READ THE PERMIT CAREFULLY !

fT is apparent that some misunderstanding I exists in various quarters concerning the conditions of operating an aircraft on a Permit and also group operated aircraft whether on a Permit or C. of A.

First, any owner or group operating a Permit aircraflt, must read tl-re Permit very carefully and make sure everyone understands its meaning. The conditions are written very plainly on the Permit and there should not be any difficulty. One big point needing emphasis is that a series atcraft due for a C. of A. may be test flown without a valid C. of A. as long as the appropriate application has been made to the Air Registration Board for a C. of A. and the test flight is for the purpose of obtaining a C. of A.

This is not so regarding the Permit. A test flight to obtain a full Permit can only be made when application has been made for a Permit to Test Fly and this application can be made through the P.F.A. Inspection System. On completion of all requirements a further application is made through the same channels for the full 12 months' Permit.

Another important point is the matter of maintenance. Apart from being common sense, it is strongly advisable to run an aircraft, and especially group operated aircraft, on an inspection schedule. A well maintained aircraft not only achieves more flying hours, but the cost of C. of A. or Permit renewal overhauls can be very low. It is therefore a means of saving money. Nothing is more depressing or more expensive than trying to keep a neglected aircraft airworthy. Good maintenance is "preysnfisn"-the prevention of irritating and expensive snags cropping up. P.F.A. approved inspectors, who are Licensed Engineers, can prove invaluable for their advice and assistance in these matters and some groups are sensible enough to have an inspector on their membership or "on call" for inspection. One cannot over-emphasise the importance of having an expert to carry out an inspection at regular intervals.

Popular Flying, July-August, 1961.

A simple and straightforward inspection schedule is all that is required for the majority of private owners and groups. Any owner or group having difficulty over this matter should immediately contact the P.F.A. whose engineering team will be only too willing to help and advise. A little attention to the welfare of the aeroplane is a sensible requirement and if we are to continue to have the benefits of Permitsto-Fly and group flying then we must be prepared to spend a little time on the aeroplane and keep her in trim.

Also closely applied to the subject of maintenance is the purpose for which the aircraft is used and the type of C. of A. issued as a result.

Group operation comes within the scope of the three year C. of A. since flying is not for hire and reward. However, to satisfy this rule the group member must hold a share in the value of the aircraft and have a say in its affairs. Student pilots must have been members of the group for one month before receiving instruction in order to satisfy the requirements of the three year C. of A. Temporary membership of short duration is not permitted and is often the cause of irritation between a group and local club as it is regarded as a way round expensive maintenance borne by the club. The secretary is also required to have the name, address and date of expiry of a member's P.P.L. before the member is permitted to fly the group aircraft. Ignoramce of these facts is not an excuse to let a member fly on an ex$ired licence.