Struts 4U

by Anne Hughes

Undoubtedly 2021 was a year without parallel and for many the opportunity to open the door to a new year can’t come soon enough. For those of us who thrive on social interaction the consolation was that many had thought ‘outside the box,’ bringing a new way of doing things to brighten our days.

Struts normal monthly gatherings and events were shunted along the calendar. Communications through newsletters, kept a focus on all things aviation. Strut websites and social media were also invaluable to aid communication. Hopefully in 2022 we will return to ‘normality’, in being able to choose the type of meetings and Strut events our local group will most appreciate.

to celebrate two 75s, the LAA and the Aeronca’s birthday!

Right Another shared 75 birthday was with Nic Orchard’s Aeronca G-TECC, which took to the air from Headcorn, Kent. The flight included an aerial visit to Capel-le-Ferne’s BofB Memorial.

One innovative idea came from the Wessex Strut, a ‘Wessex Aviators Leisure Klub,’ to start organising monthly walks, often with an ‘aviation’ theme, where members could explore local areas of interest while keeping fit and actually meeting up.

Among the highlights of the year was the LAA’s 75 Celebratory ‘Fly-It’ day where Struts were encouraged to take to the air on 26 October, the LAA’s anniversary.

We thought we would revisit that very special occasion with photos of your participation, which you provided for the LAA.

Low cloud brought challenges for aviators in some areas of the UK, but well done to everyone who took part… whatever the weather!

Left Meanwhile, at Stow Maries, in Essex, Terry Dann gave two air experience flights in 75-year-old Beagle-Auster Terrier G-ARUI, sharing the LAA’s 75 birthday.

Left The Wessex Strut took six aircraft flying, including Nick Long’s Beagle Pup, the Norman Freelance, Cessna 150, RV-9A and John and Jenny Whicher’s Ninja.

In other strut news…

At the Southern Strut’s Christmas Dinner, David Faulkner-Bryant arrived to present Tony Palmer (above left) with the DFB Award for Tony’s work with the Strut. The shield will arrive a little later on!

The Oxford Strut enjoyed an evening at their new venue in Kidlington with Travis Ludlow (above right), the youngest pilot to fly solo around the world. They were also joined by Sywell Air Scouts. Please contact your Strut to check the details before attending the calendar events. Some Struts are using the Zoom format during winter months as we continue to follow government guidelines. ■