Struts 4U

by Anne Hughes

Towards the end of March, Strut leaders were invited by David Millin to attend a conference at LAA HQ, Turweston. Leaders attended from Bodmin, Scotland – and all points in between. We were fortunate that weather conditions were favourable, and that most Strut leaders were, on the day, unaffected by Covid. Consequently the meeting, hosted by Steve Slater and David Millin, was a return to normality! We were also able to provide a Zoom link for 10 other leaders who were unable to make the journey.

Steve’s presentation outlined the overall, up-to-date picture of the LAA and provided some useful statistics of an Association with nearly 8,000 members, responsible for 2,700 active aircraft and a full-time LAA staff of 17. It is estimated that 15% of the membership are members of the 25 active Struts. Steve emphasised the continuing importance of the Struts as being central to the organisation, sharing expertise and providing member support to the LAA for the annual ‘Meet the Members’ events and during the Rally.

Short presentations were also made outlining the importance of the award system to the LAA and the role Struts can play in nominating awardees. Stuart Luck, President of the LAA’s Youth and Educational Support, emphasised the role that Struts can play in generating communication for young people’s groups and giving opportunities for young people to be involved in aviation through activities such as Aviation Art, Aviation Adventure Days, Pedal Planes and the Build-a-Plane projects.

Pete White, from the Cornwall Strut at Bodmin, shared a presentation put together by Jay Gates, Bodmin’s airfield manager, on the subject of ‘How Green is my Airfield?’. The story of Bodmin’s discovery that it has a unique biodiversity resulting in an abundance of rare plants, has become well-known in the South West, and interest grows across the country. Jay is happy to share the story with the Struts via Zoom, and spread the word about how important it is to look around our airfields, as well as see how we can preserve any areas of ecological interest for the future.

We were particularly pleased to hear that The Joystick Club, known largely for its work with young people, has recently been offered LAA Strut ‘status’. Formerly the Royal Berkshire Strut, the Strut had been inactive for many years, but, under the leadership of Mike Clews, and centred at White Waltham, it has set off on a new path and we will be hearing more about the pedal planes and two simulators which belong to the club. These are based on a Piper Tomahawk (single engine) and Piper Seneca (twin engine). Both have full working controls, instruments and visual displays that enable a short flight to be completed. They are trailer mounted to allow them to be towed to events. The Joystick Club can be found at Shuttleworth airshows, and other events. It also regularly visits schools where it is encouraging the next generation of prospective LAA members to find a route to the skies!

Welcome back, Mike!

We were also able to discuss the challenges that the last two years have brought to the Struts with a disruption of normal routine and programmes and an understandable caution as we return to face-to-face meetings. Concerns were also expressed about the general demographic of the LAA where there is a need for younger aviators to be encouraged to join local groups, particularly when it comes to the management of the Struts. We are looking for initiatives that will appeal to all age groups and support for activities, both at the monthly Strut gatherings and the fly-ins.

The Struts4U column, now into its sixth year, has also been instrumental in raising the profile of the Struts and providing updates and communication links to help members find their local Struts. The Suffolk Coastal Strut, with more than 90 members, has been so successful in recruiting new members from a wide area that it is planning to oversee the setting up of a new Strut, possibly in the Cambridge area. This would enable members to meet regularly with less travelling.

It was good to feel at the end of the conference that there are many positives and that the Struts, now into their 53rd year, continue to be a key focus for the LAA.

Steve was thanked for the LAA Zoom ‘Pub Night’ evenings, which had helped to bring ideas and useful discussion throughout the lockdown. As many Strut leaders are regular ‘pub’ attendees, regular communication between the Struts has enabled ideas to be shared. The conferences will continue with the option of the ‘virtual’ experience alongside meetings at LAA HQ.

David Millin would like to thank everyone who gave their time to attend the event and who work throughout the year to facilitate the groups across the UK for the LAA membership. ■