June 2014

WHOOPEDWITHTHEUGLYSTICK

Therearesomeaeroplanesthatcanbecalled,shallwesay, aestheticallychallenged,butthenagaintheyaredesignedfora specificandverydemandingrole

T here'sanoldBoDiddleylyricthatgoes,"Youlooklikeyou'vebeen whoopedwiththeuglysack," ItmademesmilewhenIheardit,andoftencomestomindwhen Iseesomethingthatis,shallwesay,particularlyaestheticallychallenged. IguessyoucouldbeforgivenforlevellingsuchacommentattheAuster 138Agricolathatadornsthefrontcover,butthenagainformissaidto followfunctionandaeroplanesthataredesignedforaspecificandvery demandingroledonotalwayspaytoomuchhomagetostyle.Prettythe Agricolaisnot,butIthinkithasacharacterallitsown,andasthesole exampleofitstypeflyinganywhereintheworld.itcertainlyhaskudos. TheB8wasaboldattemptbyanaircraftcompanythat,likesomany. founditselfstrugglingforciviliancustomersaftertheheadydaysofthe wartobreakPtoanewmarket,thatoftopdressing.Withasurfeitof warsurplusTigerMothsbeingcheaplyavailableforconversion,sadly theAgricolawasupagainstitandapartfromahandfulbeingsoldto NewZealand,itfadedfromthesceneasquicklyasitarrived.Itreallyis wonderfultoseeitflyingtodaythough,areminderofwhatmighthave beenfortheoncedominantBritishlightaircraftindustry. It'ssummertimeandit'stimetofly,sowehavetwoarticlesthismonth whichIhopewillinspireyoutodojustthat.JohnBrennanoffersIreland,

THETEAM

Patron: HRHPrinceMichaelofKentKCVO, FRAeS

President: SuJohnAllison

Chairman: RogerHopkinson

CEO: PhilipHall

ChiefEngineer: FrancisDonaldson,BTech

CEngFRAeS

ChiefInspector: KenCragie

bothNorthernIrelandandEire,asadestinationwithsomuchtoofferthe aerialtourist.HavingbeenmyselfIcancertainlyrecommendit.AndPhilip CrewerelatesataleofflyingdowntoSouthAfricaaspartofasmall'Rally raid'inhisMaule,certainlythetripofalifetime-butyoudon'thaveto bequitesoadventuroustopushyourpersonalboundariesandachieve along-heldflyingambition."Justdoit"isbecomingsomethingofa hackneyedexpressionthesedays.let'ssayyoujustneedtosetyourheart andmindtoit.Thatwayyouwon'tevenneedtobuythefancyplimsolls andgiveeverybodyahighfive!

Finallyitwouldberemissofmenottowelcome membersofthetwo-seatfactory-builtgyroplane fraternityintotheLAAfold.Itisearlydays.veryearly infactbecausethegreenlighthasn'tquitebeen givenforthemtotransfertotheLAAfortheirPermit inspectionandadministration,butweareonthe verge.I'vealwaysthoughtthefactory-builtgyros wouldbeagoodfitwiththeLAAandI'msurewewill allextendaverywarmwelcometothosewhochoose tojoinus.

Havefunandflysafely.

Engineeringemail: engineeringelaa.ukcorn

COMMERCIAL

Email: oft/ce@laa.uk.corn

OfficeManager: PennySharpe

HeadOffice: TurwestonAeroorome

NrBrackleyNorthantsNN13SYD

Tel: 01280846786

LIGHTAVIATIONMAGAZINE

Editor: BrianHope. 60QueenboroughRoad, Sheerness, KentME123BZ

Tel: 01795662508

Email: Barjodel@talktalknet

6NEWS

Acrobaticcourses,VACandKent StrutFly-ins.SSDRupdateand EASAlicencing.

10OVERTHEHEDGE

AlpineflyinginMeribelandonthe historytrailwithEddieDoylerush

12PROJECTNEWS

ChiltonMonoplaneprogressingwell andaBulldogreturnstotheair

16 TOURINGIRELAND

TheEmeraldIsleoffersvisitingpilots awarmwelcomeandplentyto see-plusdon'tmissyourfourfree landingsatairfieldsinNIandEire.

20 RAeCAWARDS

LAAmembershonouredinthis year'sRAeCAwardsinLondon

24GYROCOPTERS

SteveBoxhallexplainsmore aboutthefactory-builtgyroswhich willsoonbecomingunderthe maintenanceumbrellaoftheLAA

28 FLYINGAFRICA

PhilipCreweshareshisonce-in-alifetimeadventureflyingaMaule fromtheUKtoCapeTown

34 WHERETOGO

Agreatchoiceoffly-instoattendin JuneandJuly

36 FLIGHTTESTAGRICOLA

Auster'sB8Agricolaisnever goingtowinanyprizesforlooks, butFrancisDonaldsonfindsit'sa durable,reliable,uniqueaddition totheLAAfleet

44 STALL/SPIN

DavidJoyceexploresthe patternsthatleadtostallandspin accidents.suggestingsolutionsto avoidbecomingastatistic

50 SAFETYSPOT

Silenceisn'tgolden,notwhenyour enginesuddenlygoesquietupfront —welookatthestorybehindtwo enginefailures

58 LAASHOP

Books,charts,clothingandmore

60 LANDINGVOUCHERS

Thismonth,fourmorefreelandings aroundtheUK.

61 CLASSIFIEDS

Bargainsgaloreinabuyers'market

64 MEETTHEMEMBERS

WemeetPeteWhite,Chairmanofthe AeroncaClubandanenthusiastic advocateofYoungAviators

66 CEOTHOUGHTS

Lookingonthebrightsideof ourwonderfulpastimeand apprecratingthefreedomsweare abletoenjoy

VISITOR'SCHAT

BYBRITISHROTORCRAFTASSOCIATION

CHAIRMAN,KAIBARNETT

H istorically

theBritishRotorcraftAssociation (BRA)grewfrombeingaStrutofthis Association,andIamdelightedthatthe opportunityarisesforBRAmemberstoonce againhavecloserlinkswiththeLAA.TheUK fleetofself-buildgyroplaneshasalwaysbeen administeredbytheLAAofcoursebutthemodern two-seatfactory-builtaircraftareflyingonCAA permits,administeredbytheCAA.However,thatis changingastheCAAhasenabledthePermitsand continuingairworthinesstonowbeadministeredby theLAA.

Inthepastfewyearshavingagyroplane surveyedforitsPermitrenewalhasbeenan eventanticipatedwithnervoustrepidationasyou arenotquitesurewhatorwhotoexpect.You maywelibeconfidentthatyourengineerhas carriedouttheannualandrequiredservicing inacompetentmanner,andconfidentasthe owner-operatorthatyouhavefullycomplied withanyServiceBulleunsorADs,sowhythe nervousness?Itshouldallbeplainsailing.

TheCAAsurveyorswhocometoinspectour machinesarecompetent.there'snodoubtabout that,batwhilsttheymaybeworldleadersin 737systems,orAirbusmaintenanceschedules, notmanyhaveanyexperienceorknowledgeof gyroplanesandthepaperworktheyarerequired tocompleteisnotnecessarilyrelevanttothe aircraft they aresurveying.Thisinturnleadsto questionsandexplanationsastowhyaparticular pointisnotpertinenttothedocumentationor airframepresentedtothem.Yousometimes evenbegintoquestionyourownconfidence andcompetencewhenpresentedwiththesome etthequestions.Eventuallyallisresolved.the paperworkisfinallystampedandsignedoff. andthesurveyordeparts,nodoubtsomewhat astoundedbytheknowledgethattheaircrafthe hasjustsignedoffonlyfliesbecauseofabolt withafingertightnutandasplitpin.

ThroughthenewabilityoftheLAAtoadminister thePermits for thefactory-built(FR)gyros. hopefullythePermitrenewalprocesswillbe morestraightforward.andpossIblyalittlemore economical,althoughnolessrigorousforthe ownersHavingadedicatedinspectionteamwill alsoprovidemoreflexibilityastowhenandwhere asurveymaytakeplace,andcreateapoolof knowledgewithintheindustrywhichismorelikely tobeshared,andthatcanonlybeagoodthing. Additionalbenefitsforbeinginvolvedwith another,largerassociationarealsolikelytocome totheforethroughthemagazine,eventsand lobbyingpowerTheBRAistherepresentative groupforgyroplanesintheUKbutwithalittle

overtwohundredmembers,andsomeone hundredandeightyaircraft,weareverymuchal thesmaller,non-mainstreamendofUKaviation Itisprobablytruethatinthepastwehavebeen regardedasquirkyandratherinsular.

Thetwo-sealfactory-builtgyroshavecertainly broughtthegyroplanemovementintothe21st century.andmuchmoreintothepubliceye.Itis no longer uncommontoseegyroscomingand goingatairfieldsandthenumberofhoursflown peryearhaveescalatedfromafewhundredto manythousands.Theyarealsogreattouring aircraftandmanynowtravelinternationally.

However,theBRAlackscriticalmass,mass whichtheLAAhasandwhichtheownersof FBgyroscanaddtoandperhapsgainbenefit fromathomeandabroadasmembersoian organisationthatablyrepresentsitsmembers inthecorridorsofpowerbothintheUKand Europe.Weareallaviators,workingtogetherfor commongoals

IntheMayeditionof LightAviation, autogyros featuredintheAFROFriedrichshafenfound up,illustratingthatthegyromovementis notjustgrowingintheUKbutinEurope andindeedtheworld.Howevertherouteto gainingaTypeApprovalunderBCARsection Tistimeconsumingandexpensiveandit isquiteunlikelythatwewillseemanyofthe newmachinesfeaturedflyingintheUKThe teamsatRotorsportUKandMagnihavedone fantasticallywelltoachievealltheyhavewithsix approvedmodelsbetweenthem,butwhether othercompaniesinvestintheUKgyroplane marketremainstobeseen.

RotorsportandMagnihavealsostrivenhardto enabletheFRgyrostobeusedforhiresuchthat ownershipisnolongerarequirementforenjoying ourexcitingsport.Potentiallyandunusuallyfor LAAtypes this wiliopenupthemarketplaceto non-ownerpilots.orlightaeroplanepilotswho wanttogainagyrolicence.

Perhapstoo,Icautiouslysuggest.another benefitofgyropilots,ownersandoperators havingacloserlinkwiththeLAAisthatitmay recreateaninterestintheself-buildgyroplane market,whichunfortunatelyhasallbutcompletely stalledhere in recentyears.Perhaps,intime,it maybepossiblethataircraftwhichcannotenter theUKasfactory-builtmachinescouldbebuiltas amateurprojects.

Fornowthoughwearedelightedtobeableto buildourrelationshipwiththeLAAandwelcome theconfidencethattheAssociationhasshownin thematurityofthegyroplanemovement.Through workingtogetherweareundoubtedlystronger.

POPHAM'POPSHOP'

PophamAirfieldislaunching whatitsaysistheonlyshowin theUKforprivateaircraftsellers andbuyers.'PopShop'isafree eventon5-6Julyforallthose currentlysellingtheiraircraft,or sharesintheiraircraft,tomeet potentialbuyers.Forbuyers ofcourse,itmeansplentyof availableaircrafttoinspectand discusswiththeowners.

Theweekendwillbeallthe moreexcitingbecauseaRAeC AirRacewillbetakingplace. Foodanddrinkisavailableplus campingforthosewhowantto makeaweekendofit. Todisplayyouraircraftfor saleortoattendtheshowfor free,youmustberegistered. Forfurtherdetailsgoto wwwaeroshare.co.uk

YESANNOUNCESBaPs7AND8

yES,tieYriuthandFducwon BranchoftheLAA.has anncuncedtattheseventliand eighthYESBuild-a-Blancprojects willsoonbe Uncierwa,/ AVarts RV-7A;<.ithasccenpurchasedby Bedfordshireiisicessmar.David E.,,rodfi±dMndc;rnSchoolBerthnd

withactivepa....icipaconirnm()the Harci.rInISIschoo.sinlhearea Anda3/1scareFokker Eindecker:sbeingpurchases: fromGrassStripAviauonfor R1-.);HidthatwItheledbyWill Berne.:alSaintRonaisSchnnl r-tridSlat-inValenceSchcolhot in Hawkh.irsrKent

BONJOURBODMIN

GeoffJonesreportsthatCornwall FlyingClub'searlyseasonfly-irron, Pie3-4MayhadastrongFrench theme,lotsofimps,!artsherems andsnailsplusplentyrpfFrench. builtlacerBritishandUSIaircraf; arrivalsthaIhelpedtofosterthe ententecord/ale beneathte flutteringTricolourandUnionJack MakingneflightfromAvranc.tes in thelrPietCRSCI-1Fmeraude werePascalLeGaupilandDan:el Dcups•welcomedovertherulath theinev tab;e:• Boniourmonsieur bienvenenBodninf Jodelsotmarry clitiorentmanuesoccupiedthe RcdssparkingincludingacueselenginedRobinDR400IrcrrBiggin Hillkeepirgwith!heira.corous reputation Er-hog al:asKevinBIcy wasseRninahrieliaisonwlth MichedeCulverhouseolCFI MaltalongsideaUlfpervananda Oooh.ahahr

e-GORAISESL950K

e-GoacrculanesLirnitenhasraisedasecondround 01 rinance,surpassing:15targetofbetween0650k Va6800k:gyraisingin Es<C1SSSrot6950K The e-GoSSDRprotetypemaleitsfirstflightun 17Octobgr2013,andItghttrialsare.Tgund lostingareongoingFirs:ca.stornerdelivenes are;plannedtorquarterone2015alacostof atroung[00000+VAT

AIRFIELDSURVIVAL-ASPORTINGCHANCE

Therecenthigh-profileclosureofManston Airportonalleged'financialgrounds' (disregardingthatplansweresubsequently revealedtobuild1,000housesonpartofthe site)hashighlightedtheincreasingtrendof flyingsitesbeingthreatenedbythesaleofthe landforhousingdevelopment.TheLAA,asa memberoftheGeneralAviationAwareness Council,isfightinghardtocombatthis. Onenewinitiativeuponwhichwearenow working,isthepotentialclassificationwith SportEnglandofsomeairfieldsasSASPs

YESPLEASE!

YEStheY,t1IiaridEducationBranchofheLAA is looking-oranewSecretary -drIddddir()nalvCrIddleers ToheloalshowsandgrnerYLSactiva.os For moredilorrrldtUron YESandtne oiorkitfloes,visa yesniversorp,il‘

15MINUTESOFFAME

We havebe-enapproachedbyatelevisioncurripaciy whichslockrgtoiiAerviewbuildersforapotential prograrnmeagymembershavcapojectunderway drIs arewillingtone.;?.,contact Ho/othsor4isacom

TRYINGITONFORSIZE!

AssordandnLiddrrdrrlerTiberJeaCocas(pionired) is Preparingtorescflyth,afirstascrafttooecompleted furtheEnstoneSpitfireproiect[11;2prulectarmsto buildatotalof12SupermannPMk268repicaaircraft creatinganeNtire•OalcardsquadronEachairciatt isbeingbuiltbyupto12enthusiastswhobuyIheil share3-1the:aqandthenwcrktogetierasalearnto completethebuildghopodthatteprojectwill aalactthesupport.ofMAJIImilitaryvegcleenthusiasts andre-enactmentgroripsprovidingacomplete altraciionat did-J lowsandotherevents

'

or"significantareasforsport',basedon theirofferingaregionalornationalcentreof excellenceforsportflyingoractivitiessuch asaerobatics.Thisgivesadditionalplanning safeguardinginlinewiththeNationalPlanning PolicyFramework.SteveSlater,whoisboth anLAANCandaGAACmember,hasagreed toheadasmallteamworkingonthis.Hewill undoubtedlybeseekingassistancefromthe membershipsowatchoutformorenewsinthe nextissueofLightAviationl www.manstonairportcom

RIPTERRYFRANCIS

Itiswithmuchregretthatwehavetoreport thedeathofTerryFrancisonApril27from cancer.Hewas67yearsold.

TerrywastheproprietorofRealityAircraft, whichheestablishedin2000havingtakenon theagencyfortheUSEasyRaidersingle-and two-seatkitaircraft.Hedevelopedthetandem two-seatEasyRaiderintotheside-by-side configuredEscapade.andthesingle-seater intotheSSDRKid,nowknownasthe Escapade1.HewasworkingtowardsGerman 120kgcertificationofthesingleseaterwhen hepassedaway.

InhisworkinglifeTerrywasaSeniorProject ManagerforNAAFI,workingformanyyears inGermany.Asaveryenthusiasticmemberof theAssociationhecamebacktotheUKeach yeartobepartoftheRallysetupteambefore returningtoliveintheSalisburyareain themid-1990s.

WeextendourcondolencestoTerry'sfamily andmanyfriends.

DURHAMTEESVALLEYWELCOMESLAA

ForthemonthsofJuyandAugust2014Durham ToesValleyAliportwillbaolferingbpecia, concessionaryratesto AAmembersLandingteewillheHst:ricladingparkingfoionenight parkingonaprons),[50foroheweekspark ng includi' grwelandings(givingIheopportunity for an 'awayday.withinthuweek),andE50pernight(room only)accommodationattheon-siteSIGeorgeIIote

(subjecttoavailability) wcytystgeorgehorel net Inaddition,therewillbea20%discountofftandem skydivingSee www.skydmesfgeorge.co.uk Thrarearc.threecarhftefirmsathieairport,with thefollowingattractionswithinanhoursdrive. Newcastle,York.Scarborough.Durham.Richmond, Ripon,WhitbyandHarrogareAnidealopportunity torafewdaysOARupintilescenicnorth-east

SINGLESEATDEREGULATEDPROGRESS.

THELIGHTATTHEENDOFTHETUNNELATLASTSHINESBRIGHTER!

ByJonViner

Aftersomedelay,bythetimeyoureadthis, ownersofsingle-seatmicrolightsshouldbe abletooptintoanexemptionissuedbythe CAAthatallowsthemtooperatewithouta PermittoFly.Theexemptionwillthenbe incorporatedintotheAirNavigationOrder in2015.Ownerswishingtotakeupthis exemptionneedtocompleteandreturna formthatwillbesenttothem,alongwithan informationletter,bytheCAA.

Thosewhohavebeenfollowingthe debatewillnoticethatthefinaloutcomeis differentfromwhatwasproposedearlier. InamovethathasdisappointedtheLAA andBMAA,theCAAhasdecidedthatonce theexemptionbecomeslawitintendsthat therewillbenooptiontocontinueholdinga Permit.Thismeansthatunlikemanyother changestotheregulations,therewillbeno 'grandfatheringrights'offeredtoexisting aircraft,andthosememberswhowerekeen tocontinueoperatinginthePermitregime willnolongerhavethatoption.

Despitethis,wehopethatthesechanges totheregulationswillhelpencourage innovationandfreedomatthelighterend ofthesector,freeingmanufacturersfrom someoftheburdenandoverheadofformal airworthinesscheckingandoversight, andallowingdesignerstoexperiment.Of course,whilstownerswillbeabletomake changestoaircraftinthiscategory,itshould berememberedthatexistingaircraftwill havebeendesignedbyexperiencedpeople andwillhaveaccumulatedahistoryofsafe operationunderthe'old'system.Changes shouldbemadewithextremecautionand areoftenbestlefttothosewhoareatleast asqualifiedastheaircraft'sdesigner:the onuswillbelargelyontheparticipantsto keepthispartofoursportsafe!

Justtoremindthosewhoaren'tfullyupto speed,thisalleviationappliestosingle-seat microlights,whicharedefinedashavinga maximumtake-offweightnotexceeding300kg foralandplane,or390kgforanamateurbuiltaircraftissuedaPermittoFlypriorto1 January2003.or330kgforanamphibianor floatplane,or315kgforaircraftequippedwith

anairframe-mountedtotalrecoveryparachute system.Theaircraftmustalsohaveastall speedinthelandingconfigurationandatits maximumtake-offweightofnotmorethan 35ktcalibratedairspeed.

TheexpansionoftheSSDRcategoryremains onlyapplicabletomicrolights,ofcourse.If anaircraftispresentlyclearedasa'Group A'aircraftthenitisprobablynoteligibleto beamicrolightandhencenoteligibletobe deregulated,evenifthegrossweightfalls withinthelimitsabove.Airspeedindicators frequentlyunder-readbyseveralknotsatlow speeds,givingtheimpressionthatthestall speedislowerthanitactuallyis.

Fortheguidanceofmemberswhoown single-seat'GroupA'aircraft,fromtheLAA's knowledge,thefollowingaircraftareunlikely tobeeligibleforderegulationbecausethey exceedthe35ktcalibratedstallspeedand/ ortheweightrequirement:

TipsyNipper

CluttonFred

BruggerColibriMB2

DruineTurbulent

LutonMinor

Jodel09/092

TaylorMonoplane

QACQuickie

ColombanMC-15Cri-Cri

CorbyStarlet

MonnettMoni

WolfWI!BoredomFighter

WhittakerMW7

Star-LiteSL-1

Rans59

StaakenFlitzer

ChilternDW.1/1A

Ofcourse,being'deregulated'(atleastin anairworthinesssense)meansthatthese aircraftwillnolongerbepartoftheLAA's formalsystemandassuchLAAinspectors willnotbeabletoofferadviceand inspectionsoftheseaircraft,atleastwhilst wearingtheirLAAhats.Itwillofcoursestill beessentialtohavethirdpartyinsurance, anditremainstobeseenhowtheinsurance

marketrespondstothisnewdevelopment. UntiltheANOhasbeenupdated,thefinal positionisn'tset,sowewouldencourage ownersofsingle-seatmicrolightstoletus andtheCAAhavefeedbackontheirviews onderegulationasexperienceisgained,so thatthefinallawchangecanbeformulated withthebenefitofanyworthwhilelessons fromtheintroductoryperiod.

Newregistrationsofsingle-seatamateur builtmicrolightswillstillbeabletobe acceptedbytheLAAas'regulated'aircraft upuntilthepointwhentheANOischanged, shouldanybodywishtoproceeddownthe Permitroute,butaspresentlyconceived, theANOchangewillforcesuchaircraftto becomederegulated.Registeringanew projectwiththeLAAduringthe'sunset' periodwouldhoweverallowabuilderkeen tostaywithintheLAAsystemto'hedgehis bets'andsmooththewayiftheCAAshould changetheirmindsandopttokeepthat optionopen.CAAhasintimatedtheymight findawaytokeeptokeeptheregulated optionavailableifenoughownerslobby themaboutitbeforetheANOchangehits thestatutebooks.

WhilstmicrolightsliketheMinimax (mainpicture)will beeligibletobecome SSDRmachines,itisunlikelythatcurrent GroupAsingle-seataircraft,suchasthe TaylorMonoplane (below)will meet thecriteria

HPGPSAstrArliata

Atljiiiiio andHoodino FlorsrancrSirstealAtofis

°FirliaA approachrislro corimittdo:kir5station A2ADAHRSmodule

EKP-VEMSSystem £1895 ULTRAEFISGPS„ f825

Pricesincludeprogramming

AMERI-KINGAK-451-21ELTJTSO approved406MHzELT £599

AMERI-KINGAK-451-15ELTJTSO HELICOPTERversion E795

FASTFIND220 PL8 E199 GMEMT410GPLR £249

HM51 childheadset f89

Peltor8006 GAheadset £199

Peltor Helicopterheadset £225

DavidClark1110-30 £199

DavidClark1110-13.4 £229

DavidClarkH10-13H £249

DavidClark1110-60 £259

NEWDavidClarkProXENC £416

SennheiserHME110 E189

SennheiserHMEC250 £315

SennheiserHMEC26BK£499

SennheiserSI passive £266

SennheiserSI noiseguard £542

SennheiserSI DigitalANR £724

NEWKT74ModeSterscrair.. £1795

KR87ADE10HC)system „ f1595

KN64 DME(OKI £1195

KMD250 BPS £1995

AV8ORGPS £146 AV8ORACEGPS £329

AR6201VHFCorn8.33kHz £1295

BXP6401class2opndr £1695

BXP6401class]xpndr £2065

8E6400 encoder E199

T121 ModeStransponder £1395

T122 ModeStransponder £1560

T131 ModeStransponder fI575

TY91 VHFCorn833kHz £1295

ATR833transceiver £1095

ATR833withLCDdisplay f995

TRT800Htransponder£1120

45

RCALLEN (SSDapproved RCA2600-3electrichorizon E975 RCA2600-2electrichorizon E975 REA22-7vacuumhorizon 595 RCA15seriesfrorn 595 RCA11A-11vacuumD.G. 595

RCA/32Aelectrictorscoordsnotor E575

JPINSTRUMENTS(SSDsporead/ FS450fuelflow 495

EOM700seinesengineroanagenent systornformostenginesfrom £1195

PRECISION PA1700verticalcardcompass £249

MID-CONTINENT

4300LIFESAVERElectrr,chonzonwith1Muff emergencyhatterybackupfrom E2495 MD200-306 3"CourseDesIndE1195 13943100-7ZTurnCoordinator 530

7000C.31VorticalSpeedlad E450 MD90[harryClock E165

Ameri-KingAK350-30£149 ACK-A30 E199

A20 GAtwmplug f700

A20 GAtwinplugmbluetooth f771

A20 Helicopterw/bluelooth E771

A20 berminstalledversion £700

A20 Larnembluetooth £771 Installedwiringharness 40

NONTS0INSTRUMENTS

MINGDA

6H030vacuumhorizon E350

611025electrichorizonI4volt £795

60031 0.0vacuum £350

60023D.G. electric £795

BC2A VerticalSpeedIndicator £119

BZW-4BTurn Coordanatur £295

BG-3E Altaneter20,0003pormr E299

BG-19 Altimeter10,1)00'2252 f169

BK13AASI 21100KNOTS £110

Forother ASI pleaseseeourwebsite MCO22Verticalcardcompass E149

Harry'sHM40...£99

NEWHM40 ANR £229

•

Paneldock kRA500E99

Panel dockARA795£149

Paneldock GPS695£149

Paneldock 296/495.. f75 iPad kneedock. £99

TheLightestmostcompactratintheWorld

0

ALPINEFLYING Anexperienceofalifetime

urlocalStrutmembersthoroughly enjoyedafilmpresentationabout alpineflyingeditedfromvideofromtwo tinycamerastakenfromaski-equipped180hp JodelD140.Cleverlycreatedandsequenced byenthusiasticJodelDR1050ownerDoug Blair.thefilmenthralleditsaudienceofpilots. Itallstartedasafamilyskiingholidayin theThreeValleysskiareaintheFrenchAlps lastJanuary.Duringalltheacfiononthe skislopes,therewasonedaythatdawned beautifullyclearandcalm:ihedeepbluesky highlightedthebrilliantwhitepeakatMout Blancanditssurroundingrang,utsnow coveredmounians.ItwasJusttoegoo°a chancetomiss!

AsaregularskierinthisareaofFrance. DougknewoftheAltiportsatMenbeland Courcheval,andthaftheywereonlyopenon clearandcalmconditions.So.flayingagreed aflyingpassMalwifeHelenandsonsDaniel andJamiehesetoffafterbreakfastand droveupthesteepbutbusymountainroad toMeabelThedayturnedouttobethe Orily stillandcleardayoftheholiday. MerihelisoperatedbytheAeroolubde Menhel.explainedDoua.whichoffersone hourtasterflightswithaninstructorHis mountainFlyingInstructorwas()litterPodvin

(Above)Doug BlairstandsbesidetheJodel D140inwhichheflewfromMeribelAltiport. Dougis6ft3intallandwasimpressedby thesizeoftheaircraft'scabin.Notefine pitchpropellerandlongbungeecords attachedtotheretractableskis.

andDouasoon.earnedthatmuchofthe flyingwasfobeacontradictionofwhathe normallydidwithatailwheelaircraftBoth runwaysareonewayEnandonewayout andnaveateardropcircuit-andthecircuit helghtis64000been

TaxyingonskisontheHatpartofMeribel requiresblastsatpower,andyouusually dosidewaysThetailwheeldoesnothing Dougexplains-I*astoldtopushthe.stick forwardsandtheplanegackswellonits sk:shutonceyoustartoffdowntheslopigo partoftherunwayyouarecommutedThe EFATOforMesibetinvolvesafield2.00Cat belowThethresholdonfhevalleyHootIhad itdemonstratedandhavethetadeo Sheflyingisdoneatslowspeedand clesetothevalleysidestogiveroomtoturn arounoTheydonotseemtobotnefabout theSOOttruleCruisirgwasat130krelhand

approachatfl2Okribbwith160Orpmandthe tnroglewasnearlyfullyopentogetupthehill andbacktoIheflarhitattietopYouhave nobrakesofcolirse

"WehadtopumptheskisupforCourcheval (tarmac)andbackdownagain(orblenhel. IwasmuchassistedtortheCourcheval landinghutdidtheskislopetake-offmyself. ThelandingfeeforCaurchevalwasEH)buta wasworthit-

TheStrutpresentationdemonstratedthe skillsneededtotlysafelyaroundOlebreatgtaklngsnow-coveredmountainscenery Wesawthedemandingapproachesto themountainsideslopeswithadmirafion knomngfeattherewasnopossIbaltgci goingaroundDOLL]concludedwitgthe advicethafifanyonetriiere.tsnaving a goat thasthemselveshe•wouldsuggestthatthey LaggedarideinaJodelD140firstasthere isl.ttlechancetogetusedtothemachines handlingtraitsa:6HONinavalley.Itwas hesaidanexperienceofalifetimeandwell wortheverypenny,

HEARTBREAKONTHEHILLSIDES

CollectaielyknownasSnowdoniathe mountainsofNoahWalesreapedafearfully grinsharvestMaircraftandyounglives

(Above) ThisAvro Ansonwasforced downbydowndraftsoverSnowdoniawhileona navigationtraining exercisefromRAF Llandwrog.Fortunatelynobody washurt.

duringWWII.Today,inclearandcalm conditions.thecraggyhillsareapopular touristattractionforsightseersandclimbers butinwartime,whenflighttrainingand operationstookplaceondarkandcloudcovereddaysandnights,theylayinwait totrapunfortunateyoungairmen.Oneman whohasmadeithislifasworktotrackdown andpinpointeachandeveryaccidentsiteis EddieDoylerush.Hehasspentmanyyears walkingandclimbingSnowdoniasrocky summitsinsearchoftheremainsofairframes thathavelongsincepassedintohistory.and documentingthem.

Eddiewas14in1942whenhejoined hisCountySchool'sAirCadetTraining CorpssquadroninColwynBay.Bornin 1928ontheWirral,Eddie'sfamilymovedto Rhos-on-Sea.NorthWalesin1938andhis firstmemoriesofaircraftwereofHeinkels ontheirwayfromairfieldsinnorth-west FrancetobombtheMerseysidedocksin Liverpool.Later,in1945.Eddielearned toflyonDaglingglidersandwentsoloat Tal-y-CafnairfieldinaSlingsbyCadet.A proudachievementforsuchanairminded ladbutdisappointmentwastofollow.When hevolunteeredforpilotdutiesintheRAF twoyearslater,hewastoldthattherewere novacancies.Ratherthanpineforhislost wings.heoptedtocontinuehishobbyof designingradiocircuits,joinedtheArmy's REMERegimentandcompletedhisNational ServiceasasignallerinWestAfrica. Thirtyyearslater,andbythenafamily manlivinginthevillageofRoweninthe northeasternfoothillsofSnowdonia.Eddie enjoyedwalkingthehilltoppaths.Oneday, andquitebychance,hemetAlanMorton, anaviationhistorianwhowasexaminingthe

remainsotanAvroAnson.Eddielearned thattheaircrafthadbeenbasedatRAF Llandwrog(nowCaernarfonAirport)andwas onnavigatortrainingdutieswhenitcrashed. Ediewasfascinatedwiththisrevelation,so Alangavehimalistoffiftycrashsitesfrom RAFValley'swartimerecords.

Thismeetingwasaturningpointin Eddie'slife.Hebeganasystematicsearch oflistedsitesandphotographedthemany airframeandengineremnantsthatwere strewnacrossthedesolatecragsandmoss coveredplateaux.

'Itmusthavebeencarnageatthetime' saidEddie,"butsomecrewsdidsurvive. One824Liberatorstruckaridgebutwas abletocarryonafewhundredyardsand crash-landedonarelativelyflatarea-allthe crewweresaved."

EddierecalledtheexploitsofDr.George Graham,whowasayoungFlightLtMedical OfficeratRAFLlandwrogduringthewar. Asanenthusiasticpre-waralpineclimber, Dr.Grahamwasnostrangertotheskills andtenacityneededtoscaleSnowdonia's toughestpeaks.So,withaJeepborrowed fromtheUSAAFpersonnelatRAFValley andanambulancecobbledtogetherfrom anoldHumberarmouredcarchassis,he trainedagroupoflocalrockclimbersand hismedicalorderliestobecomewhatwe wouldtodaycallparamedics.Hewasthen abletoleadhisteamsupthemountains dayandnighttolocatecrashedaircraft andsavethelivesofbadlyinjuredcrewmembers.ThustheideaoftheRAF's MountainRescueServicewasbornand manylivessavedasaresult.

Havingcarefullydocumentedand researchedeachsite,andinhisspare

LimestudiedAirMinistryrecords,Eddie wrotetosurvivorsandthefamiliesofothers whohadlosttheirlives.Hewasthenable toinvitethemtoNorthWalestovisitthe crashsiteundermorebenignconditions. Manyresponded,includingthepilotand crewofaLuftwaffeHeinkel111whohad survivedacrashlandingonthewayback frombombinganRNaircraftcarrierindry dockatBarrow-in-FurnessinApril1941.On anotheroccasion,in1978.hewasableto guidethecrewofa817-Gtothespotwhere ithadcrashednearahilltopin1944.Its pilot,Capt.'Ace'Shultzandsurvivingcrew memberswereabletoplaceamemorial plaqueonthespottocommemoratetheir luckyescapefromdisaster.

Eddiekeepsafullphotographicfileofall theseencountersandhaswrittenabouthis adventuresinaseriesofbooks:

NoLandingplace. MidlandCounties Publications(MCP)1985 FallenEagles. MCP1990 AirCadet.MCP1992

TheLegendofLlandwrog. MCP1994 NoLandingPlaceVol2. MCP1999 RooksinaleClouds. Midland Publishing/lanAllenpublishing2008. High,LowandWet (coastalincidents) Nearingcompletion.

Today,authorandhistorianEddie Doylerushis86yearsoldbutlooks20years younger.Hisstillsprightlygoodhealth andclearmemoryarenodoubtabonus resultingfromhishill-walkinghobby.May hecontinuetoexplorepastcrashsitesbut letushopethatSnowdoniaitselfclaimsno moreaircraft.

Pr je News

Projectstoinspireotherstobuildtheirownaeroplane

Compiledby DanielFrancis

SincetakingoverthereinsofProjectNewsearlier thisyearIhaveseen34newprojectregistrations and24aircraftclearedtoflyfrombothnew buildsandoldertypesjoiningtheLAA'sranks.This reallyisquitesignificantandillustratesthegreatdeal ofhardworkgoingonoutthereforwhatisostensibly arecreationalactivity.Speakingpurelyasanenthusiast forthecauseIamconstantlyimpressedbywhathas,and isbeingachieved.

Manyofyouhavenodoubtreceivedaneageremailfrom meoverthepastfewmonthsaskingofyourprogressand anythingyoumightbeabletocontributetotheongoingstoryof

homebuildingaroundthecountry.Thankyoutothose whohavekeptProjectNewsup-to-date.Forthose whoarejustgettingtogripswiththeirprojectsorata significantstage,pleaseletyourfellowbuildersknow throughProjectNews.

Thismonth'scontributionsarefromRogerCornwell fromEuroFOXregardinghishandsomeEuroFOX 91205)G-TTUG,thestoryofarevivedChiltonMonoplane buildfromDaveReidandashorthistoryofBulldogG-CBAN, finallyreturnedtoflightofseveralyearsinstorage.Whatever you'vestartedandwhateverstageyou'reat,getintouchwith ProjectNewsat projectnewsglaa-archive.org.uk.

ROGERCORNWELL

APRIL16SAWthefirstflightof&HUGownedbyEuroFOX's RogerCornwell.

'Myaircraftisthefirst9125-poweredEuroFOXaircraft(notsureifany otherLAAtypeshavethisengine).fthasaretractwinchaswelland thenewredesignedcowlingstoincorporatethenewinjectionengine" explainsRoger.

"Thefirstflightallwentverywellwithnoproblemsotherthanahigh tick-over.Accordingtotheenginemanagementunit,weburntabouttwo litreslessperhourcomparedtothe912ULS,butIamlookingforward tomanyotheradvantages,notjustfuelburn.&HUGcruisesalong atabout90ktonabout10litresperhourandwehopetocompletethe flighttestingpromptlynowwehavesomeniceweather."

EnroutefromAERO.90ktat10litresanhourmakestheEuroFOXaveryaffordabletouringaeroplane. (RogerCornwell)

BYDAVIDREID

I'VEWANTEDtobuildanaeroplanesincetheageofabout 10.

whenIreadJohnUrrnston'sbook BirdsandFoolsFly 48years

later.IstartedthisaeroplanebuildingmalarkybyattendingDud's

one-daywoodworkcourse.Ihadthoughtthat,ifaltheendofthe day,Icouldmakearib,Iwouldmakeastart.Iwascompletely mesmerizedbytheworkshop(helpedbythepresenceofa beautifullybuiltFlitzerfuselagelisteninginontheevents)and thatsealedmyfate.Dud'sstatementof."Ifyouwanttobuildan aeroplanebecauseyouwantthatparticulartype,gobuyone.If youwanttobuildanaeroplanebecauseyouwanttobuild-doit," Neveratruerwordspoken.

Havingresearchedthetypeforsometimebeforethecourse, IhadsettledonaChiltonMonoplane.I'vealwaysbeeninto vintageaeroplanes,bikesandcars,andbecauseIlikedthe 1930slookoftheundercarriagetrousers,practicalityoreaseof buildneverformedpartoftheequation!ResearchledmetoPaul Humphreywhohadstartedafuselagesome20yearsago,which hegenerouslygiftedtomealongwithsomemetalcomponents, craftedbyDaveAlmeyatSkycraftatthattime.UnfortunatelyPaul hadstoppedworkwhenhelosthismedical.

Aresurgenceofinterest in thetypemeansthatthereareatleast fourotherexamplesunderconstructionrightnowandthehelp andadviceIhavehadfromthesebuildershasbeeninvaluable. Afterall,theLAAcoursewastheonlywoodworkinstructionI've everhad,havingonlyeverputuptheoddwonkyshelfbefore,with hammerandnailsbeingmycustomarytools.

Thefuselagewasabout50%completewithfinandrudder,and beingofexcellentqualityineveryrespect,itgavemeagood startingpoint-somethingtoaimat.Myinspector.MikePowell, gavemeanothergoodtip."I'llhelpyouthroughthebuild,but Iwon'thelpwithmarriageguidance!'Thebuildhasahabitof makingmesay.'Sorry.Igotdistractedbysomethingshiny," whenIshouldhavebeenhelpinginthegardenorsuchlike. One'spartnerneedstounderstandtheshedsyndrome. Ifyou'regoingtobuild,rule1istobuildathomeifyoucan.Even afiveminutedriveistoofaraway.Ihadjustmovedhouseandthe roomIselectedisonly20x13ft.fortunatelyit'sjustbigenoughand IcanstepInatanytime.Whenitcomestoextricatingthefuselage mountedonitscentresectionandwheels.Iwillprobablyhaveto removetheFrenchwindows(sothat'llbebacktothat'Birmingham screwdriver'andnails).Iplannedfromtheoutsettodoaminimum ofanhoureverydayandforthefirstyearIdidjustthat.Ribspiled up(taperedwingsmeannomorethantwoarethesame),spars

PROJECTNEWS

werecutbyhandandhourswerespent thinkingandresearching.Forthelasttwo yearsIhaverelaxedabit,butstillkeepan averageofoveranhourperdayandoften more.Thisisimportant!

Iamnownearingthefinalstalesof construction(i.e.90%done.90%stilltodo) andamatlastgluingonfabric-extremely satisfying.I'vefoundthatthereareno problems,onlysolutionsandit'sfunny howoneagonizesforweeksabouthowto completeaparticulartask,onlytooneday justdoitthebestwayonethinksfitOffenthe resultiseasyandyouaskyourself."Whyon earthdidn'tIjustgetonwiththatthreeweeks

ago?"IImustbeastateofmind. Iboughtanew65hpWalterMikronHIAS fromParmaTechnikintheCzechRepublic. It'sbeautifullyputtogetherandcamewithsix hoursofbenchtestingwrittenupinperfect handwritinginthelogbook.Itwasfully inhibitedandsignedeftIhavejustcompleted thecantileverenginemountdesignedby FrankValerieandDavidCooper-Maguire-a workofart.

HavingflowntheredChiltonatOldWarden lastsummer,bykindpermissionotRoyNerou, IfounditshandlingtobeperfectandIcan't waittogetmineintotheair-thesatisfaction tobegainedfrombuildingisimmense.

Takingtheclampsoffarecentlyglueditemis somethingtolookforwardto,asisthepost. whichbringsexpensivegoodiesorderedfor theproject.MyChiltonisbuiltfromplans-a dauntingsheafofpaperworkdecoratedwith incomprehensibledrawings.Nothingtellsyou toglueAtoMbeforeBisfitted,otherwisethe crosslinkeddoobrie-firkinwon'tfit.There's anelementofmakingitupasyougoalongof course,butwithguidancefrommyinspector,I havethesemblanceofanaeroplanetoadmire. Itwillflyandtheonlyremainingquestionsto beansweredishowwellwillitfly,andwhen? Soif,likeme,you'vealwayswantedtobuiidan aeroplane,bestyougetonwithit.

"Oftentheresultis easyandyouask yourself,"Whyon earthdidn'tIjustget onwiththatthree weeksago?"

(Topleft)Centre sectionwithinterestingforkstyle undercarriage,andfabricworkstartsontheelevator

(Bottomleft)Trial fitofempennageandcentre sectiontofuselage

(Right) Beautifullycraftedenginemountwithanew65hp WalterMikronengine (Allphotos:DaveReid)

FEATURINGINLASTmonth'smagazinelisting ofaircraftclearedtofly,andafterseveral yearsofstorage,on5AprilBulldogG-CBAN hastakentotheskiesoverSouthWalesonce again.PamKelfofHorizonAircraftServices kindlywrotetoProjectNewsdetailingthe historyoftheaircraft.

BuiltbyScottishAviationatitsPrestwick factoryin1974andgiventheconstructor's serialnumberBH120/326,theBulldogwas deliveredtotheRoyalAirForceinJanuary 1975andregisteredasXX668foruseasa trainingaircraft.ItwasinusebytheRAF untilDecember2000,primarilybythe UniversityAirSquadronsandAirCadet AirExperienceFlights.XX668flewitslast

operationalflighton13December2000atRAF WoodvalenearFormbyinMerseyside,before beingflownthesamedaytoRAFShawburyin Shropshireforstorage.

TheaircraftwassoldtoCliffordHiHikerand CarlHowcrotlandregisteredontheCAA CivilianRegisterasG-CBANon26thJuly 2001.ItwasflowntoColerneairfieldon30July 2001andoperatedasageneraltrainerand forpleasureflights.CliffordHillikerbecame thesoleownerin2003andon19June2007 relocatedtheaircrafttoRAFStAthaninSouth Wales.Theaircraftoperatedfromthereuntil March2008andwasthenputintostorage until,afteramajorservice,itflewagainon 5April2014.

TheBulldogatRAFStAthanfollowingits majorserviceandtransfertoLAAPermit toFlybyHorizonAirServices (PhotoJamesThomas)

G-CBANisnowoperatedbyHorizonAircraft ServicesLtdonbehalfofMrHilliker.Horizons' ChiefEngineerobtainedaLAAInspector's ticketlobeabletomaintaintheaircraft. ThetransferoftheaircrafttotheLAAwas prettypainlessafterallthemaintenancewhich wascarriedouttoastandardrequiredfora CofA.

HORIZONAIRCRAFTSERVICESLTD

D espitebeingaregularvisitorto

Belfastovertheyears.itisonly inrecentyearsthatIhavestarted toexploreitsfascinatinghistory andhiddentreasures.IfIamto offeranunbiasedrecommendationofaroute andplacesthatUKpilotsshouldvisitonthe islandofIreland,thenImustsuggestthat timespentinNorthernIrelandwillprobably scorehighest.

ArouteviaCaernarfontoNewtownards willfacilitateastopoverintheIsleofMan--a destinationIhaveyettoexperience,buta wastedopportunityifbypassedbythose travellingfromEnglandandWales.

Let'sstartyourIrishvisitatNewtownards, EGAD.Iemphasisethatatriptothispart ofIrelandisdifferent-donotletitbecome justanotherentryinalogbookwhereonly theairfieldrestaurantandtheimmediate vicinityareexplored.Firstoff,expecta

welcomesecondtonone-thepeopleof NorthernIrelandhavealwaysappreciated visitorsstoppingby.Youarriveatan airfieldwhichwasfirstopenedin1934and arewithintouchingdistanceofthemost amazingaviation,engineeringandindustrial historythattheBritishIsleshastooffer. Newtownardswasthefirstcommercialairport inUlsterandprosperedasabusycivilian airportuntiltheoutbreakofwar.Dropinto Cloud9restaurantbasedontheairfield-as wellasgoodfoodandexcellenthospitality, youcanlearnofthefateoftheairfieldduring thewar.howitcopedwiththecompetition fromNottsCornerandafterwards,Belfast International,akaAldergroyeWiththe supportofthelocally-basedShortsfactory. NewtownardsAerodromedeveloped engineeringandmaintenanceskillssuperior tomostotherairfieldsintheBritishIsles. HearalsohowUlsterFlyingClub.

establishedin1961,wentontobecome animportantaviationtrainingandservices facility.Today,youareliabletoencounterits clubmemberstouringindistantplaceswith regularexpeditionstoEuropeanandNorth Africandestinations.Getthemtalkingand watchtimeflybyinCloud9.

Campingisavailableonthefieldand thetownofNewtownardsiswithinashort walkingdistance.Don'tbesurprisedifa localpilotofferstodropyouinthecentre, maybetothereasonablypricedthree-star StrangfordArmsHotelorotherhostelry recommendedattheairfield.Here.youare withintouchingdistanceofawidevariety ofattractions.Carhireisavailablelocallyat ArdsCarHire,orBelfastcityisonlyashort 15-20minutejourneyaway.Planastayoftwo ormoredaysifpossible,sensoryoverload foraviatorsisguaranteed.

Theusualtouristattractions,golfcourses,

TheimpressivenewTitanicQuarterinBelfast,veryclosetowhere theshipwasbuilt.Themuseumtellsthestoryoftheship,the WhiteStarLineandBelfast'sengineeringheritage.

(Maen)Enniskillen St.Angelo,afriendlybasefromwhichtovisit thesouth-westernsideofNorthernIreland.

(Below)lreland isthelandofsongandyou'llnever befarfromapubwithlivemusic.

bighouseswithlovelygardensetccanbe easilyfoundonGoogleandelsewhere.My personalrecommendationsincludetheUlster FolkPark&TransportMuseum.theTitanic QuarterandtheUlsterAviationSocietyat LongKesh.Maybeablackcaboropentop bustourwouldbeofinterestalso--Ican justimaginehowattentiveyouraudience backhomewillbeasyoudescribeavisitto notoriouslandmarkssuchastheFallsRoad, Shankill.ShortStrand..,allfeaturedinnews headlinesinwhatisnowdistantpast.Bring yourcamera-themuralsareimpressive' TheairmuseumoftheUlsterAviation SocietyisbasedatLongKesh-best rememberedforitsprisonandtheH-Block. Visitsarebyappointmentonly,easily obtainedfromtheNIoffice.Youronlycrime wouldbetomissseeingit' ThenewTitanicQuarterisamustvisit andshouldrequirenoencouragementfrom

me.Allowatleast fourhourstoabsorb theexperience.Thetourisnotonlyabout theTitanicbutchartsthedevelopmentof Belfast.itsharbourandtheindustrialisation andprosperityofitshinterlandthroughout the19thand20thcenturies.Naturally,the tragedyoftheTitanicisthemainfocalpoint, butonewillleavetheTitanicQuarterwithan insightintotheevolutionofNorthernIreland, Don'tmissit.

BacktooldfriendGoogleforbackground ontheUlsterFolkPark&TransportMuseum, Iwilladdlittleexcepttosaythatanearly startisrequiredtohaveanyhopeofdoing thisvisitjustice.Besuretopurchasea combinedtickettocoverboththeFolkPark andtheTransportMuseum.Andkmsure youdon'tneedmetoremindyouofthat ageoldfavouritetipple-Bushmillswhiskey. Youcantakeatourfromthecitycentreto

themagnificentGiant'sCausewayupon thenortheastcoast,andonthewaystop offattheBushmillsdistilleryasthetourbus windsitswayuptheoldcoastalroadwithits delightfuloldvillagesandfabulousscenery. Remembermyrecommendationtostay twodaysintheArds/Belfastarea?Witha littleadvanceresearch,therewillprobably bemeritinextendingforanextradayortwo!

BACKINTHEAIR

Butit'stimetogetbackintheair.Aflight aroundtheStrangfordLougharea,south towardsPortaferryandthemountainsof MourneisamustTheformerRAFAirfield atBishopscourtprovidesanidealwaypoint, incorporatingscenicviewsofmountains andsea.TurnwesttowardsCastlewellan andifyouraircraftperformanceallows, consideravisittoSlieveCroobflying club.NorthernIreland'shighestairfield.

VISITIRELAND

intheheartoftheMourneMountains.PPR andabriefingisessential.Thisregionis dottedwithmanyprivatefields-ifyouflya STOLaircraft,seekadviceatNewtownards onthosemostsuitableforavisit.

TurningbacktoNewtownards,onemight betemptedtodetourviaDromore.County Downandwavethewingswhenpassingover thebirthplaceofHarryFerguson.revered asthefirstIrishmantobuildandflyhisown aeroplane.Hewasprobablybetterknownfor inventingthe'WeeFergie'-thegreytractor, notthefootballmanager.

Bynow,thetemptationistostayat Newtownardsforafurtherfixoftheaddictive NorthernIrelandexperiencebutmuch moreadventurelieselsewhere.It'stimeto winddowninoneoftheworld'sacclaimed stressfreezones.NextstopisEnniskillen St.Angelo,EGAB,butselectingarouteisa difftcultchoice.GoeastfromNewlownards viaArmaghandthecalmbeautyandrolling countrysideoflowerandupperLoughErne. OrchooseanortherlyroutearoundtheGlens andcoastofAntrimtoviewthespectacular sceneryandviewagainthefamedbasalt columnsoftheGiantsCauseway,thistime fromtheair.Personally.Iwouldoptforthe northAntrimrouteanduseSt.Angeloasmy baseforalatersortiealongtheErnevalley. AirportmanagerNoelBaskinwillwelcome youtoSt.Angeloandonyourarrival,you willspotthatthereceptionareaiswell stockedwithinformationsheetsofferingall sortstouristservicesfromtaxistositesto visitandplacestostay.Theairfieldalsohas comprehensiveinformationontheirwebsite (www.enniskillen - airportco.uk). Hereare somepointerstogetstarted.

Ofparticularinteresttoaviatorswillbea mustseetriptoCastleArchdale-aflying boatbasefortheCatalinasfromwherethey claimedanumberofU-Boatstrikesand contributedtothesinkingoftheBismark. CastleArchdaleCountryParkalsohasa largecaravanandcampingsiteandamarina forthelakecruisers.Makesureyouinclude astopoveratLustyBegIslandinyourlocal itineraryanddiscoverwhat'downtime'really

means.Checkout wwwlustybegisland.com/ things - to - do butbepreparedtoextendyour stayifyoudo!

AfteryourstopoverintheEnniskillen area,movingtoanewbaseatCityof DerryAirport(EGAE)isonlyashorthopof approximately45nmtothenorth.EGAEisa commercialairportsevenmilesfromthecity centre,offeringcarhire,taxiservicesand afrequentpublicbustransportfrom/tothe city.AsIreland'sonlywalledcity,Derryis listedasoneoftheworld'shistoricsitesthat youmustseebeforeyoudie.Inadditionto takingashortwalkalongthemedievalwalls, IrecommendavisittotheTowerMuseum. guaranteedtoprovidethevisitorwithan insightintolocalhistoryandextensive materialforbarstoolstories.

AsyoulookacrosstheriverFoyle,you soonrealisethatDerryalmosthasonefoot intheRepublicofIreland.Novisittothis partoftheislandiscompletewithoutavisit toDonegal.inmyopinion,themostscenic

Open-topbusescantakeyouonatour ofsomeoftheoncenotoriousstreetsin Belfast,wheremanyoftheloyalistandIRA muralsremain.

countyinIreland.HeadnorthfromtheCity ofDerryAirport.acrosstheFoyleestuary andtakeintheviewsofMalinHeadbefore takingupasouthwesterlyheading.Today's targetisSligoAirportbutyoucandecideon adestinationforalunchtimestop-choosing betweenLetterkennyAirfield(EILT)or DonegalAirport(EIDL).Checkopeninglimes beforedeparture.TheAugust2013edition of LightAviation featuredSligoAirportasa destinationfromwhichtotourtheNorthWest regionofIreland.Seekthisoutandenjoya shortbreakatStrandhill,thelocalpopular holidayvillage.ThewildAtlanticcoastlinesof MayoandGalwayarewithinanhour'sflightof Sligo.withKnockInternationalAirportamere 30minutesaway.Localpilotswillofferadvice andsuggestionsontripsandaviationevents.

Whilstthisarticledealswiththenorthern partoftheisland,asmalldiversionsouth ofDublinontheroutehometotheUKis recommended.NewcastleAirfieldinCo. Wicklow(EINC),ontheshoreoftheIrishSea, iswelcomingandconvenientasadeparture airfieldfortheUK.Forthosewishingtovisit Dublin,ormorecomfortabledealingwith busyairspace.WestonAerodrome(EMT). approx.10mileswestofDublincityisan idealstopover.

Hopefully,youwillbeencouragedto planatriptosomeofthenorthernairports andairfieldsofIrelandinthenottoodistant future.TheLAAiswellsupportedwithquite afewmembersonbothsidesoftheborder. Allarekeentoshareourlocalattractions withfellowmembers.Itmightbehelpfulif intendingvisitorswouldletusknowtheir intentionsontheLAAforumoronthe InternationalTouringsectionontheFlyingin IrelandForum(website wwwilyinginlreland cool) whichalsocontainsotheruseful informationandalistoflocalaviationevents.

AsafurtherincentiveNewtownards, SligoAirport.andNewcastleareoffering freelandingsLAAmembersduringthe monthsofJune2014andSeptember2014, andEnniskilleninJuneonpresentation ofacurrentLAAmembershipcardand/or voucher.

RELANDFREELANDINGS

ToaccompanyourfeatureonvisitingIreland,fourairfields—twoinNorthernIrelandand twoinEire—haveverykindlyofferedfreelandingstoLAAmembersforJune.Atleast threeoftheairfieldswillberepeatingtheofferinSeptember,soifyouareunabletonip acrosstheIrishseathismonthyoucanplanforlaterintheyeaE

FREELANDINGINJUNE2014

www.enniskillen-airport.co.uk

ANEXCELLENTAIRPORTwithawarmwelcome,EnniskillenSt.AngeloislocatedinCountyFermanaghandthereareagreatmanythings toseeanddointhelocalarea.Thelocalwaterwaysareidealforcabincruising,fishingandsitessuchaslocalcastles.Cycling,walkingand cavingarebasedlocally,withdetailsavailableonthe www.fermanaghlakelands.com website.Taxiscanbearrangedtotakeyoutohotelsin thearea.AvgasandJETAlavailable.Cafe'St.Angeloisagoodstopattheairfield.Theairportisopen09.00-1700daily.Radiois123.300.

FREELANDINGINJUNE2014

PLACEDSOUTHOFDublin.rightnexttothecoastandneartheWicklowmountains.Newcastlemakesagoodplacetostartorfinishyour Irishvisit.Withavgasavailable,lowparkingrates,maintenanceandchecksifrequired,thisisagoodbasefortouringtheSouthEastof EireandDublin.PPRplease.Taxisandcarhirecanbearrangedinadvance.There'sacaféonsite,washroomandshowerfacilitiesand abriefingroomtohelpwithanyplanningyoumayneed.TheairfieldManager(JohnNugent)hasmadeanoffertoLAAmembersthat thisvoucherisvalidforayear—sotimetoplanavisitifyoucan'tvisitinJune.Canonlybeusedonceintheyear.Don'tdiscardthiscopy beforeyougol

FREELADINGINJUNE2014

1flNEWTOWNARDSAIRPORT (0289 I 813327) wwwulsterflyingclub.com

AGREATAIRFIELDtouseforarrivalintoNorthernIsland,visitingNewtownardstownitselfortheCityofBelfast.ThelatterhastheTitanic ExperiencewherethehistoryoftheshipandWhiteStarLinecanbeseen.Thecityoffersmanyhotelsandgoodshopping(seearticleformore details).TheairfieldisoperatedbyTheUlsterFlyingClubwhereavgasandJETAlisavailable.TheairfieldalsohastheCloud9restaurant whichoffersagoodchoiceoffood.Afriendlywelcomewillbehad,astheyalwayslovetoseeaviatorscrossingtheIrishSea.A/GRadiois 128.300withBelfastCity117.200and10M112.200ThisofferwillalsoberepeatedinSeptember,sotimetoplanavisitifyoucan'tgoinJune.

welcomeisguaranteed,astheairportmanagementandlocalflyersareverykeenforUK-basedaircrafttovisitandtourthearea.Irelandcan lookitsbestduringthistimeofyear.TheGuinnesstastesbetteroverthereaswell,butdorememberthedrinkandflyrules!Thisofferwillalso berepeatedinSeptemberbySligo.sotimetoplanavisitifyoucan'tgoinJune.Agreatareaforwalks.fishingandgolf.Radio122.100.

RAeCAWARDS2014

N ineindividualmembersoftheLight

AircraftAssociationwerehonoured attheannualRoyalAeroClub Awardspresentationheldatthe RAFClub,Piccadilly.Londonon Tuesday13May.Theawardswerepresented bythepatronoftheRAeC,HisRoyal HighnessTheDukeofYork,KG.

TheRAeChasbeenrewarchng achievementinaviationbrmoretan1E0 years,andthehonourrollisaveri;ablewhos whoinaviatinnincludingLsrdBrabazon 1ouieBserHt, Alcock andBrieNnandEi nenftreydeHavillandiheaNardse,E)Leognrse notonlyindividualandieasedcnieverneniin sportandrecreaironsddviaionbutalscthd commitmenlendsupportoftenevsrmany years,bythosewneseellortsenablediat achievementtotakenlane

WordsbyHarryHopkins

Followingtheawaideceremonyaprivate dinnerwasheldattheClubforLAAaward winnersandtheirquests,hostedhyI.AA PlasidcyllDiJonnAllisserwho,inasnort speechthankedtheaward'Alfinsrstortneir exceptionarservicetotheAssocsation Thisyear'sLAARoyalAcreClubAward recipentsoiere.

MARKALBERY

In2013whunhe%:sasdueNreturntothE UnitedKingdomfromaperiodofvverkingin CalitorNa.Mae<decidedtoIlyhisVaneRV-8 tothEUKrathertandismanileitandhave itshippedThe70000nn.trp,!skins;,nthe Sun'nEoneventinHondaendTheWright brothers'natiNnalmemorialatKillDevi:Hills NortnCarolina,rookEim19days,witl,arcto flying,aSiBormcrossingoftheGreenland ICU

(Above)Stewart JacksonreceiveshisRAeCSilverMedalfrom HRHPrinceAndrew.Stewartisinvolvedintherebuildofthe TurbulentHRHPrincePhilipflewin1959.

MarkAlberywiththeNorton-GriffithsTrophyaftersomejocularity aboutitssizeandweight.HRHPrinceAndrewwasingoodspirits andexpressedhisadmirationfortheawardwinnersandallthe organisationsthatenablesportand recreationalflyingtoflourish.

dC_Th7-13

capandrwolongseacrossingsbeforehe arrivedbackath:shomeairkeldciEustone. Fo-hisenterprise,skllandcouragein undertakingthislongtranscontinentalanc: trans-AtlantreHight.MarkwasawardedThe Norton-Grifliths[ropily.

STAN DAUNCEY

Stanisarentnumashcamateurpilutwho JoinedtheAssociationanuitsNorthEasi Strutin1983.He.mmediatelyLoo•O4the roleRsFieSq'lilsrepresenRitiveonDe AssociationsNationalCounckapositionhe hodfor20years,despitehavng00travel fmehourseachwaytoattendineoungs In1996healsotooksintheroleot NationalCouncilChairmananofficene heldwith:greatdish:lotiontoranumber ofyears

In1998hewaselectedChairmau oftheNFStrutandconnnued serveinThatcapacityuntil2003. Morerecentlyhehasactedas aJudgeofhomer:0Rarcrattat theAssociation'sRally.

I-orhislong.loya'andeSstinguished serviceorecreationa.flyingStanhasbeen awardedaRoyalAereClubBronzeMedal.

DAVIDANDSUSANDUNN

Fora:most40years.DavidandSusan DunnhavebeenstalwartmembersofHie No0hWesternStrutwithDavidsersngon toCommDeoformostofthattime Theycavejointlytakencc410:production oftheStrutsnewsiettecandforatleast 15yearstheywereheavilyinvolvedinthe dusignandproduct:onofsignageUprthe

RAeCAWARDS2014

Association'sannualRaGeis.In2006they producedboardsillustratingtheAssociation's 60yearsolhistory.

SadlydeteriorationinDavid'seyesighthas forcedhimtoreducerusStrutcommitments hutSusancontinuestoproduceanddistribute thenewsletterTheywereunfortunately unabletoattenotheawardsceremony.but fortheircombineotongtermcommitmentand dedicationtorecreationalaviationtheyhave beenawardedaRoyalAerieClubCertificate ofMerit.

STEWARTJACKSON

StewartjoinedRollsRoyce'stestdepartment atHucknallin1956andbecameamemberof RR'sMerlinFlyingClub,learningtoflyonan Auster.HejoinedtheAssociationin1972and wasafoundermemberofitsEastMidlands StrutinthesameyearHeremainsanactive membertoday,havingbeenaleadinglightin itsdevelopmentandcontinuedstrength.

HejoinedtheAssociation'sExecutive Commttteein1993,servingforanumberol yearsasAssociationSecretaryandremainsa memberofitscurrentBoardofDirectorsOver theyearshehasmadeamaiorcontribution toboththeBoardandtheAssociations EducationalTrust.otwhichheisaTrusteeIn recognitionofhislongtermcontributiontothe LAA,StewartwasappointedanAssociation Vice-Preside-Itin2011Hehasalsobeen involvedinprojectstobuildareplicaofaDH CometRacerandtorestoretheTurbulent single-sealairciaftonceHownbytheDuke ofEdinburghForhislonganddedicated servicetorecreationalgying,Stewarthasbeen awardedaRoyalAerieClubSilverMedal.

ROBINMORTON

RobinjoinedtheAssociationin1957and veryrecentlyretiredfromhisroleasoneofits EngineeringInspectorsafter32continuous yearsofserviceinthatcapacity.Hehas awell-deservedreputationforbeingan exemplaryInspectorwithawideexperience andofoutstandingcapability,althoughin

realityhehasbeenmuchmorethanan Inspectortothosefortunateenoughtouse hisservices:hehasprovedtobeafriend whooffersencouragement.wisecounseland meticulousprotectionoftheirsafety.

Hewasafo'..IndermemberoftheGloster Strut,wherehehasgivenanumberofexcellent talks,oftenonaspectsotinstrumentation indeed,hehassetupacalibrationandrepair workshopforthetatterwhichhassaved membersconsiderablesumsofmoney.More recentlyhehasbeenveryactiveinthenew heldolderegulatedultralightaircraft.

Forhislong,distinguishedservicetolight aviation.forhisdedicationtoitandtorthe encouragementandhelphehasgivenso generouslyovertheyears,Robinhasbeen awardedaRoyalAcreClubaBronzeModal.

ARTHURWJGORD - HUME

AsaveryyoungmanArrhurOrd-Humewas afoundermemberoftheUltraLightAircraft Association,whichwasformedinOctober 1946,whichwastonecomewhatwetoday knowasTheLightAircraftAssociation,makina himitsiongestservingmemberHehasan aeronauticalengineeringbackground,having beenatonetimeadesignerwithBritten NormanAircraftandManagingDirectorand ChiefEnaineerofPhoenixAircraft,apostWWIIlightaircraftcompany.

HeisalsoaprolificautnororbooksonBrnish lightaircraft.withsome20aviationNiestohis name.fromthoseintroducingthereaderto lightaircraftconstructiontodetailedhistories otournowsadlydefunctoncegreatlight aircraftmanutacturingindustry.Insum,hehas made,andcontinuestomake,asignificant contributiontolightaviationandtheLight AircraftAssociation.

ForGssignificantbodyofaviationwritingArthur hasbeenawaitedaRoyalAcreClubDiploma.

BARRYPLUMB

BarryPlumbisalightaircraftpilot.designer andbuilderinshort, thecompleteLight

AircraftAssociationmemberIlejoinedthe Associationin1974andbecameamember ofitsExecutiveCommitteein2008.later becomingtheChairmanofitsEngineering Sub-Committee.Inthelattercapacityhe hasdoneoutstandingworktoenhancethe Association'sengineeringactivities

Oneofthemajortaskshehasundertaken istomonitordeveiopmentsinpetroleum tools,wheretheintroductionofethanoland thevaryingoffuelsspecificationshavehad amajorimpactonlightaircraftownersand operatorsHedevisedapracticalkittodetect thepresenceofethanolfuels,forthosewho wishtousemotorfuelstopowertheiraircraft.

BarryhasjustretirednomtheLAABoard afterfiveyears'service,althoughneis continuingtrikworkontheAssociation'sbehalf asamemberofTheEuropeanFederationof Light,ExperimentalandVintageAircraft.

InrecognitionofIgsoutstandingvoluntary workacrosstheboardofrecreationalaviation BarryhasbeenawardedaRoyalAeroClub SilverMedal

IANRICKARD

lanRickarohasbeenacentraltigureinthe successfuldevelopmentortheEuropain allitsvariants.HimselfaEuropabuilder. tor14yearshehasbeenakeymemberof theEuropaClubCommittee,particularly concerninghimselfwiththetechnicataspects ofdesign.buildandmodificationissues.He moreorlesssingle-handedlydevelopedthe standardmodificationsystemtortheEuropa Club.introducingawiderangeofbeautifully documentedstandardmodifications.which hassavedEuropaownersandtheLAAan immenseamountoftimeandeffort.WIWI thedemiseoftheoriginalEuropaCompany. IanbecameHepersontowhommoreand morebuilderswouldturninordertoseek answerstotheirbuildproblems.Henas approachedthis,andhiswiderrolewithintne Committee,withtypicalenergy,enthusiasm andgenerosityandhasgivenhistimeand expertiseunstintingly.TheEuropaClubis oftencitedasanexampleathowtypeclubs canfunctionattheirverybestand'tisfairto say1hatthisislargelyduetoIan'soutstanding contribution

Forhisdedicationandextensiveworkfor recreationalflying,IanwasawardedaRoyal AcreClubCertificateotMerit

Alsoreceivinaachievementawardsanthe recommendationoftheAssociationwere theteambehindtheAirboxAWAREantiinfringementGPS.whichincludedJonathan Smith.KathyMcCollandMarkWatsonfrom FIATS.andWilliamMoore/tomAirboxLtd., andschoolstudentsNaomiGreenandNathan BurroughsfortheirworkonanLAAYouth EducationBuild-a-PlaneZenair701projectin Devon.whichisoneofelevenaircraftbeing builtbystudentsaroundtheUK.

TheAWAREteamreceivedaRoyalAerie ClubCertificateofMerit,andNaomiand NathanreceivedRAeCPiesidennsBreitling CertificatesofAppreciation

IfyouknowofanLAAmemberwhonas urinesomethingextraordinaryorputinlong hoursonbehalfofthemembership,please getintouchwithme hanryhookiosMalktaik nor or01242260242sothattheycanbe consideredforanRAeCawardoroneofthe LAA'sownserviceawards

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THEGYROPLANE REVOLUTION

AstheLAAtakesontheadministrationoftwo-seatfactorybuiltgyroplanes, SteveBoxhallbringsusuptodateontheincredibleadvancesandgrowththat havebeenmadeinthegyroplaneworldinrecentyears

Mylastforayintowrifingfor Light Aviation wasbackinSeptember 2007,whenIputtogetheran articleonthethennewGermanbuiltRotorSportMT-03.Atthat timefactory-builtgyroplaneshadonlybeen availableintheUKforayear,IhadafreshlymintedAFI(G)ticketinmypocketandwas dippingmytoeintotheworldofgyroplane instructing.Therewasonlyonefull-time instructorintheUKandahandfulofpart-time schools,mostofthemfocussingonpreparing studentstoflysingle-seathomebuiltgyros. Rollforwardssevenyears...andhowthings havechanged!

THEGYROPLANEREVOLUTION

WiththeMT-03RotorSport,theUK demonstratedthatwithsufficienteffort

Thetwo-seatGermanRotorSportMT-03 anditsSportderivativehavebeenthemost popularofthetwo-seatgyroplanes.

andresolvetheseeminglyinsurmountable hurdlesofBCARSection-Tapprovalcould beovercome,andtherewasasignificant demandforfactory-builtmachines.Once theMT-03hitthemarket,theveteranItalian manufacturer,MagniGyro,redoubledits effortsandgainedthenecessaryapprovals fortheMagniM16(thegreat-granddaddyof factory-builtgyros)tobesoldintheUK-so nowwehadchoice.TheMT-03wasupdated andre-configuredtoproducetheMTO-Sport, andthefleetgrewtoover100open-cockpit tandemfactory-builtgyrosintheUK.

Ifthearrivalofthefactory-builtgyroplane wastherevolution,thentheintroductionof enclosedfactory-builtgyroswasthetipping pointthatbroughtthemintothemainstream. FirstonthescenewastheMagniM240,a side-by-sidemachinepoweredbytheRotax 914.Nextcamethesleekandeye-catching RotorSportCalidus,withtandemseatingand sleekjet-fighterlooks.Andmostrecently RotorSporthasintroducedtheside-by-side CavaIon,givingyetmorechoiceintheUK market.Therearenowmorethan40enclosed factory-builtmachinesontheregister.

TRAININGANDDEVELOPMENT

Withtherapidriseinaircraftnumbershas comeabiggrowthintheavailabilityof training.Therearenowsixfull-timeschools acrosstheUKandanumberofinstructors

Anabinitiostudentrequiresfdrkhours ofdualinstruction10hoursofsoleand examsequivalenttotheNPRUM)toqualify toraUKPPLIG0ForapilotholdingaUK orEASAhelicopterfixedwingornicrolight licencetherequiremornis15hoursdual 10hourssoloandasingleGyroplane TechnicalexamMe6calrequirementsare sansliedbytieHPPLmedicaldeclaration countersignedbyyourOR

Fromapracticalpointofview,gyroplanes areaiiniqueclacsofaircraftwithThe:r ownflightcharactensiicsseit'snotlike convertingbetweennosewheoldnd iailwheei.orflexwcngtothiee-axishat said,anypreviixisflyingexperiencealways helpsaridthesharperandmeIreflexible yourflyingskillsaretheeasreritisto convertAlloftheUKinstructorsteacha rapauroofabinitioandconvertingpilots,so thetrainingprocess:5wellunderstood

operatingpad-MileTheInstraistiorarid EtaniinerGrouphasbeenhardatwork dvve:opingthetrainingsyllabusMidiwee originallywrittenParsingle-seattraining, sothatitismorerelevanttoModern requirements

AlihotiohLyrgplaneshavebeenaround sincethe1930sandsportgyroplanessince the'Kidsthe(rainingindustryissUitayoung oneandongoingeffortisrequiredHdevelop andmaintarribestpraoticekOneofthe mostsignificantrecentchangeshasbeen rhodevelopmentoianewCAA-aPProked InstructorTrarningcouise,Nhfchhas unleashedagnnatdealofpent-updemand andmayweltresultinadoublinginthe numberofqualifiedinsducto/sLiverthenetn 12months

WearestillblessedlyfreeotEASAwhen itCOMPSleyregulationandthegyroplane cdminunityhasdeveloper.:acloseand preductiverelationshipwithtileCAAOnc resultoftheCAdsIncreasedconfidence ingyroplaneshasbeeninsapprovalsi gyroplane-whichnowgivesschool;and clubstheoppoituniytohireaircrafttotseir customersremovingoneoftheroadblocksxx,, increasedparticipationinthesport

WHYDOWEDOIT?

So.MksliosbehindIhebiggrowthinMe gynoplaneworldoverOelastfewyears, andwhydidthepioneersinihoirhomebuill machinesstickwithgyroflyingwhenallthe oddswereslackedagainstthem?Tsthe

RotorSport'sfirstenclosedgyrowasthetandem-seatCalidus.Itnowalsoofferstheside-bysideCavalon.PricesfortheCalidusstartat£65,000andfortheCavalonat£78.000.

samereasonMaimostLAAnleinherewould givefordying--pure,unadulteratedfun GyropanesprovidetheIhril:rnanoeusrahillty and(nomemight:say)imprebdbiliwof aukerotaiivefliglitwhilsthappilyridingthrough turbulencewhichwouldhavemostequivalent hied-wingaircraftsatintheirhangarThe sheeijoyofbeingabletodescendgentlyat zeroairspeedturnonaSi/penceandland \Lothanalmostzerogroundrollnevergets staleSure,anaeroplanecantakeyouturdler andcarryinorebulifyorirreasonforflyindis Theage-oldThriliofbeingintheair,then[hexe's nothing10healagyro

WHATABOUTTHELAAHOMEBUILT TYPES?

TheLAAgyroplanetypesmosifysitinoneof twocamps-theningle-seatersandthetwpseatRAF2000thesingle-seatflyershave beennavogahitoratcrridtimeintheIasi_ coupleofyearssincetiieirmainkainingbase atTheeRissingtonbecameunavailableandan alternativesMehasyetigbefoundHereare currentlyonly16single-seWgyroswithvalid PerindfsdownfromabouizIOL.,soafewyears backThatsaidsingle-sealflyingissnllalive andkicking.withpilotslikeDaveOrganinhis CampbelfCricKetflyingthedagateventsand ilyknsaroknidihacountry.Thegoodnews forsingle-seatHyingisthattheCAAIStaking apositive\dewofsnider-itpilotsintegrating single-seatflyingintotheirnaininckandtheie areinstructorsaroundthecountniwhocan knoyidetuition

Single-seatgyroplane numbershave unfortunately diminishedin recentyears,but here'sJohnAllan's currentlyactive MontgomerieBensenB8MR, G-BWAH

TheRAF2000remainsnopuiarwidiowners althoughtheiebaver'tbeeilanynewkits importedforsometimenow.Tinsapprovalof ahorizontalstabiliserIfiasimproveothetype's slabilayanditcanonceagalnbefloNnwith theUPONfitted-muchtotherelielofSC)Ine ratherchillypilots

Theavailabilityatnewplansandkitoui'lgyrosisInnitednuttherualeplenty ofrestorationpro ectsOrrecentlyottlt-etParrnilmachinesouttheretorIfiosewhoare interestedandatleastonemanufacturer!s lookingat[hefeasibilitypfintroducingakitto theUK

WHERENEXT?

Incommonwithmostothelformsetsport aviationNIdieUK,wewatch•developmere oveiseaswithacertaindegreeofor-all ofthosenewtypeswhichareunavailablein Ulf-,UKbecauseolourcliderentreg.ilatory sysiemManufacturersregularlyaniiounce theimminentreleaseat!heiraircraftinthe UKbutsofarnoneaparttromMagniand Roc.riSoofthavedelivered.Orytimegalltell wtiettierweseeanyifiurenewtypesonthis sideoftheChannel

OneinterestingdevelopmentwhichmaY wellhaveknock-oneffects(ofapositive kind!)ensportayiaiionisthedevelopment ofcommendalgyfoplanesRotorSportUKis currentlyworkingonacc:rakedversionoiIls Cavalondyroplanewhichwillallowgyrostobe usedforaerialworkandthereisatfeastonc otherviableprojecttodevelopacommercial macHneAlthoughthesearenirecreationat aircraft,thewarrivalwillgenerateademandfor Irainingwhichcouldreasonablybeta),pasted toincreasecapaciiyintheschoolsandthat trainingmaywel,takeplaceInsportaircraft whichwillgiveafurtherboosttoourMeddling industry

ANDFINALLY...

Forthoseofuswhonaysbeenhangingonto thecoat-tailsofthisfast-movingwave,ithas beenquitearide.Injustafewshortyears, gyroplaneflyingintheUKhaschanged beyondallrecognitionandhasbecome

UKGYROS

oneoftheleadingsectorsofmainstream sportaviation.Althoughthechangehas beendrivenbythenew,sleekandfar-fromcheapfactory-builtaircraft,thereisstillan enthusiasticgrass-rootsmovementoperating low-costhomebuiltmachinesinawaywhich wouldbeinstantlyrecognisabletoany traditionalistLAA-er.Gyroplanesarehereto stay,soifyouwanttorediscoverthesheer joyofflying,hopintoagyroandfindout whatwemeanwhenwetalkaboutThe GyrocopterGrin.

SteveBoxallisagyroplaneinstructorand examiner,andalsooneofthenewLAA GyroplaneInspectors.Stevestartedflyinghotairballoonsasateenagerbeforebecoming

acommercialballoonpilotandinstructor,His introductiontogyroplanescamewhenhe builtanLAAsingle-seaterinhisgarageand learnedhowtoflyit"thehardway'Steve hasbeenteachingpeopletoflyforover27 years(hesaysthat'sbecausehestartedvery young,notbecauseheisnowveryold!).He alsoholdsafixed-wingCPL/IRandwhenhe's notflyinggyroscanbefoundpootlingabout inaVan'sRV-9.

Steve'sschoolispartofTheGyrocopter Experiencenetwork (wwwGyrocopterExperience.com). Hecanbecontactedbyphoneon 07905059789oremail

Steve.Boxall@GyrocopterExpertence.com

ByKenCraigie,ChiefInspector

Therearepresently148examplesof factory-builtgyroplanesontheUK-register, withthefleetconsistingof26examplesof theItalianMagnirange(M16CandM24C). and122oftheGermanRotorSportrange (MT-03,MTO-Sport,CalidusandCavalon), alloperatingonaCAAPermittoFly. It'sbeenalongtimecoming,butfinally theLAAisonthevergeofgaining approvalfromtheCAAtoadministerthe maintenance,certificationandtherenewal ofCertificatesofValidityforthisclassof aircraft.UnliketherestoftheLAAfleetand inrecognitionofaTypeCertificateHolder beinginpost,theywillcontinuetooperate undertheirexistingCAAPermittoFly.with theLAAsteppingintoprovideoversightof maintenanceandprovideaformalannual AirworthinessReviewforrenewalofthe Permit,althoughtosomeextentweare stillwrestlinginternallywiththecultural implicationsofthatsituation.

WestartedoffbyinvitingtheexistingUK populationofCAAAuthorisedinspectorsof gyroplanestoapplytobecomeapproved LAAinspectors,mostofwhomwerealready inspectorsinanotherclassinanycase, andwe'rehappytosaythatwenowhave atask-forceof15LAA-approvedfactorybuiltgyroplaneinspectors.Thesegyrosare maintainedstrictlyinaccordancewiththeir manufacturers'schedules,andthisdoesn't change.However,wethinkthatgoingdown theLAAroutewillultimatelyprovideowners withacheaperoptionthanrenewingdirectly throughtheCAA,especiallywhentheCAA's intentiontointroduceanhourlychargeto coveritssurveyor'stravellingtime,duenext year,istakenintoaccount.

Westillhavesome'itstodotonour procedures,plusasecondAirworthiness Reviewdry-rehearsalwiththeCAA,and thenwethinkwe'llbereadytogo.The soonestwecanhopethatwecanfinally beopenforbusinessisearlyJune2014, atwhichtimeadedicatedfactory-built gyroplanesectionwillopenonourwebsite, sowatchoutthereforanannouncement. wwwladuk.com

ALWAYSTOTHEFOREFRONT

Inthesummerof2012,Iwaslookingfor

anotherflyingchallengeandcameacross SamRutherford'swebsite Prepare2go. corn Samandhisteamarranged logisticsforhard-to-reachplacesand,as asideline,organiseexotictripsforPPLs. OnesuchupcomingtripwastoCapeTown andreturn,soImetSamandexplainedI wouldneedtofindaco-pilotandsetforth advertisingfora"flyingbuddywithdeep pockets."NeedlesstosayIwasinundated withprospectivepilots,someofwhomhad thenecessaryability.butnonewhocould findtherequiredfunds. ForawhileitlookedasifIwouldhaveto

cancel,howeverSamofferedtoleavehis aircraftathomeandaccompanymeand payhalfthecostofthetrip.IdeallySam needstheparticipationoffiveaircraftto makeatriplikethiseconomicbutthistime therewouldonlybethreeofus:Samin rnyMauleM7260C:KelvinFreemanandhis wifeDawninaMatrix(unpressurisedversion oftheMalibuMirage)andDavidTuckerinhis 'gentleman'scarriage'CessnaCrusader303. Inviewofthelargevariationsinspeeditwas agreedthatwewouldmeetupinMaltaorEgypt So,thereIwasonFriday11January2013 atFelthorpeAirfield(nearNorwich)about topullouttoealreadyloadedaircraft.II

wasverycoldandthecloudbasewaslow; gettingoutofNorthernEuropeduringmidwinterwouldbedifficultenough,andwho knowswhatwouldlieaheadinAfrica. IwasduetomeetSamatCharleroiin Belgiumintwodays'limeforadeparture toCannesMandelieuonthesouthcoast ofFrance.InippeddowntoLyddforan overnightstayandstudiedtheweatherfor mydirecttracktoCharleroithenextmorning. Therewasanuglystationarycoldfrontlying north/southveryclosetomytrackandIdid notwanttobegellingnearanycloudswhen thetemperaturewashoveringaroundzero. IphonedATCatCharleroiforabriefingand

4tiZaktiROgaista;Ariefraitke° '41,,;116.1!Yric.r ' -

theyconfirmedIcouldusetheILS,and beingaSaturday,itmadethenavigationand radioworkmucheasier.Afteranuneventful flightwiththecoldfronthoveringoffmy starboardwing,IarrivedatCharleroiand eventuallymanagedtofindalocalhotel.

SundaymorningwasbrightandbreezyandtheMaulehadeightinchesofsnowon thewings.Afterfourhoursoficeandsnow removalSamsuggesteddelayingfor24 hours-heknewamanwithaheatedhanger wecoulduse:fantastic'

OurfirsttrackoutofCharleroithenext morninowassouthwesttowardsToulouse sothatwecouldtrackbehindthecoldfront,

maintainVFRandstayoutofcloud,sinceit wasbelowzerodegrees.Eventuallywestart tomakealeftturnandcontinuetheclimb. maintainingVMC.Ourfinallevelwas11,500ft andIcouldstillseetheskiersbelowinthe DuexAlpsresort.Itwas-16CCoutside;the heaterwasworkingbecausewecouldhearit butitwasabsolutelyfreezinginthecockpit! AtthispointIdiscoveredthatSamhad beenaprofessionalarmyhelicopterpilot flyingGazellesinNorthernIreland-hismotto is,"Weneverflyhigherthanweneedtoand wealwaysgodirect.Ihavespentyearsflying IER,proceduralapproachesandairways,is refreshingtohavemorefreedom.

FlyingovertheSaharainSudan

ItwasraininghardinCannesbutatleast itwasalittlewarmer;Samhadafriendwho livesnearbyandwewerefedandwatered rightroyally.Nowwewereout of freezing problems,thenextdaywesetcoursefor MaltawherewewouldmeetupwithDavidin hisCessnaCrusader.

TheroutetoMaltaisdirectat1,500ft,and thefollowingdaywewentdirecttoCrete, againat1.500ft.TheMaulewasrunningwell andaswemovedsouthwestartedtoremove layersofclothing.

OurfirststopinEgyptwasElArish -closetotheGazastrip:theonly placethatwecouldfindfuel.Wemet

UKTOCAPETOWN

up withKelvinandDawnintheMatrixand headedofftoAswanforanovernightstop. TheMauleisnotquickandtheflightfrom Cretehadalreadytakenusoverfourhours: bythetimethedaywasoverwehaddone nearlyeighthoursflyingwithnoautopilot.I electedtoflyasmuchaspossiblebutcould nothavemanagedwithoutSamtoreducethe workloadandgivemeabreaksometimes. Butwehadthemusicsortedout,itplayed throughtheheadsets,butwhataboutthe choice?Ithink(hope)hehadbeguntolike JohnnyCash!

TherefuellinginAswanwasefficientand Samisaverygoodcommunicatorwiththe locals;Egyptprovedtobenoproblemat all.ThenextstopwasKhartouminSudan, aMuslimcountrythathasrecentlysplitin halfwiththesouthbecomingSouthSudan, withJubaas its capital.Sam'scontactson thegroundarepleasantenoughbutthings moveatadifferentpaceinAfricaandyou findyourselfsittingaroundandwaitingfor longperiodsoftime.Khartoumairportis rightinthecentreofthecityandthehazeon approachwasappalling-andwegotsent offcourseby20mileswhichisalongwayin aMaulethatonlyfliesat110kt.

Thefuelisthereindrumsbutwecouldn't refuelstraightawaysohadtocomeback nextdayandhand-pumpthefuelintothe threeaircraft-wehadboughtallthisfuel evenifweleftanybehind,soSamrustled upsomejerrycansandwetookthesurplus withus.OnceagainSamfoundsomeone toentertainuswithaBBQandweventured outtolookatthesightsandstandonthe confluenceoftheWhiteandBlueNile.

4

Africacanlookatyouwiththesaddestof eyes,andgiveyouthebrightestofsmiles

OncepartoftheBritishEmpire,Sudangot itsindependenceandimmediatelystarted drivingontheothersideoftheroadbut didn'tchangeanyoftheroads,sochaos ensuesatrushhour,Thepeoplehowever, appearveryhappyandsmiledandwaved alot.

WehadplentyoffueltogettoJubawhich issouth-westofKhartoum,andinwhatwas becomingincreasinglybarrenlandscape atleastwedidn'thavetoworryabout emergencylandinginaMaule-itisbuiltlike abrickouthouseandwilllandonjustabout anything.Wehadalsogotintoaroutinewhere SamandIwouldleavefirst,thenDavidin theCessna,andfinallyKelvinwhoseMatrix wasthefastestaircraftbysomemargin.Juba though,wasadisasterincomparisonto Khartoum-disorganised.untidy,andnofuel: anditwasalso42°Contheground!

Samhaddonehisbesttoorganisea specialdeliveryoffuelbutithad'gotlost' enroute.Afterafewcalculationsitwas decidedthatwehadenoughfueltoreach ournextstop,LokichogioinKenya,soweset offwithoureyesgluedtothefuelgauges.

Myfuelcalculationswereok-just!We landedatLokichogiowith30minsendurance remaining.Samknewamanwhowould 'loan'somefueltouswhichwouldneed replacing(notjustpayingfor)later;weagain hand-pumpedthefuelbetweenthreeaircraft andwentthroughacharmingCustomsand Immigrationroutinewithsomesmilinglocals.

Thereisatransformationinlandscape movingfromthearidnorthtothemorelush pasturesofNorthernKenya,whichis6,000ft abovesealevelattheequator.Arrivingin

Kenyawasalsoanopportunitytomoveinto amoreielaxedHyingexperience001much ATCnotmuch'eatc.justendlessHueskies anowarmsunnyLyingconditions-thsreally wasblissfulflytrk:

OurnextseoewasNakuruart:75titcs nortiwestofNairobiwewereletkindfar Barclays,apnyatmepnoifarfromte•.ake 11.4 amongsttnecornfieldsandassetiatedwit afamibythesamenameowned!ayth,rd generatonwhileKemianfarmersWeweee stayingfortwonightsatKembeLodge alocalguesthousewitcharI1HogrComs tegardenownedandrunovZOE,and Andrew.&flingontheverandamierleoking tollingareenpastiresandblackandwttc cows,itcouldsoeaNlyHaDevonexcept thatwewereat6000f:abovesealeveland meweatherwas.antasocAndrewpointed outthatitdoessemet.mesgetcold-even Ciwes501

Nextdaywewentintc,thetor.,%-non Nakurufoeatookareuneandminglewith thelocals-Hee:olfriendlysmilindfacesI had01changeafewUSDollarsirdolocal curtency,amissienthatwuuld:akeanhoar 2,localbankThisistimeryourealisethe importanceofcayryingbrandnewdotarbills becauseanynoVreUtatlooeaeitwornare [`litaccep;ed

WewerewelresedandofftoNairobi WilsonairportamajorGeneralAveation hubItwasbusyandAFCweretrowing instruceonsabontveryfast-torexasno opportunitytopressthePansmtbutton soweelectric:0followsomeoneinaad nnallygotawordinPdgewaysWewere duetohaverearntnancedonehereso

AmosqueatsunsetinZanzibar

nilcnancesallroundaroanymurtesnags dealtwth,myminor,ssuewasthatIfie ;.ruddertrimwasineffeceveandwehadto flywithrightrudder000liedallthetime. howevertherewasaajustmemT1thelinkage andaftertheshadbeenresolvedwewere abletoryhandsoff.Itbecameabitofa competitionbetweenSamandItosere,2412; couldflythelongesthandsoff.Wecertainly gotbetterthan45rnnutsbutIwoulcint adviseanyonetobetwenSamRutherfordbytheeildof:heHpIwascertainlyatleas: twobottlesofChampagnedgwn.Kelvin hadamagcropwhichwasthoughttobe aoadpa:gbutasvvefoundlater,ilwasn't TheCrusaderwasrunni:Igttlowingan alternatorproblemthatneededaminorkx. Wewerebilleteda'.theEastAfricanAare Clun.rightantheairr.eidandaIHmons flyinglandmam.Isaybilletedbecauseehe roomsaremorelikeharracksanaIhebeds areunconitortabletf.vetynnewdsmoaning histatioplaceandwesneuldsuckit.ip!The highlightottheseaywas aloca1mstaurant calledCalnivorenotaplaceyouwantto takeanyvecptananfnends.Themeats roastedinaharheckepitandslicedofithe jointinfront01you--youkeepInelittleflag raLsedintnerniddIeofMe-ablethenthey keepsicingtnemeat.Ifounotheoxhailsa bitchewy,thecrocodiIe was rathersaltyand thechickenc“zardsweresimplymedibbe buitherust•asverygood.

ThenextdaywewereofftoTanzanta sowepaidowmaintenancehillsI:0 brandnewUSDollars)andreceived abitofpapel-confirmingtoework that

UKTOCAPETOWN

hadbeendone;theaircraftwerewashed afterafashionandweheadedofftowards KilimanjaroInternationaltoclearCustoms andImmigrationbeforeheadingforthebush.

AlthoughwecouldsortofseeMount Kilimanjaro,thehazewasprettybadso itwasnotlookingasimpressiveasIhad seeninphotographs.Althoughweinitially headedSouthEastfromNairobiwewere nowheadingduewesttotheSerengetiand ourtrackwouldtakeusovertheNgorogoro crater,whichisbothstunninglybeautiful andabiteerie,likesomethingoutofThe LostWorld.Itismassive.Weelectedtofly atlowerlevelforagoodlookandidentified alandingstripalmostontrack-'Quick,let's practiceaforcedlanding"-justincasewe neededtolaterIcannotexpressinwords justhowprivilegedIfeltlookingatthisfrom myownaircraft.

Wewereheadingtoraremotelandingstrip atNdutuwithintheSerengetinationalpark.

Samhadproduceda'flyingbook'foreach aircraftthatcontainedalltheinformation

thatweneededforthewholesouthbound leg.ThepageforNdutuhadasingleblack lineindicatingrunwaydirection,lengthand elevation.NoATC,notransponder,noCNN orOFF;Justmarkoneeyeball.Theplanwas totlyoverheadforagenerallookandthen makealowlevelflypasttolookattherunway surfaceandhopefullymoveanyanimals offthestrip,thenmaybeathirdlowlevel go-aroundifyoufindabigholeyouwantto avoidandtoworkoutitthereisanywind. Landingongravelisaverynoisyexperience butperfectfortheMaule.

Wewereinstructedtoplacelargebitsof treeandbusharoundthetyrestostopthe hyenaschewingourwheels!

Transferringtoatraditionalgamereserve vehicleweheadedoffintotheSerengeti tolookatthebeautifulanimals,Now,Iam mindfulthatthisissupposedtobeaflying articlebutthismightbeoneareawhichSam hasundersoldaspartofthetourney-itwas absolutelyfantastic,anditgotevenbetter. Weweretakentoatentedcampwherewe

receivedfourstarservice,inthemiddleof thebush,withaproperbedandyourown flushingloo,awarntshowerandthose endlessviews.Ithinkyougetthepicture.

TwonightsatSerengetiandwewereoff toZanzibar!Anotherbeautifulsunnydayin flyingparadiseandanotheropportunityto practiceourhelicopterstyleflying(directand low).BillyJoelsangaboutZanzibarandI thoughtitwasgoingtobeasortofbohemian paradise-howwrongIwas;itwasverypoor, veryuntidyanditwasahotelofdubious quality(especiallyaftertheexcellentstaysin KenyaandTanzania).

Weweretherefortwonightsbefore startingalargeover-waterstretchtowards Madagascar.viatheIslandofMayotte,a FrenchprotectorateintheIndianOcean completewithFrenchroadsignsandthe euro.Weapproachedtheis:anddurinaa squallandthelandingwaschallengingto saytheleast-bestletthehelicopterpilot landher.Togettothemainislandfromthe airportislandweneededtotakethevehicle

ferryandthenjumpintoataxitoourresort. alushforestwithbananasgrowingbythe road.Theaccommodationwasaseriesof beachhutssetaroundabarandrestaurant Thesettingwaslovelybuttheweather awful,wegoteverythingincludinglotsof thunderstorms.However,wecouldswimin thewarmwaterandlookourforturtles.

Theweatherblewthroughandweheaded offtoMadagascarwhichisenormousbut Ican'tsaywesawmuchofit:wewere headingforMahajengaontheNorthWest tipTheadministrationtookawhileand eventuallySamaskedmetoaccompany himandthreepolicementoacashpoint sotheycouldbepaidtheirleeinlocal currency.Samdoesnotpaybribes,hesays dcausesproblemsnexttimeandheisa verypersuasivecharacter.Eventuallyweall convenedinalocalbarandtriedtofinda taxitotakeustoourhotel,butunfortunately theroadhadbeenwashedawayandwe neededa4x4togetthere.Afteranotherwait apickuptruckwaspressedintoserviceand

Samsatinthebackwithluggagetoprotect itfrombeingstolen.Thewashedoutroad wasabsolutelyawful-torrentialrainhad literallycreatedbigholesinthesandroad wepressedonataboutfivemilesanhour, noneofusbelievingthattherewasahotel upthisgodforsakentrack.Addinginsultto injurythedriverwasusinghiseco-friendly, fuel-savingdrivingstyle,switchingoffthe engineandcoastingateveryopportunity: thisgotverywearing.Iwasconvincedthat wewouldendupbackintheaircraftforthe nightbutallofasuddenthetrackimproved andwearrivedatthisfour-starresortinthe middleofnowhere.Againmoreindividual cabinssetaroundagarden.swimmingpool andbarrestaurantcomplex-fantastic.Dawn orderedaverylargewhiskyonarrivaland downeditinone!

Thetwo-nightstaywasdelightfulandthe rainblewthrough-ouronlyworrywasthe drivebacktotheairportdownthattrack. Wetookoffandflewlowoverthecoast headingsouthforMorondava,ourdestination beingVilankulosinMozambique,520miles southwest.Butwewerehavingproblems. Thestarboardwingouterfueltankwas nottransferringfuelintotheinboardwing tankandifwecouldnotusethisfuelthe imbalancewouldbeenormousatour destination:weneededsomewheretoland. Onafirstlookthereisnothinginbetween MorondavaandVilankulos.just520miles ofwater,hutacloserlookatviaGarmin 'nearestbutton'revealedanislandjust southof[rack.Therewasnofrequencybut weoverflewthegravelairfieldanditlooked OK-wecalleduptheothersandtoldthem ofourintentions.justincaseweneedhelp. Itwasanuneventfullandinginaparadise butthenativeswerenotfriendly-atall!The islandisoccupiedbyabout20Frencharmy troopswhodescendedontheaircraftwith rifleswavingandangryexpresstons.Sam explainedinhisperfectFrenchourproblem andhewastakenawaybythemilitary. possiblyforakickingbehindthebike-sheds -weshallsee.InthemeantimeIwaitedat theaircraftandofferedrnywell-thumbed copyof FHM withfinephotosofKellyBrook inside,theyinturnofferedmewater:things weremaybethawingout.AsmilingSam returnsafter30minutesandweaddedfuel totheemptysidefromJerrycans:photosare takenandhandsshaken,alliswellandno onegothurtWedepartedforVilankules Ican'treallysaywesawmuchof Mozambique:welandedintheafternoonand leftthenextmorning,ourdestinationKruger InternationalAirport,whichisinsidethe Krugergamepark-civilisation!Onclearing Customsweheadedofftotheterminalfor food.therearecafes,shopsandhirecar companies-thisisreallystrangeafterall thedowdyairportswehavepassedthrough. Wewearefinallyonourlastleg(andlast country),headingtowardsCapeTown. Wehadtomakeashortflighttoour overnightstopataprivatelandingstrip ownedbyC.C.Pocock,whorunsBush Air(wellworthalookontheInternet).a companythatorganisesfilming,pyrotechnics andanadvancedmountainandbush flyingschool.CCistrulyamadpilotanda wonderfulentertainer.weateanddranklate intothenightandwokeupwithsoreheads toafantasticbreakfast.Outofalltheplaces

wehadvisitedonthistripsofar.BushAirisa placeIwanttogobackto.

Butwheretonow?Barnhadsuggested Kimberlybutthediamondmineisnowshut soit'snotexactlyavibrantplace.After aquicklookatthechartweoptedforan overnightslayinBloemfontein,210miles southwestofPretoriaandleavingus480 milesthenextdaytoStellenbosch.Both DavidandKelvinpressedon,leaving SamandItobringuptherear.Wewere quitelatelandinginBloemfonteinand everythingwasshut-exceptfortheaero clubwhichwashavingabarbeque,orbrai astheysayinSouthAfrican.Oncewehad introducedourselves-"Wherehaveyou guysflowninfrom?''England-wewere treatedlikeroyalty.

AlexSally,alocalpilot,deservesamention ashenotonlytookustothehotelbut collectedusnextmorninganddroveusto hisYamahaMotorcycleshop.HeloanedSam andIabigmotorcycle,andoncewehad finishedplaying,droveusbacktotheairport. (Iwasabletoreciprocatethiskindnessin July2013whenAlexandhisfriendMark cametoEuropefortheMotoGP:they borrowedbikesfromYamahaandIguided themonathree-daytouraroundthewestern AlpsandthesouthofFrance).

WewereonthelastlegtotheCapebut stillhadnearly500milestogo.andasthe windwasnotinourfavourthiswasgoingto beanuncomfortableflightacrosstheGreat Karoo,abarrenrockydesolateregionnorth eastofCapeTown.Itwasahotandbumpy ridelastingnearlyfivehours.Therewas noonetospeaktoontheradio,noteven CapeTown.wejustslowlyworkedourway throughthemountainsuntilwecouldseethe Stellenboschvalleybeneathus.

Maybeitwasthefivehourflightor thegusting1Sktcrosswindfrom30' offtotheright,orthenarrowbuthighly camberedrunway.OrmaybeIamjust makingexcuses,becauseeitherwaythe landingdidnotgowell-andthatisan understatement.Icompletelymesseditup andground-loopedtheMaule,catching theportwingtipintheprocessIthought, "That'smyflyingtripover,thiswilltakemore thanaweektofixwhatanidiot"(Youcan watchthegroundlooponYouTube)

Samtaxiedtheaircrafttothemaintenance hangerandthebrotherswhoownthe businesscameoutwithpenspoisedtosee whatservicingweneed.'Erra50hourcheck pleaseandcanyoufixthis'?"pointingatthe damagedwingtipandbentaileron"You havegot10days."Muchscratchingofheads andsuckingonteeth

Samwasgoinghometoholidaywithhis familysoitwasuptoKelvin.DavidandI tochasetheengineers;Kelvinwouldgo Monday.IwouldgoWednesdayandwe wouldallturnupFriday.

KelvinphonedmewithnewsonMonday. - Youwon'tbelievethis."hesaid'butthe wingtipisrepairedandtheaileronhasa newskinonit,allreassembledandwaiting forpaint.-Wewereveryimpressedwiththe oldfashionedservicethatwereceived.even Kelvin'spersistentmagdropwassorted,it turnedouttobeachaffedHTlead. Wewereduetostartnorthboundforhome intwodaysandtheaircraftweresortedand readytogo.

WHERE TO GO

F romnowontheseasoniswellandtrulyupandrunningwith agreatmanyfly-insandairshowseveryweekend.Pleasepay particularattentiontoRA(T)s(temporaryrestrictedairspace) andavoidinfringements.SomearementionedbelowandRed ArrowsdisplaysalmostalwayshavethembutcheckNotamoratthe

EED

3-4 Sywell, HellUKTradeShow

3-4 Lee-on-Solent, D-Day70thAnniv. EventsinclDakotaGathering(by invitationonly)

3-9 Cherbourg (F),D-Day70thAnniv DakotasEventsincAirshow

4 Carentan, N'mandy(F),D-Day 70thAnnivDakotasParaDrop (Lee-O-StoCherbourg)

4- 14 LeicestertoDuxford, Around BritainAirRally

5 Portsmouth, SeafrontD-Day Commemoration(incRedArrows)

5-7 Wels (OF),RotaxEngineFly-in

6-7Goodwood, 1u,,teiFly-iil iPPF.y012237115001

7 Duxford,LAABonusDay(PPR), 01223833376

7 Throckmorton, H4HCharity AirShow

7 Lymington, D-Day Commemoration (incRedArrows)

7-8 Folkestone, SeafrontAirShow (incRedArrows)

7-8 Northrepps, VintageFly-in(PPR). 07886264992107771800406

7-8 StMichaels, LancsHotspots MicrolightCompetition

7-8 LaForteAlois (F),SalisCollection Display

8 SuttonMeadows, Charity MicrolightFly-in

8 Cosford, RAFAAirShow(incRed Arrows),08706062014

8Popham. (themet.b.a.)Fly-in 01256397733

8 Welshpool, BobJonesMemorial AirShow(incRedArrows)(PPR). 01938555560

8Panshanger. NLFC

12-14 Cannes (F).GASalon&Airshow

12-15 Sywell. BAeAAerobaticAdvanced &UnlimitedNationals

i 2-15 Newport. loW,IsleofWightMusic Festival(incRedArrows15)

i 3-15 Guernsey. Guernsey AirRally

i 3-15 WestonPark. Model&Full-size AirShow

13- 15CholmondeleyCastle, Pageant ofPower

13-15 StYan (F).AirFranceStaffFCFly-

13- 15

in(displaySat) Meaux-Esbly (F).WWICentenary AirShow

13- 1SOffenburg (D).OUVGerman NatonalHomebuiltFly-in

veryleasttheAISrecordedmessagewhichrelatesto all RA(T)sfor theday—0500354802. ThankstoDaveWiseandtheRAeCfortheuseoftheirdata. Moreeventinformationwithweblinkscanbefoundatevents. royalaeroclub.org

13- 15 Arnboise(F),WI@Clubel FIDnC.e

14 London, TroopingtheColourFly Past@1300CautionRA(T)

14 BigginHill. BigginHillFestivalof Flight(incRedArrows)

14 StowMerles, FOSMAWWIFly-in (PPR),01245326040/ 07860345403

14GloucestershireAirport FLYER Magazine20thAnniversary Fly-in

14 Deanland. SouthCoastFly-in (PPRair&road),07701074148/ 07736017287

14-IS NorthWeald, AirBritainClassic Fly-in(PPR).01376344441/ 01992524510

(4-15 Newark, MuseumCockpitFest& Aeroboot/AerojumbleSale 01636707170

14-15 Wingland. Fly-inandCompetitions (PPR).01406362488

14-15 Sandown. RRRAHandicapAir Races

14-22 Enstone, BMAASSDRRally& VintageMicrolightFly-in IS PrioryFarm. Ddy 07/5950511-1 IS Wellesbourne. Wings& WheelsShow IS OldWarden.ShuttleworthAir Show&LAA Party-in-the-Park. 01767627927

19-21HradecKralove OK).Aviation ExpoEurope&European HelicopterShow

20-22 Cognac (F).CognacRally

20-21 ComptonAbbas. BAeAAerobatic Competition

20-22 Northrepps, CrabfieldFly-in& Camp(PPR).07886264992/ 07771800406

21 Babbacombe, SeafrontArmed ForcesDayDisplay(inc Typhoons)

2!-22 Eshott. GreatNorthFly-in.07500 028372

21-22 Weston -super-Mare, SeaFrontAir Show(incRedArrows21)

21-22 Taghmon (El).ILASNational Fly-in

21-29

21-22 Blois (F).RSAAeropassion Fly-in Londonderry, ClipperYachtRace HomecomingFestival(inoRed Arrows29)

21-29 Manyvenues, ArmedForcesDay Events(seeRAeCwebsiteforlist)

22 OldBuckenham. Motorbike Rally

26-29 Goodwood, FestivalofSpeed(inc RedArrows27&28)

27-29 Vannes (F).ULMFestival

27-29Rendsburg (D).PiperFly-in

28Stirling,ArmedForcesDayFlypast(IncRedArrows)

28 Scarborough. ArmedForces Day

28-29Sandown.SpamfieldMierolight Fly-in(MovedtoSep6-7)

28-29 Eshott, Microlight Competition

28-29Shobdon. HACFood&Flying Festival(PPR),01568708369

28 -29 EbbesbourneWake, Chalke ValleyHistoryFestival AirShow

28-29Sherburn-in-Elmet.LAAFly-in& Roadshow

28-29 Headon. MicrolightFly-in& Party

28-Jy2 Luqa (9H).MaltaRally, 0035621312343/21454366

28-Jy5 Lasham, Human-Powered AircraftRally

29 Fenland, FACVintageWings& WheelsDay

29 OldWarden. ShuttleworthMilitary PageantAirShow,01767627927

2-6

Henley-on-Thames. Royal RowingRegatta

4-6 Silverstone, CarRacingFlGrand Prix.Caution RA(T) 5Boxted.LAASuffolkCoastal StrutFly-inPf-H11wror IOa.t. NU]41112205

5-6Waddington. RAFAirShow

5-6Sleap. F.AeAPitt,Speci:li Aeich2:11,-;OnrTiI.etii

5-6 Popham, RRRAHandicapAir Race,01256397733

5-6DunkeswellLAARoadshow& DevonStrutFly-in.01803 875601/01404891643

5-6 Northrepps, AmericanAircraft Fly-in(PPR),07886264992/ 07771800406

5-7 LeedstoLondon, StartofTourde FranceCycleRace.CautionRA(T)s

6 OldSarum, VintageSunday Fly-in.01722322525

6 ComptonAbbas, Pooley'sFly-in

6 Bodmin, CornwallACWings& WheelsFly-in,01752406660

6 Panshanger, NLFCAmerican IndependenceDayFly-in. 01707391791

8-27 ThroughoutFrance(F), Tourde FranceCycleRace

Flyingwiththecurrentchartisnotonlysensible,itisalsoa legalrequirement.AllCAAChartpricesremainatE15.99

Thelatestchartupdatesare:

SOUTHED401:500,000SouthernEngland&Wales 3rdApril2014

ENGLANDSOUTHED181:250,000EnglandSouth1stMay2014

NORTHED371:500,000NorthernEngland 29thMay2014

8ORDERSED9 1:250,000Borders 26thJune2014

AvMap UltraEFIS

AVMAP UltraEFIS

TheUhaEFIS isa stand-alonedevice withUltrabright3.5" sunlightreadable display.Lessthan 50mmdepthbehindthe panel,andweighing only1459theUltra EFIScanbeeasilyinstalledinthesamelocationas astandard80mmArtificialHorizon.connectingto theGPSsupply,12VpowerandPitot/Staticsystem. Designedforsailplanesandultra:lightaircraft.the UltraEFIScontainssolid-stategyros,accelerometers, magnetometersensorandair-datasensors. Thed:splaygivestruealtitude,indicatedandtrue airspeed,altitude,headinginformationandaslip ball.ThealternativeHSIdisplaycavesfullnavigation informationusingitsbuilt-inupdatableworld-w:de JeppesenDatabase.

E995.00 AVMAPEFISULTRA

AllpricesincludeUKVAT(whereapplicable)at20%

AIRTEST

ungainly-lookingdevice(puHingitkindly) ofconventionalconfiguration,•ith fabriccoveredsteeltubeandaluminium construction.UnlikeallotherAustere1 wasacantilevermonoplaneratherthan astrut-bracedhighwingeritstadwheel undercarriagehavinowidely-spaced telescopiccantilever-legtypemain undercarriageunitsThaiwereacornplete departurefromthetuselage-mounted undercarriageleosofIheotherRearsby ProductsAlookatthespecsshowed thattheAgrcolawassomewhatoutside oftheLAAsusualscopeintermsofmax grossweightat37875ib(normalmaxfor LAAaircraftls2,500lb)butofcourse,his wastocopewithitsoriginalroleasatopdressingaircraftwhenitcouldcarrythree quartersofatonofsuper-phosphateinthe hopper.whichsitsonthecgoftheaircraft,

behindandbelowthehigh-perched cockpitWiththedaysoffixedwingaircraft cropdustinginIheUKlongpast.andwith thetypecertificatesforallMeAustertypes tongsincewithdrawn,MeCAAwashappy togodownthePermittoFlyrouterather thanrequiringaCofA.Withnointentionof agriculturalendeavoursinbAAoperation, wenegotiatedsuccessfullywiththeCAA forthegrossweighttobereducedtoa levelwherepermissioncouldbegranted forIAAtotakeonthissolesurvtvorof DickioBird'sdesign

Afewmonthslater,Ihadachancetosee theAgricolamyselfatCarrFarmwhereit hadbeenreassembled,accompaniedby theChiefInspectorKenCraigie,whowas naturallykeentoseethistales;additionto theLAAfleetaswellaskeepingtabson whathisteamofinspectorsareupto.•or

pullingthusoldworkhorsepackinthedi: wasclearlynoordinaryIAAprorect Externallptheaeroplaneisbig-at42fI spanandchunkilybuiltwithrtitsnoticeably heitietthanaPawneeandtallonitswidestanceeundercarriageitstandsheadand shouldersaboveyouraveragelightaircraft makingmereflectonthefactthattheLAA hascomeonalongwayfromthe7bhp ultralightlimitsthatwestartedwithintoe earlydaysKnowinghiattherewas a chance I'donedaygeltoflytheaircraft,Istoodwell eackandwasmeasedtosee:hatdespite theAgricolassizebe,ngslightlyintimidating fromaflyersperspectivetheoverall proportionsseemedgoodwithgenerous tadsurfaces,oodlesofdihedral,Rforgivinglogkingundercarriage,andIhetractor cab-likesingle-seatcockpitpositionedwer forwardwouldcertaintygiveanoutstanding viewoforoceechrigsTheMcCauleyIwo Madedconstantspeedpropellerseemed sornewha:dwarfedbytheovers:zedairframe andcertainlydidn'tgivetheimpressionMat theAgricolawouldbeoverpowered

A walk-aroundoftheAgricolashowed thatitabounoswithinterestingfeatures Thee.levatorandruddercablesare101.1t@d alongtheoutsideofthefabric-coveredrear fuselage*hereIheyleeasilyinspectedand mostrepohantlycorrosivecoatingscan beeasilyhosedoffTheresoosignofdrain holesinthefabricMichturnedoultobeto preventcorrosivevapourscollectinginside fortheaeroplanehasapurposedesrgned systemofinternalventingandfilters-otake careofventilationfhetailsurfaceshave generouslypro:portionedcontrolsurfaces andboththeelevatorandrudderhave substantialaerodynamicbalancesThe fabriccoveredwhipsarethickanobroad andspor:enormousoroad-chordailetons reachingallthewayfronthedihedral breaktothenpsuggestingtheyarcgoing tobeeffectivehutpossiclyveryheavyto ope,tate-exceptthatilk0thetaTsurfaces theaileronshaveaerodynamicbalance Ihoughinthiscaseustnaset-backhinges ratherManadiscreteoverhungbalance Thehydrautically-ope:atedflap.whialispans thettatcentre-section.Isintriguingcithat thetrailingedgetlorli000ttheIlapitseh is ITngedandaprishrodlinkageautomatically droopsthetradingedgeastheflapis loweredfLirtherboostingtheextraaerofoil stammerinducedbytheflapitself

Lookateitherundercarriageleginisolahon anditlooksnormal-nealthysizedwheels andtyrestestamenttoitsofrairTeldrole butlookatbothlegstogetherandyourealise thatsomethingSoddaboutit.Unigatehy inmyexperiencethescissoisontoetwo mainundercarnagelegspointinocposIte directions-forwardoniheleft,hackon thenohtThiscilcoursepmntsIDthefact thatthelegsonbothsidesarcidentical ratherthanhandedausefuleconomicand practicalconsiderationinagriculturaluse whorefunandgamesoovertoadedrough fieldooerationnhgnieasilymealanewtag havrngtobefittedatshortnoticetogetaway tothenextmoney-makingiob

NOPRIZESFORGOODLOOKS

SofarSOgoodbutihsapproachingthetrent oftheAgricolatatitsappearancelakeson amoreclumsylookSeeingIheAgricolas three-viewanyonewitanarostseyetml

c1)443/4ec-.-oeckccciaws

AIRTEST

findhisfinaersitchingforthesketchpad, tosomehowfairinalinehere,adjustan angletheretoeliminatethevisuallyoffensive aspectsofthedesign.ThetightlyCowled flatsixContinentalenginelooksasthough itwouldblendinnicelytotheleadingedge ofthewingofatwin,butitsjuxtaposition onthefrontoftheAgricola'stallfuselage seemstolackanyattemptatfairingin. anditjutsoutataslightlydownwardangle lookingratherlikeaduck'sbeak.Thecrude rectangularairintakesproutsfromtheflat topofthecowling,directlyinthepilot's eyeviewinfrontofthewindscreen.which uniquelyamongLAAtypessportsasingle electrically-operatedwindscreenwiper.The cockpit,upaboveandjustaboutinline withthewingleadingedge.seemssimilarly lackinginfinesseoflineandevengivenits morethanpassingresemblancetothecab ofatractor,seemstolackanysignthatithas beenshapedforaeronauticalpurposeslet aloneaestheticconsiderations.Thehopper bulgesoutofthebottomofthefuselaae.as iftheAgricolaisstrainingtolayanenormous egg,whichofcourseilis,inaway.Itstwin side-hingedbomb-doorlikeshuttersconnect toanexternalhydraulicramviaamechanism which,likesomuchelseontheAgricola. hangsoutinthebreeze.

Lateran,afteraPermittoTesthadbeen issuedandithadbeenshakendownbyCarl

Tyersfortheowner.Ididgetthechance toflytheAgricola.thistimefromWindmill Aviation'sSpanhoebase.Entrytothecockpit involvesaheaveupontothestarboard wingrootvlathetrailingedgeAhatchon thestarboardfuselagesideopenstoreveal arearcockpitspace,behindthehopper, intendedtobeusedtocarryoneortwo helperswhenrepositioning,unloaded, betweenoperatingbases.Ifellno particulardesiretoexperiencethis,forthe rearward-facingseatandsingleporthole tolookoutofofferedneithercreature comfortnoranymeansofcommunicating withorinfluencingthepilotupfront Shuttingthelidhurriedlyonthishell-hole betoreanyonesuggestedotherwise,I climbedupthewingroot,pastihemassive cylindricalfillingchuteforthehopper.with itscircularfillinglid,lcreachthehinged sidewindowofferingentrytothepilot's cab.Twistingthecanopylatchallowsthe two-piecedoortobehingedupandover, foldingasitgoes,wheredrestssomewhat precariouslyinthebreezeasyoustep aboardandtakeinyoursurroundings.For thoseofuswhodelightintheunusual,the cockpitissomethingtosavour.There'sa wide,unrefinedandwell-wornaluminium decktosteponto,mountingarather unimpressivecentralsealcushionwhich togetherwithaMatchingboard-likeseat

backofferstheonlyconcessiontopilot comfortinanenvironmentotexposed steeltubeandaluminiumpanelling,all havingaratherlived-inappearance.The fewflightandengineinstrumentsoccupy aslenderrectangularpanel,setlowdown andspanningthelullwidthofthecockpit. withverysimpleelectricalpanelstotheleft andrightsides. A rudimentarypedestalon thelefthandsidesproutsthrottle,mixture andRPMlevers,andlowerdownalever tooperatethethree-positionhydraulictlap control.Thehopperdoorscontrolisabove onaseparatemounting.Thehydraulicram forthelattereitheropensthedoorasmall amountor,inthepositionmarked'jettison', allthewayopen,potentiallyallowing3/4 ofatonoftoadtofalloutoftheaeroplane inonegoPresumablythismustbehandy tohaveiftheaeroplaneshowsnosignsor liftingoffasthetarboundaryloomsclose ahead,ortreebranchesreachthreateningly foryourundercarriageasyouclimbaway. Atthepilot'sfeetthere'sawonderful pairofrudderpedals.sizedtofitsize14 Wellingtonsbythelookofit,whilebyhis letthandsidethere'sagiantandwell-worn elevatortrimwheel.Bereftofanyinternal upholsterypanelling.theworkingsofthetrim systemarefullyonview,asarethepushrods, cranks.controlcablesandpulleysforthe primaryflyingcontrols,alongwithvarious

hydraulicpipeworkandwiring,soallinallit feelsabitIkesittinginthemidstofaworkinc gui-awaydrawing

UnrguelyarnonostLAAaro:raftthe Agecolaincludesaslinkshakerdeviceas astalt•marnerratntarthanabuzzerorlight activatedbyaleadingedgevaneswitch Lireeverythingelseinthecockprtthe 'Safe-TFlkythrstick-shakerunitrsexposed consistingotasmal!cylindricalelectric motorunitmountedonthestickJustbeneath thehandgripthemotorhavingasmalloffset weighttocreateashakingeffect-muchkke today'sythratingtelephonesofcourse Strappingin,andabsotbingthefeatures otthecockpitIfeltreassuredlhatthe environmentotthisleviathanseemed familiarnowunearthcouldthatbe%Then itwassodifferenttoallthesportingaircraft !hataremyusualfaresThenitciewnedon methattheAcittoola'scockpitwasexactly likethee-nycronrrientofthewetl-usedLand RoverwhichIhadOccasionallydrivenyears agoferryingfuelsupplresicrtheflying clubinanoperationwhichwithmaturity andhindsight,probablywouldrithave bornescrutiny.LiketheLaneRove.r.the contemporaryBritish-builtAgrmotswas completelylackinginstylingcomfortor aspirationsofspeedbutalsoliketheLand Rover,Itwassturdy,functionalexposed reliableandeasilymaintained

WELL - MANNEREDFLYING

UnderCarlTyer'stutelagestarlingupMe HetinjectedIC-470*asstratohtforwaro whetherhotorcoldfirstgivingtheengine ashortprimeusingMcelectricpumpby openingthethrottlebrieflywithmixturefulty richtoallowfueltoflow,andthengoingfor astrarghtstagwiththrottle'set'Theview whiletaxying;sexcellentasyoi.rdimagine anditmadeanimpressiveamountotnoise littlediminishedbyclosingthesidingstcte windowsThecombinationotthebigrudder andindependentbraktnotanthewidely spacedmainwheelsmadedirectionalcontrol whiletaxyingveryeasy,andwithaclearview overthelopofthefactedgreencowlings only)interruptedMythatuglyairtntake.we trundledoffdewntotherunway'sendmth greataplomb,allthewhiletryingtoabsorb rhepicture'fromtheutilitarianpockptlsothat IcouldJudgethelandingrightlaterforlot usedtotouchingdownWithmyseatabout threefeetabovethegroundnotfryeorsix feetasinthisbeast

Therun-uprevealedthatdespiteitstired appearanceeverythusgseemedtobe workingandallthenumberswerespoton, sowith'iremassiveMinwheelsetexactly totake-offposition(I'dbeenwarnedthat thetrtmv/IHISVerypowerful)therewereno excusesnottotaketotheair.Lininguparid openingupto21110RPM.despiteitslow

TheAgricolawasconceivedbylusterinthe mid-1950sspecificallytocaterfortheneeds oftheNewZealandtopdressingmarket. tospreadsuperphosphateacrossopenHI countryinagovernment-sponsoredattempt tosupportthesheepfarmingindustry Intendingantruchmorecapableandheavyliftingworkhorsethanthesurplusmarket -NigerMothsandhigh-winglustersthat wereMenbeingadaptedIrDrsuckswork, DickieBirdspentseveralmonthsinNew Zealandassessingexactiywhatthemarket requiredtorthistoldandthencameback trydesign;heAgricolatosuitUnusually amongstagricurturaiaircraft.theAgricola featuredacockpitForwardofthehopper rattierlhanbehindit,toMierabetter rerwardview,andallppsstblestepsaaere takentoavoidproblemswithcorrosionand tosimptifymaintenance

Expectingahealthyorderhooktoiustliy theirsubstantialdesrgnandmanufacturing costs.aninitialordertorUteenaircraft resultedironsNewZealandbutthiswas cuttojustninebeforeproductionceased. havingbeeneclipsedbytheAmerican-built PACFletcherDefengeraircraft,whichwas desrgnedbyT18and1211designerJohn I ThorpItmusthavebeendevastatingformy oldcolleagueDiekieBirdthattherewerenu furtherorderstortheaircraft.TheAgricola wassomethingofafinancial disastertor

weighttheAgricoiaseemedtomoveforward guilesedatelybutalmostimmediatelylilted trarTaitgatheredherskirtsaridaftera coupleofhundredfeetandpassingthrough ziompt)indicated.seemedtoelevateand climbawayhead-down,heitcopter-like, theforwardviewofthefieldaheagnow panoramicAfewsecondslaternoticing thatwewerechmoingoutHIasplendid crescendoofsoundathbmphandthat tentativeinputssuggestedthathercontrol responsesareinthepussycatcategory, cleaningawayMeflapswithanipoithe leverIrnakesureyou'vegottherightone!) yieldsverylittletrinrchangeandIguteten herdownto2bOorpmand25inchesMP whichproducesarelaxedclimbsstillatover 8008perminuteatthisweight

Upandaway.Wssoonobvrousthatthe Agricolaiorattrtsuniovelyappearancehas Jr?tygoodmannersintheair.Thosehuge aketonsareveryresponsivebutimportantly. notover-heavytooperate:nordothey cartseniaikedadversejaw-perhapspartly becausewiththatSigfinshe'sverystrongly cinecttisnatitastablesomucnsoinfactthat withBFrudderstoucan'tacnievemorethars aboutarivedegreeyawangleeitherway. Bottstherudderandelevatorhavequitehigh self-centringforcesTheaeroplanealsohas stronglongitudinalstabilitymeaningthatit takesalairdegreeofstrengthto

Aperiodshotofthehopperbeingfilled. Fortop-dressing,thehopperinthe fuselageisdesignedtocarryuptothree quartersofatonofsuperphosphate. luster,losingthecompanyhundredsof thousandsofisard-earnedpoundsthathad been()eternityaccumulatedoverprevious yearsofsteadygrailbuildinghigh-wing lustersforthemilitarymarket.whichwas probablytheonlyprofitableworkthatthe companyundertook

heAoricolasthatwerebuiltwere apparentlypopularamongstoperators.hut numbersdwindledrapidlyasUsenatural wastageinevitableinthistypeofoperation lookitsunforgrvingcourseOneexamplewas constructedinNewZealandfromspareparts collectedfromvariouswrecks.G-DBOA, featuredhere,wasfornserly7..K-SXOwhich wasrestoredatWhittangabyenthusiastJohn Stevenson,andoperatedformanyyearsasa historicatrcraftandpersonaltransportbefore beingsoldtotheUKin2005.

AnAgricolatakingoffintheOhariu Valley,nearWellington,New Zealand.UnfortunatelythehillyNZ terrainledtoahighrateofattrition.

AIRTEST

holdherawayfromthetrimspeed.thatbig trimwheelcertainlycomesintoitsownwhen trimmingoutinpitchtorelievetheseforces. Inthestall.she'sasbenignasonecould hopefor.Theinsistenttrembleofthestick shakerseemshardlynecessarygiventhe amountofnaturalpre-stallbuffetIgotin boththewingslevelandturningstallsthat Itried,whichrequiredstrongbackstick pressure(almostatwo-handedpull)and yieldedagentlenosedroporoccasionallya slightloweringoftherightwing,irrespective offlapposition,withtheflapsloweringthe power-offstallspeedfromanindicated 45mphtojust43mph.Maybethestallisless innocuouswhenfullyloadedofcourse,or maybethestickshakerwasjustanextra measureputinplacebecauseofthehigh attritionrateofagriculturalaircraftinlow levelstall-spinaccidentsbut,astested.the Agricolaseemedverywellsortedatthelow speedendoftheenvelope.Thedraggy natureoftheAgricolashowsupinthefact thatshe'snosprinter:she'shappyat115mph at25125butforallthenoiseandrumpus, reluctanttogomuchfasterflatout-the originalspeclistsa127mphtopspeedand bythefeelofit,withallthosebitshanging

outinthebreeze,thiswassomethingofan aerodynamicbrickwall.

Ihadbeenalittleworriedthelandingthe Agricolabecauseofhersize,andelevated eyeline-wouldItryandroundoutthree feettoolowandembarrassmyselfwitha massiveseriesofbounces?I'dhearditsaid somewherethatapilot'ssenseofscale somehowexpandsautomaticallytosuit thesizeofaeroplanehe'ssittingin,andhe compensatesaccordingly.Thatturnedoutto bethecasehere,forattertricklingdownthe approachat60mphwithfullflap.onlanding theAgricolaitseemedveryeasytoputthe wheelsonthegroundjustwhereIwanted to,helpedbytheresponsivecontrolsand thetremendousforwardviewthroughthose greenhousewindows.

Forallitswell-designedcontrols,after halfanhour'smanoeuvring,includingthe formationflyingneededtotakethepictures thataccompanythisarticle,theAgricola hadcertainlyshownitselftoneedafairhit moremusculareffortthananypreviousLAA machineI'veflown,andtoflyanhourafter hourcontourflyingatlowlevel,withfrequent turnstotraverseanundulatinglandscape. musthavebeenprettyhardwork,especially

fatiguingwhenthepilotfindshimselfsitting trappedinasmallflat-sidedmetalboxjust abovethosebigblaringopenexhausts.

AGRICOLAONTHELAAFLEET

SowhatdowemakeoftheAgricolaasan LAAaeroplane?Itis,assomewagremarked aftermyflight,awonderfuldeviceforturning avgasintosound,anda240hp,120mph,42f1 spansingleseaterishardlyeconomicalto hangerortorefuelatthepumps.Ofcourse, speedisn'twhatanagriculturalaeroplaneis about,themainthingistoliftaheavyload offashort,roughstrip,flylowandslowand putdownitsloadexactlywhereyouwantit. Itmustkeepthisupfromsunrisetosundown, dayafterdayforaslongasthemoneykeeps comingin,coit'shardlyfairtotrytoalignit withanythinginthesport-planefield. CertainlyatthemodestweightIflewit at,theAgricolawasaverystraightforward jobintheair,asonewouldexpectofafully certificatedaeroplanesuchasthis.Auster certainlydidagreatjobinfinetuningthe aerodynamicbalancingofthecontrolsto giveawell-co-ordinatedaeroplanewhichis verysimpletofly,andauniqueexperienceto savourlongintothefuture.

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wingfoldinginunder5ruin ErS1J0slcruisewithRelax9125 5+hendurancealraw]14litrhour GOOkgMALPN265kgusefulLoad I•Li9/4kitarroranwilhextensivefacto'y ussistanceicrredrroe4ssemblyrime

sa:es suppLht. 333 N5001•8 LambeeAperaft6numoorrng excellenthandlingeasytofly largecabin(CPIadjustableseats verylargebaggagearoa idealaircraftforshortgrassstrips fulldudtcontrols,manualflaps Lamburr: WWW.LAMBERT-AIRCRAFT.COM iptsr

STALL/SPIN

COULDYOUBETHE NEXTSTATISTIC?

ByDavidJoyce

0

verthelast30yearsslightly morethansevenpeoplehave diedonaverageannuallyin UKregisteredlightaircraftstall spinaccidents.Toputthatin perspective,ditchingaccountsforonlyone deathroughlyeverythreeyears,andifyou excludethosewhodidnotwearalifejacket andflytheplanedowntoacontrolledwater landingitisonlyonedeathinsomethinglike 20years.Yetinmyexperiencemostpeople seetheriskofditchingasmoreseriousthan thatofastall/spinaccident.Thismayrelateto thefactthatmostofmyflyingacquaintances andprobablymostreadersconsider themselvestobeprettygoodpilots,andwith thisIsuspecttherecomesasortoffeelingof invulnerability,egaccidentsarethingsthat

happentootherpeople.particularlybasic mistakeslikestall/spinaccidents!

Sadlythisisjustnottrue.Anumber ofexpertstudieshaverevealed thefollowingsoberingfacts:

1)Experienceisnoprotectionstall/spin deathsaresignificantlymorecommon inPPLsandCPLs(whofaceroughly comparablerisks)thaninsolostudentpilots

Havinganinstructoronboardisno protection-22%ofstall/spindeaths occurredwithaninstructoronboardand studentpilotsweremorelikelytosufferthis fatewithaninstructorthanflyingsolo.

MostGAaircrafttakemorethan1.000ft torecoverfromaspineveninthemost experthands,soaspininthecircuitis almostinevitablyfatal.

(Mainpicture)Not ahappyending (Photo: DianeLord.AuroraFireDept.)

ThefatalstallspinaccidentinaLancair followinganenginefailureaftertake-oft, describedinAugust2013's L/ghtAv/at/on by MikeBarnard,clearlyillustratesthepoint.The pilotwas45,hadaround4,500hours,plenty ontype,wasaninstructorandexaminerin multipleaircrafttypesandagraduateofthe USNavyTestPilotSchool.Noonebetter tosendyourchildflyingwith,youmight wellthink,buthespuntohisdeathwithhis passengerThefirstessentialinavoiding becomingastatisticistoacceptthatitcould happentoyou

HOWANDWHY

BeforeyoucometotheconclusionMatthe onlysensiblecours•istogiveupflying. letmesaythatIbelievethereisnowquite sufficientinformationaboutwhyandhow evenexperiencedpilotscanbevictimsof unrecoverablestall/spinaccidentstoallow ustoplaneffectivemeasurestoeliminate.or atleastdramaticallyreduceourown risk.Thefollowingadviceappearstobe wellestablished:

Psychologicalstudieshaveshownthat thebrainisasindlechannelprocessorfor consciousthought.Youcanonlyanalyse oneproblematatime.Thisisdifferent fromsayingyoucanonlydoonethingata limeThoroughlyrehearsed/trainedactions likekeepinganaircraftonanevenkeel,or keepingacarinitslanecanbecarriedout bythesubconsciousparlofthebrainusing whatmightbetermedmusclememory.

Instressedsituations,thebrainwill tendtofocusextremelynarrowlyona singleareawhichisdeemedtobecrucial toresolvingthecrisisThisnarrowfocuswill 00totheexclusionofallotherthings(like instrumentscans)whichneedconscious inputandanalysis.

Althoughvirtuallyeveryconventional aircraftwftlspin.somearemoreprone thanothersAircraftswithlightelevator controlsurfacesaremorepronetospin:for instancePnestall/spinaccidentrateofthe Cessna150ismanylimeshigherthanthat ofthe152,correlatingwiththehigherand moreprogressiveelevatorcontrolforces ofTruelatter.Alsowingdesign[-natters ThePA-28withdietaperedwinghasa stall/spinaccidentratedramaticallylower thanitsconstantchordwingpredecessor. Lightweight.fewinertiaaircraftarealsoat greaterrisk

Itismyowrexperience,observingrny Ownandotherpeople'sdrivingbehaviour. thatwhenheavilydistractedtheywillmaintain goodroadpositionhutlendtoslowdown markedly.

fhisallDswiththeconclusionthatin highly-stressedsituations,0ftotswilltendto slowtheaircraftbecauseorasubconscious desiretoslowthingsdownwhilstresolving theimmediateproblemolwhere(hehellcan Iland?'Thisislikelytobeaggravatedby increasedmusculartension,whichinevitably accompaniesseverestress,tendingto increasebackpressureon(hecontrols,and alsoprobablybythetrimnothavingbeen adjustedtothenewEightconditions.

TheUKglidingmovementhas managedtovirtuallyeliminatestall/spin deathsbyinsistingtha(allpilots, howeverexperienced,dopractice stalls,spinsandcablebreaks (olfectivelyanEFATO)withan instructoreveryyear.Theaverage gliderpilothasprobablydone mouethan30practicecable breaksandexperienced severalrealonesinhis

glidingcareer-theequivalentofswitching offtheengineandthrowingthekeyoutofthe window.Naturallythey(thesurvivors!)getto bequitegoodatit!Theaveragegliderpilot hasalsopracticednumerousstallsandspins beforeeverbeingallowedtogosolo.and manylikemewouldmakeahabitofspinning anynewglidertheyflew,justtobehappy viPhitsbehaviour.

THESTALL/SPINFORMULA

Thelargemajorityofstall/spinaccidents happeninthevicinityofanairfieldandator belowcircuitheight.fromwhichthereisno escape.Afewhappenastheresultofunwise low-levelbeatupmanoeuvresoraerobatics gonewrong.butthelargemajorityrelateto anengineorpropellerproblemorsomeother majordistraction.Somehappenawayfrom airLelds.perhapsstretchingaglidetoget hack,orinmountainflyingorinrelationto awatercrossing-indeedhalfofthelast22 years'UKditchingdeathscouldbeclassedas stall/spinaccidentsMyworkingmodelforhow thebulkoftheseeventsoccurisasfollows:

Majordistraction4majorStress-4narrow focusonlandingpossibilities4neglected speedcontrol+subconsciousdesiretoslow downevents+tensioninarmmuscles—4 speeddecay+/-useofrudder4stall/spin

Despiteeverypilotknowingthatvdthan EFATE)oneshouidalwayslandahead,in factinmanyinstancesit ISclearthatthepilot hasattemptedtoturnandveryprobably hasusedanundueamountofrudder,thus initiatingaspinratherthanastraightstall. My(nesisisthattherearethreemainways inwhichyoucanequipyourselftoavoid followingthisfatalsequence:

Fityouraircraftwithalowspeedwarning systemwhichyoucannotignore.

Knowpreciselyhowyouraeroplane performsinanemergency

Domeaningfulpracticefordealingwith emergencysituations

a)Lowspeedwarningsystem

LikemostGApilotsIhaveastallwarner, whichsqueaksintheheadrestbehindme. Thereareanumberofproblemswiththis: 1)Itdoesn'tmakemuchnoiseandis

ThenewMk3SmartASS.Thisbox oftricksmeasuresabout4.5inand canbeputanywhere.

rathernon•specific,andwhilstIhavebeen growingsomewhatmoredeafwithagemy headsetshavebecomemoresophisticated andmuchmoreefficientatshuttingout externalnoise!

Itsoundsforasignificant portionofthetake-offandlanding runs,soIamusedtoignoringit.

Idonothavethefiguresbutitisa reasonableassumptionthatthemajority oftheGAfatalitiesalsohadastallwarner whichtheyignored.

Themajorstudiesofstall/spinaccidents havefoundthatATPLshavemuchlower risksthanPPLsorCPLs(equalledonlyby solostudents)Itisnotreasonabletoascribe thistotheirsuperiorpilotingskillsasthey doverylittlehands-onflyingcomparedwith CPUs.Itseemsmuchmorelikelythatitisthe built-inslowspeedwarningsystemssuch asstickshakersandloudspokenwarnings throughtheirheadsets(aidedperhapsby thesuperiorskillsofthepilot).thatkeeps ATFLssafe.

Iamentirelypersuadedthatasystemgiving clear,escalatingoralwarningsofdecaying speediscapableofpreventingthemajority ofstall/spinaccidents.Ideallysuchasystem isAngleofAttackbased.oralternativelyhas builtin'g'sensorstocombinewithairspeed togiveatruepredictionofthestallapproach phaseThereappearstobeamoveinthe Statestointroducesuchsystemsforcertified aircraft,buteffectiveinstrumentsalready existforPermitaircraft.Theonlysystemthat IampersonallyfamiliarwithistheSmartASS. Thisisabeautifullysimpleandinexpensive (under£200)bitofkitmadeintheUKby SmartAvionics,whichtheaverageLAApilot, oranyonewhoeverownedaMeccanoset, wouldfindverysimpletofititjustplugsinto thepitotsystemandthereareafew wireconnections.

TheSmartASSisanaudibleairspeed speaker,withtwomodes,thefirstwhichI rarelyuse,si;.mp.ytellingyouyourspeed atintervalsThemoreimportantmodeis usedonapproachortake-off.Wheninitially seftungitupandsteadyatyournormal approachspeed(60ktforme)youpressa buttonlorthreesecondsandanicefemale voice(Barbara)says'Chosenspeed60kt," andthen'Speedgood."inacalmvoice atintervalsaslongasyoustickwithina fewpercentofthatchosenspeed.Barbara thenhasthreedifferentmessagesasyou getslower(andtheequivalentifyou over-speed):'Speedslow,-'Speed veryslow'and'Speedveryslow" precededbyaloudgong! Barbara'snicecalmtone alsogetsprogressively moreaggravated, youcouldalmost xsayratty.anditis nomorepossible ......44ffekkitoignoreherthanit 2 wouldbe(oignore yourpartnerwiththe windintheirsails. e freshfromhavingcaught youinsomearievoussinof omission!

Built-inaccelerometersmean thatifyoupullsignificant'g'whilst

keepingspeedthesame,shecompensates andwilltellyouthatspeedisstow,effectively keepingthesamemarginoverthestall lhatyoustartedwith.Thatistosaythatthe instrumentgivesthesametrueindication of'Liftreserve'asanAoAsystem.When flyingawayfromtheeirciEtatouchofthe buttonhashersaying-Goodbye'andbeing quietuntilautomaticallywakingupasyour speedgetstowithinafewpercentofyour previouslychosenapproachspeedYoucan readilysetthechosenspeedtoanewone simplybypressingthebuttonagainwhenat thatnewspeed.TheMark2SmartASSwent outofproduchonattheendof2013butthe newMark3isjustcomingontothemarket atthetimeofwriting.Incidentallyitalsohas an'undercarriagenetdown'warningsystem builtin.

BendixKinghasrecentlyintroducedits KLR10systemintheUS.ItreliesonAngle ofAttackmeasuredbyasensorattached toapanelunderthewing.Theindicator isdesignedtositontopoftheinstrument panelrightinfrontofthepilot.Innormaluse justonecolouredbarwillbeilluminatedat atimewithgreencorrespondingtonormal cruiseattitude,yellowtolowercircuit speeds,bluetoanormalapproach,andtheandpushbuttonmodechange. redbitscorrespondingtodifferinggrades of'tooslow/toogreatanAokAswiththe SmartASStherearethreegradedaudible warnings:"Flo/V.'Cautiontooslow!"and "PitchDown!"Withouthavingflownwiththis systemIcannotmakeavalidcomparison, althoughvideosofbothsystemsinflight canbefoundonline.IthinkIammorelikely tosnaptoattentionforBarbarathanforthe KLR10malevoice,butobviouslythat'sa personalchoice.

TheKLIA10however,hastwodistinct disadvantages-itscostofaround51,600 andrelativelycomplexinstallationandset-up regfilrements.

Iseeoneofthesesystemsoranequivalent asverymuchbeingapowerfulguardian ILangelwhichwouldhavepreventedIhe majorityofthestall/spindeathsthatIhaveTheindicatorfortheBendixKingKLR10

anypersonalknowledgeof.Canyouthinkof abetterwayofinvesting£200?

HOWDOESYOURAIRCRAFT BEHAVEINANEMERGENCY?

Youmaywonderhowtnisisrelevant,butI promiseyouitis.Inmyexperienceveryfew pilots(includinganumberofinstructors) knowwhatisthemostefficientwayofturning roundwiththeminimumlossofheight,and fewnaveapreciseideaoftheirglideangle withtheengineidlingorstepped,andcannot confidentlyworkoutwhethertheycanglide hacktotheirairfieldfromanygivenheight anddistance.Veryfewagainhaveaclear ideaoffromwhichheighttheycouldsensibly considerturningbackafteranEFATO.Not knowingthesethingsinanemergency

TheMk3SmartASScontrol,asinglemultifunctionknobwithtwistingon/off,volumefunction

Treesoffersaferlandingpossibilitiesthan housingestates!

(Photo:TinaComeau,YarmouthNSVanguard)

Inevitablyleadstoindecision,increased stressand,veryprobably,tomakingthe wrongdecision.

Letustaketwoexamples:Firstlyimagineyou havejusttakenofffromoneoftheSouthCoast airfieldstodoadirectcrossingstraightoutto France.Atsixmilesoutand3,000fttheengine goesquiet.Hopefullyyouwillhavethepresence ofmindtodoaU-turn,whilstsortingoutyour optionsandbeforeyourspeeddecaystoo much,andwhilstcheckingrestartprocedures. Iknow(becauseIhavemeasureditaccurately) thatmyEuropaglidesat70k1ata1in12angle, sofrom3,000ftIhavearangeof36,000ftwhich isasnearasmakesnodifferenceinsixnm.In nilwindthebestIcanhopetodoistouchdown ontheshoreline,andevenwithabrisktailwind thebestIcanhopetoachieveistocrossthe

coastatafewhundredfeet.Eitherscenariois arecipefordisasterThereisanoverwhelming temptationtoeasethenoseuptostretchthe glide,andanyattempttoturn(becausethe airfieldisn'tquitewhereyouthoughtitwasorthe straightaheadpatchisallbuiltup)willsupply thatfinalnail.Much,muchsafertomakeyour SOS,tellthempreciselywhereyouareanddo anicewell-controlledditching-mortalityrisk possibly1%whereascrossingthecoastlineat 200ftcouldcarryamortalityof50%ormore. Sothemessagehereis,becertainofyour bestglideangleandconvertthisintoaneasy formula-forinstance1in12istheequivalent oftwomilesperthousandfeet.Youcanvery rapidlyworkouthowmuchheightyouwillhave bythetimeyougettowhereyouwanttogo andifthisdoesn'tleaveyouagoodmarginfor

manoeuvring,thenlandsomewhereelse,even ifthatisinthewater.Ifyoudon'tknowyourglide angle,thendosomeaccuratetestsnexttime yougoflyingonaquietday.Andinpassing, theconceptofbeingwithinglidingdistanceof shoreispotentiallyadangerousone.

Nexttimeyouareflyingalongashorethink whatsortofshapeyouwouldbeinifyou passedovertheshorelineatsay200ft.Along theChannelcoastoftheUKaroundhalfis builtupandlargeswatheshavehighcliffsor woods,Theconceptwouldbebetterphrased as"withinglidingdistanceofcrossingthe shorelineataminimumof1,000ft."

IncidentallyUSstudieshaveshownover 90%survivalforthoselandingintrees-likely muchbetterthaninahousingestate.

Inmysecondexample,imagineyour enginefailsaftertake-offat800ftand aheadarethesuburbsofsomecitywith noclearlandingareas.Whatdoyoudo? Is800ftenoughtoturnaroundfrom?Your instructorsaidalwayslandaheadwithina narrowangle,butyoucan'trememberany heightstipulationandyouneverpracticed anEFATOat800ftandcertainlynotinsuch anunpromisingplaceasthis.Aftersome timefranticallymullingovertheoptions(and losingspeedandheight)youdecidethat landingaheadwillprobablykillyouand thereforeyouwillturnaround.Ifyouarelucky youhaven'tletyourspeeddecayalready tothepointwheretheaircraftisjustwaiting forthemeresttwitchoftherudderoreven theincreasedgofagentle,coordinated turnbeforefallingoutofthesky.Howbestto turn?NearlyeveryoneIhaveaskedsays"Fly atbestglidespeedatabankangleofeither 30orpossibly20°."Ifthisiswhatyoudo, youwillnotgetbacktotheairfield.

Extensiveexpertmathematicalstudies haveshownthatthebestwayofturningwith minimalheightlossisat45'bankwithspeed asneartostallasyoucanmanage.Table1 showsthediameterofturnsattypicallight aircraftspeedsandbankangles. Thereisanearlyfourfolddifference betweenthe50kt145°figureandthe

commoniyassumedoptimumof70k0300 letalone70/20.The70130turntakesyou overaquartermitefromthecentrelineand the70/20optionnearerhalfamile.Withthe 50/45choicethereisalikelihoodthatyou willdriftmuchorallofthe445fthacktothe centreline.alwaysassumingthatyouwere awakeenouahtoturnintoanycrosswind Itistemptingtocalculateheightlossfrom thesedimensionsontheassumptionof a1-12glideangle.butitdoesn'twork thatway.Assoonasoneturns,theglide angledeterioratesandtheonlywayof knowinghowmuchheightyouwouldlose incompletingaturnistogoandmeasureit inyouraircraft.Itiseasytomeasureheight losswhilstcompletinga360turnThisis veryclose of identicaltetheheightlossin thesortof13-turnneeded 10 gethacktoyour originalrunwaycentreline.intheabsence effavourablewinddrillFormymonowheel Europa(whichisaerodynamicailymore efficientthanmostsmallaircraft)the measuredfiguresareshowninTable2 Soonthefaceofit.Icouldhopetoget backtotheairfieldreasonablycomfortably trom000ftatSOktand d'.7'. hutifyoutollowed yourinstinctsandtriedthefastier,lessbanked option.youwouldhavenohopeatall.and mightfindyourselfdoingtheMtalthingof easingupthenoseinthehopeofstretching theglide.Thesefiguresarealsohighly relevantifyoufindyourselfforcedtoturnin avalleySomeofmymoresportingfriends havesuggestedtheymightdoastallturnora wingovertoturnaroundafteranEFATOorin avalleybutsuchacrobaticmanoeuvresneed

MyEuropainafullrightrudder/balloff totheleft,sideslip,showing1,100fpm downatabout65kt,insteadofmyusual idlingdescentrateofaround550fpm.No problemwiththatfieldahead!

appreciablestartingspeeds,typicallyover 100k1.If.asislikelyyourspeedisalready low,iorgetitSimplytospeedupfrom70to 00ktneedsadiveof23011.withouttaking airresistance/dragintoaccount,soprobabiy atleast30011.andlikelytoneedmorenerve andpresenceofmindthanmostwillnave availableinsuchacrunchsituationt ihsofcourseglossesoverthequestionof whetheryoucanhopetosafeiydoaslow, wellbankedturnwiththeengineout,and

Icertainlywouldntsuggestthatyouwait toryournextEFAI0tofindoutyouclearly needtoexperimentatahareheighlandwork outwhatdoesitforyouMyEuroposuailsat about38ktlevelandataboutitioklat15 butIfinditsurprsinglyommloilableturning ci50k040-•iwithflapsdown)SoIyriewnow thatitmyenginefailsattiONitormoreand theviewout-heSortlooksawfulIcantun witheveryprospectofsafelyheadingback towardstheaitifieidWhetheryouhavethe

Speed/Angleofbank

HeightLoss

rangetoreachtheairfieldisanothermatter dependingonitslengthandyourclimbrate beforetheenginefailure.Thereisalsothe possibilityofcourseoftherebeingaperfect golfcourseorplayingfieldohatsay904The keythingisthatyouknowhowtoturnefficiently andhavepracticeddoingit.Incidentallythe figuresabovewereachievedwiththeengine idling,whichiswidelyacceptedasadding moredragthanasloppedpropellerFormy 914EuropawithWoodconsphightwistW blades,thepropstillwindmillsal50ktengine oft,soeisacademicforme,hutforthose whoseenginewillstoprotatingtheactuality shouldbemorefavourablethananengine idlingpracticescenarioTheprocessoldoing the50/45:urnissounusualandinvolves havingthestickfurtherbackthannormal,that ifreadilygrabsyourattention,andasyouare effect/velynolongerfranticallylookingfora landingsiteifseemsmuchlessIikelytoleadto unintentionalspeeddecay.

Shouldtheenginegoquietatalowerlieight orshouldIherehereasonablelandingoptions aheadwhatspeeddoyouadopt?Againmany Ihavespokentohave.saidhestglidespeed, butyouareineffectonshortfinal.soIwould suggestthatadoptingyournormalapproach speedorevenashortfieldapproachspeed withthegeardowniswhatyoushouldaim forimmediatelyaftercorrectingyournoseup attitude.HiffingatreeorawaralJOOktisawhole lotlessdamagingthanat70k1.Theenergyot impactisvirtuallydoubieal70ktcomparedwith 50kt,(98%greatertobeprecise)

Onefinalpiece of emergencyperformance tomentionisside-slipping.Sadlyitwasrarely taughtinthePPLsyllabus,althoughdisnow intheFASAPPLasExercise80.Igetthe impressionthatrelativelyfewGApilsitsuse thistechniquealthouchthelargemajorityot Permitaircraftarecapableofsafe,effective sideslipping.Isuggesttoyouthatitisan importanttoolinanyemergencylanding. Howoftenwithapoweronlandingdoyou findyourselfsuddenlysink:ngfasterasyou approachthefence,andnaveloputinagood dollopofpowertotouchdownwhereyou originallyintended?Thesameriskofcourse isthereforpoweroffapproaches(windshear orsomeotheraspectofSoFfsLaw!)Yopmay possiblyhavetheIIrxuryofbeingabjetoaima thirdofthewayalongan800yardfold.hutit ismuchmorelikelythatyouwillLesweatinglo getitintobarely300yards,knowingthatyou havetoaimshortityouarenotgoingtoend uparealmessinthetarhedgeorwaff

"Istronglysuggest youmakeahabitof doingoneormore PFLs,anEFATO straightandturning (atheight)"

ffyouarecomfortableside-slippingyou canroutinelygoinahithighandburnoff anyextrabysideslippingonceyouare confidentofnotundeshootingAlternatively itrtbecomesapparentthatyoucannotmake yourchosenfielditisausefulpotentiallylife savingfoolingettingitdowninsomesortof shapeinthepreviouslietelratherthanI-lilting thehedge/cffIch/wallattrillHyingspeed DonIforgettheAssociaeonhasan excellentNotCoachingSchemewithhighly skilledcoacheswhocanbnishripyourskills asyouinvestigateyourafforaftscapabilities

MEANINGFULPRACTICE

Isuspecttherearefewofuswhosometimes justgoflyingforthepleasureofgettingotf theground.andwejustwanderroundthe localityadmiringEheview.Isuggestthat thesesortofflightsshouldn'tJustserve toboostthatfeel-goodfactorbutshould beusedregularlytopracticekeyskills. Inaddition,ifynudon'talreadyknowthe

"Taketheopportunhy toexploreyour aeroplane's performance inemergency simulations"

answersyoushouldtaketheopportunity leexploreyouraeroplane'sperformance inemergencysimulationsDoaccurate measurementsinstillaffofyourdescentrate (timehowlongittakestodescoid10005)at differentspeedswitnengineidling(oroffilyou havethewelly!)soastobeabietocompute glideangleAndIstronglyrecommenddoing 360'turnsatasafeneigh:andoversome readilyseenlinefeature,tomeasureheight iossatvariousspeedsandbankanglesThis willletyouknowwhatislhemostefficient waytoturnyouraircraft,incaseyoufindyou onedayhavetoIfyouarenotconfidentat side-slippingthenpracficethatatasate heighttooThenwithanyofthesepottering flightsIstronglysuggestyoumakeahabitof doingoneormolePELs.anChATOstraight andturning(atheight)andsomepractice 'canIglidethereercalculationsThanThat surgeoffeelgoodnesssthatweallgetfrom beingintheaircanbeaugmentedbyaFat ofecelsmartnesseknowingthatyouhave sharpenedyoursurvivalsffHist Tosummarise-beingabsolutelyctear howyouraircraftperforms:0emergencies significantlyreducestheriskofvou makingthewrongdecisionorsuffering fromindecisionlongenoughtoseriously aggravatethesituationInstallingaSmartASS orequivalentguaidianangel,provides youwithapowerfulmeansalpre4enling ieIhalspeeddecayandonitsownprobably removes75%ofyourriskAndpracticsng keymanoeuvresandskillsregularlymakesit muchmorelikelythatyouwillmaketheright dectssonandcarryjtoutsuccessfully.Hills removingmostofwhatriskremains YouFnayhavecorrectlygottheimpression thatIamabitevangelicalaboutstall/spin accidentsThislargelycameaboutfrom havingbeenuncomfortablyclosetothe appallingaccidentatKemble(my[henhome airfieldIafewyearsback,wherealatherand daughterspuninafterlake-off,fromaround 500hThedetails,astheBBCiswonttosay, aretoounpleasanttorecounthereIshould alsoaddthatIhaveabsolutelynofinancial interestinSmartAvionics,noralasinany otheravionicsfirmtForthosewhotookthe trouble54readmypreviousarticlesonthe subject,Iapologiseforadegreeofrepetition hutIwaspersuadedbyJohnBeeswaxto wideagainbecauseIhavedevelopedthe themeahitfurtherinwaysthatIhopeyou foundinterestingandaboveall,helpful HappyLandings

SAFETYSPOT

With MalcolmMcBride

AirworthinessEngineer

SILENCEISN'T

GOLDEN

Bird-songisgreatbutyoudon'twanttobehearingitwhilstflyinga poweredaircraft—whathappenswhenallgoesquietupfront?

A salways,welcometoSafetySpot,

IhopethatyouarewellIwill admittofeelingprettygoodthis morningasIsitdowntowritethis month'sSafetySpot.Iactually hadmybreakfastwiththebackdooropento theelements,afirstfor2014Ieventurned theradiodownsothatIcouldbetterlistento averymusicalblackbirdwhoseemstohave commandeeredasectionofthehedgeat thebottomofourgarden.Thelastmonthor sohasseenhisrepertoireofshortcadenzas increase.althoughtodate,hisbeautiful phrasinghasn'twooedapartnerIt'ssucha lovelysoundIalmosthopehedoesn'tfind amatethisyear...he'dbetoobusylooking afterhischickstobethinkingaboutsinging! ButImustn'tbeselfish.

Inthelast,orperhapsthelastbutone SafetySpot.Icanremembermoaningthat Iwassurroundedbybrokenthings—the

engineontheboat,lawnmowerwoesand anintermittentcoilissueonthebike.did Imentiontheshedroof?Well.nosetothe grindstone,Ihavenowmanagedtofix everything,whichisanotherreasontofeela bitbetteraboutthings!

So,what'shappeningintheLANs continuingairworthinessworld?Anumber ofyouwereremindedofoccasionswhen they'dcomeacrossunexpecteditemswithin anatrframebythepictureofthescrewdriver dangerouslyleftnearflyingcontrols,in lastmonth'sSafetySpot.Intheaircraft engineeringworldwecallthisFOD,which standsforForeignObjectDebris.You'll seethatkveincludedacoupleofthemore unusualfinds.Thankstoallthosewhowrote andsentintheirpictures.

RegularvisitorstotheLAAEngineering sectionontheLAASwebsitewillnotethat we'veputupacoupleofnewalerts.You'll

knowaboutoneofthemasthesubject featuredintheMaySafetySpot,itrelates tothedisturbingfindingofacrackedmain wingattachmentboltonaTipsyNipper,this alertsystemprovidesagatewaytosomeof thedocumentationsurroundinganeventor incident.Inthiscaseitofferstheopportunity todownloadthe AirworthinessInformation Leaflet (AIL)we'veissuedrequiringNipper ownerstochecktheirwingattachments (LAA/M013/025/003Issue1). Thusfar inodentally,membersandinspectorshaven't foundanythingamisswithinourfleetof34 aircraftwhichis,naturally,goodnews. Thankstoallofyouwhosentmetheir thoughtsonthesubjectbyletterandemail, it'sallgoodbed-timereading...OKsad,but ifyou'reintosomething,you'reintoit!LAA'er andSkyArrowowner.JohnGoodalesent mehisthoughtsastowhythefractureface onthisboltmightbeoval,hisideawasthat

AJabiruengineshowingthegeneralarchitectureoftherear accessoryhousingofaJabiru2200.I'mafanofthisengineandI knowthatthisviewissharedbymany.Noticethedirect-mounted flywheelassemblytowhichthealternatorrotor(notethe circumferentialmagnets)isattached;thetwodistributorbasessit below.Inthisphotothelugsarestillvisible(onescrewisinplace justtoholdtheassemblytogether). (PhotoGayCotterell)

hydrogenembrittlementmayhaveplayedits partinstartingthefailureduringtheplating procnss.Johnexpldins)Thdboltbeing specialandquitelongwouldprobably have5eenheldintheelatingvatbymeanc oftwistedWee,undertheheaaNascent hydrogenwouldhavehadachancoto accumulateatthecontactpotntsattheyore who')wouldgivensetctileovalshapeof me incur,310Psificeth,dwrappedwireusually does-nttouchatt-roundtheshatikAlsothe ociewouldnotnavebeenrightupaciatnstthe headexceptatitsCute'per. meter)

ItmaybethatwedhavetoupissuethisAIL toprovideaIrktot-aUKCAAMandatoryPermit DirectivesnortlyasDesignEbgineersinthe CAA'showGAunitareconcbrnedtbatoverseas rtipper nyers(oftenlesswellsupported)may norbeawarethatwe'vediscoveredaproblem onaUKmachineAtthetimeotwriting,thefinal decisionaboutthtshasn'tbeenrnade

"Astraightforwardengine failureisn'tformallyareportable incident,butitdoesn'tmeanthat youshouldn'tletusknow"

The'otheralertconcernsprordemsoaththe Dynanneatedpuottubes,althoughitshould besadthatwivenothadanynegativeissues teportedtousbyLAAownersconcerningthis deviceThealertpnintsmemberstoatecent TechnicalServiceBulletin(TSB),issuedby Dynonasktngowners,andkllquotethem becausetheyequestIs.wed,Justalittle ambtououstAimraftequippedwitaDynon AviontcsHeatedADA/R:totpropeshould operateasiftheaircraftisectuppedwtth an UnheatedA0A/PitotprobeHornlawyerspeakifyouaskme

AnywayLAAancraftnotbeingpermittedtofly at nIghtnrinInstrumentFlightConddons,mean Thatthosenigherlevelinstrumentfilsereanicetohaveoption,inthedayNFRenvirdnment, but mni.msineverheccnsideredabsolutelynecessary This,in-turnmeansthatthisTSBreallydirects LAAownersniottoswitchtheheatingoleme, et:nicreaboutthistaterFornow

Though!wasapplaudingthepeaseand quietofthismeditteaniekpeaceandquiet isn'talwaysgood:youcertaintydon°wtattlto h,oarblackbirdswhilstdyingacrow;If,tall goesqukat'opKorbyouveprobablygotabit ofaproblemtosolve

KOLBTWINSTAR—ENGINE FAILURE

JABIRU 2200

Althoughastraigitilbrwardehtine;allure incidentwhich'eadstoasuccessfultorced landingtformallyareportabteincident andyouwouldntheexpectedtofillcutan AirAccidenttravestigationBranchreport formitdoesn'tmeanthatyousnouldn'tlet usknowhereatLAAEng,neenngHOtArten ithappensForomething.theresalways areasonforafailureandlustbecausea failuredoesn'tleadleairtramedamage oftenbecauseorahighlevelofpilot

Stuart'senginestoppedbecausetheflywheelattachmentscrewsfailed,allowingthe flywheeltocomelooseonthedowels.Theenginestoppedimmediatelyastheignition timingwascompromised.Jabirurequirestheboltstobecheckedevery200hours: thesefailedjustshortofthistime(196hours).Serviceexperienceisshowingthatabolt tensioncheckisnotausefulexerciseastheuseofloctiteeffectivelysticksabroken screwinplacewellenoughtofoolatorquespannerPersonallyIthinkthat,bearing inmindthecostofrepairinganengineiftheseinexpensivescrewsfail,ifsworthjust changingthescrewsatthe100hourinspection. (PhotoStuartGarton)

Aboveisapictureofthestationary partofthealternator(thestator)andits mounting.Youcanseethatthestator attachmentboltshavefailedonthis exampleofpartssentinbyJabiruowner StuartSpencerIncidentally,thisalternator failureoccurredontheground.Iwouldn't thinktwiceaboutchangingthesescrews wheneveraccessforotherchecksis required. (PhotoMaicolm(rEaade)

Intheabovepicturetheflywheelhasbeenremoved;notethatbetweenthecrankshaftand theflywheelthere'sthemainaccessorydrovecog.Thelowerlargercogisthe2:1drivefor thecamshaftandthelowersmallercogdrivestheleftandrightdistributors.

(PhotoGaryCotterell)

TherehavebeenanumberofdesigniterationsoftheJabiruFlywheel,thispictureshows thelatestone,affectionatelyknownasthe'starfish'type.Notethatthebodyoftheflywheel isaluminium,whichsupportsthesteelstarterringgear.Thesteelinner,thestarfish,has similarexpansionpropertiestotheaccessorydrivecogandthecrankitselfandhasstopped theproblemofattachmentscrewlooseningthatplaguedearlierdesigns.Italsohelpsto spreadthetorsionalloadoverthebodyoftheflywheelitself. (PhotoGaryCotterell)

skill,itdoesn'tmeanitcouldn'thavedoneso and,probablymoreimportantly,ifthere'sno reportlessonslearntbyonethatcannotbe sharedwiththemany.

Naturally,itSjusthumannaturetobrush ourembarrassingfauxpasunderthecarpet and,well,ifyougotawaywithitwhocares thatyoumighthaveforgottentoturnthe fuelonordidn'ttightenupasparkingplug properly?I'mguiltyofboththeseerrors incidentally:Iknow,Iknow,poacherturned gamekeeper.Excusesaside,inthefirst casethefuelcockwasinastupidplace and.becauseIneverturnedthefueloffon thisparticularmachine,I'dgotintothehabit ofnotchecking.Itallwentwrong.perhaps inevitably,whensomekindobsessive/ compulsivedecidedtoturnthefueltaptooff withouttellingme!Operationallessonslearnt (andnowshared)andtechnicallessons learnt(andnowincorporatedindesign rules).Thesparkingplugstorywillhaveto wait,thememory'sstilljusttoopainful!

So,welldonetoLincolnshireLAA'er,Stuart Gartonforlettingusknowaboutanengine failurehesufferedrecently,hedidagoodjob ofgettinghisKolbTwinstarbackontheground andhe'dcertainlynotdroppedanyclangers, butlessonshavebeenlearntandsome changestomaintenance-checkrequirements ontheJabiruengineareintheprocessof beingmadewhichshould,hopefully,prevent anotherpilotsufferinganunexpectedsoundof silence,firewallforward.Here'sStuart'sreport:

HiMalcolm, Ihopeyouarekeepingwell.IthoughtIwould justdropyouaquicknotetoletyouknow aboutanincidentwithmyJabiru-poweredKolb lastweekwhilstenjoyinganeveningbimble thatyoumaybeinterestedinforyourrecords.

Ihadbeenflyinglocallyforaroundan hourandhad,perhapsironicallyincluded apracticeforcedlandingintheflightjustto keepmyhandin.

Ihadreturnedtomyhomeairfield, Breighton,NorthYorkshireandflewacouple ofcircuitsindifferentconfigurationsforabit offun.Onmyforthandplannedfinalcircuit itallwentveryquietwhilstonleftbasefor

TheveryneatDynonheatedpitottube. Notethattheholeatthefrontmeasures pitotpressureandprimarilydrivesthe ASI.Thesmallerhole,belowontheangled face,alsomeasurespitotbutasit'sonthe anglelesspressureisrecordedDynon usesthisdifferencefunctiontocalculatean approximateangleofattack,whichcanbe usefulonsomemachinesasadriverfora stallwarningsystem. (Photoweb)

29DuetovariousgroundobstaclesMete wasonlyonefieldoptionsotdidn'thaveto wastelimechoosing!Acloserinspectionof thesurfacewhilstrounding-outcausedalittle alarmwhenIrealisedithadbeenplanted withcoppicetrees.nowharvestedoftat6-8 inches,leavingneatrowsofbeesstumps!

However:wehavetohavesomegood fortuneinlife,andthemainwheeltrackonthe kolbnicelystraddledtworowsotstumpswith thetallwheelrunningoetweenthelowsThe onlydamagetotheairframeappearstobesome crackedtibredlassonthestarboardwheelspat

Theenginestoppedinstantlywithno vibrationorwarningfromalowpowersetting Uponiiutialinspectionitappearsthe SIS 5/19incapscrewsholdingtheflywheelto thecrankhaveahsheared.Thisisaproblem knowntoLlabiruano IS coveredwithaservice

JSB012-2,wiqohamongstother tningsrequirestheseboltstobeinspected every200hoursMyengine(8,4)022428742 has196ahoursontheHobbsmeterJabirp seemstoblameaproblematrheotherendot theervineforthefailureoftheseboltsAithis stageIcanconfirmthatthepropwascorrectly torquedandrunningtruewithnomovementor frettingonthedowelsandthecropflangecap screwsareallstillinplace,locAwitectand appeartight(Ihaventsnippedthelockwire tocheckthetorqueyel)

Ihavejustdoneaquickcount-upofKoh Twinstarmicrolightaircraftonourbooks:for interest,we'vegot15ofthelisted38aircraft hyingwithfullPermitsandthreeprojects stillunderconstructionYoucanseefrom Piephotographsonpage50thattheKolbis aprettyslickdesign,andaswellasbeing agoodlookeritbenefitsfromfulltolding wingsmakingitaverycosteffectiveway of achIevingairtime.AccordingtotheIJK agent.MikeWarfelofSilverFernMicrolights. thismachineeasilycruisesat75ki not hadwhenyouconsidertheveryshorVield performanceexpectedofanaircraftwitha verylowwingloadingfthebookfigurefor take-offrunisonly61m

Theaircraftitselfhasaverygood pedigree.HomerKolb,thefounderofthe companythatslitbuildsthismachine asaspecialorder,wasoneofthevery earlypioneersofrnicrolighfflying.HNfirst airworthymachineflewin19701histwoseaterside-by-sidemachinehastheoption ofbeingpoweredbyeithertheRota>:912 ortheJabfru2200andit'samechanical Issuethat'sbeenworryingJabiruengineers forsometimethatsitsattherootofStuart's enginefailure:afterhehadpushedthe aircrafthacktothehangaritwasclear whattheproblemwas-theflywheelhad detacheditselffromthecrankshatt.Further investigationshowedthatallsixflywheel attachmentboltshadfailed.

TheflywheelontheJabiruengineserves asanattachmenttorthe'HallEffect'ignition magnetsandalternatorrotor,soifthe flywheelbecomesdetachedignitiontiming willbeimmediatelycompromisedandthe enginewillstop.Itisverylikelythoughthat thealternatorcoilsandassociatedignition sensorswillbedamaged.Therehavebeen anumberofdesignchangesthroughthelite ofthisenginereiatingtoflywheelattachment: theearliestengines(S.No.001-4361 used1/4inHTscrews,Outtheseweresoon replacedwith5/16inscrewsafteraseriesof

ThisdistributorcapwasremovedfromLAAInspectorColinHales'Jabiruenginebecause henoticedthatthecapfeltloose.Itshowsthatthecentreelectrodehasbeeneffectively sealedinsidethecapasthesurroundingplastichasmelted...theenginestillranokbutthis happystatewouldn'thavelastedmuchlonger.Theproblemwasidentifiedasadifferencein thedimensionfromtheoriginalBoschcomponentandthepatterncopy.

(PhotoMalcolmMcBride)

Here'sapictureofthecorrectBoschdistributorcapassupplied(originally)byJabiru;I've includedittoshowwhatacentrecarbonbrushshouldlooklike! (PhotoMalcolmMcBride)

"Iftheflywheel becomesdetached, ignitiontimingwill beimmediately compromisedand theenginewillstop"

earlyfailures.Failurescontinued,evenwith thesubstantiallystrongerscrews,sodowels wertp.addedinanattempttospreadtheload. Asmoreserviceexperiencewasgained il becameclearthatpartoftheproblem wasthechoiceofmaterialsusedinthe assemblyoftheflywheelanditsattachments, itshouldberememberedthat,because anaircraftengineusesthebalanceeffect ofthepropeller,aheavyflywheelisnot necessary.Forthisreason,theflywheel wasmanufacturedfromaluminiunlbut.for strengthreasons,theprimarydrivegear throughwhichtheflywheelisbolted,issteel. Itwasconsideredtherefore,thatatleastpart oftheproblemwiththeseattachnlentbolts wasThermalexpansiondifferencesbetween

SAFETYSPOT

thedifferentmaterialsintoeassembly.With thisinmindJabirucompleteRreoesidnedthe flywheelassemblytoensureasteel-to-steel attachmen1whereitmattered(withtheflywhee itselfstillaluminium andattachedusingwhat Jabirucalleda'starfisliflywheeladaptor.

Weivebeenfoilowinnthisstoryas.fhas unfoldedand,atleastuntilStuartsfahure,it seemsthatthiscafehadbeenfinahysolved OnethingthatLthinkisbecomingapparent ashoursmountonthisffngineisthatJabin enginesregardlessofsize,liketooperateat higherrevsChattingto[AAJaMruengine experts,includinginspectorsRogerIemsano GaryCotterell,Igetthefeelingthatengines withcoarserpropeliersdon'tlastanything likeaslongasthosethatareallowedto temIchockedStuart'slastPermitrenewal formtoseewhatsortofmaxRPMhewas

achievingandfoundthathismaxstaticwas only2.620RPMWhenyouconsiderthatthe Jabiruisdesignedtorunnatoutat3.300RPM youcanseethatthisisalotlowerManthe maximumpermittedandafaftbitloweifthan theminimumrecommendedmaximumof 2,800RPM.Anecdotally.weknowthatother Jahiru-powerednLcrolighttramem.toget throughnoisecertification,areoftenoperating below2.400RPMwhich,asfarastheengineis concerned,istartoolowforlongevity!

Becauseofthe[failurehistoryofthese screws.Jabiru wrote theServceBulletin whichStuartmentionsJSB-12-2.requiring regulartorquechecksonthesescrews but,becausethesescrewsareloctitedin, engineerstellrinethatthistestdoesn'talways pickupafailedscrew.Itstrikesmethatby thetimeyou'vegonetotheeffortofgaining

BarryPlumb'sselfdesignedandbuiltPlumbBGP-1Biplane.OriginallypoweredbyaVW, thismachinenowusestheJabiru2200.OnatriptoAbingdonairshowrecentlyBarrylost onesideofhisignitionsystemandwhenhechecked,hefoundthatarotorarmhadfailed. Furtherchecksrevealedthatthisrotor,whilstsuppliedthroughtheUKagent,wasapattern partandmoreimportantly,notwell-designed. (PhotoLityary)

soBarry'sfailedpatternRotorArm;theconductorhascomeawayfromthebodyandthe resultantstructuralfailureofthebodyoccurredasthebrokenbitsflailedaroundinthe distributorcap.Therehavebeenexamplesofothersuppliedrotorarmsnotfittingthedrive well,leadingtoprematurefailureofthepart. (PhotoBarryPlumb)

accesstotheseflywheelaitachmentscrews toaccomplishtile200nouicheckreguireu bytheTabirsServiceButelk-youmightas welijustchangetoescrewsAlsooecause Stuartsenginefailediustbeforethe200 hourchecemghtbeworthconsioering shorteningthischeckcycleIusAbergthis up at ournextAnylitlthInessReviewgroup meetingafter•allathoroughneckofaI ffffnaorcomponentssnecessaryateach 100hourcliecKsobythetirreyouvedone thatjobprooehy\RJuhbeovernalf-waikthere andmightaswellchangethescrewston

DYNONHEATEDA0A/ PITOTPROBE

MANUFACTURER'SWARNING

WhenexcirwehearthatamanufsetTricrof acomponent:hatsusedbymemberson theiraircraftputsoutaServiceBulletin ita tryhardHpromuigateHisinformation aswidelyaspossibleOWLgrim-ulna airworthinessstrategyinthisrespectsfairly straightforwaiiffWhenweheaiIhatMeres beenanissuewhiciohoisedtoaprobleni forsomeonenetrytoevaluatetheissue ortweeuistriotlevelsLeveronecouldhe describedasmepartionlarissiffeitselfoften Mrsisspecfrototypeorevenirdyidual modelswitinriatypu We oftenaccomplish thisbywritingtowwnorswhomightbe aHectedinformingmemthatMeresbeenan issueasking ;O:_emtocarryoutchecksand wththeknowledgethatshop-floorfactsare :Mei\ themostaccutateaskingownersfor theircommentsankfsuagestions Leveltwospreadstiewordmorewideyann mayincliklethecublmationetanAirworthiness Alert Or wereveryworrier::aboutanissuean AirworthinessInforinationbeanotLevelthreeff WelyourereadingkrOneoftheobjectivesof SafetySpotistoextracttH:nriaspecklcissue orproblemthesalientfactsandpromotethc rathermoregenerallessonsthatcanbelearctcy aviators.regularreadersvffIlappreciatethatmost inedentshaveariuniberofcoincidentleatures TinsparticularissueattoctingaHeated plotheadsshroudedinmysterythaugh itscorestobethatitratheremphassesthe generalrule(especiallyimportantinaviationi thatoresnoudalwaystestforandexpect theunexpectedThislawofunexpected consequencesasiiisoftendescrbed seemstoalwayscome.nto;Raywhentryingto changescialethingfnrthebetterIInthiscase offeringaheatedffitotbreilikaolyseemediike ancopiousimproxcirnimftosafe'ybutatier anumberofmportsofheatea&totsystems becomingbroeffedleSsJIN La incorrect 551[endingsOvieonasisseedaBalletic suggestingthatitsuette'rtooperateaheated systemasifitwereanunheatedoreas reaoMrsmeansLurntheItenteroff.

'mstolt.9thatyouwou.ildagieeVat teeSFRenvronmertespecially,tneASIis aprimaryreferericecc-tainly 'Ye sard sLmetale0olwoegausedpi;the lOstsoffills instrumentanLASairciarthepitoUstatic systemsnoildhe SS mpleaspossible becausekxnenalltheelevoii slid startsfa,-lrt tobitsifthe-551stillworksyouklrnostliketly srIIboableto ;letyrtLifalrc'dtt backonthe grout-idsafely Ai) AmonillnessAterisoarbefoundonMe LAAwobffifeLookinTieEnivaine'cririosection Andityouhaveencounteredproblemswitnthe DynonheatedA0A/Fitotrkibepleaselerusknow aboithe

G-T3G9

JABIRU2200ENGINE PATTERNPARTALERTDISTRIBUTERCAPS

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PATTERNPARTALERTROTORARMS

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LAAInspectorMattPettit sentusthispictureofan unusualfind.Heexplains, "Theattachedwasfound insidetheNo.4cylinderof afullCofASuperCub.The aircraftcameinforannual anduponinspectionnot onlywasascrewdriver foundinbetweenthe enginebafflesbutthe exhaustwasveryloose, andhadbeenforsometime iftheamountofstaining wasanyindicator.The looseexhausthadburntthe exhaustmountingseatto suchanextentthattheyall neededre-machiningtoget thegasketstosealproperly. Uponremovingthecylinder forthatmachiningworkthe attachedwasfound.

(Photo-MattPettit)

1AboutIwoflighthourslater(havingarrivedat Abingdonforanairshow)Idiscoveredthatonce againtherightignitionsystemwastotallydead. Thistime,withtheverykindassistanceofother LAAmembers,IfoundthatthenewFghtrotor armhadbrokenupand,indoingso,hadbroken Medistributorcap.Fortunatelymynew-found friendshadenoughsparepartstogelmeftying again.Mygratefulthankstothemfortheirhelp. Thefailedrotorarmisofadifferentdesign andmaterialthantheoriginalsuppliedwiththe engine.Ihavenowobtainedtwofurtherrotor armsfromanalternativesource.ThephotosI sentwillbeofuseIamsure. KindRegards.BarryPlumb.

Barrysentafewphotographsoftheincorrect rotorarmwhichI'vereproducedhere:notonly arethesecopyrotorarmsdifferentintermsof thematerialused,they'realsoquitedifferent dimensionally.I'vespokentoLAAinspector andJabiruengineexpertGaryCotterellandhe explains,"I'vestartedseeingtheserotorarms fittedtoJabiruenginesandadviseownersto changethemforthecorrectpartbeforefurther flight.Firstly,theattachmentmethodforthe conductorisdifferentontheunacceptable pattern,theattachingrivetcomeslooseafter notimeatall.Also,there'sawidesizevariation: somearelooseandsloppyandothersarevery tightonthedrive.Neitherofthesesituations isacceptableastheyleadtocrackingofthe rotorarmwithinafewhoursandpremature failure."

IfyouareoperatingaJabiruengineandyou haverecentlychangedeitherthedistributor capsortherotorarms,itwouldbesensibleto checkthattheseitemsarefitforpurposeBoth theignitionsystemissuesdiscussedinthis SafetySpotwerediscoveredbysystemchecks ontheground.Bird-songisgreatbutyoudon't wanttobehearingitwhilsttiyingapowered aircraft..,ahang-gliderwellthere'sathought, it'scertainlyalovelyatternoon.FairWinds.

LAAInspector RexFordsentusthispicture ofapairofsidecuttershefoundwhilst rebuildingaPercival0-6tailplane.Rex commentsthatalogbookcheckrevealed thatthelastmajorworkdoneinthisarea wasinthe1980s.Healsocommented thathedidgainagoodqualitysetofside cutters... (PhotoRexFord)

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ABUSYAIRPORT withbothIxedwingaircraftandhelicoptersTheAirfieldLodgerestaurantisopensevendaysaweek (wwwthea(rfieldlodgacauk). ICAOcodeEGCB.AFISfrequency120.250,callsign'BartonInformation'.PPRon01617891362oronline. AirportOpeninghours(Summer)0815-sunsetor8pm(whicheverisearlier).Opensevendaysaweek.Fuel:JetAl,avgas10OLL,avgas UL91-availableatalltimesduringairporthours.VisitthenearbyTraffordCentreforshoppingorattendaneventatthemanyManchester venues. wwwcityairpertandheliport.corn

ANICEGRASS aerodromewithariendlywelcome.Pleasejoinoverhead.There'sahedgeatoneendwithasportsfieldandrugby postsadjacenttotherunway.Adichisneartotherunwayatthewesternendonthenorthside.PleasePPR.Mogasbyarrangement. Self-servicehotandcoldfoodduringtheweek,withamenuofferedandcookedattheweekends.Lookoutforrnicrolights,andpowered paramotors.RadioisSafetycomon135.475andnearbyConingsby120.800. www.bostonaeroclub.co.uk

BASEDONTHE GowerPeninsula,SwanseaAirfield'sjustfivemilessouthwestofthecityArecentlyupdatedrestaurant,openfrom09.00to 17.30andachoiceoftworunways,22/04and10/28,makethisagoodchoiceforflyingsomewherealittledifferent.Thisisaparachutedrop area,sopleasecallPPR.Taxisandcarhirecanbearangedtotakeyoutothecitycentre,wheretheNationalWaterfrontMuseumofWalesis basedaswellasthefreeSwanseaMuseuminthecentre.Ifyoufeelenergetic,youcanhaveagoatlearningtosurfattheGowerSurfSchool. Thepeninsulahasmanylovelybeachesforwalksandtheopportunitytofindanicepubforlunch.Radiois119.700.

ISEZIUS;NrnWS JUNE2014 THRUXTONAERODROME (01264772352)

IDEALLYSITUATEDFOR SouthEast,SouthWestardcentralEnglandflyers.TheJackaroorestaurantisopeneveryday09.00-17.00(the baguettesarerecommended).AvgasandJetAlavailable.KeepalookoutformilitarytrafficasBoscombe,MiddleWallopandSalisbury Plainareclosebybutdon'tletthisputyouoff,asflyingtotheairfieldcanbeoversomelovelycountryside.Parkinthemarkedbaysonthe apronandwearahigh-visjacketplease.ThisofferisforeverydayinJuneexceptfortheweekend14/15Juneasthereistruckracingtaking placethatweekendandtheairfieldwillbeclosed.Sorry,nomicrolights. wwwwesternairthruxton.cauk

JABIRUTIPSYNIPPER(80hp,electric start.rnogas).273hoursairframe.242 hoursengine.CheapIntermediateaerobatics.Auxiliarywing-roottankforaddedrange. Newtie-rodsfitted.Possibilityofhangarage atfarmstripnearJunction20onM25. E14.000o.n.o.ormaysellshares.01442 246905nickmartinbloorn@gmail.com

VAN'SRV6BUILT2003. TTAF485.HE 870.Lycoming0320-E2G.Sensenich fixedpitchmetalpropeller.Comprehensive analoguepanelfit.Slidingcanopy.Leather coveredseats.Alwayshangared.Based ScottishBorders.Reluctantsaledueloss ofmedical.PermituntilMay2015.Asking E52.5Kono.TelephoneortextSimonon 07866103453.

STAMPESV4.FrenchcertificationtoOct 2016.Builtcompletelynew2009.Airframe35h,Lycoming0-320D2A35hsince overhaulBeckerAR3201Alwayshangared.Professionallymaintained.€80000 dlorentz@club-internet.fr0033608320 027.GoodEnglish.

AERONCA11ACCHIEF. Verysafe,forgivingandfrugal.Excellentcondition.Lotsof history/paperwork.Totaltime1665,engine 5445hrs.Built1946.continentalA65-8 withChrisLodgeprop.Comeswithloom intercombutnoradio.ContactMatton 07872000882ormattdovey@hotmail.co.uk

DYNAEROMCRO1CLUB.Rotax912ULS. Alwayshangared.162totalhours.Arplast PV50CSprop.Conventionalinstrument layoutplusFlymapandGarmin196GP& ZaonMRXaPCAS.Microairradio/transponder.Newethanolprooffueltank(notfitted) included.Verysporty,fastandeconomical. Permittomid-August2014.E44.500ono. ContactMartinon07912446811.

RANS56-116. Rotax912andairframe697 hrs.GoodpanelwithvacuumAlandDI,two MicroavionicsANRheadsets,loomA3radio. Hydraulicbrakes,aerodynamictrim,covers goodcondition(6yearsold),fullhangarcovers.Excellentconditionexceptslightwindscreencraze(serviceable).Superflyerwith PermittoMay2015.LocatedBreiddennear WelshpoolE17000ono.Tel:01244671417. RALLYECLUB,1971. TTAFonly1788,Engine200SMOHJune2009,regG-AZKE. Newpaintsummer2010,lookssuperb.Front seatsandsidepanelsreupholsteredSept 2013.ARCdue13August2014.VHF/VOR/ TXPModeA/C.GreatSTOLaircraftforfarm stripflying.24litresperhr.Groupsplitting up,basedSouthend.219500withnewARC (El6500takenwithout),noVAT.Perhaps thesmartestRallyeClubinUKIemailjohn. headlam@googlemail.com JODEL0112G-AYBR. Electricstart.Airframe1832hours,engineC901574hours. ChrisLodgeprop164hourssinceTEO. LightweightMDLstarterandchargingsystem.PermituntilAugust2014.ICOMradio andGarmin195GP&BasedatDamyns Hall.Essex.E13.500ovno.ContactIan 07860338337.

BASWALLOW2 El-AFF1935.Current IrishPermit.Inexcellentconditionfollowing totalrestoration2006.ContactJJSullivan at353872186338oremailjjasullivang Hotmail.com

CORBYSTARLET forsale.Thisisthemini fighterasreportedintheLAAmagazine. Fullysortedwithyear'spermitandreadyto perform.G-CBHP.Jabiruengine.RingDerrick07962780040, W10WITTMANTAILWIND G-CEJE.LycomingEngine0-320-D3G160HP.Permitto 29.9.2014.Radioandtransponder.Strobes. AvailableJune,235,000ono.01642454973 After6pm.

RUTANLONG-EZ. HAF320hours.0235-L2C20hourssinceprofessionalrebuild. PermittoJune2014.Electricstart.Wilhelmsonnoselift.covers,Narco12Dnav/com, transponder.strobes/naylights.Offersinvited.BasedPrestwick,Phone01563540510.

TAYLORCRAFTPLUS D.CirrusMinor 433hrssincenew.Lastpermit06-05-13. Airframetotal1303hrs.Storedindryhangarfullyrigged.KeptalNetheravon.NearestoffertoEl2,000.MervynPocock01225 702196.

WHITTAKERMW7. Affordableflying.Single handedwingfold,fullyenclosedtrailer.PermittoDecember.25hrson503.Microair. dynaloam,TItailspring,side-screens,rear nacelle,RVtailwheel.E4250ono.Shawn 01420489849.

VAN'SRV6. 1997build.150hp,lowhours, newpermit.Highspeed.aerobatic.Analogue instruments,slidingcanopy,excellentcondition.246.000.07500962217.

TECNAMSIERRAP2002.Built2007.125 Hrs.Oneowner.Alwayshangared.Excellentcondition.Leatherseatsanddashboard. Rotax912ULS.Satnavincluded.Soldwith 12monthpermit.Pleasecall07966241451 oremailmarlin.lomas11@gmaitcomforfurtherdetails.Pricedtosell£49,000.

G-BTFJ.1948PAISPiperVagabond.Airframelessthan1600hours,engineContintal90hp320hourssincecompleteoverhaul.Trig/Becker760chradioandModeS transponder.Garmin296GPS.Newtyres. sealedstruts,Dacroncovered.Beautifulaeroplane,£22000ornearoffer.Based Rochester.Phone07812028636.

II

BUCKERJUNGMEISTER80%replica. Nonflyable.Allcontrolswork.12voltmotor powerspropeller.600hourrestorationjust completed.Offersover£4500toincludedeliveryandreassembly.PeterKember.TonbridgeWells01892853555.

U.S.AIRCREWflightcoveralls.Olive green.Used.VGC.40-42inchchest.£25. rondavandl@gmaitoom

BEAUFORT MK24 lifejackets—2.For wearingfiatfolded.Asnew.£25each. rondavand1@gmail.com

WINDSOCK.Piggott15"diameterby4feet. Rip-stopnylon.Newandunused£40.SimilarsizewindsockOKforoneseason.£5. Idealforstrip.rondavand1@gmail.com

HEADSETS.DaveClarkDCNCasnew.Superbnoisecancelling.Mono/stenofacility. Crystalclearreception(Idealfornoisycockpits!).£250eachor£450formatchedpair. rondavandlqVgmail.com

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DerekDavidson,Henstridge,Somerset Mobile07831517428(mncl.evenings) Emailflyderek@hotmail.co.uk Islut [MUMCP\

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Areyoutryingtopassbywatching television(er,sorry,CDROMs)? DIklI ClareandcouldteachyoumoreInonedaybytalkingIsyoulhanyou Couldlarnry,watchingTVlv,.Sorry.COHOW)unti'youreytiofarOut Ave clayfulklimeGroundSen000lalourhome rascorncooms,andlprorm5eyouwlionioy CompdownanddoanyoranOleexamsyouneedGooacktoyourw4 andanoelandgeonwithyourMe!youknowwhatImean' Threedecadesareacher/examiner TelephoneDerekDapdson,lam-8.30am& evenings.07531517028(Mobile) ErneIlyclerekehotrnall.co.uk

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RV71/5GROUPshareavailable.Adelightful.wellmaintainedRV7,180HP.New annualandzerotimeCSpropeller2014. 570hoursfromnew.Re-painted2014. MidlandsbasedatBidford.Ownhanger, Garmin,andsparesInventory.Friendlyand wellrunestablishedgroup.Booking:eallocator.£16,000.Trainingprovided.Tel: 07446119234.

1/5THSHAREINCZAWSportCruiserbased Fairoaks.Rotax912ULS,VPprop,Dynon EFIS/EMS,GarminSL30nav/com.GTX328 modeSandgizmodockfor196-496GPS. Built2009,260hrs,freshpermit.Goodavailability.webbooking.£65/month,£15/hrdry plusfuel@181/hr£13000.CallMick07970 257014.

ONEFIFTHSHAREAeroncaChampionGBRXG.Hangared/basedNayland.Longestablishedgroup.350permonth,£5anhour dry.PermittoendofMarch2015.£3000. AlsooptionofonefifthshareinA65engine rebuilttozerotimestandardbyRichardIsenburg.£2000.john@sproughton.gp-plus.net. 01473742778.PhotoonGINFO.

AA5GROURGamston.Only1/6sharesso greatavailabilityinfour-seattourer.NF2100 hours,Lycoming0-320150hpwithonly300 hourssinceTBO.NOWFORTHEFIRST TIME—nonequityshares£50p/hand£120 p/month.25hoursupfront=£1250toflyoff over12months.Details:wwwgbcpn.co.uk Tel:07976802107.

VAN'SRV-6.Onesixthshare.Based Gloucester.G-GDRV.£80month,£75hr/ wet.Friendlygroup,greatavailability.Lycoming160hp.Autopilot.TrigModeS.Skymap GPS.Airframe1400hrs,engine1120hrs. Noworkdue.£7.850.westerhuis@hotmail. corn07960459183.

SHAREINPOPHAMFLYINGGROUPavailable.PiperVagabond.WassmerandRobin. £1850tojoin.£75permonthand£42(Vagabond)or£80(others)perhourwet.Andrew Tel:01256819909.Emailacam@talktalk.net ZENITHCH250(andhangar).BasedFlinton intheHedges.Increasingourmembership sothree1/5sharesavailable.£5000,£70 month,£45perhourwet.Tel:Johnon01280 702294.

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NIPPER111PROJECT,airframeonly.Last oneoffSlingsbyline.DrystoredinSwitzerlandtormanyyears.100hourstotal,noaccidentsordamage.Wings,tailplane,elevator. rudderandaileronsallrecovered.Fuselage needsprimerandcovering,needsbungees forgearandfuelcap.BargainElOkrf3csk onetel.comorTEXTonly07835684319. ZENAIRZODIAC601HDS.EarlyGZAW guickbuildkitforsale.EmailjjldunlopCk googlemailcom FLYYOURNEWHOMEBUILTthisyear! EuropaMonokitjustcompletedfirewallaft. Qualityfinishinsideandout.Fityourown choiceengine,wiringandancillariestofly. £19.500.rondavand1kkgmail.com

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OMEGAPROPELLERS

This monthwemeetPeteWhite,ChairmanoftheAeroncaClubandan enthusiasticadvocateforYoungAviators

'.I'maself-employedclothing agentandrepresentanumber [[ft[ftofmen'soutdoorandequestrian fuy--clothingmanufacturers.sellingto wholesalersandindependentretailers.Many yearsagoIwasinelectronicsandworkedon thefirstaircraftautomaticlandingsystems. Havingleftthatjobandspentsometime livinginGibraltar,IcamebacktoUKandby astrangetwistoffate,theflightIwasonwas announcedasthefirstpassengercarrying flightwherethepilothadswitchedtoautopilot onclimboutandhadnottouchedthecontrols againuntilafterthelandingintoHeathrow. Goodjobwegotitright!

AlthoughIhavelivedinDevonformany

years,IwasbornandraisedinEssexand fromaveryearlyageIwasinterestedin aeroplanes,althoughnobodyelseinmy immediatefamilyhadanyconnectionwith aviation.Ibuiltcontrollinescalemodelsand intheScoutsIgainedthefirstAirSpotter badgeawardedinEssex.Ithenwentonto jointheATCinChelmsfordwherewesetup anaircraftrecognitiongroup.

Iwastenyearsoldandwewereonholiday downinHaylingIsland,mydadandItooka joyrideinaDragonRapidefromPortsmouth. Thatwas55yearsagobutIrememberevery detailaboutitasif11wereyesterday.

Lid•youcoxfcucccoccKftLKCs

Yes,fortunatelytheopportunitiestoflywith

theATCwerebetterthenthantheyarenow andIdidquitealotofgliderflying.Infact on19JulyitwillbeSOyearstothedaysince IsoloedaT31glideratNorthWealdatthe ageof16.ItriedforanATCFlyingScholarship butfailedduetomyeyesight,whichputthe mockersonmyhopesforacareerasaircrew intheRAFLookingbackIthinkIwasperhaps alittlehastyinnotjoiningupanywaybecause achapImetyearslaterwentinasahelicopter loadmasterbuteventuallybecameupasa navigator.Heendedupdoingagreatdealof flying,soyoudon'thavetogoinfromthestart asaircrewtogettofly:Ihavenoregretsthough. MymotherwasAustrianandwevisitedher familyeverycoupleofyears.Myuncleshad beenLuftwaffepilotsandremainedkeen flyersafterthewar,Theyflewpoweraircraft, includinga[SlickerBestmann,andgliders,

soIalwayswentflyingwhenwewereover thereAfterIgotmygliderlicenceIdidsome wondedulglidinginAustria AthomeafriendandIusedtogoto localairfieldsandscroungeridesfrom anybodythatwouldtakeusflying.VDUjust can'timaginethathappeningnowbutas ayoungsterflyinghadarealimpacton mylife,whichiswhyIamsopassionate aboutpassingonthefiinandexcitementto today'syoungsters

In1973mywiteandIhadbecome disenchantedwithworkinginLondonand moveddowntoliveinDevon.Wespentthe firstthreemonthsJustdrivingaroundgetting toknowtheplaceandasaresultIgot interestedinairfieldhistory,eventuallyleading toafriendshipwithanotherresearcherand havinganumberofbookspublishedabout localairfields.Allgreatfunandaswith previousexperiencesinEssexandAustria.it wasthevintagesideofaviationtowhichIwas beingdrawn.

IlearnedtoflyatBodminonCessnasand asmanyofusdo.soonrealisedthatIwould needtogetinvolvedwithagroupifIwas goingtoaffordtoflyasmuchasIwouldlike IminedtheAssociaLonwithinamonthof gettingmylicenceandforawhilehadashare inaFournierRF5atExeter.Ialsoflewalot withafriendwhohadaJodelDR1050,and withDaveStokesinhis0112.Myfirstactive involvementinthePFAwashelpingDave SilsburywiththeAssociation'spromotional displayunitthatwasdoingtheroundsofthe aviationmuseumsbackinthelate'70sor early'80swhenwesetitupatYeovilton

EventuallyIdecidedIwantedtostartagroup ofmyownanddrewupalistofabout15 differentaeroplanesIthoughtwereworth considering,thenonmytravelsaroundthe countryIwenttoseeexamplesthatwerefor sale.OnedayIwasdownatEggesiordand IwastoldofanAeroncathathadbeentaken inpartexchangeandwasbeingsoldon.I wentintothehangartolookatitandG-IVOR smiledatmewasabitraggedaroundthe edgesbutIthough:yes,IthinkImightlike thatBychancetheownerhadalsoheardthat

Iwaslookingforanaeroplaneandherang methateverdng.obliviouslcthetactthatI already!rookedathisaeroplane.Hewasquite shockedwhenIstartedtomentionsomeof itsdefects!Wewentflyinginitthefollowing Friday-13December1990-andtherest astheysayishistory.Wemanagedtoget fourpeopleinterestedtostartagroupovera periodthatroseloseven,thensettledtosix whichithasbeenfromthenon.

TheAeroncaClubwasformedin1992by RogerJones,JohnBroadandAlanBiggs. Iwasropedinwithinamonthandourfirst successfulflyunwasatOakseyParklater thatyearwhenwehad23aeroplanes.After awhile,circumstancesledtometakingup thereinstokeeptheclubgoingandIhave beendoingiteversince,withagreatdealof helpfromothersofcourse.Wehaveabout 70members,someabroad.andholdabout fiveorsixeventsayear.Thereareabout30 Agri:picasflyingintheUK,withanumber underlongtermrestoration.

I'veatadunder2.000hoursandhaveflown nearlyfortytypesApartfrom:heAeroncamy favouritewouldbetheCurrieWetIlikeJodels toothoughhaverttyetflownaD9ora0140: ItrytoaddanewtypeeachyearifIcan,it keepsyouonyourtoesIthink IgenerallyflyintheUKbulhavebeento FranceandwoulddearlylovetogettoAustria onedaysoseemyremainingrelativesthere.

Welthaven'tweall!Ithinkmymostprofound lessonwaswhenmyenthusiasmledmeto agreetotest-flyanaeroplaneforsomebody thathadputaSubaruconversioninitThere weresonicIssueswiththeaeroplane,thetail wasvibratingaridbitswerecomingloose inthecockpitsoIdecidedtoreturntothe airfieldwhen,ontheapproach.theengine stopped.Ihitsinkingairsoratherthancollide •ithsometreesIhoikeditoverthemknowing Iwouldstallontheothersidebutdecidingit wasthebetteroftwoevils.Ifortunatelylived tofightanotherday.

Thentherearetheusualweatherproblems ofcourse.I'velandedinafieldandtakenoff

againthenextday,butmyadviceisdon't keeppushingyourluckbecauseonedayit willrunout.Andalwayslistentoadvicefrom others,youm-ghtjustlearnsomething.

WellIhadbeendoingYoungAviatorswith theAAforanumberofyearsbutwhen thatsteppedIsetupFOGFeetOffthe GroundinassociationwithBodrninAirfield tokeepcontinuaLonofwhatIbelieveis awonderfulinitiative.Ihopeonedaywe willbebackwithaworkableLAAYoung Aviatorsscheme,butfornow8mkeeping itwarmbecausegettingsomethingstarted againonceyouletitdieisverydifficultWe generallyflydisadvantagedanddisabled youngstersandthelocalScouts.

LeadingonfromtheIwoScouts!Camps weruneachyearwhereweteachthemtheir aviationbadges,wehaverecentlyformeda 'Kerney/(Cornish)ScoutGroupatBodrnin Airfield.Laterthisyeartheywillhavetheir ownScoutHut enI theairfieldandwithinthe nexttwoyearsweplantoextendthehut andstartourownBuild-a-Planeproject.We alreadyhavealearnofaircraftbuildersas mentorsandtheScourswillfundmostet thecost.

Aswesaidearlier,today'skidsdonothave thesame:opportunitieswehadsowhenI'm downatBodminandthereareyoungsters he/pingoutaltheairfield,Ialwaysmakea pointofofferingthemaflightWeshould lrytopuisomethingbackintoapastime thathasgivenussomuchpleasure:itis importantthatwesewlhatseedofinterestin thosewhowillhetomorrow'spilotsandLAA members.

Followyourhear:Youcanalwaysfind reasonsnottodosomethingbutifinyour heartitiswhatyouwantthendoitAsa youngman,afriendandIspentsornetime hoch-liikingaroundEurope,hewantedtobe anactoranddirectorandallIwantedtodo wasfly.He'snowawell-knowndirectorand playwrightandInavehadawondertullifein flyingasahobby.Youcanachievewhatin yourheartyouwanttoachieve:itlusttakes belief,initiativeandcommitment.

LOOKINGONTHE BRIGHTSIDE

ByPhilipHall

Iwassaddenedtoreadarecentpostingonthe

LAAforumfromamemberwhowasentirely fedupwiththeGAworldasheperceived itandwasreadytohanguphisheadset.It istruetherehasbeenalotofnegativenews circulatingoverthepastfewmonths,with variousairfieldsunderthreatandhighprofile airspacegrabswhichcanbereallyquite depressing.Addtothistherecentupheavals inpilotlicensingdrivenbytheEASAchanges. 8.33kHzradiosandmodeStransponders anditiseasytoseehowthismightwelllead somepilotstothinkthattheexpenseand effortinvolvedsimplyisn'tworthit. Likemostthingsinlite,thesituationisrarely asbadasitseemsandItisworthtakinga steobacktoreflectonhowluckywereally are.Therecanbefewexperiencesinlifemore satisfyingthanlisteningtothelink.tink.tink' o;acoolingacreengineaftershuttingdown azaquietfarmstriponawarmandtranquil summer'sevening.Itisoneoflhosemoments thatremindmehowspectralourpastimeIsand howmuchfreedomweareprivilegedtoenjoy Non-flyingfriendsofmlneareoftenamazed thatwearetreetoflymostlywherewewantto go.withouttheneedtoseekthepermissionof AirTrafficControl,andweallknowaeroplanes don'tfalloutoftheskyjustbecausethe.-aolo isswitchedoff.Andunlikeothercountries, suchasSpain,wearenotrequired toIleaformalflightplanfor Virtually everyflight.Whilst weoftencomplainabout thebureaucracyandlack Of Integrationbetweenthe var:ousofficialagenciessuch astheUKBorderAgency andSeecialBranch.flyingto EuropeSveryaccessiblefor theaveragePEI_'remtheir homeairfield

Attimesitcanseemlike Brita:nishell-bentonbuilding overeverysinglebitnitavailablei lanetoaccommodateyet morehouses.andairfieldshave sufferedmorethantheirfairshare ofcasualties.Evecwiththelonglist

ofanheldclosuresovertheyears.westillnave ahugenumberofairfields,stripsandcasual flyngsitesevadabletous.ThepobularVFER flightgtedesareabout800pagesthickand theLockyea/sguiderunstoover300rages, reinforcingthatveryfact.

Aviationmed:calpolicyintheUKhasbeen forwa•-dthinkingoverthepasttwentyyears Goodexampleshavebeentheintroduction oftheGPmedicaldeclarationtosupportthe NPPLandarelaxationoftherulesforthose pilotswithdiabetesEASAhasacceptedthe evidencefromtheUKexperienceandhas incorporatedsimitarphnchplesIntotheLAPL medicalrequirements.Thismeansthatformos: LAPLholders,theirownGPcangivethemthe medicalcertificationtheyneedtoflyanywhere inEurope.

Therearecertaincostswejustcan'tavoid ifwewanttotaketotheair-fuel.hangarage. lnsurance,maintenanceandtheoddPermit feehereandthere.Ihereislittlewecando aboutthepnceoffuel,whetherweuseitto powerouraeroplanesorheatourhomes.It sanexpensivecommodity.Tnankfullymost oftheaircraftontheLAAfleetarefrugal'eel burnersandaremuchmoreeconomicaltorun titantheirEASA-certifiedcousjns.Maintenance mustbedoneanamanyotourmemberslove nothingmorethanrollinguptheirsleevesand gettingonMkit.enablingthemtogetto ,<nowteiraircraftinsideout.The TAAculturewhichencourages thislevelofownerinvolvement inkeepingtheiraircraftflying notoniyreducesthe costofownersnip itincreasessafely andbrings manyowners agreatdealof :pleasure. Ithinkyouwould agreetnat,whilst thereisstllmuchwork todotoprotectusfromthe erosionofourfreedoms,our glassissignificantlymorethan haHS