosphere so normal in French rallies but just a

little lacking at home. Five aircraft disgorged complete families-the oldest passenger being S3-year-old Mrs. Watson and the youngest a fourteen month old who arrived o:,,:p of the €" luggage in a Cessna 150. Mrs. Watson was )/ flown by her 17 year old granddaughter in a Jackaroo. Several arrivals showed the need for more training in airmanship and some landings were made in the rough despite clearly marked strips. For many it was their fi.rst crossing and from the noise in the tiny bar at Berck it was obvious that many tales can now be told and that several newly fledged pilots have learned that there is nothing like a foreign trip away from the circuit to teach a lot about flying which does not appear in the books.

Lunch at the airfield was picnic style, which seemed a good idea in view of all the activity and at some time during lunch Mike Berg of Stapleford carried offa prizefor the longest moustache, while Joe Taylor received suitable reward for his venerable pilot's licence. Ladies were not forgotten and Sheila Scott received the lady's 5rpfize. The prize for the youngest pilot, also to na lady, went to Charles Watson's 17 year'old daughter.

H.B-D.

SHACKLETON WEEK-END

Eight countries were represented at this international aviation week-end, organised by W. S. Shackleton (Aviation) Ltd., and held at Baginton. Great interest was shown in the Beagle Group's new products, the Beagle-Auster Airedale and the Beagle Terrier, being presented publicly for the first time. Among the exhibitors were Short Brothers and Harland of Belfast who were displaying Beechcraft aircraft.

Populor Flying, Mayf,vnr, 1961.

fIOO,OOO TRUST FUND

TO encourage British sporting aviation - through flying and gliding clubs a f,100,000 trust fund is being set up jointly by S.B.A.C. and petroleum interests. A contribution of f25,000 is being made by Shell-Mex and B.P. and the balance is being put up by aircraft and aero-engine firms. The funds will be on loan to flying and gliding clubs at low interest. A representative committee of sponsors, under the secretaryship of Mr. Basil Meads, will administer the fund.

P.F.A. ENGINEERING CHARGES

fN addition to the P.F.A. engineering charges rrecently announced in " Popular Flying " there is a charge of [5 for certiflcation of the constructional standard for a permit recommendation.

JEAN BATTEN'S PERCIVAL GULL

MEMORIES of a quarter of a century ago tt-were stirred recently when the Percival Gull6 monoplane in which Miss Jean Batten made her historic solo flight to Australia and New Zealand in 1936 was airborne over Luton. The aircraft G-ADPR was flown for a short while after it had been presented for inclusion in the Shuttle-

worth Trust of historical aircraft. The preseniation was made by Mr. Arthur Summers, managing director of Hunting Aircraflt, successors to Percival Aicraft who built the aircraft.

P.F.A. BADGES

I-l EVISED charges for P.F.A. Badges are: raBlazer badges-fz 5s.; Wings Badgesf 1 l3s. 6d. Supplies are avallable from Londonderry House. A P.F.A. member's tie will be available shortly.

BOOKS RECEIVED

\Y/AR Planes of the Second World War. W fignters. Vol. Two (Great Britain and Italy). William Green, 9s. 6d. net. Vol. Three (Japan, Netherlands, Poland, Rumania and the Soviet Union) 9s. 6d. Both published by Macdonalds.

DIARY

25th June. Leicester Aero Ctub 'At Homs'Leicester East Airfield.

13th-15th Ju1y. King's Cup Air Race and Lockheed Aerobatic Competition-Baginton.

2lth-zgth July. July International Business and Touring Aircraft Competition-Kidlington. 8th-1Oth September. P.F.A. Tnternational Rally.

Popular Flying, May-June, 1961,

Mr. I'{ormqn Jones in a Druine Turbulent,

-WHERE ANGELS FE,AR TO TRE,AD

by A. F. Price

HOSE who know Fairoaks aerodrome or have visited it, have probably been surprised to hear what sounded like a motor cycle in the air. The few in the know nod their heads and say there goes old Bill again in his Aeronca. To the uninitiated an Aeronca vagusly resembles an Auster uses a J.A.P. J-99. and

It was through helping in the reconstruction of this ' real ' aeroplane that the idea of building my own formulated. At that time, early'56, amateurs had little choice; the P.F.A. would not approve the Jodel designs, Phoenix Aircraft had not really arrived on the scene, and no one knew much about the Blairvacq-Piel CP-30, better known today as the Linnet. So my choice was limited, that is if I wanted to operate on a permit, between Druine's Turbulent and Turbi. The latter was decided upon because not only did it seat two, but it could be fltted with that wonderful little engine the Walter Mikron. Assuming of course I could lay my hands on one. I had a lot to learn, some of it to my cost.

July '56 saw the arrival of a set of Turbi blueprints. A11 in French and millimetres, with a seventeen foot fuselage scaled down to around two. Not unnaturally the flrst investment was a French dictionary which although excellent for its intended purpose, did not cover a very large aeronautical vocabulary. A little of the translation had been done by some keen types but it left much to be desired. I am still learning from those drawings after four Years.

A detailed list of necessary materials and suppliers was issued with the drawings, all in French of course. Luckily I decided to check the list and in doing so saved myself quite a sum of money. One should stick to the designers' drawings and leave all interpretations wel1alone !

Filled with thoughts of flights to France and further afleld I set to work. Lists were made out of A.G.S. parts, wood, fabrics, dopes, metal tubing, down to the last split pin. Letters were

sent out to obtain some idea of the cost. It was not long before I experienced some of the many surprises and shocks encountered by everyone who has ever tried to build something. I Y1t G* eighteen, in the R.A.F. which presented me with ! two pounds every week, Just the fuselage alone was going to cost over a hundred excluding the engine and propellor. In for a penny in for a pound, so I carried on, starting on the wood first and flnishing up with the dopes and varnishes. News travels fast in the Services and I was pleasantly surprised at the offers of help I received, provided of course money was not mentioned.

Usually I only went home once a month. The spare weekends were spent quite profitably on 'duties' for others who had perhaps more than just a square meal waiting at home. When I retired to the warmer and sunnier climate of the south, bills for well over three figures had been met, offers had been received from over a dozen pilots to take the aircraft up on its maiden fliglrt. But on formi ng a group and flying f regularly, that was another matter. " Not just now old boy, some other time."

With the completion of mY 'bit' and a regular occupation with one of the major aircraft firms, it looked as though actual construction might start at last. It was then that I encountered my greatest need, which even now has not been completely met-a space large enough to build in, with heat, light and a large enough opening in the right place to take the aircraft through on completion. Even Surrey County Council were approached to no avail. So with Popular Flying, May-June, 1961.

due thanks, my collection of bits, which was gctting steadily larger and larger, was stored pro tem in a relation's garage.

It was about this time that I found out the Kemsley trust would not flnance an individual or a construction group, in the latter case unless it was for the engine.

I think at this stage a few words of advice to would-be constructors would not be out of place. lf at allpossible examine all parts before purchase, insist on release notes or their equivalents. They are your guarantee and regard as dubious

a {irm tlrat won't give one. After paying over f,16 for a pair of wheels and brakes I found one set of shoes so corroded that I had to replace them at a cost of f,5 each ! Don't accept the first quotation-get as many as you can and then decide. Always quote the correct specification when ordering, i.e., T-45, A 26, or BSX-18 as the case may be. Check you really want what you order. It's not a bad idea to number all joints and list the wood according to the joints in connects; Slingsby's, whorn I had found to be very helpful, will stamp part numbers on for

you. Before you start any major or minor coflstruction make sure you have all tools, bits and pieces to hand, and if in doubt stop and ask or write for advice. Finally you can read your own writing, can others ?

With acknowledgement to a vintage type limousine I was put on the disabled list and things came to a halt. The compensation will pay for the engine and prop and so I suppose in some ways it was a blessing in disguise. Thanks to a P.F.A. individual member I am now installed in a barn not far from Redhill so perhaps the future may see that white and blue Turbi yet.

To those thinking of embarking on such a project I would say there is a need for tenacity, ;ngineering experience, and above all, the ability to go it alone. With luck you might be able to form a group, then life becomes easier. But I think this quotation might well do as a reminder on the wall above your work bench, " Flying was begun by individuals, and it,s up to us to see it's not entirely taken away from them by Governments and Corporations."

Mr. J. Taylor v,ith his celebrated red and cream

Popular Flling, May-lunc, 1961,

Taylor Monoplane at Redhill.

Photo by courtesy of John H. Blake.

BRITISH

Beagle-Autster 'Ar

The Beagle-Auster A.109 'Airedale' is a well-equipped and highly efficient .four-seater light executive and touring aircraft. It has a cruising speed of I4l m.p.h. T.A.S. and a maximum still-air range of 1,050 miles. The 'Airedale' is powered with a Lycoming 180 b.h.p. engine driving a McCauley constantspeed propeller and ,r equipped with a steerable nosewheel tricycle undercarriage.

The business end of the'Airedale.'

The new Beagle-Auster ' Terrier,' a direct development from the Auster Mk. 6. Popular Flying, May-trune, 1961,

CHALLENGE

and 'Ten,ier'

The new twof three seat Beagle-Auster A.6l o Terrier' is a direct development from the military Auster Mk.6. It is equipped with a 145 h.p. Gipsy Major lO engine and Fairey Reed metal propeller. It has a cruising speed of 110 m.p.h. and it is extensively soundproofed. Car-type upholstery is provided and there is a comprehensive range of equipment. The ' Terrier o is a quiet aircraft which has been designed for the private owner and the flying club.

Beagle-Auster 'Airedale' G-ARKE in flight

The Airedale's clean-looking cockpit lay-out

withthe

1708 G-APVS. The Tipsy Group at Baginton has elected Mr. D. G. Fryer as secretary.

The A.S. Flying Club of Baginton have not only changed their aircraft but also their group name, and are now known as the Bristol Siddeley (Coventry) Flying Club.

The North Norfolk Flying Group have also changed their name-to that of Felthorpe Flying Group.

THREE new groups have been accepted for membership and we take this opportunity of welcoming them.

190 group is the Armada Flying Group, which operates Prentice G-AOLP from Roborough, Plymouth, with Mrs. A. M. Boylett as secretary.

l9l Group is the Arden Flying Group which, with C. A. Saville as its secretary, will oporate a Tripacer from Kidlington, Elstree, and Yeadon. We hope that they do not try to be in all three places at once !

The Third ncw grouP is the Glamorgan Flying GrouP, P.F.A. No. 192, which oPorates a Miles Magister from Rhoose. Lyn Davies is the secretarY.

The SoutharnPton GrouP 179 inform us that theY have just expanded their group to include Messrs. J. P. HenneseY and Halpin, together with a Cessna

The Montgomeryshire Ultra Light Flying Club dance was a great success, and with funds raised from the raffie, the group have been able to obtain their Tiger Moth and get back into the air. They still have the problem of finding a Walter Micron Engine for their Tipsy and they tell me they would be grateful for any information regarding an engine of this type for sale.

'fhe Lincoln Group held their annual dinner and dance recently, and it was a gteat success. Tom Hayes, our representative in that part of the world, tells me that the drawing up of the Group's

Pctpular Flying, May-lune, 196l

The M.P.M. Flying Group's Magister G-AKKR, uthich came to grief at Elstree recently,is once again in the air.

Articles of Association is going well and that the copy of a model set of articles was a great help to them and saved both time and money.

Still in Eastern England, G. Heneage of the Humber group, tells me that his group have sold their Auster and are renting a Piper Cub G-AREV from Grantair while waiting for their Emeraude to be completed.

The 600 Sqn. Flying Group at Biggin Hill have ,tf\ had a spot of trouble in the form of a cracked - crankshaft in their Prentice.

Not without their share of ill-luck is the M.p.M. Flying Group, who had their Maggie in trouble following a ground loop on landing in a crosswind. The damage amounted to a pair of new legs and a prop plus sundry skin damage. The members, under the leadership of their engineer, quickly began repairs and by 6 p.m. on the evening in question the Maggie, apaft from the skin damage, was ready to fly again.

ROY MILLS.

The Rev. P. J. o'Kelly's Druine Turbulent. This atrcraft has beenfitted with a modified undercarriage in which a Woodhead-Munroe oleo strut is used. It wcts tie.first ultra light aircraft in the country to be fitted with a radio. [{ow a cockpit canopy has been oAdrd.

Photograph by courtesy of John Blake. Popular l'lying, May-lune, 1961.

Operations

Q,OUTHPORT Aero Club announcethatthey are LJ recornmencing operations at Woodvale with an Aircoupe which will be on contract hire. The hourly charge to fly the aircraft will be f,5.

The Club has dccidcd to discontinue its Entrance Fee and membership for all classes of members will be f 1 per annum. "After evaluation of several types of aircraft and after investigating operating costs," states the Committee's report, o'the type chosen was the Aircoupe. The aircraft would be fitted with full blind flying panel, radio and V.O.R. navigation equipment, night flying aids, etc. We are to rent a blister hanger which will house three aircraft and hope at a later date to obtain club room premises on the airfleld. The Air Ministry has laid down certain operating conditionsone of these is that the aircraft must be fltted with radio."

at W'oodvalc

report, " we will have a fi.rst rate chance of building up an active group again. No doubt many members will feel that the rate to fly is too high. Compared with the f,3 per hour we used to charge it is, but it is in line with what is being charged in the north of England and for a brand new, fully-equipped modern American aircraft it is good value at today's prices.

" Like everything else there is a catch. We lrave to guarantee a certain number of hours every y.u, o, the aircraft and whether we fly d\' those hours or not that is the number we have to pay for. We are going to guarantee 300 hours in the first year and we know that this is impossible to reach with the members we have at present."

Finally the committee appeal to " all who can support the club by re-joining and sending their Ll notes (or cheques) to the Secretaty at 23 Norwood Avenue, SouthPort."

"At Woodvale," continues the committee's (Editor's note: the Aircoupe willbe reviewed in a special "Popular Flying" Airtest feature in the next issue)'

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENT ORDER FORM.

Rates: Members of the Popular Flying Association-one insertion up to 24 words FREE. Additional insertions: 4d. i,.r *or[ (min. 12 words) and words in excess of 24 at same rate. Box No. 1s. 6d. extra.

Non-members: 6d. per word (min. 12 words). Box No. ls. 6d. extra'

To the Advertisement Manager, " Popular Flying," Londonderry House, 19 Park Lane, London, W.1.

insertions-

Please insert the following advertisement for'. Is Box No. required ?...

Remittance valued enclosed made payable to Popular Flying Association.

NANts Aponrss

Popular Flying, MaY-June, 1961,

SAI,T]TE TO A YETERANI

ONGRATULATIONS to Mr. C. L. Pashleyo M.B.E., A.F.C., C.F.I., who has just celebrated his 70th birthday and who has also completed half a century of flying. Mr. Pashley, who runs the Southern Aero CIub at Shoreham Airport, founded the flying school 50 years ago and he is still putting new pilots through their paces.

When Mr. Pashley began flying his enthusiasm was shared by his two brothers who also became pilots. Both were killed while flying with the R.F.C. Mr. Pashley himself was a naval test pilot and instructor.

" Pash " as he is affectionately called, also taught R.F.C. pilots to fly at the Hendon naval school and one of his distinguished pupils was the legendary Mannock, V.C.

At the end of the first world war Mr. pashley returned to Shoreham where he again taught many people to fly. When the 1939-45 war broke out he went to Rhodesia as a C.F.I. at an E.F.T.U.

Today Mr. Pashley does most of his flying in a Tiger l\4oth and he is helped in running the Southern Aero Club by his wife who is the club,s secretary.

Mr. Pashley has one piece of prophetic advice to offer. " To me," he says, " flying is as easy as driving a car and I think it is far safer.,, Popular Flying,l May-fune, 1961.

Mr. Pashley is never tired of talking aviation " shop." When he is not airborne in his Tiger Moth he can usually be found in his clubhouse which is decorated with a photograph of the pioneer airman " Colonel " Cody, cariacatures of early aviators and R.A.F. crews.

His fine record in aviation is a far cry from 1910 when he got his pilot's licence. And it is interesting to recall that he once wished to be a locomotive engineer. Like all good railway enthusiasts he has never lost his interest in this other form of transport.

Mr. C. L. Pashley with his Tiger Moth. Photograph by Meridian Air Maps.

Part Repairs to the Fabric Caaering (continued)

URING the active life of an aircraft, fair wear and tear is bound to occur. The ultraJight aeroplane is particularly sensitive to rough usage, etc., although do not imagine that the ultra-light is something extremely delicate-far from it.

The fabric covering is the part that may suffer minor damage, chiefly through flying stones whipped up by the wheels or slip-stream. As we have already dealt with fitting the fabric covering, this is a good time to mention the matter of repairs during service. A small hole in the fabric covering, must be dealt with immediately because the fabric usually used is DTD575, a lightweight fabric strong enough for our needs but having a tendency for damage to spread. It can be therefore appreciated that the drag involved by an opening in the wing or fuselage plus loss of lift could be detrimental when the low engine power of ultra-lights is considered.

In our little repair kit should be a reel of linen thread of gauge either 40 or 18 which are used on aircraft; the former is used doubled and the latter used single. Also handy should be a lump of bees wax to protect the thread and a curved needle. All these items can be obtained at almost any aerodrome one is likely to call at.

Let us suppose a sma1l hole in the under surface of the wing, caused by a stone, has appeared. This hole would be about +' in diameter. First check that no surrounding structure has sustained any damage; this is rather unlikely, but, nevertheless, it is best to be sure. The first method of dealing with the

damage is by darning. Darning can be very difficult, especially where DTD575 is concerned as great care is needed to prevent the stitches pulling through the fabric. Further, it is not advisable to attempt to darn damage greater than l$" across the greater side after trimming up the sides of the hole. The rep.air is then g., sealed by fabric of the same type as the covering F itself. This fabric patch has its edges serrated and must overlap the edges of the damage by no less than l$". (Fig. l.)

by A, Deuerell

One word of warning. Do not press hard on the fabric when doping on the patch, or the fabric will stretch and be very difficult to taughten up. Even if done properly, unsupported fabric will appear a little soggy after fresh doping. Do not let this cause alarm as it is a perfectly natural phenomenon. Allow the dope to do its work over-night and in the morning you willbe surprised at the results. You cannot hurry the action of dope; allow it to do its job naturally and over a period of time.

The other method of dealing with damage of this description, and probably the easiest, It U, ,S use of the Wood's ring. This ring is made of thin acetate sheet with an inside diameter of three

ENDS t" Feon{ EocE or D6qgqE. Srrrt-eflE" # oPaa} er{\ lN -DrRs.ttoltE oF WaRe aNu VqtT.

.DrReOro(, $eqnatcP EoceD Fn-rqrt )oPED (}A

inches and an outside diameter of 4 inches. Damage up to 2*' across the greatest width can be dealt with satisfactorily. Dope the ring on the fabric, encircling the hole and allow the dope to thoroughly dry. Once again bear in mind that fabric and timber n repairs cannot be hurried. When ready, cut out the fabric from inside the ring and pre- ' pare a serrated edged patch of DTD575 of

re/rr.tg FAeR,c(o,e io->,'* -r ft, c,tl'il

at least 2' overlap, i.e. in this case, 8 " by 8 " and dope over the hole and ring, as in the diagrcm, taking care to place the patch edges in the directions of the warp and weft. (Fig. 2.)

The next type of damage we have to deal with is a slit or a letter o'L" teat. Once again, this type of damage can only be repaired if away from

supporting structure, and its extent is limited to 5u. The sides oflthe tear are drawn together by " herring bone " stitching and flnally sealed by 2u or 3' tape with serrated edging. The stitching is to be no less than f ,, from the edge, and the stitching on each side of the slit is to be also f " apart. (FiS. 3)

To be continued.

Derlae.g 4r L=esr ?" AvaY F4o,.o SuePoRllN q 6nqts-1rJq=.

SMALL ADVERTISEMENTS

Members o.f the Popular Flying Associotion may have the use of this column .for adve rtising articles wanted, exchanged or di.spo,sal .for ONE INSERTION up to 24 words FREE. If more than one insertion it must be paid t'ash in advonce at the rote oJ' 4d. per word (min. 12 words). Box No. 1s.6d. extru. Non-Members chargeable at lhe rate oJ'6d. per word (min.. 12 words). Bo.r No.1s.6d. extra. Cheques ond Postal Orelers should be crossed and sent to P.F.A"

M.P.M. FLYING GROUP have room for two ,re* members with PPL (Elstree). Sec. R. W. Mills, 68 Kennedy Road' Hanwell, W.7.

PERCML PRENTICE. 4 seats, fitted 10 channel STR9X, recent respray, 3 years C. of A., half run and ready for immediate delivery. Offers considered around {,I .650 Box. 112 P.F.A., l9 Park Lane, W.[.

WOULD LIKE TO TRADE, 35 m.m. colour slides of present day flying, antique aircraft, for similar with anyone interested. R. Bud Jameson, 1665 N. 4th Street, Columbus I, Ohio.

NEED USED JAP. J99. engine, must have log book and propellor. Patrick Packard, 3615 Brotherton Road, Cincinnatti, Ohio, U.S,A.

SWALLOW GRdUP have Vacancies for new members must have P.P.L. Sec. D. Bernard, 156 Eastcote Roaci, Pinner, Middx.

TAYLORCRAFT 'D '. Cirrus Minor 1,619 hrs. (179 to so) ; two seats ; 4*-5 galls per hr. ; 10 gallon tank C. of A., March, 1962 (3 years) ; blue and red, green interior lying at Yeadon. f600 or offer. P. E. Blyth, Yorkshire

Territorial Flying Group, Stone M ill, Maltby, Nr. Rotherham

" MOTOR TUTOR " FUSELAGE. Set of new instruments for .[.A.P.-Powered Ultra-Light, " Luton Minor " Drawings, P.F.A., Blazer Badge. Roberts, 28 Mumbles Road, Blackpill, Srvansea.

FOR SALE, Unused " Motor Tutor " Fuselage with Drawings and Instruments, f 30 the lot. Roberts, 28 Mumbles Road. Blackptll, Swansea.

JAP 99 ENGINE/PROP. WANTED. J. Connor, 3 Hog Lane, Elstree, Herts.

LUTON MINOR OR SIMILAR ULTRA LTGHT WANTED must have permit to fly Btyth, Stone Mill, Maltby, Nr. Rotherham.

PUSS MOTH for sale. Full details, colour photograph and demonstration on application to Dr. G. W. Hall, Roberts Hall, Royal Military College of Science, Shrivenham, Nr. SwinCon, Wjlts. A1l offers carefully considered.

TAYLORCRAFT for sale. Apply G. R. Heneage, Humber Flying Group, Royal Dock, Grimsby.

AIRCRAFT NUTS, bolts pulleys, etc. List requirements to A.W.J.G. Ord-Hume, Lake, Isle of Wight. Plans for the GY-20 MINICAB low-wing two place monoplane in English-f,20.

MILES MESSENGER. New three year C of A. Nil hour

Gipsy Major I D engine. Repainted and re-carpeted. Dual control, Metal prop. Jaru legs. M.R.60 radio. M.R.70 D/F. Glider tow hook. Two parachutes. Best offer over €2,000. 27 Lennox Gardens, London, S.W.1.

AVIATORS in The Nort.h West fly with The Southport Aero Club, Modern aircraft, fully equipped for touring with full pane1, comprehensive radio, night flying equipment. No entrance fee. Annual subscription only f 1. Operating from Woodvale, near Southport. "Aircoupe " at L5 per hour dual or solo or hourly rate for mid-week touring. Secretary- D. W. Vernon, 23 Norwood Avenue, Southport, Lancs. Tel. 85080.

MESSENGER, Excellent condition. Cirrus Major engine. Full blind flying panel with M.R.80 (23 channels) V.H.F. and Lear A.D.F. radio compass. Dual control. Can be inspected at Stapleford Aerodrome. f2,000. J. Butterfield, Fairwinds, Park Lane, Broxbourne. Herts.

P.F.A. MEMBERSHIP CAMPAIGN

TN u recent issue P.F.A. Chairman, Mr. rDavid Armstrong, made a strong appeal for more individual members of the Association. tt Like the London store that 'never knowingly undersold'r" hesaid, 65 we feel that we can claim to give the best seryices at lowest cost and my invitation to you to join us is covered by our undertaking to maintain this claim in the future. The greater the membership, the greater seryice we can give-so join us now and have a voice in the future development of ultra Iight and light aviation."

Have you enrolled a new member yet ?

To PopuLAR FLYTNG AssocrATroN Londonderry House, Park Lane, W.1"

Dear Sirs,

Please enrol me as a member of P.F.A. and send me PopuLAR FLyTNG commencing with the current issue to the address below. I enclo,ce remittance.for f2"

Ir{ame

Address

Date

Cheques to be made payable to POPULAR FLYING ASSOCIATION

AERONCA C.3 for sale. In very good condition with major overhaul almost complete, only requires rigging and final doping. Sale due to owner's posting. f,350. C. H. Baker, Officers' Mess, R.A.F., Valley, Anglesey.

McCULLOCH 4138 AX engines. New and secondhand. Spares. 72bhp at 4100 rpm. 66 lbs basic wt. Also parts for Gyrocopters. Howel1, 89 Albert Road, Horley, Surrey.

Popular Flying, May-lune, 1961,

For POP RMTING PARACHUTE FITTINGS and LIFE.SAYING EQUIPMENT

Aireraft Dfaterials

LIMITED

MIDLAND ROAD, LONDON, N.W.t.

EUSTON 6151 (T lines)

AIR-BRITAIN is

THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF AVIATION FNTHUSIASTS, and offers services of every kind io its members. These include six regular publications, over 100 Information Specialists to ans*er queries. regular meeting places in all parts of the counirv and a nation-wide aircraft reporting corps, Full details ma.v be obtained from:

ll0il0flifly $r[fftr[[y flR-BRtTltlt

ROUNDWAY HOUSE THE ROUNDWAY RUSTINGTON SUSSEX

MODEI, AIR CRAFT

THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY OF MODEL AE RONAUTICAL ENGINEERS

Whether it is ultra-light, latest jets, airliners or nostalgic old timers, you can rest assured that your interest will be satisfied by " Annouoosrrrn " with every issue, out on the 15th of the month. Accurate 1/72nd scale drawings of a few of our ultraJight series from " Aircraft described " are shown here. They are available as reprints at prices from 6d. upwards according to scale and size. Our 160 page fully illustrated Plans Handbook gives full details and listing, price 2s. inc. post For full details of magazine subscription supply, plans and our book range, send S.A.E. to :-

Thurston Engineering Limited

STAPLEFORD AERODROMB, nr. ROMFORD

BSSEX Phones: STAPLEFORD 2t0 : ONGAR 135-6-7 Engine Overhaul Specialists

A.R..B Approved

Exchange Gipsy Major, Cirrus Maior and Cirrus Minor Engines

C. of A. Overhauls and Maintenance

Full reports of International and National Rallies, including the World Championships. Plans and constructional details of record-breaking and contest-winning models. Prototype features. Engine Test Reports. (Il6d. monthly .f-rom any newsagent or bookstall.) *

FREE specimen copy from

MODEL AIRCRAFT

19 - 70 NOEL STREET LONDON W.I

Aireraft Materials LId.

Midland Road, London, N.W.l

EUSTON 6t5t (T lines)

for AGS, AS and BS Standard parts, Fabrics, Materials, Steels and Non-Ferrous Metals to approved specifications

Rollason Aircraft and Engines Limited

AIMS AND OBJECTS

we make no apology for basing this announcement on a recent statement by the Popular Flying Association.

We agree very"wholeheartedly with the P.F.A. Aims as listed and do our best to. support them in a practical way-this is how :

1. By manufacturing the Turbulent and pricing it under [1,000:

2. By offeiing low priced and iig built spares and components for the Turbulent, including full kits.

3. By rebuilding Tiger Moths and offering them " as new " at less than original manufacturer's price.

4. By offering the services of our fully approved and highly skilled engine and airframe departments for the repair, overhaul or C. of A. overhaul of your aircraft or engine. -'

5. By offering by far the lowest priced modern touring aircraft on the market-the 2, 3 and 4 seat Jodel range. '

And here's a slogan which sums it all up_.

'6,Rollasons the light aircraft enthusiasts "

Telephone: CROYDON 5151

Telephone: NUTFIELD RIDGE 2212