One last stamp…

The LAA Inspector network is an amazing thing. All across the UK, it provides LAA members with access to people who can help them build, operate and maintain your own aircraft. No matter what your query, whether you’re changing spark plugs, have a wing to re-cover, or some rivets to be driven, there will be someone out there to help you.

I’ve met quite a few Inspectors over the years, and they’ve all been good. However, some really do put their heart and soul into the role. If you find one like that, then you should consider yourself very lucky indeed.

And so it was that my own particular Inspector journey began, back in 1999. At the time I was contemplating my first build project, an RV-6, and luckily for me, Trevor Hope, a chap who had been a familiar face at the airstrip where I’d started flying, was keen to get involved with the project.

While Trevor was very pragmatic, he was also incredibly particular. Armed with a torch and an inspection mirror you can guarantee he would find some stray loose article. Being a neat freak, I’d like to say he never found anything in my builds, but no, I had a few of his “Aha” moments, which you knew meant he’d spotted something. He’d never try to catch you out though, and often remark something along the lines of, ‘you must have left that one for me as a test…’

Introducing Trevor to friends who were thinking of building was always fun, because you knew that he’d do his part to help make that project a reality.

His encouragement spurred on many people – your success with a project was important to him.

A few weeks ago, I drove Trevor to the airfield to sign up some magneto refit work. Having beaten serious illness last year, its unwelcome return had left him unable to drive, but he was determined to carry on where he could. While he needed a spare hand to hold a torch for him, he and his inspection mirror were still just as meticulous.

The clickity-click of his Inspector’s stamp inking a worksheet was always the sound of another job he judged ready to fly. “Don’t forget your RV-3 Permit, that’s next on my list,” Trevor reminded me as I dropped him off later that day. But it wasn’t to be. A week later, he was gone… ed.hicks@laa.uk.com

His spirit will fly on in the LAA aeroplanes whose builders he helped steer from plans and kits to completion.

A truly excellent and inspiring Inspector, he was also a good friend. Thank you Trevor.

The Alpi P300R sub 600Kg High Performance Light Sport Aircraft

Quick build Kit available get prices and brochure from www.flypioneer.uk Fun, Fast and Affordable or ring steve on 07721899009

Features

12 PROJECT NEWS

The remarkable Nuncats electricpowered CH750, a Sling 4 TSi built in South Africa, and a smart Van’s RV-8

16 FLIGHT TEST

Clive Davidson gets his hands on a well-travelled Beagle Husky, and finds it a very enjoyable machine

26 TECHNICAL

Wise up to working with wood in the first of a series, as wood-wizard Dudley Pattison shares his secrets…

30 COACHING CORNER

Head of Coaching David Cockburn suggests it’s time to pay attention to Threat and Error Management

32 ENGINEERING MATTERS

Gyro blade cracks response, propeller up-keep, and ballistic parachute recovery systems info on G-INFO

40 SHOW REPORT

Visiting the first of the year’s big shows, Nigel Hitchman takes a look at what was hot at Sun ‘n Fun

44 MEET THE MEMBERS

A double dose of aviation enthusiasm as Neil Wilson talks to Richard Pike and Sam Woodgate

50 TESTED

Graham Smith tackles the first part of installing a Flybox Oblo autopilot, plus a review of a new book on the life of a light aircraft test pilot