Popular Flying Jan/Feb 1979

Popularp yA Flying-1c

4A

BOOKS

FROM THEP.F.A.OFFICE

LightAircraftDesignExample,byLloydJenkinson

LightAircraftDesignHandbook,EditedbyF.Maccabee

LightPlaneDesign,byL.Pazmany

LightAirplaneConstructionbyL.Pazmany:Metalaircraft constructionbasedonthePLIandPL2

PracticalLightPlaneDesign&Construction,byW.Eike:Basic considerationsplustheFikeModelD

JanesPocketBookNo.14HomebuiltAircraft,HardbackEdition

JanesPocketBookNo.14HornebuiltAircraft,PaperbackEdition

EnjoyTheSky,byRobertLowe:TheConstructionofVPIG-BDAH

UsingAnAircraftRadio,byC.L.Day:Thepracticaluseofaircraft radio

TheAirNavigationOrder

TheLightPlaneSince1909,UnderwoodandCollinge

AerobaticsInTheSky,Underwood•

VintageandVeteranAircraft,Underwood

Sywell,byAirCmdreG.J.C.Paul:ThestoryofanEnglish Aerodrome1928-1978

BookofAirSports,byAnnWelch

CharlieMikeCharlie,byCliveCanning:Thestoryofhisepicflight fromAustraliatoPFA's1976SywellRally

CAACAP413:RTProceduresandPhraseology:TheStandard ReferenceforRTLicenceExamination

BROCHURE,PLANSANDMANUALS

PazmanyPL4ABrochure

PazmanyPL4ADrawings

PazmanyPL4AConstructionManual

PazmanyPL4AExplodedViews

PazmanyPL2Brochure

PazmanyPL2Drawings

EvansVP1&2Brochure

EvansVPIDrawings

EvansVP2Drawings

IsaacsSpithireDrawings

lsaccsFuryDrawings

CurrieWotDrawings

LutonMinorDrawingCAAPaper98:

CAACAIPLeaflets:20SpeciallySelecedforHomebuilders

CAALogBooks:EngineandAirframeLogBooksinRingBinder

CAALightAircraftMaintenanceSchedule, TheCAARecommendations;fitsintoCAALogBookBinder

PEA:MaintenanceProceduresforUltraLightGyros

PFAPracticalNotesNos,1-4

PFAHandbook ASSOCIATIONITEMS

PopularFlyingBinders:Holds2VolumesofPopularFlying

PEAConstructors'List:AcompletelistofPFAaircraftprojectsto June1975

PFATie:DarkBlueTerylenewithtinySilverWings

PFAClothPatchBadges:WhitePFAlogoonredbackground(3iin Dia)

PFAEnamelLapelBadge:SilverEdgingandPFAlogoonblue background(5/8in.x3/8in

PEAWings:PPLHoldersonly

PFAAircraftStickers:PEAlogoonwhitebackground(5in.dia ) perpair

PEAStickers:PFAlogoinblueandwhitecircle(3iiin.dia.)perpair

PEAC'arStickers:"FlyPEA"(6in.x1in.)

Allpricesaresubjecttochangewithoutnoticeduetoincreasesinpriceandcurrencyfluctuations.

Popular Flying

EditorialCommittee: ALAN DUNN MIKEGRIGSON 1.AURIEMANSFIELD

EditorialAddress: TerminalBuilding, ShorehamAirport. Shoreham-by-Sea, Sussex.BN4SET.

PFAEXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

President:

A/CMDRE.G.J.C.PAUL, CM., C.Eng.,F.R.Ae.S.

Chairman:

D.F.FAULKNERBRYANT

Treasurer:

L.SHAW,D.Ac.. C.Lng,.M.R.AeS.,

EngineeringOfficer:

F.I.V. WALKER,E.R.Ae,S, CommilteeMembers:

JOHNDUNFORD

TONYFARRELL

TONYHAROLD

ERNIEHORSFALL

MIKEJOSEPH

ALI-KNOWLES,0.13.F.,AF.C.

LAUR1EMANSFIELD

STUARTMACCONNACHER

LES RICHARDSON

MIKEVALSEY

BILLWILKS

JIMWuLs

SecretaryGeneral, J. S.J. LAUDER

PTA

Founded 1946

Individualmembership00.00p.a. The[(tumbril;antirepresentativebodyin theUnitedkingdomofamateur constructorsandOperatorsolultra-light andgroupoperatedaircraft

iC REA. (ULAIR) COVER Ct JMNIENT-RayMaldment'sE.A.A.biplane flyingoverSussex.

PopularFlying,January-lehrust,1979

VOL.23No.1

CORNERING REVISITED

5

INTERNATIONALCONVENTION 1978

20-21

FINALS

TheGentsexpressedinPOPUIARElYINGarethoseofthe contributorsandnotnecessarilythoseoftheP.E.A.The Pub/Ls/temreramtherighttorefuseorwithdrawadvertisementsat [heirdiscretionanddonotacceptliability1M-delayinpub/tea/ion orforclerwalorprinter'serrorsalthougheverycareistakento avoidmrstakos.

It HAS BEENquiteayearforthePE.AinonewayandanotherandIbelievethat1978will goclownasanotherimportantMilestoneinouraffairs.

Westartedorrtheyearinthemidstofabattletodeletetheproposedintroductionofa NewRule50totheAirNavigationOrderandournegotiationsweresuccessfulandsetthe scenefor otherCAAmeetirlfsthroughouttheyear,whereoursigilanceandpatiencewere rewardedwahalairhearingandresponsetoourproposals.During1978weintroducedthe trainingweekendandtheverygoodresponseillustratedtheneedforthissortofadIva), wiiliin ourltlYingmembership.So,accordinglywearrangedanotherlaterinthesummer. OnanotherfrontEIVWspentagreatdealofhis'spare'timeattheCAAnegotiatingdetails orthenew"PermitstoLly",watchingthenewnoiseregulationstomakesuretheydidnot affectus,takingupanewclassofaircraftcalledfeatherweights.sortingomvintagematters andtakingafreshlookattheGyrosituation!Ohandbythewavdoing[lieusualCofA workandkeepingaweathereyeonthedesigncompetition.

WcstagedanothergreatSvwellRally,withawonderfuloverseascontingentwhoHewin despitetheweather_Alas,wefound OM later,itwastobethelastofthepresentseries duetoproblemsinmeetingthenewaerodromestandardsandNATSrequirements.Next searanewserieswillstartatLeicesterEastwheremorespacewillbeavailabletomeetour evergrowingrequirements.WhilsttheSvwelleventhasalwaysbeenthepeakorthesummer esentsweshouldnotforgetallthenumerousralliesheldbyourstrutsandtheothermajor eventswhichthestrutsparticipatedinonthebehalfofMePEA.

AltheAGMweweretaskedwithinvestigating[Iseviabilityora fulllime enaineering staffwithaviewtosomeearlyaction.Nolimewaswastedon(10soneandcircumstances wereinourfavourtoallowustoachievethislongdesiredbreakthroughbysecuringthe servicesof'ourown'F.I.V.WalkerasViceChairmanEngineeringandChiefExecutive whoalongsvithStanleyLauderasGeneralSecretary,supportedbysecretarialassistance, make op apowerfulandeffectiveHeadOfficeTeam.Thisinmyopinion,wasthemost importantachievementin1978.

ComingbacktotheoperationssidewepresentedapapertotheCAAonthe shortcomingsofthesystem or gettinginandoutoftheCountrybytheCrossChannel Corridor,pointingoutthelackofalternativecustomsfacililiesandsuitablealternatesfor ourtypeofflying_Wearepromisedsomeimprovementsinthecomingseason_

AclimaxtotheyearwasthewinningofthePrinceofWalesCup,whichisnowthe premierawardoftheRoyalAeroClub.ItwaspresentedbyitsPresident,HisRoyal HighnessPrinceCharles,for'our'outstandingcontributiontolightaviationinstagingthe largest(andbest)InternationalAirRallyinEurope.Thisculminatedtheverysuccessful series oll ahighnotewithmanyhappymemories.

1978wasalsotheyearinwhichwesadlyhadtosayfarewelltoourPresirlent,ChrisPaul afterhislongtermatthe'top'andwewereabletobidhimanofficialfarewellatthe DecemberCouncilMeeting.Iamsurehewillstillbeintouchandwillbearoundformanya yearwithhisinterestillouractivities.

011yourbehalfIwasabletoattendtheEAIMeetinginParisasVicePresidentofthe InternationalHotnelmiltAircraftCommission—avaluablepointofcontactwithheadsof overseasorganisations.

WewereabletoattendmanyralliesinEuropeandIwasfortunatetoheabletojoinin thefuninmyCurrieWot.ItwaswithgreatdelightthatwewereabletogettotheDutch HomebuiltRallyinRotterdam,theFrenchRSARallyatBrieve.theSwissRSARallyat Ectivillan,theGermanExperimentalRallyatEriburgandalsoMcralliesatGhentand Hilversum.Itwasagreatpleasuretoreturnthecomplimenttoallthosewhohavevisitedus atSywelloverthepastyears.

Soasyousee1978wasquiteayearincludingsomerapidlegworktoEndanewsitefor therallyin1979.YourhardworkingCommitteeexcelledthemselvesyetagaininproducing goodresultsandthishighlevelofactivity.Theroutinemeetingsandnibcommitteesaretoo numeroustomentionherebutourthanksshouldbemadetoallihemembers,councillors andcommitteemenwhodothesteadygrindingworkbehindthe scenes andItakethis opportunitytothankthosewhoworkedsohardin1978.

Thatwastheoldyear—Whataboutthenew?WeenterthisNewYearwithstillgreater challenges.WehavetwoimmediateobjectivesThesearetofindaNewPresidentforthis escitingerainthePEA'shistoryandtoorganisethebiggestandbestgatheringoflight airdaftinEurope, at LeicesterFast.

DAVIDFAULKNERBRYANT

RINGOUTTHEOLD—RINGINTHENEW

CORNERINGREVISITED

ByEdLesher

Photosby RobertF.Pauley

Inaclosedcourseracethecreditedspeedisless thanthehighspeedinstraightlevelflightforseveral reasons.Thecreditedspeedwhichappearsinthe raceresultsisbasedonthecourselengthmeasured alongstraightlinesbetweenpylons,andtheairplane mustflyagreaterdistanceincompletingalap.The averageairspeed,definedhereasracespeed,isless thanthehighspeedduetoincreasedinduceddragin theturns.Also,asteadywindwillmaketheaverage groundspeedlessthantheracespeed.

Imadeuseoftheseideasinsettingupaclosed coursefortheTealspeedanddistancerecord flights.Byincreasingthenumberofpylons,less distancewouldbelostonturns,butmoreobservers wouldberequired.Isettledontwoturningpoints, atWillowRunAirportandatMuskegon,Michigan.

THETWO-PYLONCOURSE

W.C.Jennings(BritishARCRandM1281, 1927)studied"cornering—athighspeedsinregardto theSchneiderCupclosedcourseseaplaneraces.He foundthatthebestpossiblecreditedspeedwould beabout3%lessthanthehighspeedforatwo pyloncoursewithpylons12milesapart,forspeeds ofabout240mph.

Hestudiedthe1mmelmannturnbutfoundit inferiortothehorizontalturn.TheItalianSchneider pilotsmadespectacularchandelleturns.

Tableoneshowstheeffectsofturnradiusfora typicalFormulaIracerflyingatwopyloncourse withpylons1.5milesapart.Theracerhasspan 18ft.,grossweight800lbs.,highspeed227.39mph, andtheenginedevelops135horsepower.Itisthe sameastheFormulaIracerlaterconsidered.

Itisseenthatastheturnradiusdecreasestheload factorandliftcoefficientincrease.Theracespeed decreasesduetotheincreasedinduceddrag. However,thecreditedspeedincreasesduetoshorter distanceflowntoamaximumat580ft.radius.Note thatforaradiusbetween400and800ft.the creditedspeeddropsofflessthan1%fromthe maximumof194.03mph.Alsonotethehighload factorsrequiredforhighcreditedspeeds.

MODERNSIX-PYLONCOURSES

Inrecentyearsmorepylonsareusuallyused, somewhatlimitingthepilot'schoiceofradius,and decreasingtheoptimumloadfactors.

Thecourseassumedforthefollowingexamplesis showninFig.1,withpylonsata,b,c,d,e,andf. Thecourselengthis12Randthecreditedspeedis basedonthislength.Forathreemilecourse,Ris 1320ft.

Theassumedpathoftheracerforthenormal turntechniqueisshowndotted,andconsistsof1811 turnsofradiusRandstraightlines.Thenecessary transitionsfromstraiehttocircular[Heinare neglectedwithlittleerror.

Theproblemisidealizedbyassumingthatthe airplanepassesoverthepylons.Theeffectsofthe necessaryincreaseinradiustoclearthepylonsare consideredseperately.

Table2showsraceperformanceforthreeclasses. Thefictitioustypicalracershavethespans,weights, horsepowers,andidealspeedsshown.Theideal speedisdefinedaswhatthehighspeedwouldbeif therewerenoinduceddrag.

ItisseenthatfortheFormulaTracertheinduced draginlevelflightisrelativelysmallandresultsin highspeedonly1.1%lessthantheidealspeed. However,theinduceddragisproportionaltothe squareoftheloadfactor,andtheaverageairspeed forthecourse(racespeed)is218.76mph.The distanceflownperlapis3.071miles,butonlythree milesarecredited,andthecreditedspeedisonly 213.72mph.

EFFECTSOFSPAN

FortheFormulaIracer,thelossinairspeeddue toinduceddragis

inlevelflight.

230-227.39=2.61mph

230-218.76=11.24mph forthecourse.Itwasfoundthatthesespeedlosses werealmostdirectlyproportionaltotheinduced drag.Asthisdragisinverselyproportionaltospan

EdLesher's"Teal"

:IryScholl in"itli SIDIBO' squared,increasedspanwouldincreasethespeed. Forexample,ifthespanwereincreasedto24ft.and theotherquantitieslenunchanged,wecouldexpect thespeedlossforthecoursetobe

11.24X{=6.3mph

andtheracespeedtobe

130-6.3—123.7mph

This5mphimprovementinracespeedlooks attractive.However,itisnotpossibletoincreasethe spanwithoutchangingtheotherquantities.Assumingthatthewingareaisheldat66ft2,the aspectratioisincreased4.9to8.8.Thiswould increasethewingweightandhencethegrossweight andinduceddragisproportionaltogrossweight squared.Thereducedwingchordwouldmeanless ofthe66112ofwingareaisblanketedthefuselage. andhencetheexposedorwettedareaofthe airplaneisincreased.Thereducedchordresultsin lowerReynoldsnumberandhigherprofiledragfor thewing.Thehigheraspectratiowouldreduce Oswald'sefficiencyfactor.

Whentheseeffectsaretakenintoaccount,Table3 results.Heretheeffectsof5000ft.altitudeabove

sealevelarealsoconsidered.Itisassumedthatthe grossweightisincreasedby70Ibs.forthelarger span.

Theidealspeedislesswiththehigherspandueto increasedparasitedrag.However,theracespeedis stillmoreforthehigherspan.Theheavierairplane wouldnotaccelerateasfastinaracehorsestart. The18ft.spanwouldwinashortrace,Iftheraceis longenough,the24ft.spanwouldwin.

Atthe5000ft.altitudetheidealspeedisreduced asthehorsepowerdropsoffmorerapidlywith altitudethandoestheparasitedrag.Notethatthe effectsofspanaremoreataltitudethatatsealevel.

EFFECTSOFGROSSWEIGHT

Astheinduceddragisproportionaltogross weightsquared,ifonlytheweightischanged,the aboveideaspermiteasycalculationofeffects.For example,ifweightisreducedfrom8000lbs.10750 lbs.fortheFormula1,thehighspeedbecomes

230-2.6138=227.71mph

andtheracespeedbecomes

230-11.24)(t)2'=220.12mph

PYLONCLEARANCE

InTable4theeffectsofthenecessaryincreasein turnradiustoclearthepylonsareshown.Itis assumedthattheradiusof1320ft.isincreasedby 2%orby26.4ft.,sothatthecentre or gravityof theairplanepassesthisdistancefromthepylons. Duetothereducedloadfactorandinduceddrag theracespeedisincreasedby.24mph.However, duetothegreaterdistanceflown,thecreditedspeed isreducedby1.94mph.Itwasfoundthatthese changeswereverynearlydirectlyproportionalto pylonclearance.Forexample,doubling(hepylon clearanceto52.8 ft. wouldreducethecreditedspeed by2x1.94=3.88to209.84mph.

EFFECTSorCOURSELENGTH

ItisseeninTable2thattheloadfactoris moderateforClassVee,andashortercoursemight beinorder.TheeffectsaregiveninTable5.

OTHERTECHNIQUES

Ratherthanflyingataconstantradiusaroundthe threeendpylons(normallurntechnique).the techniqueofsteepeningtheturnsaroundthe pylons,shallowingthembetweenthepylons,is

SteveWittman'sFormulaVeeRacer

BillSteadin"MissCOS77licWind" referredtoasthetightturntechnique.Iftheturn radiusisincreased,huggingpylonsbande,FigI. butclearingtheotherpylonsbysomedistance,this isreferredtoasthelooseturntechnique.

Forthetightturntechnique,theracespeedand distanceflownarereducedcomparedwiththe normaltechnique.Forthelooseturnthese quantitiesareincreased.

Forcourselengthsgreaterthanacriticalvalue, thetightturntechniqueresultsinimprovedcredited speed.Forcourselengthslessthanacriticalvalue, thelooseturnresultsinimprovedcreditedspeed. Thecriticallengthsandloadfactorsattheselengths aregiveninTable6forthethreetypicalracers.

Itisseenthatthenormaltechniqueisbestforthe threeclassesforathreemilecourse.

Iftheairspeedisheldconstanttheairplanewill gainaltitudeinthestraightway,losealtitudeinthe turn.Ifthealtitudeisheldconstant,theairplanewill gainspeedinthestraightwayandlosespeedinthe turn.Bothtechniqueswerefoundtogivepractically thesameracespeed.Henceanyreasonablecombinationofthesetechniquesshouldnotaffectthe racespeed.

Theaboveconclusionsmightnotholdifasingle parabolicpolardoesnotapplytotheairplane.For example,withalaminarflowwing,forthethree milecourse,ifaturnhuggingthepylonsputsthe wingoutofthelowdragbucket,whileanincreased radiusputsthewinginthelowdragbucket,the looserturnmightresultinahighercreditedspeedin spiteoftheextradistance.

Effectsofwindareneglected.Moderatewind wouldhaveasecondaryeffectonthegeneral conclusions.

THEORYANDASSUMPTIONS

TheparabolicpolarisassumedwithOswald's efficiencyfactore=.75,exceptfortheFormula1 racerwithspan24ft.,wheree=.68.

Thebiplaneisassumedtohaveequivalent monoplanespanof16.5ft.

Groundeffectisneglected.Atheightoverground equaltothespan,groundeffectreducesinduced dragbyabout1.5%.

Thehorsepowersshownaremultipliedby propellerefficiencyof85%toobtainthrust horsepower,whichisassumedtobeconstantover thespeedratwesconsidered.Thenthethrustis inverselyproportionaltospeed.

(ReprintedfromSportAviationwiththanksto theEAA)

TABLE 1

EfreckofTurnRadios: Three Mile-TwoPylonCourseFormula1

PylonCeara ore, ft.026.4 RaceSpeed.mph218.76219.00 CreditedSpeed213,722I1.78 IoadFactor2.6202.581

DonFairbanksinhis"KnightTwister"

AircraftfortheHomeBuilder

No.18 ofaseriesby AlanDunn

ThePottierP.70S

ThesingleseatallmetalPottierP.705wasderivedfromtheearlierP.70BdesignedbyNEPottierandbuiltby M.AlainBesneux.ThefirstP.705flewin1977poweredbya1500ccV.W.engineandembodyinganumberof changesincludingatailwheeledundercarriage.

Nodihedralisincorporatedinthestandardmid-mountedwing,whichissetat2°incidence.Constructionisof 2024alloywith"I"beammainsparandchannelsectionrearspar.Theinnerhalfofthetrailingedgehasplain flapshingedto[helowersurfaceandtheouterhalfhastheaileronshingedtothetopsurface.Notabsarefitted.

Thefuselageisalsoof2024alloybuiltuponfiveframesandholdsacantileveredallmetaltailunitwithswept backverticali,urfaces.inn:landinggemisofthefixedtricycletypewithcantileveredmainlegs.Ihexinglefuel tankholds8.75Impgallons.Thespecifiedpowerplantisa40/50hpVWdrivingatwobladedfixedpitch propeller.

Anewversionisunderdevelopment,calledtheP.80andisoflowwingdesignwithdihedral. MembersshouldnotethatasyetthePottierP70isnotaP.EA.approveddesign.

'ReturntoPapplewickJune1978'

Onthefollowingpageswearepleasedtoprintthis article,whichisamemoirfromthewaryearsanda recountofrecentexperiences,speciallywrittenfor PopularFlyingbyCharlesLamb,Authorofarecent book"WarinaStringBag",reviewedinthkissue.

Ed.

FromSundaythe4thJunelastyear,fortwodays andnights,IwastheguestofTheEastMidlandStrut attheirannualstrutrallyatHucknall,near Nottingham.Theinvitationwasmadebecauseofthe membershadreadmybook'WarinaStringbag', publishedbyCassell&CoinAprillastyear.Iam nowinvitedtomanyfunctions,whichisaside-effect ofwritingabookwhichIfindmostenjoyable;but thisoccasionwasexceptional.

ThemembersofthePopularFlyingAssociation areallenthusiasticaviators.Somehavebuilttheir ownaircraftandonSundaymorning,4thJune,two ofthemflewtogetherinaPiperTri-Pacer—asuperb littlehigh-wingmonoplane—fromLeicesterto MiddleWallop,nearAndover,tocollectme.Onthe telephone,beforehand,theytoldmethatthey plannedtopickmeupat1100thatmorning,and afterIhadparkedmycarIstoodonthatArmy airfield—whichisthebiggestgrassairfieldinthe country—andscannedtheskyratheranxiously, becausetherewasadistinctheat-haze,and downwardvisibilitymusthavebeenverylimited betweentheMidlandsandtheSouthernCounties. Nevertheless,despitethis,promptly,afewminutes beforeeleven,thetinyaircraftappearedinthehaze andInotedthatittoucheddownateleveno'clock precisely.

Theefficientpassenger-carryingaircrafthadbeen flownofffromLeicesteranhourearlierbyitsowner, DavidAsher.Becauseofthepoorvisibilityhe broughtanotherpilotwithhimfromtheP.F.A.to helpwiththemapreading,—KenSword—whohas builthisownverybeautifulminiatureMustang,a single-seaterRacer.Ittookhimsevenyearstobuild andhetoldmethathepaidforitwiththemoneyhe hadsavedbygivingupsmoking.TheMustangishis thirdaircraft.

Thetwopilotssatinfront,sidebyside,andby removingmyrightshoeIwasabletostretchmy gammylegalongthetwopassengerseatsimmediately behindthem.Ithasnokneejointandisnearlyfour inchesshorterthanmyleft,havingbeenhitbyan aircraftpropellerinthewaragainsttheJapanese, andbyremovingmybuilt-upshoetherewasplentyof room.Iwascarefultoreassurethetwostrangersin thefront,[hatIhadtakenabaththatmorning,and waswearingcleansocks.

Anhourandtenminuteslaterwearrivedat LeicestertodisembarkKenSwordsothathecould flyhisMustangtotherally,andDavidAsherandI flewontoHucknall.Isuspectthatthesingle-seater Mustangovertookuswithoutournoticingandgot [herebeforeus,becauseitwasmuchfasterandwas builtforspeed.KenSwordhasgivenitagleaming 'finish'andthesurfaceofthewingsandthefuselage isasgoodasanythingIhaveeverseenfromthemost expensivefactory.

Theflightwasverypleasantindeed,despitethe hazewhichobscuredthegroundformostoftheway, andIwasthrilledtobebackintheairagain.At Hucknall,whichisnorthofNottingham,therewere sometwentylovelylittleaeroplanesfromdiverse branchesoftheP.F.A.notallofthemhome-built, butall'homemaintained'withtendercare.Each

ByCharlesLamb

branchoftheP.F.A.iscalleda'Strut',andtheir organisationisfirstclass.Afterspendingtwodaysat lastyear'sBigginHillAirFairinMay,refusing drinks,IwasrelievedtofindthatthestaffoftheEast MidlandStrutservedsoftdrinksonlyuntiltheflying wasover.Becauseofinternalinjurieswhena PrisonerofWarintheSahara,myalcoholicintake hastobestrictlylimitedanditwasverynicetobe offeredacupofteaforachange.

DuringtheafternoonIwasaskedtohelpjudgea landingcompetition,andtogiveoutprizesforfour differentcompetitionsbythemembers,whoseskillin theairmadeselectingawinnerverydifficult.Atthe endoftheafternoonanominousblue-blackthunder cloudfilledtheskytothesouth-east,anditwas fortunatethattheflyingwasover.Allthosewith somedistancetoflyhometookoffinahurry,and therestofusscurriedintotheclubhouseoutofthe heavyrain.

Summerlightningcanbeveryfiercein[he Midlands,asIlearnedtomycostpreciselyforty-one yearsagointhatveryarea,andinthesameweekin June.Ishallneverforgetthat1937storm,butthis littlepieceofhistorybeginstheweekbefore,on Saturday,29thMay.Itwas'EmpireAirDay'andI wasdemonstratingtheR.A.F.'slatestlow-wing monoplaneatadisplayatOldSarum,near Salisbury.MyaircraftwasaCoastalCommandAvro Anson,poweredbytwoCheetahNineArmstrongSiddeleyengines,anditiscurioustothinkback,and realisethatitwasthemostmodernaircrafton display.

AtthattimeIwasoneofsixR.A.E.officerswho hadbeenappointedtoBoscombeDowntoform Number224CoastalCommandReconnaissance Squadron,startingfromscratch.Wehadalljust qualifiedinair-navigationoverthesea,duringalong courseattheSchoolofNavigation,atManston,in Kent;butbecauseIhadspentfouryearsfromtheage ofsixteenasan'Apprentice'intheClanLine,andsix month'sinaBattleship'sGunroomasMidshipman R.N.R.,andwasproudpossessorofaBoardof Trade'Ticket'asaSecondMate,Ihadbeenmade theSquadron'sNavigatingOfficer.Attheageof twentyIfinishedmysea-goingapprenticeshipduring theworstdepressioninshippingofalltimeand appliedtotheAdmiraltytobetaughttoflyinthe FleetAirArm;burthatbranchoftheRoyalNavy wasthencontrolledbytheAirMinistry,andIwas toldthattherewasnowaythatIcouldbetaught, unlessIjoinedtheAirForce.AlthoughIlovedthe sea,andtheNavyinparticular,Iwasdeterminedto learntoflyandtherewasnoalternative.

AtmyFlyingTrainingSchoolatPeterborough, whenIhadqualifiedasapilotIwasaskedtostate mypreferenceforthefuture,andIwrote'TheFleet AirArm'asmyfirstchoice,and'CoastalCommand' asmysecond.AsmallnumberofR.A.F.pilotswere flyingfromtheaircraftcarriersandIsawnoreason whyIshouldn'tjointhem;butIwassentforbythe GroupCaptainwhopointedout[hatR.A.F.officers wereonlysenttoCarrierstoflywiththeFleetasa formofpunishment,aftercommittingsometerrible offence.So,CoastalCommandwasthenextbest thing.

ThatEmpireAirDaywasparticularlysignificant formebecausemyparentshaddrivenupfrom SomersettomeettheparentsofthegirlIhopedto marry,asneitherfamilyhadmetbefore.Myfather wasaCongregationalMinisterwithninelittle churchesinSomersetandDorset;andthemanwhoI hopedwasgoingtobemyfather-in-lawwasthehead architectforLloydsBank,andhisheadquarterswere inSalisbury.Neitherofourfathersknewanything aboutflyingandIknewthatbothrathersuspectedit, asawayoflife.Onecouldn'tblamethem,because fewpilotsofaircraftcouldaffordtoinsuretheir lives• thepremiumsexceededthepay-off,andwe wereregardedasatadrisk'atLloyds.Iwasnot lookingforwardtoexplainingthistoJosephine's fatherwhenthetimecame,whichwasgoingtobe afterthisdisplay.Myfuturehappinesslargely dependedontheeventsthatafternoon,andI wasdeterminedthatmyflyingwouldbe immaculate,andprayedthattheywouldallenjoythe afternoon,andgetonwelltogether,andleavefeeling lesscriticalofairmen.Iwasfeelingverynervous beforetheafternoonbeganandmyapprehension increasedasthedayworeon.Itturnedouttobeone oftheworstdaysofmylife—atfirst.

MyflightCommanderin224Squadronwasa fierceNewZealandernamedAndersonwhowas charming;buthehadanexplosivetemperifweflew badly,ormisbehavedinanyway.Iwasgladthathe wasstayingbehindatBoscombeDownwhenIwent totakeoffforOldSarum,andpretendedtoignore hisremarkthat,asthetwoairfieldswereinsightof eachother,and'withinspittingdistance',Iwas unlikelyto'getlost'.Iwasscheduledtodomyflypastattheendoftheafternoonasthelastitemonthe programmeandthenreturntoBoscombeDown;but becauseIhadtositinmyaircraftalltheafternoon andanswerquestionsfiredatmebyaninquisitive public,mychancesofkeepinganeyeonthetwo familieswereremote.

Rightatthebeginingofthedisplayafriendof minekilledhimselfinfrontofthemanythousand spectators.PilotOfficerRonaldMorganElms,of No.10Squadron,basedatOldSarum,wasoneof thegroupofmyfriendswithwhomIusedtodrink aleinSalisbury'sHaunchofVenison.FlyingAudax fighters(whichwereusedforArmyCooperations), information,theyendedtheirdisplaywitha'Prince ofWales'feathers,andElmsmisjudgedhisheightin thefinalloopanddivedintothegroundwhilestill inverted.Hisaircraftburstintoflamesandhewas killedatonce.Thecrowedwasstillstandingina shockedsilencewhenNumlierOneFighterSquadron screamedovertheirheads.Theywereflying Gladiators,andhadcomefromTangmere,andhad noknowledgethattherehadjustbeenafatal accident.RadioTelephonydidn'texistin1937,and therewasnowayoftellingthem.Theytoretheair overOldSarumtoshreds,andmissedthehangar roofsbyinches.Undernormalcircumstancestheir displaywouldhavebeenmostimpressivebutthat afternoon,everyone,includingme,heavedasighof reliefwhentheydepartedforTangmere.

WhentheyhadgoneIescapedfromthecrowds aroundmyAnsonandwentinsearchofmyfamily party.Mymotherwasalittleshakenandtoldmethat whentheyarrivedontheroadoutsideOldSarum airfieldshehadseenamotorcyclistkillhimself. "Twomeninoneday!"shesaidsadly,shakingher head.IcaughtJo'seyes,andshetookthemallaway fortea.Inhercaretheconversationwouldsoon returntoanormalcalm.YetwhenItookoff,and woundupmyundercarriagepriortodivingpastthe crowd,mynerveswerestillonedge,andperhapsit isn'tsurprisingthatwhenIlandedatBoscombe DownIforgottowinditdownagain.

TheAnsonwasfittedwithasignaltotellthepilot whenhisundercarriagewassafelylockeddown:two littlegreenballsappearedonthedashboardwhich indicatedthathecouldstopwindingthehandle. Liftingthewheelsinvolved120turnsofthathandle atleast,anditwasdevilishhardwork.Whenthe wheelswereup,theballsdisappeared,andtherewas nothingintheaircrafttowarnhimthathewasin danger.Thisseemedrathersillytome,—especially onthatafternoon.Afterdoingacautiousdiveover thespectators,BoscombeDownwasrightahead,and allIhadtodowastothrottlebackonbothengines andputitdown.Whenthegroundappearedtobe very-closeIwasonlymildlysurprised,becausemy miudwasfulloftheghastlyeventsoftheafternoon; andthentherewasashatteringcrashasthe propellersdugintothegrass,andtheaircraftstopped deadalmostatonce.Thegroundwasstrangelyclose asIclimbedout,feelingslightlysickatmystupidity. Ithadnotbeenmymostsuccessfulday.

FlightLieutenantAndersonwasfuriousandfined mefivepoundsonthespot,withouttheoption.In 1937a'fiver'wasalotofmoney,butthiswasa standardpunishmentforthispieceofabsentmindedness.Ithappenedratherfrequently,which isn'tsurprising.BecauseofhisrageIwasgladthatI wasleavingthenextday,todoashorttwo-week courseatManston.IntheOfficers'MessIwastrying tosummonupcouragetotelephoneJo,whenshe rangme.AsIwalkedtothe'phoneIdecidednotto tellheraboutmystupidaccident:shehadbeen subjectedtoenoughtraumaforoneday.ButI misjudgedmyJosephine,whoispsychic.

"Isanythingwrong?"sheasked,andwhenI answeredcautiouslyshepersisteduntilshehad draggedthewholestoryoutofme.

"Iknewsomethinghadhappened",shesaid,"that's whyIrang.DrivedowntotheAmesburyRoadand I'llpinchPop'scarandbethereinafewminutes".

Itturnedoutratherasplendiddayafterall, becauseitwasthateveningthatwedecidedto announceourengagementwithoutdelay.

ThenextdayIleftforManstonbyrail,withDarby Welland,anAustralianpilotflyingwithaVirginia bombersquadron,alsobasedatBoscombeDown. Weweretwoofaboutadozenofficerswhohadbeen selectedfromallCommandstodotheR.A.F.'sfirst 'Astro-Navigation'course.Itwasanextraordinary course,andsomegaveupbeforeitended,whichis alsonotsurprising,becausewewrote-offseven Ansonsaltogetherbythetimewehadqualifiedin `Astro-Nav'.Thathighaccidentratewasnota reflectionofournavigatingability,butasignofthe times.TheR.A.F.hadexpandedveryrapidly becauseofChurchill'sinsistencefromthe back-benches,inviewofthegrowingthreatfrom Hitler;andweweretheeggswhichweretoformthe omelettewhich,threeyearslater,wasgoingtowin theBattleofBritain,andinCoastalCommand,help wintheBattleoftheAtlantic.

Thecourseinvolvedflyingallthroughthenight, oververylongdistances,andofteninterrible weather.'Astro-Nay'hadonlyjustappearedonthe scene,anditwasverydifferenttoordinary navigationusingamarinesextant:aseveryseafarer knows,thisisanexactscience,andapreciseart whichhasbeenpractisedforcenturies,involving straightforwardmathematicalcalculationsbasedon sphericaltrigonometry.Providingonewasaccurate andcareful,itwasasimplemattertofixaship's positionwithinafewhundredyards,orevenless,in normalconditionsofweather.

Wewereequippedwiththenew'BubbleSextant'. Onehadtolineuptheelusivebubblewithastar,or themoon,oraplanet,andkeepthetwoinlinewhile pressingastopontheinstrument'shandle.This

'shot'wasthenrecordedinsidethesextant—which wasanearlytypeofcomputer—andaftersixorseven ofthese'shots'theobligingsextantaveraged,them allout,andonecouldreadone's'MeanObserved Altitude'fromalittledial.Inavibratingaircraftit wasdifficulttojugglewiththebubbleandkeepit steady.(Itmustbemucheasiernow,inJets,where thereisverylittlevibration.)However,weimproved withpractice.

Armedwiththis'MeanObservedAltitude'the navigatorthendippedintoasetoftablescalled 'Driesenstock'—namedaftertheAmericanwho inventedthistypeofnavigation—andbyuseofa simpleformulawasabletoextractallthe informationheneededtodoasmallsumandthen plotaposition-lineonhischart.Thisvitalpositionlinehadtobedrawnfromthenearestspotonthe mapwhereameridianoflongitudecrosseda meridianoflatitude,andwascalledhis'ChosenPosition'.

IhavenoideawhyMr.Driesenstockinsistedon this,butitworked.The'Chosen-Position'was alwaysawholenumberofdegreesofbothLongitude andLatitude,andwaseasytofind,andremember. Thewholeprocedurewasrepeatedafteraninterval ofabouthalfanhour,bywhichtimetheaircrafthad flownaboutsixtyorseventymilesatleast,depending onthewind,andbyplottingthedistancerunsince thefirst'sight'wasputonthechart,thefirst position-linecouldbetransferredwithparallelrulers untilitcrossedthesecond.Thisgavethenavigatora 'Fix'.

ForthesakeofclarityIhaveover-simplifiedthe procedure,butinfact,althoughitmaysound complicated,itwassimple,andthe'Fix'obtainedwas reasonablyaccurate.Thewholecalculationwasdone by'ruleofthumb',butbecauseofthelongintervals betweensightsourflightsfromManstonwerevery extended,andcoveredavastareaofseaandland. NormallywestartedbyflyinguptheNorthSeatothe northerncoastofGermany,oreventoNorway; then,acrosstoNorthernIrelandandbackto Manston,afterlandingatsomepre-arrangedairfield torefuel.Wetookoffatstaggeredintervalssothat therewasnodangerofcollision.Theselongflights gaveusplentyofopportunityoftaking'sights'of manydifferentstarsandplanets,andlotsoftimeto allowthecorrectintervalbeforetransferringour position-lines.

Ifoundthiscoursefascinatingbecausetheresults weresogratifying:theaverage'error'—thedistance betweentheaircraft'sactualpositionandthe 'fixes'—wasseldommorethanfivemiles,andsince wewerenearlyalwaysabovecloudandoverthesea andmovingquitefast,this'error'wasquite acceptable.Ifounditeasierthantheothersonthe course,becauseofmyseafaringbackground,butI confesstobeingastoundedattheendofittodiscover thatIhadpassedouttop.Itwasthefirstandlast timeanythinglikethathashappenedtomeinany serioustest;andatschool,whenreading examinationresultslistingalltheboysinorderof passing,Ialwayssavedtimebystartingatthebottom andworkingup.Iseldomhadtoreadveryfar.

Thecoursewasdividedintopairs,andthese couplesalwaysflewtogether.Mycompanionwasa quietlittlePilotOfficernamedWardrop,andwe enjoyedsomeveryexcitingflightstogether.

Wetookitinturnstobe'First'or'Second' Navigator,oneofusbeingresponsibleforthesafe navigationonthewayout,andtheotherontheway back,afterrefuelling,changingroundeachnight.As weflewnearlyeverynightandhadlectureseach afternoon,wecouldonlysleepinthemornings,and bytheendofthecoursewewereallsomewhat exhausted.

TheAnson'screwconsistedoffour,thetwo navigators,thepilot,andthewirelessoperator.The navigatingtablewasimmediatelybehindthepiloton theportsideoftheglass-coveredfuselage,andthe wirelessoperatorsatbehindhissetimmediately asternofthenavigator.TherewasnoR.T.,andhis wirelesssetonlyworkedwhenhehadloweredhis trailingaerial.Becausethisattractedlightninglikea magnet,inanyelectricalstormhehadtowinditinat once.Thepreviousyear,whendoingmylongcourse atManstonIhadbeennavigatinganAnsonwhich wasstruckbylightning.Theoperatorwasactually windinginhisaerialatthetime,buthehadleftittoo late,andwashurledacrosstheaircraftandbadly burned.Allthepilot'sinstrumentsweresmashedand blackened,andIwastossedabouttheaircraftlikea shuttlecockinagameofbadminton.Itwasamost unpleasantexperienceandwehadtoreturntobaseat once.FortunatelywewereoutintheEnglish ChannelandManstonwasnotveryfaraway;but afterthatIwasalwaysveryconsciousofthefact, whentheoperatorhadloweredhistrailingaerial.

TherebeingnoR.T.,therewasalsono'InterCom'betweenpilotandcrew.Tomakeoneselfheard oneshoutedintothelistener'sear,andconversation wasthereforesomewhatlimited.

OnmyveryfirstflightonthisAstrocourse,my first'ChosenPosition'was1degreeWestand53 degreesNorth.Wewereoutatseaatthetime,flying north,pastTheWash,andoutofcuriosityIchecked itwithamaptoseewhereIwas.Thenearestvillage tothatintersectionwascalled'Papplewick'andthe nameintriguedme,andafterwelandedIlookedit up,insomereferencebookorother,anddiscovered thatitwasthebirthplaceofLordByron.Itwasonly afewmilesnorthofNottinghamandImadea mentalnotethatifIeverfoundmyselfinthatareaI wouldmakeapointofpausingthere.

Afewnightslaterwewereflyingto1exeloffthe FrisianIslands,andthentoAldergrove,inNorthen Ireland,torefuel,beforereturningtoManston.Ours wasthelastaircrafttotakeoffandthereforethelast torefuelatAldergrove,atabouttwointhemorning. OurpilotwasaSergeantUnderhill.Nomatterwhat hisrankthepilotwasalwaysincommand,andwas 'Captain'oftheaircraft.Atthebeginningofthe coursetheChiefInstructorwarnedusnottoargue withourpilots,saying—thatifwedid,wewould receivenosupportafterwards.

Whilewewererefuellingwesawflashesof lightninginthedistance,andSergeantUnderhilltold thewirelessoperatornottolowerhisaerialwhenwe tookoff,asthestormlaydirectlyaheadofus.Itwas overLiverpoolandManchester,wedecided.Itwas myturntobefirstnavigatorforthehomewardflight andUnderhillgrinnedatmeandsaid"Your navigationwillhavetobespot-on,becauseweshan't beabletocheckourpositionbyW.T.withoutan aerial!"Thedecision,whethertotakeoffornot,was thepilot'sresponsibility,butinfact,theideaof remainingatAldergrovedidnotoccurtoanyofus. Wewereallkeentocompletetheexerciseandget backtoManstonandturnin.In1937AirTraffic Controlwithexpensivelytrainedmeteorological officers,didnotexist,andattwointhemorningall thestationofficerswereinbed.

WhenwecrossedtheIrishSeawerealisedthatthe stormwasofalarmingpropotions_Thelightningwas almostcontinous,andasitwasamoonlessnightthe darknessconcealedthehugethundercloudwhichsat overmostofEngland.Someoftheaircraftaheadof ushadmissedthestorm,butotherswerelanding wherevertheycould,toavoidit.Somehadtoforce land,withvaryingresults.Weclimbed,inavain endeavourtogetaboveit,butitenvelopedusbefore wereachedthemainland.SergeantUnderhill

wrestledwiththecontrols,andcontinuedtoclimb, butwewerebeingtossedaboutlikeashipatseaina gale.Histaskwasmademoredifficultatfifteen thousandfeetbecausethepetoheadfroze,andthe AirSpeedIndicatorstoppedworking.Usingtherest ofhislimitedinstrumentsheflewbyinstinct, climbingassteadilyashecould.Itisdifficultto believethattwoCheetahNineaeroenginescould carryusuptosuchaheightbutweeventually reachedtwenty-threethousandfeet.Withoutoxygen, andwithoutanymeansofknowingwhatspeedwe weredoing,wecouldclimbnofurther,andtherewas littlepointtrying,becauseitwashailingat23000, andthehailstoneswererattlingagainstourglass fuselagelikemachine-gunbullets.Iwasvery relievedwhenIsawthatUnderhillhadstartedto descend,eventhoughwewereheadingintotheeyeof thestorm.

Ourdescentwasinacarefullyflownseriesof glidingturns,duringwhichIoccupiedmytimeby tryingtoplotourmovementsonaplottingdiagram, transferringtheresultstoamapsothatwecould havesomeideawherewewere,whenwebrokecloud. Navigatingwasnoteasybecausetheaircraftwas bouncingaboutinafrenzyofjerks;butwecameout ofthecloudattwothousandfeet,atwhichtimethe petoheadunfrozeandUnderhillcouldcheckhis speedonceagain.Isuspectedthatthelightninghad meltedtheicebutderidedmyselfforthinkingsuch fancifulthoughts.Itwasveryhelpful,becausethe constantflasheslitupthegroundallaroundus.

Therainsweptwindscreensweredifficulttosee through,butWardropandIpeeredthroughthemas bestwecould,andconsultedthemap.Ifmy calculationswerecorrectthelightsoftwobigtowns, oneaheadandoneasternofus,wereNottingham andDerby,andIshoutedintoUnderhill'searthatwe shouldflyoverHucknallaslowashedared,andtry towakesomeoneup,sothattheywouldturnonthe airfieldlandinglights.Itwasobvioustousallthatwe couldnotcontinuetoManston,andwouldhaveto landsomewhere,andHucknallseemedthemost sensiblechoiceasitwassoclose—ifmy doodlingonthemapwereright,—andalways assumingthatwecouldfinditintheblacknessof thatstorm.

Foraverylongwhilewecircledtheareatothe northofNottinghambutwhennolightmaterialisedI begantodoubtmycalculations.Infact,wemust haveflownoverHucknallatleastadozentimesbut nobodybotheredtoturnout.Iwasabouttosuggest toUnderhillthatweshouldallbaleoutwhenhe beckonedme,andpointedtoalargeareaofdarkness ahead.

"I'vebeenwatchingit,"heshouted"and everynowandthenwhenthere'saflashof lightningIcouldseethatitsabigfield.I'mgoing downtohaveacloserlookatit.Itcan'tbeHucknall becauseitsinthewrongposition,ifthattownis Nottingham".

Keepingthesquareofblackgroundunderhisport wing-tiphedidawidesweeptoport,flyinginavery shallowturn,andgraduallylosingheight,Wehadno ideaofthewinddirectionbutweatherconditions werealmostcyclonic,anditwasprobablyblowingin circlesanyway.

Underhillhadturnedonhislandinglight,which merelylituptheheavyrain,butahedgesuddenly appearedinitsbeam,comingtowardsusveryfast indeed,andIwasstartledtorealisehowlowwewere. Instantly,thepilotopenedhisthrottlesandclimbed away.Hecircledtoportinaclimbingturnandbegan tolowerhisundercarriage.Forgettingtheruleabout notarguingwiththepilotIputmyhandonhis shoulderandshookmyheadathim.Hepeeredatme withapuzzledexpressionandsoIshoutedinhisear,

"Itsstandardpracticewhenflyingtwinstoforcelandwithyourundercartup.Thenthepropsdigin, andthebellyofthefuselageactsasabrake.Youpull upatoncewithverylittledamage".Iremembered thathehadjustreturnedfromtheNorthWest FrontierinIndia,wherehehadbeenflyingsingleenginedaircraft,andIassumedthatnobodyhadtold himaboutthis.

Bytheexpressiononhisfaceitwasclearthathe thoughtIwasdaft.Heshookhisheadandfrowned.

"I'mnotgoingtolandwithoutanywheels!"he said,andwentonloweringtheundercarriage.Itried totellhimaboutmylandingwithoutwheelstheweek before,atBoscombeDown,butheshruggedme awayimpatiently.Ihadtolethimconcentrateonhis flyingortherewouldbeanaccident,andhewas havingadesperatejobtokeepthefieldinsight throughthewaterywindscreen.Onlyonemancan beincommandofanaircraft,orship,in emergencies,andhemustbeallowedtodecide withoutinterference.ButIwassurethatlandingin anunknownfieldwithanundercarriagewassuicide. Iwasveryfrightened,butattheageoftwenty-three, onehasplentyofAdrenalin,andminewaspumping throughmyveinsatmaximumspeed.

WhenWardropsawwhatwashappening,he stretchedhimselfonthedeck,withhisfeetpointing afttowardsthegun-turretdoorbehindthewireless operator,whoInoticedwasflashinghisAldislight throughthewindow.Fromthereflectionontheglass IsawthathewasmakingS.O.S.,repeatedly,and wonderedwhohethoughtwasgoingtocometoour rescueupthere,inthatthunderstorm.Hisreasoning seemedalittleobscure,butitwaskeepinghim occupied,andwasn'tdoinganyharm.Istoodfacing ahead,overthepilot'sshoulderbutwithmylegs apartinaforeandaftposition,andgraspedthe stanchionsbehindthepilot'sseat,andabartthe navigator'stable,andwaitedfortheinevitablecrash.

Whenwestraightenedouthisfinalapproachwe weredowntoacoupleofhundredfeet,withour wheelsdown.TheAnsonhadnoflapsthen,andI sawthatboththrottleswereclosed.Thehedge loomedupandUnderhilldroppedtheaircraftonto thegroundonthefarsideofitandweroaredacross thedarknessofthatfieldatsuchaspeedthatIknew thatwewereeithergoingdownhillordownwind,or both,andtherewasnohopeofmakingalanding. Thepilothadthesamethoughtandopenedthe throttleswideandpulledtheBoostcontrolintothe Overridepositionandweroaredintotheairagain, andclimbedawayintothestorm.Ibreathedasighof reliefthatwehadnothitanything,andbentdownto shoutintothepilot'sear,askinghimwhathe intendedtodo.Hetoldmethathewasgoingtodo anotherreconnaissanceofthefield,withouttouching down,andtrytostretchhisapproachsothathe couldlandinastalledcondition.Iappealedtohimto letusallbaleout,buthearguedthatwewerenot carryingparachuteflares,sobailingoutwasoutof thequestion.

"I'dratherbaleoutwithoutflaresthanbe bumpedofftryingtoland",Isaid,acidly,andhe glaredatme.Iwasmakinghimangry,andthatwas dangerousinthecircumstances,soIresignedmyself totheinevitable.AtanymomentIwasgoingtomeet myMaker,andthethoughtwasmostunwelcome.

Fivetimesweflewoverthathedgeandfivetimes wetoucheddown,andfivetimesweracedacrossthat field,whichwasn'tasbigaswethought,—without knowingwhatlayahead.Betweeneachattemptthe pilotdidanevenlongerfinalapproach,tryingto reducehisspeedoftouchdown,butitwasclearly hopeless.Idon'tknowhowlongwewerecirclingin thedarknessandtherain,butthelightningcontinued toflashandtherewasnosignofanyabatement.We

musthavebeenattemptingtolandforfullyhalfan hour,becausewelaterlearnedthatthepolicehad timetoevacuatearowoflittlecottagesoverwhich wefleweachtimewetookoffagain,andescortthe occupantstothepubintherighthandcornerofthe field,calledtheGriffinHead.Anumberofmenalso hadtimetolineuptheircarsandshinetheir headlightsintoanadjacentfieldwhichhadbeen usedasanemergencyairfieldduringthefirstworld war;butwesawnothingofallthis.Acrowdof spectatorshadgatheredintherainandwerestanding outsidethepub.Theytolduslaterthattheyknewwe wereboundtocrash,becausethereweretelephone postsrightacrossthefieldsuspendingelectriccables betweenthem,andwewerepassingunderthese cableseverytimewetookoffagain,andbeforeour wheelsnarrowlymissedtherooftopsofthecottages.

AfterourfifthattemptUnderhillcircledthefield withoutapproachingtoland,andsignedtomethat hewantedanothertalk.

"Haveyouseenthathedge?"heasked,andI nodded,andrefrainedfromsaying'fivebloody times!'

"NexttimeroundI'mgoingtoslamtheaircraft throughthehedge.Thatoughttopullusup".

Iagreedthatitundoubtedlywould,andonceagain pointedoutthatourpropellersandfuselagewould dothesamemoreefficiently,andwithoutrisktous all,ifonlyhewouldretracthisundercarriage;buthe glaredatmeangrily.OnceagainIappealedtohimto letusbaleout,butIwastingmytimeandhis.Inthe interestsofsafetyIjusthadtostoparguing.

Onourfinalapproach,whenthehedgecame loomingoutofthesurroundingdarkness,Underhill bouncedourwheelsdown,beforewereachedit,and liftedthenoseoftheaircraftsothatonlythesternof theAnsonstruckthehedge,whichitdidwithtearing force.Atthemomentofimpactweweredoingabout seventyknotsatleast,andtheaircraftwastornin half.Thewholeofthefuselage,fromjustabaftthe wirelessoperator,andallofthetailplaneand rudder,waswrenchedaway,andinthesplitsecond beforewecrashedontothefieldandbeganspinning likeachild'stop,1foundmyselflookingatthe jaggedopeningoftornmetalandcanvaswhichwas nowourstern,andhadtimetoadmirethe magnificentflyingskillofourpilotwhohad succeededinputtingtheaircraftdownwithout damagetoitscrew.ThenIwasflungoffmyfeetby centurifugalforce,inthatcrazygroundspin,and collapsedontopofWardrop.Thepropellersground theirwayintothesoftearthaswetippeduponour nose,andthentherewascompletesilenceasboth enginesstopped,exceptforthenoiseoftherainon ourglassroof,andonthegrassoutside.Itwasa friendlysound,andwassomewhatreassuring, becauseifIcouldhearitIwasstillalive!Isatupand watchedSergeantUnderhillremovehisflyinghelmet withhisbacktowardsus,ascalmlyasthoughhehad justlandedatManston.

Thepetroltankshadnotbeendamaged,andinan excessofreliefItookoutmycigarettecaseand offeredthemaround.Wardropwasplainlyrelieved whenIstoodup.Ihadbeensittingonhischest.

"We'vemadeit!"Iexclaimed."ByChrist,we've madeit!"

"There'sacrowdofpeoplerunningacrossthe field,"thewirelessoperatorsaid,andIturnedto Wardropandsaid"1wonderwhereweare?"andat thatmomentastoutmiddle-agedmanwithabald head,appearedinthegapatourstern.Hepeered insideandtherainwasstreamingfromhisbaldpate downhisface.Hehadheardmyquery,andanswered it.

"Papplewick,"hesaid,andthenstaredatmein amazementwhenIbegantolaugh.

Induecoursewewereescortedtothepubwhereall thewomenandchildrenweresittingintheir nightclothes,sippingcupsoftea.Thelandlordplied uswithwhiskyandcongratulatedusonourescape, whilewewaitedfortheR.A.F.transportwhichthe policehadsummondfromHucknall,—whichIwas astoundedtolearnwasonlyaboutfourmilesaway. Whilewewaited,weweretoldthefullextentofour miraculousescape;butitwasn'tuntilthenext morning,whenweweredrivenfromHucknallback tothatfieldtomakeourreports,thatwerealised howtrulymiraculousithadbeen.Standinginthat fieldIsawforthefirsttimethattotheleftof,it, directlyinourflightpathasweturneddownwind eachtime,andrightunderneathus,probablybyonly afewfeet,weresomequitehighhills.

Theywerereallyratherbeautifulhills,buttome, asIgapedatthem,theywerethemostsinistersightI hadeverseen,andremindedmeofrocksonasea bed,awaitingsomeunsuspectingship.Mybloodran cold,andIremembershivering.Itwasamoment thatIhaveneverforgotten.

BackatManstonwelearnedthatquiteafew Ansonshadcrashedthatnightbutnobodyhadbeen hurt.DarbyWelland,theAustralian,laughedwhenI walkedintothebar.Iaskedhimwhathadhappened tohimandhispartner,aCanadiannamedSmith, andhisswarthyfacewrinkledintoahugegrin.

"Oh!"hesaid,airily,"weforce-landedinthe groundofabighotelatRobinHood'sBay,onthe cliffsofYorkshire.Thehotelwasfullofwomen attendingsomesortofconferenceandtherewereno menthereatall,asfarasIcouldsee.Wetookoff longbeforeyou,atAldergrove,andtheyhadnot gonetobedandthrewadanceforus.Theywere delightedtoseefourhealthychapswalkinatabout eleveno'clock.SmithyandIcashedcheques,andwe allhadhotbathsandadecentmeal,andafterwards wehadthetimeofourlives!"

Imadesomesuitablecommentaboutsomepeople whofalldownsewersandcomeoutsmellingof violets.

"HowdidyougetbacktoManston?"Iasked.

"Flew,ofcourse!Ourpilotdidadamngood landingtherewasplentyofroomtotake-offinthe morning."

RobinHoodBaywasnowherenearanypossible coursethattheycouldhavebeenflyingbetween AldergroveandManston,andIaskedhowonearth theyhadendedupthere.

Wellandgrinned."Weflewnorthuntilwegotout ofthatnastyweather,Cobber,andthenlookedfor aniceplacetoland.Thepilotsaid,thathehad landedtherebefore,andthatitwasokay.Takeit fromme,ifyou'vegottoforce-land,alwaysgetas farawayfromthebadweatherasyoucan,andpicka nicespot.That'swhatmypilotdid,andI'mnot complaining!"

Iwonderediftheirpilotalsoknewthattherewas goingtobeahotelfullofwomenthatnight,but refrainedfromasking.

Afewdayslater,whenwewerebeingbriefedfor anotherlongnightflight,theonlySquadronLeader onthecoursestoodupathisdeskandstarted packingallhisnavigationalequipmentintoabag. ThebriefingOfficerstaredathimhard,andthe SquadronLeadersaid,"I'msorry,butI'mamarried manwithchildren,andI'mgoinghome",andthat wasthelastwesawofhim.Oneortwoothers followedsuit,afewdayslater,afteranotherchapter ofaccidents.Ican'tsaythatIblamedtheminthe circumstances.

OnMondaythe5thJune,thisyear,myhostsat HucknallofferedtoshowmearoundtheRollsRoyce worksontheairfieldduringtheafternoon.Ihad nothingtodountilIhadtoaddressallthemembers

inapubcalled'TheFlyingHorse'inLeicester,that evening,attheirannualget-together.Theywanted metotellthemaboutmywartimeexperiences,flying theSwordfishintheFleetAirArm.(Itransferred backtotheNavyin1938whentheAdmiraltytook overcontrolofitsownaviationfromtheAir Ministry).WhileintheMidlandsIwasstayingwith KenSwordandhischarmingwifeandfamily,near Leicester,andwhileundertheirmosthospitableroof Ihadnowishtogoanywhere.Icertainlydidn'twant todragmyoldpeg-legaroundafactory.ButI couldn'tverywellsitaboutintheSword'shouse,all day,withoutbeinganuisance;sowhenStewart Jackson,thesecretaryoftheEastMidlandStrut, called,andaskedmewhatIwouldliketodo,Iasked himifhewouldtakemetofindafieldjustnorthof Nottingham,andheagreedreadily.

"Butwhy?heasked."Anddoyouknowwhereit is?"

"Yes,"Isaid."Its1degreeWestand53degrees North,andveryclosetoavillagecalledPapplewick. Ilandedthereinathunderstormexactlyforty-one yearsagoandIwouldliketoseeitagainverymuch indeed".

MycompanionknewPapplewickquitewellandas wedrovethere,Itoldhimthestory.Wefoundthe fieldwithoutdifficultyandthetelephonepostsare stillwheretheywere,suspendinganelectricalcable.I thinksomeofthecottageshavebeendemolishedand othersbuilt,butTheGriffinHeadisstillwhereit was,andwehadadrinkthere,assoonasitopened.

Standinginthatfieldafteranintervalofforty-one yearswasacuriousexperience,andthehillshad exactlythesameeffectonme.Ifeltmyblood runningcoldagain,andbegantoshiverwhichwas whywewentintothepubforadrink.

Oursurvivaldoesn'tsurprisemenow,becauseI havelongsincerealisedthatIhaveaveryhardworkingguardianangel.Sheworkedovertime throughoutthewar,andbefore.Atseainmyteens, shesavedmefromsharkswhenIwasswimming illegallyoffthecoastofEastAfrica;shecametomy rescueinNorfolk,Virginia,whenIwascutofffrom theshipafteraswim,byashoalofstingingrays;in

theislandofMauritiusIsharedafloodeddry-dock witharealliveSwordfish,withoutknowingitwas thereuntilthedry-dockwasemptied,whenitflapped aboutonthebottom.Shegotmeoutofjail,whenI waslockedupforthenightinBuenosAires,and again,inPortugeseEastAfrica,(nowcalled Mozambique);(onbothoccasionsIwasentirely innocent,ofcourse).IthinkIfirstmadeher acquaintanceonmyfirstfivedaysatsea,in1930, whenIencounteredtheworstweatherIhaveever experienced.ThatwasintheNorthSeatoo,andfive shipswenttothebottomaroundtheUnited Kingdom,duringthosehorrendousfivedaysand nights,oneoftheminsightofus,intheClan Mackinlay.

IfthethreeotheroccupantsofthatAnsonalsohad GuardianAngelsashardworkingasmine,wewere boundtosurvive.

ALamb'stailpiece

ForhisskillthatnightSergeantUnderhillwas awardedaDistinguishedFlyingMedal,byKing GeorgeVI,andIagreethathefullydeservedit—for hisskillinhandlingtheaircraft,butnotforhis Airmanship.Inthatviolentstorm,whenweforced theaircraftuptoastronomicalheightswithoutan AirSpeedIndicator,hisflyingwasbrilliant;andthe wayhemanagedtodamageonlythesternofthe Ansonwhenheflewintothathedgewassheergenius. Ifhesurvivedthewar,heisprobablyaretiredAir Marshal,now,orsomethingequallyimportant,in whichcaseIhopethathewillagreewithmethathis airmanshipthatnightwasawful.Inmyopinionhe deservedthetypeofkickinthatpartofhisanatomy whichhecausedthehedgetoinflictontheAnson's, butperhapsnotwithsuchdramaticforce.

In1937,whenwewerecirclingoverthatfieldand makingsuicidaldartsattheearth,Iremember thinkingthatoursurnamesweresingularlyapt:it wastomyeverlastingcreditthatmybehaviourwas solamblike.Haditbeenotherwise,allfourofus mustsurelyhaveendedourdays,underthat Papplewickhill.

GROUPNEWS

From LesRichardson

Someofyouareprobablythinking that P.F.A. groupshavesunkintohibernation,butthisisfar fromthetruth.MikeVaiseyhashadtorelinquishthe positionofGroupSecretaryandItookoverin September.ThefirstthingthatIhadtodowasto readthroughmanyfilesetc.which1maysaywerein excellentorder.Thishowever,didtaketimeandif anyoneisawaitinganswerstoletterspleasebearwith meandifbythetimeyoureadthisepistleyour patienceisgettingshort,pleasedropmealineandI willattempttopickupthethreads.Hopefullyinnext issueofPopularFlying1canproduceanupdatedlist ofGroups.

Beforeyoureceivethesenotesyoushould hopefullyhaveheardfrommewithashort questionaire.Perhapslikemeyouarebombarded withsuchmissileseverydayandyouthink;"Hells Bells—notanother"butthisisindeedaveryuseful pieceofinformationtotheP.F.A.Itenablesthe OfficetoknowexactlywhatthestrengthofP.F.A. reallyis.Asyouknowthereisacertainamountof

overlapbetweenordinarymembersandthosewho arealsoinGroups,butremembertherealstrengthof P.F.A.isinbeingabletopresentaunitedforceboth innumbersandinorganisationtothevariousbodies withwhomithastodealandsometimesargue.The valueofaGroupisnotaseasytodefineasan individualmemberbutquiteapartfromtheextra financialassistancethattheP.F.A.gainsfrom Groups,itdoesenableanymoreproblemstobe tackled.Individualmemberscanusuallysolvetheir ownproblemsbutthosepeculiartoGroups,suchas legalliabilities,limitedcompanys,trainingproblems, tonamebutthree,areareaswhereP.F.A.cananddo assist.Thefirsttwoofthementionedproblemsare indeedbeinginvestigatedatthispresenttime.

Ithinkthisisenoughtointroducemyself,butmay Isayagain,Pleasecontactmeifyouhavebeen ignoredrecently.AfterallImayjusthavemissed yourletterinthemanyfileswhichwehavecomplied overtheyearstobuilduptherecordsofwhatisa veryimportantsideofP.F.A.—TheGroups.

Comper'sLongRangeSwift

ThisisastoryofArthurButlerwhomadeanine dayrecordbreakingflighttoAustraliainaComper SwiftG-ABRE.IntheAutumnof1931,havingjust arrivedinEnglandtogainexperienceintheBritish AircraftIndustry,Butlerlearnedsomedisturbing personalnewsfromhishomeinAustraliawhich compelledhimtoreturnwithoutdelay.Justby chancehemetNicholasComper,whosejolly personalitywarmedtotheyoungpilots'plight,and actingonimpulse,heofferedArthurButlerthe chancetoflyabrandnewSwifttoAustralia.Of courseButleracceptedtheinvitationwithout hesitationandwasimmediatelysweptintoa whirlwindofactivity.WhilethenewSwiftairframe tookshapeintheHootonFactory,heplannedthe route,organisedthemaps,refuelingfacilitiesand visasforthevariouscountriesinwhichheintended toland.NickComperkindlyloanedhimhis personalKingsCupwinningSwiftG-AAZFasa personal'Hack'whileallofthesearrangementswere beingmadeinordertogivehimasmuchexperience ontypeaspossible.

NootherComperSwifthadevercarriedsomuch fuelbefore.Fortygallonswerecrammedintothe tinyfuselagemakingitnecessaryfortheinstrument paneltobemovedbackmuchclosertothepilot. EverythinginthecockpitwastailoredtofitButlerso thatthemaximumofsparesandequipmentcouldbe carried.Meanwhile,ArthurButler,whowashimself anengineerandaircraftdesigner(Hebuiltthefirst Australianallmetalairframeaircraftin1929)was receivinganabbreviatedgroundengineerscourseon the72h.p.Pobjoy"R"Enginesupervisedby DoctorPobjoy,andheactuallyhelpedassemblethe engineforG-ABRE.Withthisintensivetrainingon engineandairframehewasconfidentofcopingwith anyofthemechanicalproblemslikelytoariseduring

aspunumoauumj

thejourneyhalfwayaroundtheearth.

Justtwelvedaysaftertheirfirstmeeting,Nick CornpertooktheAzureblueandwhiteCLA.7Swift intotheairforitsinitialtestflight.Butfirstofall hehadtoremovehisbootsinordertosqueezehis feetintothesmallspaceavailable!Theaircraftwasa completesuccessdespitehavingatake-offweightof morethandoubleitsemptyweieht—theheaviest swiftevertofly,withtheextrafuelloadgivingita stillairrangeof900milesplusonehourofflyingasa reserve.

Afterafrustratingeightdaysdelaywaitingforthe officialpermittoflyoverPersia,ArthurButlertookoffinthepre-dawndarknessfromLympneAirport, Kent,onthe3IstOctober,1931.Thehistoryofthe flightisanexcitingaccountoffearandtriumph whichtestedtheex-mailpilot'scapabilitiestothe limit.Hisfinaldestinationwasthelittletownshipof Tooraweenah,nestlingintheFoothillsofthe WarrumbunglehillsofNewSouthWales,wherehe arrivedjustonemonthafterhisfirstmeetingwith NickComper.Thetinyaeroplanehadbehaved faultlesslythroughgales,icing,dust,rainand thunderstorms.SotiredwasButlerwhenhearrived atDarwin,Australia,hedidnotknowhehad smashedtheexistingU.K.—Australiarecord.Hewas happytostretchhislegsandloanedtheaircrafttoan oldfriendandfellowpilotwhoimmediatelyputon animpromptuandexuberentbeat-upofDarwin Airfield.Attheofficialreceptionthatnight,the friendwasfetedastheconqueringherowhilepoor Arthur,inadazedcondition,fellasleepinhisHotel roomamidstapileofCongratulatoryTelegrams!

OfcourseArthurButlerwasaremarkablyskilled pilotwhowentontofoundoneofAustralia's PremierAirlines,buthisepicflightsurelyremains thegreatesttributetoNicholasComper'sCLA.7 SwiftandPobjoyssuperblightweightradialengine.

Journey'sEnd

ArthurBuller'stinyCompel SwiftatMoraIvcenali. N.S.R...afterhis.record breakingflightfromtheU.K. in1931.There rim noairfield intheUtiletoWliandtheonly pcimlpunIf»casOutsidethe 111011 store.Butlerlater purchasedlandhereandbuilt the.firs!Toomiccenah mnipletewithham:fors'and maimenancefacilities.

PhotoCourtesy— C.irthurButler

TigersGalore

TheHuntervalleyN.S.W.isrenownedforits vineyardsbutduringthefirstweekendofOctoberits benignGreenHillsechotothesoundofGypsyMajor enginesasTigcrMothsfromalloverAustralia convenefortheannualPacificTigerMothRaceon theturfofRutherfordAirfieldnearthetownof Maitland.OrganisedbytheRoyalNewcastleAcro ClubheadedbyJackFaheyandsponsoredbythe PacificFilmCompanytheracethisyearattracted41 entries,andamorecolourfulscenecouldnotbe imaginedasthecrewshauledtheirmachines,firstto thefuelpumpsandthentothescrutineerteamswho checkedand'sealed'eachTigerpriortotherace itself.

Insidethespaciousclubhouseamostfriendly atmosphereprevailedasthewellorganisedbriefing tookplace.JackFaheyandhiscommitteehad photographedeverylandmarkonthecolourfulRun tothesouthalongthebeautifulNewSouthWales coast,sothatpilotswouldknoweachturningpoint. Jackmadethepointthatthiswasaraceandnota navigationcompetition.Howeverwenotedthatmost oftheentrantsweretheretoenjoytheverymeeting

RefuelledandScrutinised ATigercrewpushtheir machinebackintolineto awaittheracestartatRutherfordairfieldintheHunter valley.Notethe'PacificFilm' postertapedtotheengine cowling.

DATE

Suu April1st

Sun May6th

Sal-Mon

Mast26-28th

Sun June3rd

Sat/Mon

Aug.25-27th

Sun.

Oct.7th

itself,andasonecrewconfidedtousthattheyhad spentfivedaysflyingtogetthere,theraceitselfwas justgiltontheginger-bread.Howeverconsidering thephotographicvalueofmorethanthreedozen colourfulBiplanesflyingalongonehundredmilesof holidaycoastlitie.themindbogglesatthenumbero snapsthatmusthavebeentakenthatweekendMy colleaguehadthelastsav—"Neserseensomany igersalltogethersince17.F.T.S."hegrunted.

-f-4-4-4-4-

Newsbriefs

Thirtysixvintageaircraftattendedthesummer camp,includingthetoughlittleU.S.ArmyAeronca L-16whichcompleteditspermittestflightswith ownerDavidHarperatthecontrols Another successfulfilmshowwasheldattheR.A.F.museum atHendoninNovember,organisedbychairman TonyHaroldBadweatheratOldWardenforceda postponementoftheannualspotlanding, competition

VINTAGECALENDAR1979

ByCourtesyDavidHarper—VintageClubRallySec.

EVENT

DaffodilRally

GeminiPatrol

WhitsonCamp

VintageCarDay VintageSummerCamp

SpotkanclinnCompetition

PLACE

Finmere—Timedcircuitcowpetitionsandflypast practice.—EasterEggprizes.

Finmere—FormationpracticedayplusAirtoAir photographyshutterbugging.

BostonAerodrome—Bringthefamilyfor I hethreedays ofVintageAircraftFlying.

Finmere—ParadeandFlypast

Finmere—Caramisandtents—allwelcomeforthree daysofintagegossipandllving-plusthebigBar-B-Cue onSaturdaynight. (Tobearranged)

Note:—TheabovecalendarmaybesubjecttochangeatthediscretionoftheV.A.C.committee.

Photo: AChalkley

STRUTTINGAROUND

WithJimWills

ANDOVERSTRUT

The'Indiansummer'experiencedduringlast SeptemberandOctoberprovidedmembersofthe AndoverStrutwithanexcellentopportunitytoassist with,andtakepartintwoeventsheldatThePopham AirCentre;TheweekendofSeptember24thwasthe datesetfortheAusterRallytowhich23visiting aircraftincluding6Austersattended.

PrizesawardedattherallyweretoFredPyle(GAJPZ),whowontheDaveMillerTrophy,runnerup wasMr.Stocks(G-AJAE)whileTonyYoungfrom HenstridgewontheSpotLandingCompetitioninhis BeagleHuskyG-AVSR.The'MostMeritorious' AwardwasmadetoRupertHibbard,Presidentof theInternationalAusterClub,whotookpartinhis firstrallyhavingflownoverfromFranceinanew aircraft(F-BGKZ),whichhehadjustboughtthere.

MembersgatheredfortheBarbecueintheevening whichprovedtobeajollyoccasion,severalcamping overnightwereabletostokeuponaClubhouse 'BreakfastSpecial'servedbyagallantbandof volunteercooks.

Sunday15thOctoberwasVintageDayatPopham, thebuild-uptothiseventbeganthepreviousevening withanotherBarbecue,theIndiansummerwenta littleflatatthispointgivingwayinsteadtoafoggy Saturdayevening.Despitethis,itdidnotdeter30or somembersenjoyingaverylivelyandsuccessful event.

Thosepresentwereprivilegedtotryagastronomic delicacyprobablyuniquewithintheBritishIslesand peculiartoPopham,theamazing,famousMonster Beetroot.Thisincrediblevegetablewascutintoslices 18inchesindiameter,enablingseveralfolktogather aroundasliceandeattogether!T-bonesteakslooked likemerepotatocrispsbycomparison,withinthe circleofthefirelight,everyone'sfacesglowedwith rosyhealthastheywieldedtheirsizzlingfrying-pans whilemorelogswerethrownontoencouragethe leapingflamesevenhigherandgivethatsoughtaftersmokedflavourtoeveryone'ssupper,plusthe oddsplinterortwo.

However,anyonefoolhardyenoughtostrayaway fromtherelativesecurityofthebonfirewas immediatelylostwithinthegatheringmurk!There weredoubtlesssomeinterestingencountersasstray personswoveaboutwithoutstretchedhandstryingto findtheirway,particularlyiftheyhadaccompanied theirbarbecuedsupperbeforehandwiththeHorlicks whichistraditionallydrunkontheseoccasions.

ThefogpersistedonSundaymorningand doubtlesskeptawaysomeoftheVintageaircraftthat wouldotherwisehavecome,fortunatelytheweather hadclearedbylunchtimeandremainedfineuntil lateafternoon.

Duringthatintervalsomeveryinteresting aeroplanesarrivedincludingahandsomeredStampe bi-plane.ThePrincessFlyingBoatTrophywas awardedtoTedGardner,whoarrivedfrom Mapledurhaminaverytrimandeye-catchinggreen PiperVagabond(1-11DVB.'themagnificenS.E.5a, replica,builtbyMikeBeechandpilotedby'Rocky' Stone,arrivedfromBooker;everyonecrowded aroundtoadmiretheaircraft,notinginparticular thefirst-classworkmanship.Thrillsandexcitement wereprovidedwhentheS.E.5aperformedaseriesof 'manoeuvres'beforeleaving.

IRISHSTRUT

Thewinterseasonhasprovidedyetanother opportunityforSecretary,NoelO'Neill,toputpen topaperonbehalfoftheIrishStrut,bringingusup todateontheactivitiesofitsmembers.

Noelhimselfhasacquiredanex-R.A.F.Chipmunk T.Mk.10,stillinR.A.F.colours,markings,and completewithroundels,heishopingtorestorethisto flyingconditions—completewithexistingmarkings andwouldappreciatealineortwofromsomeone whocsfamiliarwiththeprocedureforobtainingthe necessarypermissionforsame.(RegisteredMarksGBFDChavebeenissuedbutarenotyetpaintedonas themachinewaslastusedin1967whenitwasflown toAldergrovetobeusedforAeroplaneInstruction with23M.U.

BesideNoel'sChipmunk,inaNewtownards hangar,sitsDavidMagillsTaylorMonoplaneand CyrilMcCortney'sLutonMajor,bothpatiently waitingtogetairundertheirwheels,thesearetobe joinedbeforelongbytheV.P.2'sofGeorgeAdams andFranieMorris,eachhopingtovisitthe'79 InternationalRally!

About36peopleattendedaseminarheldinthe workshopsofWynnTechnologyLtd.Kilbrittain, (nearCork)duringearlyNovember;itbeganat NoononSaturday4thandwasconcludedat4pmon thefollowingday.

RussellWynn,owneroffiveMilesGemini's, ("twocomplete,therestinkitform")laidon everythinginhisworkshops,allowinghomebuilders anopportunitytotrytheirhandatwelding,putting fabriconstructuresanddopingit.UnderRussell's guidance,folkwereencouragedtohaveagoatthe fabricationoffibre-glassmouldings,discussions wereheldandinstructionswasgiventothosewho wereinneed,onanyparticularpointrelatingto aircraftconstruction.StrutSecretaryNoelO'Neill, canbecontactedat57,CleverlyPark,Belfast,BT8 4NB,orby'phoneonBelfast645827.

NORTHERNGYRO-PLANESTRUT

TherallyheldbytheNorthernGyro-planeStrutin earlySeptemberagainprovedasuccess,and althoughitstartedquietlyenough,theonlynoise otherthanthatfromwhirlingrotorbladescamefrom theRoyalAirForceandUnitedStatesAirForce participation.

Therewassteadygyro-glideractivityallthrough theSaturdayafternoonfromEarlTesto(BensonB8 dual),KenandVincentWillows(Gyroflight "Midge")joinedtherallyfromPeterborough, bringingsomenewmemberswiththem.Othergyroplanesseenattherallywerethenew"Midge" belongingtoTedSawyerandthe"Gad-Fly" belongingtoVernonKelktheslrutCo-ordinator.

OntheSunday,therewassomefixedwingactivity, withtheCessna172G-AVIDfromDoncaster(a regularvisitortoMelbourne)droppinginearly. CarolineEdwards,Cessna172G-AR1V,camefrom LeicesterandmanagedtofindMelbourne,thislady maybethecountry'sfirst'Whirlybird',noother ladieshaveexpressedawishtoprogresstopowered gyro-planeflying.

ThehomebasedCessnaG-BAEX,wasalsoactive inthemorning;Intheafternoonfriendsfromthe

"GrangeFlyingGroup"atSproatleydroppedin, JeffWardand'Sexy'(JodelD117G-ASXY),Jerry WardhavingbroughttheBensonB8MG-BCWIby road,GordonCapesinCherokeeG-BCTAandJohn HartleyandStanGossipwithEmmeraudesG-ASMT andG-ASBS.ItthenbecameanintensivegyroglidingafternoonwithEarlTesto,KenandVincent Willows,HenryandDavidBeevers(withEamonn Kenny'sB8dualglider),variousdriversand observerswadedthroughaflyinglistwhichatone pointonlyseemedtogrowlonger.Theturnoutby Strutmemberswasalmost100%andtheStrutgained afewnewmembers.

WESTMIDLANDSSTRUT

Anexcellentandinterestinglectureoncloud formationswasgiventomembersoftheWest MidlandsStrutattheirSeptembermeeting,the lecture,byMalcolmRobins,wasillustratedwith slides.PartTwoofthelecturewasconcludedatthe Novembermeeting.

TheStrutparticipatedintheannualHalfpenny Greenairshows,attendingtotheerectionofthe P.F.A.tentandthedisplaystands.Membersassisted withthesaleofP.F.A.literaturewhereaboutforty fivepoundsworthweresold,10%ofthisfigure beingawardedtothestrut'sfunds.

ManyP.F.A.aircrafttookpart,theSunday especiallywasaveryenjoyableday.Strut participationattheeventresultedinseveralnew additionstothemembershiplist.

SteveTalbotof"Paraquip",aforemostexpertin theartofparachuting,presentedmembersatthe Octobermeetingwithamostinterestinglectureand filmon[heart,togetherwithdemonstrations(after puttingdownhisbeermugwehope!)

SOUTHERNSTRUT

AttheirSeptembermeeting,member.;ofthe SouthernStrutheardatalkgivenbyDavidHewings thecuratoroftheBrightonTransportMuseum.

Thetalk,bothinterestingandwellprepared, describedtheworkandaimsofthemuseumwhichis init'sembryostages,amongstit'spresentcollection ithasthreeaeroplanesincludingtheprototypeBeagle Pubandthe206.RichardAlmond,aControllerat ShorehamAirport,isinchargeoftheaviationsideof [hecollectionandwouldnodoubtbeinterestedto hearofany'orphan'aircraftworthyofpreservation, thecostofmembershipoftheMuseumisonly£3p.a. andisaveryworthwhilecause.

AttheOctobermeetingSouthern'smembers packedtheairportloungetosee[hefilmTheDam Busters,kindlyloanedbyLaurieMansfieldtheirCoOrdinator.

WESSEXSTRUT

OutthankstomembersoftheWessexStrutfor theirassistanceinrunningtheP.F.A.standat BournemouthAirPagent,despitethemiserable weatherTonyYoungandothermembersarrived, bringingwiththemthecaravanwhichsawuseasa salescounterwhere£60plusworthofgoodswere sold.

ItisperhapsworthrecallingthatTony,who broughthisHuskyin,waschargedsuchexorbitant landingandparkingfees(£41.52wouldyoubelieve) thatithasleftratheranastytaste!Theleastsaidthe betterbutkeepawayfromHurn!.

TheStrut'sAugustmeetingwasheldatthe

PopularFlying.Iannirv.Fchruarv,1979

CountessWierHotel,Exeter,herejustunder20 attended.Themainconversationcenteredaroundthe buildingofatleast3VP-2aircraftwhichTruro Schoolhopetoundertakewithguidancefromtheir craftMasterandprojectleaderDennisKeem.Dennis camealongwithPhilIrish,ownerofthebeautiful stripatTruro,whoisalsoinvolved.Dennis's commentsleftmembersalittleagape,hisprojectsare quitedifferentfromothersasweknowthem.With anactiveP.T.A.andfundraisingcommittee,money isnoproblemandwithapotentialworkforceof700 itseemslikeaveritableproductionline!

NORTHKENTSTRUT

TheStrut'sOctoberNewsletterrelatesanarticle publishedintheKentMessengerdated20thOctober 1978andreferingtothepossiblefutureuseofWest Mailingwhichhasbeeninquestionforsometime, thearticleisreproducedherefor(clarification?):-

FindingsofthereportbyAlanStratford& Associates:

"ThatthemainfutureforWestMailingliesin flyingbymulti-enginedaircraft,includingcompany jetsandsmallertwinandsingle-enginedaircraft".

"Thattherewouldbeanadvantagein encouragingbusinessandrecreationalflyingsideby side".

"Earlypriorityshouldbegiventousingmore than20acresofthesiteforaircraft-basedindustry".

"Theneedforflyingdisciplineandnoisecontrol shouldbestressed".

Predictably,theleaderoftheCouncil,Mr.John Grugeon,wasreportedassaying:-"Icannotstress toostronglythatthisisonlyoneoftheoptionsbeing consideredforthefutureoftheairfieldandwhich werespeltoutintheStructurePlan.Wearestilla longwayfromtakinganyfirmdecisionaboutthe mainfutureuseoftheairfield.Iwouldliketomake itclearalso,thatifwedofinallydecideinfavourof theexpandingofgeneralaviationattheairfield,we arenotcontemplatingrecreationalflying.Thereisno questionofitsbeingusedforscheduledcharteredair services".

HEARTOFENGLANDSTRUT

InkeepingwithmanyotherStrutstheHeartof EnglandStruthasafairturnoverofmembers,new facesareseenatmostmeetingswhileoldermembers tendtopopbackfrequently,(presumablybetween projectstages).

InOctobertheStrut'smembersenjoyedan excellentvisittotheU.S.A.F.BaseatUpper Heyford,amongotherthingsseenanddescribedby theirguide,theywereshown[heF.111crewescape module,itssystemsandvariousotheraspectsofthis trulyamazingfightingmachine,weredescribedin somedetail.

riarr:Ferry

OSHKOSH

ByAlanLovejoy

Photosby AlanDunn

I.TwoofthemanyCanadianvisitorstoOshkosh weretheseverysimilarVP.Is

2C-FRC'AisaStiltsSA-3BPlayboy,notoneof themostgoodlookinghomebuiltdesignsbutstill verypopular.

3SeveralCavalierswereseenatOshkosh'78 includingN32BL

AlsodownfromCanadawasC-GMOSaJurca Mustangreplica,thisgavespiriteddisplaysevery day.

SeveralexamplesoftheallmetalDavisDA2A wereseenincludingCF-APH

SteenSkyboltsarethetnostpopularofthelarge aerobaticbiplanesbeingbuiltintheU.S.A.,a typicalexampleisshown.

MilanVary-Eze'sarenowbeingseeninlarge numbersandover25weretobeseenatOshkosh. Thesewerealwaysverypopularanditwould seemthatmanyhundredarenowunder constructionintheU.S.A.

N48353isknownasaB-1,anyfurtherdetails wouldbewelcome.

ThePL-4isnowstartingtoheseen,twowereat OshkoshincludingthebeautifulN18PJ.

SeveralZenith'sareabouttobestartedherein theU.K.C-GUEPwasoneofseveraldownfrom Canadaandisbuiltexactlytoplans.

II.TheThorpT.18continuestobethemostpopular ofthetwoseatallmetaldesignsbeingbuiltinthe U.S.A.

AnallmetalTaylorMonoplaneappearedal Oshkoshwithseveralmorestandardwood examplesincludingN7IMD.

Seaplanesarequitepopularinparts of theStates aslakesaboundinmanyareas.N8ESisa Kingfisherandisafairlypopulardesign, howevermoreVolmersareseen.

AnotheroftheRutandesignsisN77Q,the Quickie.Itisaverysmalllowpowered,fibre glassaeroplanethatasitsnamesuggestsisboth quicktobuildandquickthroughtheair.From theinterestshowninthedesignmanyhundred willbebuiltintheU.S.A.Britishbuildersshould bewarehoweverasthedesignisNOTsuitableto beflownfromgrass.

Anothersmalllowpoweredsingleseateristheall metalWindwagon,poweredbyhalfaV.W. engine.

SeveralSidewindersweretobeseenincluding NI7X,itisaverygoodlookingtwoseater.One isunderconstructioninEngland.

ManyPittswereseen,N77RUisshownhere.The Pittscontinuestobethemostpopularacrobatic hi-planebuiltintheU.S.A.

StillapopulardesigninNorthAmericaisthe Ftneraude,C-GHALcamedownfromCanada.

Oshkosh,tomostofus,meansonlyone thing—aeroplanes,aeroplanes,aeroplanes!For51 weeksoftheyear,itisatypicallyquietmid-West town,mid-waybetweenChicagoandMinneapolis. Week52isE.A.A.week.Thewholetownbecomes air-orientated.Thestreetsandshopsarebedecked withflagsand"OshkoshwelcomesE.A.A." banners.Overhead,from5.30a.m.onwards,thesky isalivewithaircraftfromSpamcanstoWarbirds.On "finals",youpassrightoverthetownandwith 14,500movementsfortheweek,onethingis incomprehensibletous—thereisnotasingle complaint!Theseareneighboursyoucoulddowith atPopham,ehJim?

PlanningatriptoOshkoshhastostartearly. WithOshkoshrapidlybecomingthemeccafor world-widehome-builders,itisessentialtobook accommodationearly.Byfarthemostpopular(and thecheapest)istheUniversitycampus.Aroomcosts $6.50anight.AnE.A.A.breakfastspecialat$1.50is guaranteedtosetyouupfortheday.Onewordof warningifyouaredelayed,contacttheUniversity immediately,asafter24hours,yourroomisrelet.I foundoutthehardway,havingbeendelayedat GatwickandGanderfor2days.Luckily,beingan overseasvisitorpaiddividends,asIwasgiventhe UniversityHousingOfficer'stelephonenumber. Theyworkedwondersandfoundmeaccommodation inaprivatehome.Therewerealsotwoother visitors—oneahome-builderfromSweden,anda guyfromCalifornia,whospent3daysflyinghisR15 home-builttoOshkosh.At6.30a.m.,Iwasrudely awakenedbytheothertwo,asitwastimetogoout tothe"field".Breakfastisservedinthepicnicareas Bar-B-Questyle,andischeap.

Thesuccessoftheweek,likePFArallies,relies uponplentyofhelpandparticipation.At7.30a.m., thefirstcallswentoutforvolunteerstogiveanhour ortwo.Thereisnoshortageofhelpers.Ispentan exhaustingmorningmarshallinginvisitingaircraft. Nomeantaskwhenthereareupto6,000visiting 'planesaday!

Mostownerswereonlytoowillingtochatawhile. Withouttoomuchhinting,1managedtwo flights—oneinaTH-Pacerforahalf-hourtour,and towitnessthecircuit.Theotherwasin(ormore appropriately"ON')a"Breezy".Thisreallyisgrass

rootsflying.A"150"willneverbethesameagain! Inmarqueesinthetechnicalarea,thereisevery aspectofhomebuilding.There'samarqueecovering metalwingconstruction.Anotherwasfilledwitha Jennywingbeingrestored.Otherfacetscoveredwere machineshopusagesandwelding,whilstinyet anotherwasourownEricCluttonwhittlingaway, showingtheYankshowit'sdone.Inallthese sections,everyonewasencouragedto"haveago".

Everyafternooncome4p.m.wastheairdisplay, startingwiththeConfederateAirForce.Atruly remarkabledisplay,andalittlebitnoisy!!ThehighlightformewasBobHooverperformingthe impossibleinaRockwellCommander.Whereelse couldyouseeasmallairlinerperformingaerobatics on2deadandverysilentengines?Needlesstosay, theC.A.A.saidaveryfirm"NO"tohisdisplayat Farnborough. Intheevening,thingsarebynomeansover.Until 10p.m.,therearesymposiaandfilmsoneverything fromF.A.A.legislationtovintagerestoration. RunningalongsideandintothesmallhoursareBarB-Ques,Country&Western,andaDisco.From3-6 a.m.,thingsarealittlequietbeforethestartof anotherhopefullyhotOshkoshday.

Finally,somepointstorememberforanyone planningatrip.Assaidbefore,book accommodationearly(Januarylatest).Notifyifyou aredelayed. Donotforge! youP.F.A.card,asit's recognisedbytheE.A.A.You'renotallowedinthe flightareawithoutbeingamember.Also,youneed membershiptofly.Fornon-PFAfolks,it'sworth joiningbeforeyougoasEAAmembershipis$25.Be suretotakeyourcreditcards—AccessorVisa,asyou aredefinitelya2ndclasscitizenwithoutone!! Campingiswell-organised,cheap,friendlyand withinstaggeringdistanceofthemainareas. GreyhoundBusischeap—$55NewYork—Oshkosh, and$31fromChicago.Foraday-to-daylivinginthe StatesthingsarenomoreexpensivethanintheU.K. Asuresignofthetimes!

Ifyougetthechancetogo,byallmeansgo,even althoughithasbeensaidthatthere'splentytoseein thiscountry.BeyourinterestsHome-building, VintageorWarbirds,theyareallhandsomelytaken careof.

CF-URNdeHavilland CanadabuiltChipmunkis shownherewiththetypical onepiececanopyfoundon CanadianChtpis,threeex R.A.F.Chipmunksflewto Oshkoshin1978.

NR59Harecentlyrestored CurtissRobinwasGrand ChampionAntiquein1978, thisaircrafttookpartinthe HistoryofFlightdisplay duringtheconvention.

FonglasSkyraiderthe"aminocoloursof 1,1,1-/76. Ketwing thesehugeisarinrdslivingmust costIncir nirnenmanyMoinandsdollars'every_war.&MarcMal's' why therealeso,Tht.ifi OwL.K. 2. OaileU.feic WA CO'sqf varioustypeswereseenincludingseveral184isN12453isshown.3.—Some40to45Harvarcfsof variousmarksvisitedOshkoshin1978,C-FMTXwasoneofthemanyCanadianonesseen.4.—Thistwoseat SeaFucy,oneofthreeseen,wasusedtogiveimpressivedemonstrationsofwingtipvorteces.5.—N991Rthe famousracingP.5ID"MissAmehca"showingoffsomeofitsracevietodesandsponsors.6.—NavvN3N-3 biplaneN45222 lcslunt'nIIcVI. perhapsthe NavyAl3N in EirewillcometothePEA rally. hree StampsflewintoOshkosh,theoneshownisarather altraclive red,whiteandbluecolourscheme.8.—N67433 Lc arale PrattandWhitneypoweredHowardDOB.Theseverylargehighwingmonoplanesareverysimilartothe SthisonReliant.9.—OneofthethreeCurtis'sP.40'sisshownnext.Tlusexampleintypical"TigerSquadron" desertschemehasIwoseats.I0.—ThisBoeingP.T.-13hasjustbeenrestoredinU.S.ArmyAirForcecolours. I.—Belicredtobetheonly/11.5..11c.i'lltlinNorthAmerica•5440causedalotofaaerestandwasoffered.for salebutnopricewasmentioned.12.—TheusualFordTrimotorwasmissingthisyearhavingbeensoldtoa companyforpleasureflightsoverLasVegas,butpleasureflightsoverOshkoshweregivenintheunique Bushmaster2000,amodernreplicaFordTriniotor,whatamachine.

DRUINE-KNIGHTTURBI

BeinganaeromodellerfromboyhoodIwas naturallyattractedtoRogerDruine'smasterpieces theTurbulentandTurbiastheirallwood constructionwasreallyanextensionofthe aeromodeller'sart.

MyoriginalDruineTurbiwasstartedinSouth Africain1961faithfullybuilttoRogerDruine's drawings.Butwithin1}yearsitbecameyetonemore ofthoseshelvedproductsdoomedtorotslowly away.Thisfailure,avictimofinexperience,was causedbyusingapoorgradeofSitkaSpruceforvital sectionsofthemainlongerons.Thechoicegivenby theD.C.A.inspector,rightlyso,wastoreplacethe faultypartsorscrapthefuselage.

Thewholeprojectwasdroppedandafewyearsof globe-trottingindulgedinbymywifeandIbefore returningtoJohannesburg.Anintensesearchwas madetofindasuitableworkshopwithanacceptable 110useattachedsothatprojectcouldberestarted (Note—correctorderofpriorities).

AsIcouldn'tbeartorepeatalltheworkhitherto done,Isetaboutredesigningtheaircrafttosuitnew ideasandworkshopfacilities.Thisresultedinthe Druine-KnightTtirbiwith seatingina steelIThefuselageunderanenclosedcanopy.The wingwasmadeintwopiecestoallowconstructionin astandardgarage,andthewholestructuredesigned foranincreasedallupweightandpayload.

Althoughasaresultofallofthechangestheplane wascornpletelystructurallyredesignedIretainedthe originalTurbispan,chord,windsection,tail momentsandempenagessothattheoriginalTurbi's gentleandforgivinglIvingcharacteristicswouldnot helost.

Thedesignworkstartedin1967andtookabout6 monthsbeforeconstructioncouldbebegun.Atest sparwasconstructedfirstandtestedtodestructionto determinewhetherthewingrootattachmentmethod wassuitable.Thistestsuccessfullycompleted,the constructionofthewingswasthethenbegun.Ichose

ByGodfreyKnight

tostartonthewingsasmyexperiencetothatdate wasentirelyinwood.

Learningfrommypreviousbadexperience1used approvedgradeASitkaSpruceforallprimary structureandutilisedgoodqualitynon-approved timberforwingribs,headingandtrailingedgestrips, blockingetc.(Naturally,bythistimeIcould distinguishabadpieceoftimberfromgood).

Thewingconstructionalthoughtimeconsuming proceededsmoothlyandtheresultwasverypleasing. Thewoodenempennageunitsandailerons completed.

Thenexthurdlewasthe,"tubeandrag"fuselage. ThiswasatypeofworkentirelylOreigntomebut luckilybythistimeIhadmetandmadefirmfriends withWiktorWyciskaPolewithyearsofexperience ofbuildingandrepairingsailplanes.

ToWiktoranythinginaeroplaneconstructionis easysoIrapidlyplungedintothebusinessofcutting, fittingandtackweldingT45tubesandasfastasI assembledthemWiktorwouldweldthem.

Inanamazinglyshorttimethebasicstructurewas completebutthiswasfollowedbymonthsand monthsofmakingandfittingcontrols,control brackets,attachmentlugsforstringers,linings,seats etc.,etc.Evervtimeitseemedthatallwascomplete anotherbracketorcanopycatchhadtobefitted; thenthewholeprocessofcleaninguptheweldand repaintingfollowed.

Atthisstaueworkinterferedwithpleasureand oneandahalfyearswerespentinthebeautifulCape ofGoodHopeworkingontheCapetownOpera House.

Atlasttheendoftheconstructionappearedin sight,allthemajorcomponentswerestructurally completeandallthathadtobedonewastofitthe engine,coupleupthecontrols,coverthe'planeand

DoncasterSailplaneServices for

HOMEBUILDERSSUPPLIES

G.L.1aircraftbirchply.8mmto5mm.

Fabric2weightsforsupportedandunsupportedareas. DopeTauteningandcolour etc.

Jointingcompoundforwood/metal.

Spruce,DouglasFir,WhitePine,Ash,gradeA.

A.S.I.V.S.I.compassesetc.,etc.

5.514andS.510steelsheetandT45tubes

('onrolcablemadeIlpIllorder&ProofI lladed

V.P.1StrutTubes,UndercarriageStock.

AllA.N.parts,nuts,boltsetc.forVP-I,VP-2. Cavalierplansandallrawmaterialtobuild.

Fibreglassandresin,releaseagent,pigment etc. Sends.a.e.,forpricelist

DONCASTERAIRFIELD,SOUTHYORKS.0302-57695,-61713

Godfrey'sTurbiZS-UHAseenatLanseriaAirportAr.W.ofJohannesburg wewouldbeintheair.Actuallyatthisstagewhen the'planecanbeassembledanditlookscomplete oneisatthehalfwaymark.

Theyearisnow1974andtheplaneisengined, coveredandreadytobetakentotheairfieldforfinal assemblyandthelirstflight.Fateonceagaintakesa handandanadvertisementappearsinthepaper, "Mechanicrequiredforthe16thSouthAfrican NationalAntarticExpedition".

WorkresumedintheaircraftinFebruary1976at Brakpan-BenoniairfieldintheTransvaalandafter muchfulltimework,WiktorandIhadtheplane readyforitsfinalinspectionandfirstflight.

Asattheotherstagesduringtheconstructionthe rightpersonappearedatthetimehewasmost needed.ThistimeitwasHansVanGemert,aBelgian whotooktheplaneupforitsfirstflightonthe8th May1976andthenJohnMcKercharaSouthAfrican Airwaysflightengineerwhocarriedouttherestof thecertificationflights.Theflightsandthenecessary adjustmentsandmodifications10theaircraftwere carriedoutandthefullpermittoflywasawardedon the1lthJune1976.

The'planehandlesassafelyasaPiperCubonly

VINTAGE AIRCRAFT magazine

Idealreadingmaterialforloversofold aeroplanes.Nowestablishedasthe leadingmagazineinitsfield.

VintageAircraftbringsyouAirTests, NiuseumReports,WorkshopReports, andmanyotherfeatures;notforgetting our historicalarticlesinthe'Golden Ave'series.

amplecopies.51.1p— lop P&P VINTAGEAIRCRAFTMAGAZINE

A\\a:si. SURSCHNii\.S.-C2.50forfourissues.

morebriskandsensitive.Thepower-offstallis gentlewithoutanytendencytodropawing,thanks tothewingripslatsandslottedailerons.The recoveryfromthestallonlyrequiresthereleaseofthe backpressureonthestickandthe'planewilldothe restwithoutmeasurablelossinaltitude.

Thestallisannouncedbyheavytailplanebuffeting whicheliminatesanyneedforastallwarningdevice. Thespinisverydifficulttoenterandtherecovery fromitissatisfactorybutnotspectacularlyquick.

The100HPLycoming0-235enginegivesthe 'planeagoodshortfieldperformance.Flownsolo withabouthalfatankoffuelat5000ftaltitudethe planewilltakeoffwitha500ftrunandclimboutat 450ftperminute.

DimensionallytheoriginalTurbiandtheD-K versionarebasicallysimilar;itsequippedandallup weightsof895lband1400lbare240lband340lbup ontheoriginalrespectively.Similarly,themaximum andcruisespeedsarcupconsiderablyontheoriginal Turbi's.Naturallythestallspeedishigherbutat somcwhat40mphthereisnoneedforconcern.

Atpresent1amdesigningandbuildingatwoseat VWpoweredentrantfortheP.F.A.design competitionbutifIweretobuildanother2seaterin the90-125HPclass,itwouldbealargeplaneof Turbidimensionsbutwitheveryeffortmadeto reducetheweightandimprovestreamlining. Specificallytheimprovementswouldbeasfollows:-

AnarrowerchordwingoFthesamespanusingan NACA63,618aerofoil.The wing builtasaonepiece unitwouldbeatleast301blighterthantheoriginal Turbi's.Theaerofoilsbetterstallcharacteristics wouldallowthedeletionoftheslotsmakingthewing muchsimplertobuildandsaveevenmoreweicht. TheFrisetypeslottedaileronswouldberetained.

Forbothstructualandsafetyreasonsthetank wouldbemovedfromthefuselagetothewing leadingedge,a`laPiperCherokee,andthebraced undercarriagereplacedbyacan[jiverunitmounted onthemainspar.

Alloftheseimprovements,aimedatlighteningand aerodynamicallycleaninguptheaircraftcouldresult ina'planewiththegoodhandlinganddocile characteristicsoftheTurbiwithincreasedrangeand loadcarryingcapabilitiesatahighercruisespeed. Sucha'planewouldbebothsuitablefortrainingand touring.

Proect from

IANBURNETT

Quiteahitofnewsthislime—mainlyaresultofthe availabilityofpersonalregistrationmarks1 suspect(!)—butverylittlefromyou.Ifyouwantthis columntocontinuethenPLEASEmaywehave YOURnews—directtomeat"Langstone",Riseley, Swallowfield,Berks.

PFAProjects

512 OurformerPresident'sTurbulentG-AJCPison themoveagain.Thistimeithasbeenacquiredby I tarryShaw,andpresumablyjoinshisHornetMoth G-AESEandNipperG-AWJFatRAFWyton.

578 AnotherRollason-builtTort)whichhasrecently changedhandsisG-ARLZwhichwasacquiredbyA. PearceofCirencesteron14.8.78.

1358 Onasadnoteweregrethavingtoreportthat CrosbyBA-4BG-AYFUwasdestroyedinafatal accidentwhilsttowingfortheSouthdownGliding ClubatParhamParkon3.6.78.

1360 Byquirk or fateanotheroftheCrosbyBA-4B trioG-AYLWwasalsodestroyedattheendofJuly. TheaccidentoccurredattheWorldGliding ChampionshipsatChateatiroue,Franceon 28.7.78—friendandcolleagueRexPitcherbeing unhappilykilled.

1364 Wearealwayshappytoseea"Iong-standing" Projectcomealiveasitwere,andsuchisthecase withM.G.011is'Beta2project,whichheregistered G-DARTon11.10.78.

1365 TheunfortunateGwilliam/MillsCavalierGBBUWwassoldfromPanshangersomemonthsago, andis now residentatCrowland,Lines.Reports suggestanalmostcompleterebuildwillbenecessary beforeitgetsairborne.

1426 Oneofthefirstfivememberstotakeadvantage ofStuartMacConnacher's"reservation"oftheGPFAAserieswasG.JohnsonwhoseMonowas registeredG-PEAEon19.9.78.

1511 TheCosmicWindG-ARULwasacquiredby JohnMirleyon29.3.78.

1612 AnotherTurbonthemovethismonthwasGAWPAwhichwasboughtbyJ.T.Heatonon9.8.78. IthasspentalargesliceofitsexistenceintheNorth, soitmaybcseenbyusSouthernersatlast!

1654 NewsofthisoldTurbulenthascomefrom A.H.W.Scarborowhohasrecentlyacquiredit.The fuselageseemstobeinverygoodconditionbutmuch of theworkhadnotbeeninspected.Thewinghas beenscrappedbecauseofthemainsparhadabuiltin kink.Much or thepaperworkwiththeProjectis fromPheonixAircraftLtd.andsignedbythelateC.

11.Latimer—NeedhamandMr.Scarborowouldlike tohearallynews.

1656 Following Mir recentmention or hisnewFRED projectG-MANX(29-10327),PeterWilliamsonvery kindlywrotewithfurthernews,andinparticular filledinthefullhistoryofhisTurb5Y-AKC.

ConstructionwasstartedinKenyainDecember1968 atwhichtimePeterownedararebirdintheshapeof

AusterJ/2Arrow5Y-KHD.Firsttestflighttook placeinJuly1971withnosnagsuntiltheportu/c foldedonthethirdtake-off.Repairstookabout6 weeks,withthefracturedalloycastingsbeing replacedbylungsmachinedfromsolidsteel.Itwas flownregularlyatMaeadiuntilJuly1972,whenit wasattackedinPeter'sabsenceinMombasabya troopofbaboons—Petersaysthatthedesignmust havebeenagoodone,asalthoughthewingfabric wasinshredstherewasnostructualdamage.When PeterleftKenyainApril1976heinvestigatedthe possibilityofflyingtheTurbtoEngland,but inadequatefuelreservesmeantthatitwasnoton. Themachinewasadvertisedforsalelocallybutthere werenotakers—PeterreckonstheKenyanflying fraternitypreferLycomingsandContinentalstoVW power!Evencratingandshippingwerelookedatbut thecostwasprohibitive.ThusreluctantlyPeter removedmostofthehardware,engine,instruments etc.andtheremainsnowhangfromtheroofof AviationMaintenanceLtd'shangaratNairobi's WilsonAirport.AsPeterhimselfputsit—"Dearly loved,sadlymissed,R.1.P.!"—andindeedperhapsa historicalmachine,asPeterclaimstohaveflownit "hotterandhigher"thananyotherTurb!Passingto otherhomebuildingactivityinKenya,Petertellsus that"Daddy"Prohyn'sJodelD.95Y-AL1isstill goingstrone-hehasnowpassedthe850hourmark andiscurrentlyonhis5th.magchain—magnificent stuff!FinallyPetertellsusthathisFREDG-MANX isabout70%complete—hesaysthewoodworkis almostfinishedbutthemetalfittingsseemtobe takingforever—welookforwardverymushtoseeing itsoon.

2205 FollowingourbriefmentionoftheSiroccoGBFXMDaveBarkerverykindlysentusalongletter ofprogresswiththeaircraftwhichofcoursewas startedbyTerryDuhiginScotland.Thepart-built fuselageshellandcomponentsweretransportedfrom GlasgowtoRAFValleyinAngelseylastChristmas. IncidentallyDaveisverycomplimentaryinhis mention or LowesRemovalswhocarriedoutthe task—afactverymuchtheresultoftheeffortsof theirman,GeraldSweeney,whonowownsTed Gould'soldWotG-AYMP,andwhofliesitfrom Clink.BacktotheSiroccoanditiscurrently installedinanRAFClubhutatValleypartially paintedinitsfinalliveryofglossblackandgold.By SeptemberthewingswerealmostreadyFor inspection.andtherudderandtailplanewereready forpainting.ADartcockpitcanopyistobeused(as onOliverSmith'sG-AZOS).Daveisenthusiastic overthewillingsupportoftheRAFinmanpower andfacilities,andisfortunatetohavea(newlyacquired)verykeenwife(that'sworthquiteabit Dave...)Wewishthemeverysuccesswiththeproject andllonetoseeitflyingbeforeverylong.

3208 JohnFell'sTitchOnwhichhehasbeenworking forsometimewasregisteredG-OJONon6.10.78.

3225 A.R.GreenfieldofNewportregisteredhis TitchG-BRAGrecently.

KenRavenshowninhispartiallycompleteRandKR-2.TheKR-2isnotyetanapproveddesign.

SecondTaylorSuperCootAmphibianto receivemarksrecentlywasP.M.Napp'sG-BPMN, whichisbeingconstructedinNewcastle.

18-10088

42-10387

42-10391

63-10170

A.J.ParasfieldregisteredhisVP-2project asG-PARSon7.9.78.QuotedtotheCAAwasthe EvansPlansNumber(V2-1932)-Pleaserememberif youhaveaPFAProjectnumberallocatedbythe PFAEngineeringOfficeitisthenumberwhich shouldbequotedtotheCAA.

64-10171R. C.TeversonregisteredhisSteenSkybolt projectasG-BGRTon12.9.78,alsowithhis personalc/nRCT.001.

TwoSlingsbyT-3IMotor-Glider conversionswereregisteredinSeptemberbyR.F. SelbyofWorthing—withthesomewhatmenacing marksG-EEEEand G-RRRR—the formeris officiallyregisteredasaT-31MotorGlider1500,and thelatterasaPrivateer1200.PerhapsMr.Selby wouldcaretotellusmoreofhisprojectsinparticular conversiondetailsandthehistoryofthetwo machines?

10-10194

Thewell-known"team"ofJ.B.Scott,K. B.ParkinsonandD.M.BrownofPreston,Lancs. registeredtheirBabyGreatLakesasG-NOMEon 25.9.78.Thinks...whathavebiplanesgottodowith dwarves??

Severalmoreprojectshavebeenregistered recently,andalthoughallmusthavePFAProject numberswecannotyettracethem—gentlemen, pleasenoteouraboveremarks!

G-BMVV Vari-Viggen(S.512)G.B.Morris, Kenilworth24.8.78.

29-10208

NewsalsocomesfromA.Scarboroofhis FREDprojectallwingandtailarearibsandsparsare nowcomplete,bothfuselagesideframesaremadeas arecrossmembersandshouldallbejoinedtogether bytheendofthe1978,somemetalfittingsaremade, butallmaterialstocompleteareathand.

74-10209 AsimilartrioofMessrs.P.J.Callert,D. G.Foreman,andJ.F.O'Hararegisteredtheir VariezeprojectasG-LASSon20-9-78.Onewishes themwell,andhopesthatthefinishonitwillindeed belikeglass!

77-10245R. D.BertramofRainham,Essexhas preservedalittleofthePre-Warflavourwiththe markshehasselectedforhisHawkerCygnet Replica—G-ERDB.

31-10259 M.R.Stamp'sTailwindwasalsooneofthe firstinthePFA's"own"series,beingregisteredGPFADon19.9.78.

63-10262 R.G.E.Simpson'sVP-2projectwas registeredG-EDIFon8.9.78unlikemostotherswe cannotquiteseethesignificanceofthelettersperhapshewouldliketoexplain!

29-10267J. C.Miller'sFREDwasregisteredGBJCMon29.9.78.Constructionisproceedingin Coventry.

29-10309R. Bennett'sFREDtookadvantageofPFA markson19.9.78whenitbecameG-PFAC.

62-10349 Sole VP-1 tofeaturethismonthisW.J. Jones'G-BWFJwhichreceiveditsmarkson1.9.78.

02-10372 G.Staples'Betareceivedthesomewhat Disney-likemarksG-00FYon11.9.78.Theproject isproceedinginStoke-on-Trent.

70-10384 GeoffCrossleywastooslowtocatchGEOFF,butdidmanagetosecureG-GEOFinthis month'sregistrationbonanza—theletterswilladorn hisPereiraOsprey2induecourse.

G-CDBL FRED(123)D.B.Limbert,Bradford 13.10.78.

G-DUNN ZenairCH.200(A.D.1)AlanDunn, Lancing5.10.78.

G-IVAN Varieze(39)IvanShaw,Barnsley11.9.78.

G-PFAA EAAModelP(PEB/03)PatBarker 19.9.78.

G-PFABFRED (PEB/04)PatBarker19.9.78 (ApparentlytobeconstructedbyM.C.Barker)

G-SLIK Titch(F.1/13)J.A.Jennings,Woking 7.9.78.

GyroNews

RobinMortonkindlywrotetotellusthatheand ChrisCliffofAldsworth,Cheltenhambought CampbellCricketG-AXVM(CA/329)lastAugust. OwnedfromnewbyM.Cobboldandptnrs.of Plymouth,itpassedtoA.C.ThorneofFrolesworth, Leics.inOctober1976,beforebeingboughtby Messrs.CliffandMorton.TheGyroiscomplete.and theyestimateafteraleisurelyoverhaulofabout300 hoursitshouldflyagainthiscomingsummer.GAXVMhasabare23hoursinherlogbook,andapart frombeingfinishedinadelicateshadeofmattArmy greenoverall,theonlythingshelacksisarotorprespinmechanism—anyofferstoRobinMortonat28, Aldsworth,Cheltenham,Gbs.please!Robinadds thatPFistobecongratulatedsinceXVMwaslocated viaaWantedClassifiedadvertonlythreedaysafter theJuly/Augustissuehadappeared,whereastwo similaraddsinFlightInternationalhadproduced nothing!

Manyofyouwillhavereadoftheunfortunate accidentwhichbefellJohnKitcheninhisBACricket G-AXVKattheBattleofBritainDisplayat AbingdonlastSeptember—weareverypleasedto hearthatXVKshouldbeflyingagainthisyear.

OtherProjects

Twochangesofownershipreportedthis month—theancientFrench-builtTurbulentG-ASTA changedhandssometimeago,andisnowwithJ.P. StevensatRochester.TheNipperG-ARENwas acquiredbyMessrs.Emery,Parrett,Blackler,and WarrenoftheChewValleyFlyingGroupinMay, butwasunfortunatelyseverlydamagedwhen attemptinganovershootatManorFarm,Norton Malrewardon6.7.78whenawingtiphittheground. VintageultralightsonthemoveincludetheDingbat G-AFJAwhichKenWoolleyhasacquired—wehope heintendstotrytorestoreittoflyingstatus.The famousChiltonDW.1AG-AFSVhasalsogoneto theMidlands,andisnowwithRoyNerou,whose restorativeprowessisalreadywell-known!Finally Pittsnewsconcernsarecently-importedS-ISpecial G-BOOK(1-0017)formerlyN8JTwithIanPaddenat Ycadon,andhishistoryofPhi11Meeson'sG-1.00P isnowclear—itisinfactthemachinewhichwasbuilt byNickMethleyandothersattheAeroClubofEast AfricaatNairobiafewyearsagoas5Y-A0X.

Weendonaseriousnote—overthepastmonthsa steadytrickleoflightaircraftexportstoAustralia hadgrownintoanearfloodofproportionswhich resembletheexodusofTigerstotheStatesacouple ofyearsago.Normallyonewouldnotregardthisas anythingtogetworkedupaboutassumingthe aircraftinquestionwere"spanicans",butinthis casetheyaremoreof"our"variety.Toour knowledgethefollowingaircraftdeparted our shores inlargecontainersfortheAntipodes:-JackaroosGA010andG-APAJ,J-3CubG-BCLP,StinsonGBODY,andAnster G-AGVF,Ai1M.AMT1',AMYL APCX,andATAX.Thelossofsuchmachineswhich formpartofourheritageshouldnotbetakenlightlywhatevermotivesmaybebehindtheirsale.Whatis particularlyhardtobearisthefactthatthisone-way tradecontinueswhentheAustraliansplaceda completehanontheexportofsuchlightaircraft"of historicalinterest"acoupleofyearsago—afact whichSirWilliamRobertsoftheStrathallan Collectionknowsonlytoowell.

NewProjects

34-10386CassuttR.W.Brecknell, 10 Dunstable Road,Toddington,Beds.

42-10387PrivateerR. F.Selby,109Upper BrightonRoad,Worthing,Sussex.

62-10388EvansVP-1 E.F.Fryer,Shangrida, Ladywood,Nr.Droitwich,Worcs.

87-10389RemmifigionSparro”,.1. ke111111111y1011. NoltHk.

29-10390FREDS.Styles,44 BrinklowRoad, Weoley Castle,Birmingham,B295XR.

42-10391PrivateerR. F.Selby,109UpperBrighton Road,Worthing,Sussex.

43-10392ColibriMB-2 G.E.Smeaton,2HillClose, Brecks,Rotherham.

05-10393SpriteT. W.Wooley,VintreeCottage, GwentRd,Mardi,Abergavenny,Gwent.

55-10394TaylorMonoplane K.D.Hold,154 FieldheadAve,Bury,Lancs.

55-10395TaylorMonoplane S.A.Kaniok,Arwyn, Treskerby,Redruth,Cornwall.

81-10396FW190 P.R.Underhill,12Weaverside, Nantwich,Cheshire.

29-10397FRED D.B.Limbert,2FoxhillClose, Queensbury,Bradford.

63-10398EvansVP-2 R.Barnham,1Windermere Drive,Darwen,Lancs.

63-10399EvansVP-2 D.Morris,21Greenhaven, Yateley,Camberley,Surrey.

60-10400TaylorTitch M.J.A.Spice,7Woodworth Drive,Shavington,Crewe,Cheshire

74-10401Vari-Eze, J.Rosser,P.O.Box43656 Nairobi,Kenya.

29-10402FRED D.Graham,77StewartAve. Cookstown,Co.Tyrone,N.Ireland.

48-10403TurbulentB. A.Lucking,16Camfield, WelwynGardenCity,Herts.

05-10404SpriteF. M.T.Ross,26KingstonClose, Chaddlewood,Plympton,Plymouth.

63-10405EvansVP-2 J.Spencer,Stantenbury Campus,StantonBurry,MiltonKeynes.

55-10406TaylorMonoplane P.J.Manifold,Duncan Hall, Scratby,Gt.Yarmouth,Norfolk.

43-10407ColibriMB-2 F.Sharpies,4PagistersRd, Abingden,Oxfordshire.

05-10408Sprite J.Coulson,3Sqd.Hilt228ocu, RAFConingsby,Lincs.

15-10409Sonerai P.J.McNamee.WillostreeHouse, FlowermeadeClose,Meols,Wirral

88-10410Bleriot9Rep. MikeBeach,41Church Street,Twickenham,Middx.

62 - 10411EvansVP - IP. Raggett,BristolU.A.S. PillonAirfield,Patchway,Bristol.

24-10412Zenith T.A.Jackson,9ShepherdsAve., Early,Reading,Berks.

55-10413TaylorMonoplane R.Parke,Sharnbrook UpperSchool,OdellRoad,Sharnbrook,Bedford.

STOPPRESS

Aftertheabovewaspreparedwereceivednewsof yetanother"glut"ofyourproject registrations—mostdesignedtobeattheendofyear deadlineonchargesbytheCAAforpersonalmarks. Tokeepthingsuptodateherearethedetails:1658G-BGBF--D.31ATurbulent—L.Davies, Halifax24.10.78.

01-10119 G-BJDM—Cavalier—J.D.McCracken, Balerno1.11.78.

62-10167 G-BIDD—VP-1-1.D.Daniels,Herne Bay27.10.78.

15-10223 G-BOBY—Sonerai—R.G.Hallam, Macclesfield26.10.78.

62-10264 G-BGBD—VP-1—C.Watdon,Holywood, Co.Down24.10.78.

29-10310 G-PFAF—JRFD-K.Fein,Newcastle. Staffs30.10.78.

15-10312 G-PFAT—Sonerai--H.B.Carter, Eboldon,Tyne&Wear26.10.78.

63-10343 G-BTSC—D.W.Burrell,Truro20.10.78.

63-10355 G-BTSF—AsG-BTSC.

63-10361C-BISH—B.P.Irish,Irmo20.10.78

84-10374 G-BPFA—SwallowGK.2—G.Knight& D.G.Pridham,PortsmouthI.11.78.

(Congratulationsgentlemenonthisreggie!)

43-10392 G-NEUS—Colibri2—G.E.Smeaton, Rotherham2.11.78.

55-10394 G-HOLT—TaylorMono—K.D.Holt, Bury,23.10.78.

81-10396 G-FOCK—WARFW-190A--P.R. Underhill,Nantwich31.10.78

63-10399 G-DAVY—VP-2- D. Morris,Yateley, Hants.2.11.78.

15-10409 G-PMCNSoneraiP.J.McNamee,Wirral 1.11.78.

PV.I G-BGMB—Titch—E.M.Bourne,Crewe 18.10.78.

MS.1 G-BGMS—Titch—M.A.J.Spice,Crewe 20.10.78

0001-78 G-BPDW--EezybuildEnvoyMk.1— LeylandLighAircraftGroup/P.D.Wheatland 25.10.78.(Forgivemyignorance,butwhatexactlyis this?)

RED.001 G-RAYS-7enairCH—R.F.Delves, Hove26.10.78.

BookReview

Warina`Stringbag'byCharlesLamb. Publishedby Cassell&Co. Price£5.75.

Practicallyobsoleteevenbeforethewar,the robust,inelegant`Stringbags'—theFleetAirArm's Swordfish—unbelievablywerestillflyingagainst theenemyattheendofit.Theircruisingspeedwas 90knots,yettheycouldoutmanoevrealmostevery otheraircraft,andthedeadlyaerialtorpedothey carriedcouldsinka10,000-tonshipin minutes—andoftendid.

CharlesLambfoughtinthethickoftheaction;he wasthelasttolandon Courageous beforeshesunkin September1939;hemade29storiesovernorthern Europe,mine-laying,U-boathuntinganddivebombingGermantroops;heattackedE-boats throughouttheninedaysofDunkirk;in1940hewas oneofthetwoflare-droppers(latercalledpathfinders bytheR.A.F.wholedthewaytotheBattleof Taranto,themostfamousfleetAirArmactionof all,whentwentySwordfishvirtuallydestroyedthe ItalianFleet,reversingthesituationinthe Mediterraneanandcheeringtheentirefreeworld withthefirstgoodnewsofthewar.

Shotdownbysomeofthe300Stukassentby Hitlertosink Illustrious, Lambflewagainwithhis re-formedsquadron;intothedesert,toGreece,and fromasecret,idyllicbaseintheAlbanian mountains,leavingsunkenemyshipseverywhere. Then,inMalta,withhisnewsquadron,he successfullycarriedoutordersto'sinkRommel's shipping'.And,inhissparetime,hemadecloakand-daggerrunsferryingBritishagentstoandfrom Tunisia.Thelasttriplandedhimnosedownina lakeofmud,andcaptivityintheunpleasanthands oftheVichy-French.

CharlesLambwasvoted'Adjutant'byallranks; herestoreddiscipline,settleddefaultersinthe boxingring,raisedmoralebyintimidatingthe enragedguardsand,despitetortureandsemistarvation,helpedcountlessfellowprisonersto surviveuntilfreedomcamewiththeNorthAfrica landingsfourteenmonthslater.

Afterlearningtoeatagain,Lambjoinedthe Pacificwarin Implacable, anditwasthere, immediatelybeforeanattackontheJapanese,that

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anaircraftpropellersmashedhislegandbroughthis wartimeflyingtoanend.

Thesmallbandofpilots,observersand airgunnerswhoflewintheantiquated'Stringbags' changedthewholecourseofthewar;the magnificentsagaoftheirfightingspiritisheregiven itsfullduebyoneoftheindomitablemenwhowere intheforefrontofthebattle—onewhocouldnot helplaughingduringevenhismostalarming exploits.

Fantsticincidentandcasualheroismrunthroughout thissplendidbook,whichalsoportraysthe characterofamanoftremendouspowerand purpose.

Jane'sWorldSailplanes&MotorGliders—Author AndrewCoalec, PublishedbyAlacdoludd&Jane's Publisherslid. Price4,6.95.

Thiswellproducedbookdescribes170typesof glidersandpowergliders.Eachentryconsistsofa shortdescription,tableofdatatogetherwitha speciallypreparedthree-viewdrawinganda photograph.Compliedwiththeco-operationof Jane'sAlltheWorld'sAircraftthebookisprobably oneofthemostcomprehensivecompendumof sailplanescurrentlyavailable.Thetextcoversall typesofglidersandincludesexperimentalandoneofftypesanddevotesonepagetoeachtypeof glider.Theformatsetsoutashortdescriptiongiving themaindetailsandhistoricalbackgroundofthe type,followedbyathreeviewdrawingandlistingof themainparticulars.Thepageincludesalargevery clearphotographofeachtype,andthequalityof thesephotographsisverygood.Thedatablock includesuchthingsastheaspectratiowingsection etc.,butforsomereasondoesnotincludethe addressofthemanufacturer,whichIamsurewould beofusetothereader.Thequalityofthe productionisexcellentwithonlyonesmall error—thedrawingsoftheSchweizer2-32&2-33 havebeenreversed—onewouldfinditveryhardto faultthispublication.Itisamustforeveryglider enthusiastandprobablywillbejustasmuchsought afterbookbyhomebuildersofthepowersideas well.

Parachuting—theSkydiversHandbook PublishedParachutingPublications,P.O.Box 4232—YSantaBarbara,U.S.A. Price£4.95soft cover:$9.95hardcover.

•Thisisoneofthoseexcellentpublicationsthat oftenshowupintheU.S.A.Ittellsyouallyouneed toknowaboutparachuting.Theauthor,Dan Poynter,isChairmanoftheBoardoftheU.S. ParachuteAssociation.Asamanwithover1200 jumps,aswellasbeingaratedinstructor,heshould knowwhatheistalkingabout.

YourPrivatePilot'sLicence—AuthorBettyCones. Price£2.95. PublishedbyPitmanPublishingCo. Ltd.

Anexcellentlittlebook,andverygoodvaluefor money.Writtenforthoselearningtofly,itshouldbe readbythosewhoknowitallaswell!BettyCones knowshersubjectwell,andputsitoverina delightfullysimpleandinformalmanneraswell. Writteninthepresenttense,thedialoguecomesover wellandholdsthereader'sinterestverywell.The bookdoesnotaimtotellthelearnereverythingbutit doestellhimorherhowtogoaboutit.

TheFighting109—AuthorsU.Feist,N.E.Harmes andM.Dario PublishedbyDavidandCharles. Price £7.50.

DavidandCharleshave,inrecentyears,published someexcellentaviationbooks,andthisisno exception.Asit'stitleimplies,thebookisacase historyoftheMesserschmittBf109.Itisexcellently illustratedwithmanyfinephotographs.

TheP.F.A.InternationalRally1979 atLeicesterEast Aerodrome

6th-7th-8th-9thJuly.

Asmostofyouwillnowknow,ourmagnificent runofP.E.A.SywellInternationalRalliescametoan endin1978.Shortlyafterourhighlysuccessfull 'Sywell78'Rally,IreceivedaletterfromMike NewtonofSywellAerodromeLtd.,informingme thatitwouldnotbepossibletocontinuetoholdthe P.F.A.AnnualRallyatSywellinthefuture.Atfirst Iwasshockedanddismayedatthisnews,whichcame likea'BoltfromtheBlue',astenyearshardwork anddedicatedeffort,havegoneintotheorganisation thathasproducedouroutstandingrunofsuccessesat thislocation.

However1couldn'targuewiththereasonsoulinedin theletter,whichfollowedameetingbetweenSywell Aerodrome,NationalAirTrafficServicesandaman fromtheaerodromewithaveryfriendlyandhelpful attitude.TheywantusatLeicesterasmuchaswe wishtobethere.Theycertainlyhavetheright attitudeatLeicesterAeroClubtowardsGrassRoots AviationandIknowweareinforagoodtimeand anotherrunofsuccessesthatwillequaloreven outshineourpastefforts,soletstakealookatwhat's instoreForus.

LeicesterAirfieldislocated4N.M.EastSouth EastofLeicester,and7milesofftheM.1.motorway, itistheexwartimeaerodromeofStoughton.Thereis oneuseabletarmacrunway10/28(909mx45m)(Just rightfortheVari-Ereandothermodernhomebuilts) andtwoestablishedgrassstrips06/24(335mx30m) and 16/34 (418mx30m),athirdgrassstripwillbe availableparalleltothemaintarmacrunway.There aretwofurtherdisusedrunwayssuitablerorparking andalargegrasstriangleinthecentre.

TheLicencedAdvisoryRadioFacilityis122.25 mhz,thereisalsoatrainingN.D.B.&V.D.F. facility,theformeron383.5andthelatteron122.25. RadioLeicesterprovideanunofficialbeacon33miles fromtheN.D.B.on1596Theairfieldisinclear airspacebutvisitorsfrontthesouthareespecially askednottoinfringetheLutonS.R.A.Customs facilitiescanbeprovidedat48hoursnoticeandif sufficientdemandisindicatedMadvance,itcouldbe possibletoarrange—customsfortherally.

Fuel:100LI. Euelwillbeavailableonacashbasis fromafixedpointandamobilebowser.

Camping: Alargegrassfieldwithwaterpointis availableforunlimitedcamping&caravaningwithin heairfield1)01111,1w.campingpermitswillbeonsale atthegate,noneedtobookinadvance,toiletand washingfacilitieswillbeprovided.

Accommodation: Thosewishingtoreservehotel accommodationshouldbookasinpreviousyearsvia theP.F.A.officeordirecttoJimBenfieldOLIE accommodationofficer!Hisaddressis:—53,North WesternAvenue,Kingsthorpe,Northampton.0604 842596

ItisintendedtoblockbookroomsatthenearbyPost HouseHotel(200Rooms)Thereisaspecialprice'tor P.F.A.members,basicprice£8.50single,£11.00 doublepernightexcludingbreakfast.Otherhotel accommodationisavailabletosuitindividualneeds. TransporttoHotelswillbearrangedwithMinibus& memberscars,bookearly.

ThosewhohavealreadybookedSywellHotelwill

automaticallybetransferredtotheNew accommodation.

Catering: Cateringwillbeaspreviousyears,early morningbreakfastforcampers&workerswillbe availableandHot&ColdFood&Drinkthroughout. TheAnnualP.F.A.dinnerwillbeheldinthe Marqueeasbeforeandthoserequiringticketsshould bookinadvancewherepossibleviatheP.F.A. office.Normalbarfacilitieswillbeprovidedbythe cateringcontractors,inadditiontheLeicestershire AeroClubroomhasanexcellentbarandspacious balconyoverlookingtheairfield.

Programme: Thedraftprogrammeisasfollows.

Thursday,5thJuly. Settingupfencesandinstallations.

Friday,6thJuly. Completingairfieldinstallations. Arrivalofvisitingaircraft.P.F.A.councilmeeting eveningbarbequeandsingsong.

Saturday,7thJuly. Arrivalofvisitingaircraft; GeneralFlying;DemonstrationFlight;Aerobatics; F.1AirRace;GyroDemonstrations;P.F.A.competitions;P.F.A.AnnualDinnerandPrize-giving, entertainments.

Sunday,8thJuly. Arrivalofvisitingaircraft; GeneralFlying;A.G.M.;Flyingdisplayasper Saturday;Departureofaircraft;EveningMealand FilmShow.

Monday,9thJuly. GeneralFlying;FinalDepartures; ClearAirfieldInstallations;WorkersLuncheon; Packupandgohome;Rollon1980...!

TherewillbenoLandingFeesforRallyVisitors

YourRallyCommitteehavemanyothergood thingsinstoreforyouatLeicester,butthemost iniportantrequirementisthatP.F.A.Strutsand individualmembersturnupatLeicesterready. willingandable,tooffertheirhelptomakethisrally thegreatestofalltime.Makeyourofferinadvance tothcP.F.A.office,commityourselfnow!Andwe willgiveyouajob«)do.Thefollowingjobsareon offertostruts—MinibusandTaxiServicetoHotels, FenceErectingandDismantling,Gatekeepingcrowd Marshalling,CarParkMarshalling,CampSite ManagerEtc,Etc.Whynottakeonsome responsibilityandearnsomepointsinthestrutshield competition!

Finally,thefinestorganisationwillbetonoavail unlesstheaeroplanesturnup,soIurgeeveryonewho hasanaeroplaneorflies,toturnupintheir Homebuilt,Vintage,GrouporClubAeroplane, Gyro,MotorGlider,GliderorEvenHangGlider, Balloons,Airships....Weloveyouall!Bookyour holidaysnow6th-9thJulyorlongerifvouwishto helpsetuptheRallytellallyourfriendsandkeep saying Leicester..Leicester...Leicester...Leicester....

SeeyouallatI,eicester HappyLandings

P.F.A.WinPrinceofWalesCup

OurChairmanDavidFaulknerBryantreceivingThePrinceofWalesCupfromHisRoyalHighnessPrince CharlesalTheRoyalAeroClubAnnualPresentationofAwards.

AFLIGHTINAFLYINGFLEA

ByNickBloom

Iwonderhowmanyreadingthiswillsharethe writer'sinterestinthe"Pou-du-Ciel",the"Flying Flea",thateccentricandcontroversialcreationof theinfamousHenriMignet?Fewcannothaveseen orheardreferencetoit.

Thosewho,likemyself,beginwithradio controlledmodelaircraftbeforeacquiringaP.P.T. willalreadyhaveflownaircraftonrudderand elevator.Withoutailerons,landingscouldbequite hairyonawindyday,forwhenawingdropped, rudderhadtoyawthetailbeforeinducingsufficient rolltorecoverawings-levelattitude.

Anotherproblempeculiartomodelaeroplanes camefromthe addition ofaileronstothissituation. Suddenly,airspeedbecamereallyimportant(don't forget,theA.S.I.isintheaeroplanebutyouareon theground).Iwellremembermypuzzlementwhen theleftwingdroppedandmypushingrightstick, insteadofrecoveringthe'planeonlydroppedthe leftwingevenfurther.Theaeroplanespunin,still turningleftwithmythumbpushingthestick(onthe transmitter)tothe right! Ofcourse,thedowngoing winghadbeenstalledbymyapplicationofaileron. IfIhadappliedrightrudder,asIhadbeenusedto doing,everythingwouldhavebeenO.K.

HenriMignettransferredtherudderonlymethod ofcontroltorealaeroplanes.The"FlyingFlea" hadnoailerons.Theaircraftwasrolledbyfirst yawingwithrudder.

Theareaoftailplanerequiredforstabilityis dependentonitsdistancefromthewing.Asmall tailplanealongwayfromthewingequalsalarge tailplaneclosetothewing.The"FlyingFlea"took thetailplaneallthewayuptothewingmakingthe shortestpossiblefuselagewithvirtuallytwowingsin tandem.

Finally,insteadofhavingahingedareainthe tailplaneforpitchcontrol(anelevator)H.Mignet chosetotiltthewing.Thewinewashingedatits centreofpressureanditsincidencecontrolledbythe pilotwiththejoy-stick.Lefttorightcontrolledyaw androll,andpitchoperatedintheusualway.No pedals.

TheoriginalPou-du-Cielhadoneseatinanopen cockpitandranonasmallmotorbikeengine,but laterMignetaircrafthadclosedcockpitsandupto four,seats.ThePou-du-Cielis,andhasbeensince 1936,barredinthiscountry.InFranceitwasbarred for2monthsandthebanreleasedfollowing governmentinvestigationsofthetype.Many"Poudu-Ciel's"areflyingtodayinFranceandseveralare underconstructionatthetimeofwriting.Igather, althoughIhaven'tseenitmyself,thataPou-de-Ciel canbeseentaxyingaboutatOldWardenfromtime totime,butit,ofcourse,isnotallowedtofly.

MyinterestinthePou-du-Cieldatedfromits appearance—flying—atI/3rdscaleunderradio controlasamodelnearSt.Albans(No-Mans-Land, nearSandridgevillage).Itlooked,tomeatanyrate, absolutelycharmingasittrundledthroughtheair quitesedately.Iwasdeterminedtolearnmoreabout it.Someonetoldmeitsinventorhadpublisheda bookinFranceandtherehadbeenanEnglish translationinthe30's.EventuallyIbecamea temporarymemberoftheBritishMuseum,and spentadayintheirreadingroomdevouringthe strangetaleofhowMonsieurMignethadinvented theaeroplanequiteseparatelyfromeveryoneelse, butinaform,heclaimedatleast,easierandcheaper tobuild(nodenyingthat)andeasiertofly.Thebook iscalled"TheFlyingFlea".Ifyouareinterested,itis wellworthreading.

Jane'sbookofhomebuiltaircraftlistsseveral Flea-typeaircraftbyotherdesignersthanH. Mignet.AsIwasgoingtoFranceonholiday,I decidedtotelephoneoneofthemandseewhatI couldfindout.ThedesignerItelephoned,Monsieur Croses,wasdelightedtohearofmyinterestand invitedmetocomeandseeandflyinoneofhis designs.HealsotoldrnethatmodifiedPou-duCiel'sandlaterH.Mienetdesignswerequite commoninFranceandcouldeasilybeseenflying.

MonsieurCrossesisveryanxioustoseeoneofhis designsbeingbuiltintheU.K.,astherearethreeor fouratleastinmostEuropeancountries,and severalflyinginothercountries,butonlyin Englandhastherebeenvirtuallynointerestshown. Heshowedmethreeaircraft,twoversionsofhis2-

seater,andamammoth6-seaterversionwith parachutingandglidertowinginmind.Allwerein thePpu-du-Cielconfiguration.The2-seaterin whichweflew,isallwood,ofverysimple construction—thewingribsareevensimplerthanin BudEvan'sdesign,beingalsoofply,butwithno holescutinthem.M.Croseswentintomuchdetail toconvincemethathismachineclimbsandcruises fasterthan,forexample,aJodelwiththesame engine(a90hpContinental).

Healsoshowedmehisplans,whichwere excellent,beinglaidoutforafirst-timeamateurand lookingextremelysimilartomodelaeroplaneplans. Isuggestedtohimthatpeoplewerewaryofbeing thefirsttobuildanew,atleastintheU.K.,design becauseofproblemswithgettingits'permittofly'. "ItisnotfornothingthattheEnglishareEnglish" hereplied!

Althoughitwasaverywindyday—no-oneelsewas flying-wewheeledouthis"Criquet"andIjoined himinthecockpit.Apartfromtheusualengine controls,therewasawheel,twowoodenlevers,and brakepedals.Thelevers,heexplained,were connectedtosmallflapsonthetrailingedgeofthe wingandwereusedassimplepre-setaileronsto copewithcrosswindsbyallowingasideslip approach.Theywouldnotnormallybeused. Turningthewheelmovedtherudder,which incorporatedalargetailwheel,Thewheelcouldalso betiltedtoincreaseordecreasetheangleofattack ofthewing.Thecockpitwaslarge,withplentyof roomforpilotandpassenger.Withitsshort,stubby wingsandbody,itwasmorelikesittinginabubble carthananaeroplane!Theviewwasexcellent.

MonsieurCrosessat,quiterelaxed,behindthe wheelanddrovehismachineouttotherunway exactlyasonewouldsteeracar.Wewaitedforthe enginetowarmup,andhecarriedoutafewchecks, thenwerolledontotherunway,theengineopened up,ashortrunandsuddenlytheearthwasfalling awayaswerocketedintotheairatwhatseemedlike animpossibleangle.Therewascertainlynothing wrongwiththerateofclimb!

AccordingtoM.Croses,thedesignisagreatdeal saferthanaconventionalaircraftbecauseitcannot bemadetospinorstall.Infact,allthegovernment stresstestsetc.havebeensuccessfullycompletedbut hecannotgettheFrenchequivalentofafullCofA untiltheaircrafthasbeenmadetospinanda recoveryhasbeensuccessfullycompleted.Aspinis

theoreticallypossiblebutisnotwithinthe performanceenvelopeoftheaircraft.M.Croseshas planstohaveittowedunderahelicopterwhichwill spintheaeroplaneonitsaxisandrealeaseitwithno forwardspeedtoinduceaspin.Hehas,hetoldme, nofearsforitsrecoveryasthishasalreadybeen successfullycarriedoutwithamodel.

M.Croseswaskindenoughtoletmehavethe controlsatasafeheight.Itwasaverygustydayand thereforeexcellenttestconditionsifalittlehardfor afirsttryatanewaircraft.AssoonasIhadthe wheel,agustliftedawingandIinstinctively corrected,alittleatfirst,andthenrathermore whennothingseemedtohappen.Thentheyaw-roll couplingcaughtupwithmeandwerolledrapidly

VOLKSWAGEN

AIRCRAFTENGINEPLANS forAmateurConstructors

tattwt11.ciWattmand,t15,000tkorkmanual pro\decant,tied IIIHMIU11011(211:IllIngOCIL[C, Lowert any\•fk• cnalre:cVMOLika.1appttmedMir cntdcarkakillMt:Lc-arklltvkcrdankarcolferek01Wlifetimefreeadviceroronly1,12.00postraid.

DonaldG.Peacock, ParadisttIollage.kempsford, Clok. ILIKenny-fold2-16

throughlevelflightandthentheotherway.Instinct mademeovercorrectagain—andagain.Wewere "Dutch-rolling"likeaconkeronastring! Fortunately I rememberedthelessonIhadlearnt withtherudder-onlymodelaeroplanes,soIheldthe wheelwhereIthoughtcentreoughttobe,fought theinstincttocorrectanymovementandwaitedfor thingstosettledown.M.Croses,whohadbeen sittingnexttomesmilingtolerantlywhileallthis wenton,suggestedafewturns.Infact,onceIhad gotusedtoturningwiththerudderandmoreorless ignoringthesetofthewings,theaircraftseemed extremelystableandeasy.Ihavenodoubtatall thatforabeginner,theconfigurationisaltogetheran easierandmorenaturalonethantheconventional elevator,rudder,andaileronsetup.Forsomeone who,likeme,haslearnttoflytheotherway,thereis some"unlearning"tobedonefirst.

Ihavereferredearlierinthisarticletothe

problemoflandinganaircraftwithnodirectmeans ofpickingupadroppedwing.Icouldnothave wishedforamoreconvincingtestofthisaircraft's abilitytocopewithagustylanding.Iwouldhave beenverynervousinmyVP-1inthoseconditions. M.Crossesbeganhisdescent,inmyjudgement, ratherhigh.Aswecamedownoutofthesmoother airabove,westartedtogetblownofftherunway andgenerallytossedaround.Hewasverybusyon thewheelandworkedhardtokeepthewingslevel whilehefedinmoreenginetocombatthewind gradient.Suddenlyweweredown,withinthefirst quarteroftherunwayandinaverygentlelanding.

Aswe"drove"backtothehanger,Ithoughtof allthediscouragementpeoplewhoareinterestedin FleatypeaircraftgetinEngland,andIremember M.Croses'sverdict:"Itisnotfornothingthatthe EnglishareEnglish!".

Engineeringcomment:

Thisarticleisofcoursejustoneman'sviewon thesubjectanditmightbeaswelltoslatethe reasonswhytheoriginalPoudeCielwasbannedin theU.K.AshasalreadybeenstatedinMr.Blooms article,thePouwascontrolledinpitchbyvarying theincidenceofthefrontwing.Thetroublewas thatitthenbecomespossibleto'overpitch'andstall thefrontwingwhichpromtlyallowedthenoseto drop.Theuninitiatedthentriedtopullthenoseup bypullingbackonthestickstillfurtherwhichonly agrivatedthesituation.Theonlycorrectiveaction whichworkedwastounstallthewingbypushing thestickforwardandsteepeningthealreadyrapid rateofdescentstillfurther.Theothersnagwasthat intheU.K.everycheappowerunitpossiblewas usedtopowerthePouandinmostcasesthesewere lawnmowerormotorcycleengineswhichinthose daysdidnotgivethepowerthattodaysenginesdo. Theresultwasthatmanycouldnotleavetheground duetolackofpowerandstillmoreonlygotintothe airbythecourtesyofabumpintheflyingfield!If youwanttoreadmoreofthisyoushouldread A/CommA.E.Clouston'sbiographyinwhichhe tellshowhetestflewthematfivebobatime(25pto youyoungsters).

TheFrenchremedyfortheproblemwastorestrict the_frontwingincidencesothatthewingwasnot easilystalled.Theyovercametheproblemtoalimited extentbutdidnottakeintoaccounttheprobability ofhittingagustorrecoverytinderhigh'G'loadings.

Evenwith SOME' ofthesemoremodernversionofthe fleaitispossibletogeltheaircraftintoasemi-stalled highdragconditionwhichisquitestableandinsuch conditionsarateofdescentof700ft/minhasbeen recorded.Torecoverfromsuchasituationthepilot hastofirstincreasetherateofdescentstillfurtherto gainairspeedbeforearecoverycanbemade.Sucha manoeuvrecouldbeveryembartassingonthe approach.

HOMEBUILDERS! for...

Finals.a.

Memberswillbeawarethatmembership subscriptionsarevitaltotheAssociation,yetatthe endof1978nearly10%ofthetotalmembership incomewasoutstandingagainstunderpaymentand laterenewals.

AsexplainedintheSeptember/Octobereditorial, andalsointheinsertandBankersOrderforminthe November/Decemberissue,themembership subscriptionasfromIstJanuary1979is£10,or£6 forjuniorandseniorcitizenmembers.

Asaservicetomembers,subscriptionrenewal reminderswillbesenttoallmemberswhodonotpay byBankersOrder.ForthosewhodopaybyBankers Orderbuthavenotyetamendedit,areminderwillbe sentwithaspecialBankersOrderformforthe outstandingamountandforfuturesubscription renewals.

Ifnoresponseisreceivedwithin30daysofeach,a finalreminderwillbesent.If,afterthisfurther reminder,noresponseisreceivedwithin7days,we regretthatweshallremovethemembersnamefrom themembershiplistandwithdrawallmembership benefit.

Youhavebeenwarned.Ed.) NotefromtheChairman.

1fulfilledalongcherishedambitiontowardsthe endof1978whenIobtainedmyseaplanelicencewith aTieerMothonFloats.Thisseemedtometobethe absolutepinnacleofflyingdelight.ButIwaswrong andlifeisfullofsurprises.OntheIstJanuary1979it snowedatRedhillandIsampledtheultimate!A Turbulentonskis—beatsthewheeledvarietyany day!

JODELOWNERS

Aschemeforthefittingofuppertorsoharness restraintsforJodelD11,112,117,117A,119A, 120and120Aaircraftisnowavailablefromthe

FromAirCommodoreCHRISTOPHERPAUL,

CB,DFC,FRAES,PFA. ToTheChairman, ThePopularFlyingAssociation

MyDearDavid

Iwritetothankyou,andthroughyouallthose membersoftheCommittee,Council,andother membersofthePFAwhowerekindenoughtogive mesuchacharmingsendoffattheCouncilmeeting onSaturday9thatHendon.

Iwouldliketothankyouallespeciallyforthe grantofHonoraryLifeMembership,whichIgreatly treasure;andforthequitesuperbhandsewnleather briefcase,thelikeofwhichIhavenotseenbefore, andwhichIshallusedaily.Andforthesignedcard whichaccompaniedthisdelightfulgift.

IcannotaddanythingtothethingsIsaidinthe leadingarticleofPopularFlyingexplainingmy retirement;excepttorepeatmygenuinesadnessal havingtomakeadecisionwhichwasveryhard,but whichIknowtoberight.Iwould,howeverliketo sayhowmuchIappreciatetheverykindthingswhich youyourselfwriteinthesameissue,andalsothe thingswhichyouandCliveCanningsaidon Saturday.

Withallmygoodwishestoyouandyour CommitteeandtoallmembersofthePFAforavery happyandevenmoresuccessfulfuture;andmy profoundandsinceregratitudeforsomanykindness andhappymomentsasyourPresidentoverthelast tenyears.

Yoursverysincerely,

ChristopherPaul

WearneHouse OldAlresford,

0249DH

Ourpersonalandcomprehensiveserviceisalso availabktomeetmostotherindividualorcommercialinsuranceneeds.

POPULARFLYINGispublishedin Januaryandthereafterinalternate months.Alladvertisementstohesent to:AdvertisementManager,Popular FlyingAssociation,TerminalBuilding, ShorehamAirport,Shoreham-hy-Sea, Sussex.

Semi-displaypercolumninch£5.00. Lineage(minimumthreelines)perline 50p.Discounts:seriesofthree5 Seriesofsix107.Agencies10%.

FREE! MembersarenowentitledtoFourFree Adverts.peryear,subjecttotieingofnon-businessnature andtospacebeingavailable QuoteMembershipNo.

ForEl•50wewillincludeaphoto ofAeroplanesforSale.

'EhePEAdoesnotnecessarily guaranteeorendoNeallyproduct olieredthroughouradvertising.

Members'attentionisparticularly drawntobuiltandpartly-builtAircraft_Theyshouldsatisfythemselves thatthemachinehasbeenclearedto P.F.A.standardsiftheysubsequently intendtooperateitthroughthe P.F.A.Airworthinessfacilities.

PLANS!PLANS!PLANS!

Al-luion!),IIHZPLANSSiRviCris Worldrenownedforitsvastrangeof subjects.Elyingmodelsofalltypes plustheuniquescaledrawingsseries syhichincludesmanyP.F.A./E.A.A. subjects,cg.cutoutWm,IsAncs FURY&SPIIFIRE.Piis52A,1 I18,1AlLwiNoeft_Sendirlalest :fermi:odd/mgMansILinden.No.I price50pI15pposi.

Model&AlliedPublications

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WANTEDGeneratorforC.90engine. Delco-Remymodelno1101890.20tunp..I. -ialeTel:NorthCowton214

WANTEDSetofTipsyNipperMK3 enginecowlingsA.S.Nixon,68Hesleden .Ase_.Acklmn.Middlesborough.

FORSALE.IditonMinorthreequarters built.Fuselagepilolsseat,control column,rudderIsar,wingpylonbibingpart welded,undercutriagehrdikets,tailskid. enginehulkheadandbearerhrackets, engineheaters.

Mainplanes,tailplane,&esthou,fin, rudderallcomplete.Undercarriage completelessssheels..1.33enginelog hook).throttle.petroltank.Alldrnwings. hspctaionsheets,releasenotes.histUR:lions CIC.Largestack or standardparts,pulleys, cables;Indothermatoiak.Tel:Banssell 823308or(hippingSodbury318752 (Evenings)(M/A)

motEuR. H.POTEZtypc4E-20.Owners manualasailablemEnglishlel:eston 718559

ELI101880Addiessographmachine. WhatOffersApply pl,A01cice, Shoreham

WANTEDShareinlightOiultra-light aircraft.IlighWscomhearcaCt.Dismorr Iel:048182-2939.

NilANLEDThreecolour"Bells nas NEUsuitableforlodel Amhassaditer.RingJohnRasdall,NIottin. 55290

S.T.O.L.Performanceon1500VWandup.Foldingandroadable—onown wheelsortrailer.Easytofly.Cheaptobuild.Longestsinglecomponent11 9" long.Plansconsistof26highly-detailedsheetsplusriggingnotes,constructron notesandmaterialslists.

PerSet—£15

InformationPack—LI

ERICFLUTTON,92NEWLANDSSTREET,SHELTON STOKE-ON-TRENT,STAFFORDSHIRE,ENGLAND.

WANTEDanypartbuilt,partsor goodiesforFREDalsoanyVWconversion parts.A,.1.Dunstan,40BoswellRoad, Cowley,Oxford.

NEW1600ccVWenghleforsale,most modscompletedwith2bendixmags&56rx 37'propandspinner£497engineunsuitable formyTiteh.VV.Adams,479WestDyke Road,Redcar,Cleveland.

BESTPERFORMANCEPROPELLERS foryouraircraft.OversixtymadeforVW. Continentalandanycombinationofengine andaircrafttosuityourrequirements. BrianMills0220262951

CONTINENTALA65andC85enginesfor sale.Magnetos,Compasses,AC Tachometers,Cabledrivesmadeup. Throttlecontrolsplusfiftcable. Continental.005"o.s.pistonrings.Curb. heatandanyposhpullControlsavailable. BrianMills0220262951.

FORSALEIrwinWW2ElyingSuit, excellentcondition£100Tel:Bishops SurdFord813049

PLANSPrat:triviaSpriteplansand constructionmanual,unopened.oilers. Dr.BrendonMcGann13PineVsdlexPark. Dublin14,Ireland,Tel:98.61.41.

GLASSFIBRESpinnerKits11.1/8"dia.x 1Ifhigh.Choiceof2Back-plait:designs Spun Completewithfisingkut (25.I.argerSpinneravailableapprox.12"x 1).G.A.Shepherd,23Waveney,Hensel Hempstead,Herts.

FORSALE.Iodel1051Ambassadeurbuilt 1963_Totaltime1366hrs.3yr.C.ofA untilApril1981.P01e84Eengine1061hrr used.Pricetoinclude+pareengine£3500 CanbeseenatHorshamSussexor ShorehamAirport.Forfurtherdetails ContactJohnStanbridge,hprsham3535.

NIK8GOGGLES£8.75sparelensesclear £2.95.tinted0.75WWIflyinggoggles 1950..releasedInstrumentsASI40-160K. £45.50.40-260K.E47.50.Scottoiltemp. kit09.50.Scottoilpress.gauge112.50. Airpalllcompass£25.50.18111111CHTkit 02.501214minCHTkit138.50.Surplus instrumentsturnslipshori8Onsgyros AirmailcompassesGrade1El9.50.grade2 t15.50carbonIhroalrnieSoxygenmasks withlilieslullraneeTigerinstruments hardwhenutsboltsetc.Over4,000items in Write,phoneorcallDavid (loddardfS.A+imionService)3Tuns. HolbeachClough,Spalding,Lines.U.K. (0406)24014.(lI)

PLANS:

Simplyhulls-VWpowered,Onlyone verticalandonehorizontaltadempennage.Onepiecebentupaluminiumgear. Simple3-bulkhead,woodfuselagewithno metallilting+Orclothcover_Noengine mount.Simplewing.plankspars,ribsstack-sawedfromply.EvansVP-1 roadtowswithouttrailer,andstoreseataly ingarage.ForPlanandBrochureprices seeP.F.A.officeadvertisement.

Thepopularsingle-place,lowwing,all woodmodel,30to60h.p.100m.p.h., with1300VWeneme.Span21',length15'. Brochure,70p,Plans16,Construction photosE2,S.A.E.withenquiriesplease. Mrs.J.Taylor,25ChesterfieldCrescent, LeithonSea,Essex.

TAYLORTITCH

Asupersingleplace,lowwing,acrobatic tourer/racer.Simpletobuildwood constructionfor40to95h.p.engines. Superbplans for thissitpert,aeroplane includefullsizeribsheets,material listandnumerousadvisorynotes.Span 189":Length16I.Brochure,70p,Plans L20,ConstructionphotosE2,S.A.E.with encitUriesplease.From:Mrs.J.Taylor.25 ChesterfieldCrescent,LeighonSea,Essex.

EVANSVP-I

TAYLORMONOPLANE

CUSTOMBUILT AIRCRAFTSUPPLIES

A.N.HardwareA.G.S.Hardware ControlCable r and3/32.Nicopress Fittings.4130SteelTubefx•0351,fx •035".Popularsize—largestock.Other sizesavailable—Sometoorder. S514SteelSheet.

ButyrateDopeClear.ButyrateThinners FabricGrade"A"quality WheelsandTyres.

FlightInstrumentsEngineInstruments. U.K.Agentsfor"WESTACH".

V.W.AeroEngineConversion. Fullengineormodificationkits. Machining:Crankcasefor0/s Barrels, cylinderHeadsforo/sBarrelsanddual sparkplugs.

LYSTERAVIATIONLIMITED AVIATIONWAY

SOUTHENDAIRPORT

SOUTHEND—ON—SEA ESSEX

ALLAN hardwarefortheVPserieseithe 'nkitformorindividualitemsavailable

P.O.A.

Brianhos.DoncasierSailplanes

WANTED BrokenorsurplusLycoming in-Continentalpropellertouseasatestclub onnewenginedesign_DonPeacock. ParadiseCollage,Kempsford.(ibis.Tel: kempsrord246_

FREDBUILDER. Requires:Instruments— Magnetos—Anythinguseful.GeorgeStyles, 44BrinklowRoad,WeoleyCastle, BirminghamB295XR.Tel:0214264502.

ENGINEfailureandforcedlandinghas damagedinyVP-Iwhichisbasedal PanshangerinHUIl'ordshire.Ineedanew portwingandundercarriageandlotsof help.IcallnotbuildthewingOrmake epairsmyselfasI'venowheretodoit.If youcanhelp.pleasecallmeoneeveningOn 01-340-6644.NickBloom.

WANTED. Putnam'.Shoo.Aircraft Since1900byC.H.Barnes.Pleasesend dclailstoAlanMinn,130AbbeyRoad. SomptMg,Iancing,XVcstSIWIes England.BN15OAD.

LYCOMING engine115hpforsale, completewithallancillariesTel:Preston 718559(M/A)

WANTED "AirroadtotheIsles"byCapt Freeson,also"AviationinScotland"by GlasgowbranchR.A.E.S.Fairpricefor goodcopies.DavidThom.58Turnhouse Road,Corstorphine,Edinburgh.EHI2 8ND.

CAVALIERAIRCRAFT Redand White,fullpanelinstruments,Radio/Vor, Engine125Lycomingwithlogbook, Offers.Tel:Heathfield2852.

WANTEDJAP399engine, preferably complete,oranypartstokeepmyJAP poweredTaylorMonoplaneflyingthisand nextyear.Particularlyrequiredare— carburettor,carburettorintakewithhotairmuff,exhaustpipe,magnetsandset ofpistonrings.Noreasonableoffer refused.Alsowantedsmall,light360 channelradiowithintegralorseperate powerpack.preferablywithallallersines includingaerial.ASHorsimilarideal.Phil PhillipsPhone:0480(Huntingdon)811267 (M/J)

P.P.L. wishestocontactenthusiastsand otherP.P.L'sinBurySt.Edmundsarea withviewtoformingalocalStrut.Please contactIanPitchford.Tel:BurySt. Edmunds3310.

Iwould liketohearfromanyonewithan ultralightaircraftforsalepreferablyaVPI completeorpartbuilt-Alternativelyany lightaircraftwoulddo,condition immaterial,providingitisreasonably complete&capableofrestoration.Fred Bolton,18Deeside,Blackpool0253-42517.

FOR SAVEVW1600Varicntengine, Solex32PHN-ICart),manifold,fuel pump,exhaustandotherfinings—pad dismantledforconversionC75o.n.o.D. EllisTel:Uxbridge57659.

CONVERTINGaV,W.?Ithinevarious partsavailableforconversionof1600 ce clginesincludingsprockets,mountingbolts andspacers.propellerbosseic,forfurther detailsring:Sunderland284731.

FOR SALE PairmagnetosSE4LN-8Lye 0290.3New..140eachE70pair.Pair magnetosSlick4003C'ontMentalC-65,80 or90-8.190pairnew.InductionspiderC65-021X)new(5.FrontsealcanvasPiper (ub.14(new).BrakeshoesPiperCub.12 shoes(30.IbrakeexpandertubeForpiper cob130.HeadgasketsCirrusMinor2.50p each.ManyotherMinor2Items. UndercarriagelegsforComanchesetof3. 1100.

WANTED. Woodenpropl'orCirrus Mai4r2013.TigerMothbracingwires,oil tank.cowlings,seats,controlcables windscreenframe.WilecIbrokenlower w'ngs,JohnPothim:au.,Redwings, Rodlord, Sussex.Tel: Nirdford385.

Piacticalpaaletodesign i cocnsit:lionandiepaaofALL typesofwoodenpropellers£250 n

ERICCLUTTON

92NewlandsStreel, Stoke-on-Trent, 5142RF, ENGLAND.

FLYINGFORFUNfromAtoZ

Altimeters,Ahls,AGS,Adhesives,AlternaloGHetes,Brakes,Bolts,Batteries.Bullies,firaskets,Bushes. Condors,Carburettors.Cables.Cylinder'HagsKits,Controls, Crankshalls,Canopies,Cowlings,Cylinders.Compasses. Dope,Drives,Ducting,DrainValves.

Engines(('onhnental,Gipsy,Lys:riming,Ardent),Extinguishers,ExhaustThem.

Inhers,Itic'Corks,InetPumps,littirigs,lilyingWires,Fabric,Iork rids,Iasteners

Generators,(/Meters,Gyros,Glue,Grommets,Gasket.,Gauge).

Harness,Iliriges,floombuildersService.

Instruments,InvertedSystems,hilorinationPackages,Inspection Panels

Lorick,JubileeClips,Jets.

KitsErrVWconversionsandCylindertemperature.

Leads,LogRooks,lunding

Magnetos,Manuals,MasterCylinders,MixtureControl..

NavigationLights,Nameplates,Notices,Nuts,Needles.

oil Pressure.(BITemperatureGauges,()Rmgs.

Plans.Propeller.,Plugs,Plywood,Pins,PitotHeads,Plexiglass Pulley.,Pistons.

QuickReleaseFasteners.

RevCounters,RateorClimbIndicators,RodEnds,Rings,Racing sperndedsi

Stampes,SmokeSystems,Starters,Shackles,Spruce,Spinners, Switches,Spats,Screws.

Tigers,Turhulents,Tyres,Tubes,Turnbuckles,Tailwheels,Tanks, Tape,Towing!looks.

Undercarriages.

VoltageRegulators,Ventilators,VacuumPumps,Valves, Wheels,Wires.Windscreens.

XeroxCopyingService.

Yourenquiriesarealwayswelcome_

Zerohourengineoverhauls.

Andwrite.roilorvisit

ROLLASONAIRCRAFTANDENGINESLIMITED BRIGHTON,HOVE&WORTHINGJOINTMUNIC.AIRPORT, SHOREHAM-RY-SEA,SUSSEX,BN4MD

Telephone:Shoreham-by-Sea(Sussex)62610

"SECURITYHOUSE"

160-161BROMSGROVESTREET

BIRMINGHAMB56NY

Telephone021-692-1245(10lines)

TRINGROAD,DUNSTABLE BEDS.

Tel.—Dunstable62068

OPENMONDAYTOSATURDAY-9A.M.TO6P.M.

StocksofmostmaterialsfortheHomeBuilder Fabric,343,575,Linen7F1/5CandDacron Dope(ClearandColour),PinchinJohnson, TitanineandRhodius

Spruce,PolishPineandAsh

ControlCablesmadeuptoorder

Adhesives,AeroliteandAerodux

Fibreglass,ResinandMicroballoons

SteelTube,SheetandRod

GL1AircraftPlyfrom0.8mm.to3.0mm.thick Widerangeofinstrumentsinstock

C.A.A.welding.Machiningandre-sprays

Sends.a.e.forpricelist