AIR PILOT DECEMBER 2018:AIR PILOT MASTER 29/11/18 10:29 Page 1 2 AirPilot DECEMBER 2018 ISSUE 30 AIR PILOT DECEMBER 2018:AIR PILOT MASTER 29/11/18 10:29 Page 2

Diary

DECEMBER 2018 AIR PILOT 5th AST/APT Dowgate Hill THE HONOURABLE 13th GP&F Cutlers’ Hall COMPANY OF 13th Carol Service St. Michael’s, Cornhill AIR PILOTS incorporating Air Navigators JANUARY 2019 22nd APBF AGM & lunch RAF Club PATRON: His Royal Highness 24th Court Election and Dinner Cutlers’ Hall The Prince Philip 24th GP&F Cutlers’ Hall Duke of Edinburgh KG KT

GRAND MASTER: His Royal Highness FEBRUARY 2019 The Prince Andrew 12th Lunch Club RAF Club Duke of York KG GCVO 14th GP&F Cutlers’ Hall MASTER: 25th Aptitude Testing RAFC Cranwell Colin Cox FRAeS

CLERK: Paul J Tacon BA FCIS

Incorporated by Royal Charter. Please note that meetings scheduled for Dowgate Hill may be relocated to our new A Livery Company of the City of London. office depending on the date of our move.

PUBLISHED BY: The Honourable Company of Air Pilots, Dowgate Hill House, 14-16 Dowgate Hill, London EC4R 2SU. VISITS PROGRAMME Please see the flyers accompanying this issue of Air Pilot or contact Liveryman David EDITOR: Curgenven at [email protected]. Paul Smiddy BA (Ec on), FCA These flyers can also be downloaded from the Company's website. EMAIL: [email protected] Please check on the Company website for visits that are to be confirmed. FUNCTION PHOTOGRAPHY: Gerald Sharp Photography View images and order prints on-line. TELEPHONE: 020 8599 5070 GOLF CLUB EVENTS EMAIL: [email protected] Please check on Company website for latest information WEBSITE: www.sharpphoto.co.uk

PRINTED BY: Printed Solutions Ltd 01494 478870 Except where specifically stated, none of the material in this issue is to be taken as expressing the opinion of the Court of the Company. EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS: The copy deadline for the February 2019 edition of Air Pilot is 1 January 2019. The address is: 14-16 Dowgate Hill House, London EC4R 2SU. Our telephone number remains unchanged TELEPHONE: 020 7404 4032 Cover photo: The Master gives his address at the Trophies & Awards Banquet EMAIL: [email protected] WEBSITE: www.airpilots.org (Gerald Sharp Photography) AIR PILOT DECEMBER 2018:AIR PILOT MASTER 29/11/18 10:29 Page 3

A message from your Editor... I was hoping that this issue would be the only journal you read this month – on paper or on online – with the possible exception of Bridge Monthly or Gardeners’World, that does not mention that b***y ‘B’ word. I write this in one of the most turbulent weeks for British politics and society that I can recall.The nation is at a cross-roads; it is perhaps beyond irony that I am writing this having just returned from an aviation conference.Almost fifty pilots, from 23 countries, from Europe (both within and without the EU), and the Near & Middle East, conversed, socialised, and made decisions and plans with near perfect ease. It hardly needs adding that this was done without the benefit of any input from politicians. Indeed the nearest we got to the latter, the FAI, were viewed as a necessary background presence, whose influence was to be minimised. Pilots are good at making decisions – it is how we are trained! The conference, like most of international aviation, was unsurprisingly conducted in the English language. It brought home to me our good fortune to be native English speakers, and my admiration for the linguistic skills (largely impressive!) of my fellow aviators. It was a useful nudge that, in my opinion, it behoves we native English speakers to participate fully in the administration and decision-making of such international fora. In my last editorial I sought more material from glider pilots. I do not suppose it was a case of cause and effect, but you will read in this issue a piece on the wonders of gliding. If by any chance you were a touch cynical about the scope and scale of our scholarship activity, Fred Bull will set you right. He has been a recipient of a grant towards a gliding instructor course; he writes very movingly of the skills this has so enjoyably given him, and how he hopes this will provide a platform for a successful career in commercial aviation. As was the case when I recently took part in a graveside service with some delightful schoolchildren to commemorate the centenary of the Armistice, it perhaps makes one ponder that the next (or next but one) generation deserve a better legacy than we seem presently to be offering. Paul Smiddy - Editor

Contents

News Round Up & Gazette ...... 4

The Master’s Message and New Zealand Tour Report ...... 6

From the Desk of the DAA ...... 8

Trophies and Awards Banquet ...... 10

Sir Frederick Tymms Memorial Lecture ...... 19

Her name was Casey ...... 21

Modular or Integrated,The Fruits of a Scholarship ...... 22

Company Visit to Biggin Hill ...... 24

Duxford’s Air Show ...... 27

Company Academic Bursary Awards 2018 ...... 30

Book Review ...... 32

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News Round Up MOMENTOUS WW2 VISIT series of hollows mark out the impact point of the engines, wings and cockpit. On reaching the site, Air Cdre Charles said “What a fine dividing line it was between my fate and that of my crewmates”. Charles had flown in several missions before this time becoming a PoW at Stalag Luft 3 (Zagan, Poland) to which he has returned many times with current (ret’d) Charles Clarke serving RAF personnel. He joked with The IPM representing OBE visited the crash site of his airport staff about not having to show his the Master attended the Lancaster in October, 74 years after he boarding card when he departed from City Remembrance Service was shot down on a raid over southern RAF Coningsby on that fateful mission. Germany.On the night of 25th February, The memorial to his three colleagues 1944 Charles, then aged 20, was the stands just a few hundred yards from the bomb aimer in a 619 Sqn aircraft near crash; they were pilot Fg Off Erie Stuttgart when his Lancaster was shot Williams (),Air Gunners Sgt William Walch, and Flt Sgt down by a German night fighter. James Glazebrook (Royal Australian Air Several months ago Air Cdre Charles Force) – a truly Commonwealth crew. Clarke received a piece of metal in the The local Mayor, Burgermeister Markus post that was from his aircraft with an Wendel of Bad Teinach-Zavelstein, invitation to visi t the memorial that the extended warm welcome to Charles and local German people had built. Charles, colleagues. accompanied by friends Lt Col (ret’d) Phil Westwood RE, Monika Parker from SCHOLARSHIPS Zagan, Poland, and Squadron Leader Tim Whilst the provision of scholarships has become central to the beneficence of Barlow, paid their respects to this fallen the Company and its trusts, it is worth looking over what else is out there for crew. budding pilots. Given the decline in youth aviation opportunities offered by the RAF, it is perhaps fortuitous there has been a burgeoning of scholarships in In 1944 Air Cdre Charles was lucky recent years.The following list is not exhaustive. enough to bail out over the Black Forest. The Air League offers c100 essentially ‘air experience’ scholarships and Local German enthusiasts Gunther John bursaries, including engineering (short industrial placements) and gliding. and Ingo Hauck recently discovered the TAG Farnborough Airport offers one PPL (managed by us), as does Cotswold site where the Lancaster plunged into the Airport (aka Kemble) and London Biggin Hill.There is also a privately-funded PPL scholarship at EGKB.The Light Aircraft Association provides five bursaries forest. This was Charles’ first visit to the offering £1,500 towards flying training. The British Womens Pilots Association crash site. Its remote location made access offers 3 flying bursaries (not full PPL) and 2 fully-funded ATPL ground school difficult. This led to a special moment courses.The British Micro light Aircraft Association has aYoung Person’s Flying when assistance was given to Charles by Bursary. Finally FSDP (Flying Scholarships for Disabled People (FSDP), familiar to the local fire department. The father of many in the Company, does what it says on the tin, and has an extensive the fireman with Charles had also programme of PPL-related scholarships All these schemes have different witnessed the aircraft fall from the sky 74 timetables, although the bulk work on the understandable assumption that years ago. His grandchildren aged 13 and flying training will be largely focussed on the summer months. 8 years both attended the ceremony. A

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A REMINDER OF A WONDERFUL UK SUMMER – RIAT 2018 Photos by Freeman Will Eeles

Jordanian Air Force CAP team

Will Eeles reliving AAC days

“There I was at 200 feet ”

GAZETTE APPROVED BYTHE COURT 22 NOVEMBER 2018

ADMISSIONS ACKNOWLEDGED BY THE COURT RESIGNATIONS As Upper Freeman 22 NOVEMBER 2018 Christopher BENN Terence BUCKLAND REGRADE Stephen BURNARD (AUS) Marc BIGAO UETTE (NA) To Livery Richard HAYLEY (HK) Atholl BUCHAN (OS) Nicholas HOLMAN Stephen BRIDGEWATER John CLIFFE Robert LEROUX (NA) David ABRAHAMS Michael LING Su INGLE Lorraine EARL (NZ) Taniya MORRIS Ian STEWART Sophie FREESTONE John MURRAY Alistair BEATON David HILL (NA) John NYREN (NA) Carl BODDY Gregory RULFS (HK) Sidney KWONG Michael HOOD (NA) Paul SUTHERLAND (AUS) Patrick SHERRIFF Richard JENNISON Craig WELLS (AUS) Michael HOLLAND Jason LAWLEY Benjamin WHITWORTH Ian MURNING Daniel MARTIN

As Freeman As Upper Freeman Jane MIDDLETON Anne HUGHES Peter NYE Sarang PANDIT (OS) Shaun PATRICK Nicholas PASCOE Michael RAWDEN Reginald PYCROFT Edward SCURR David RYALL As Associate Lydia SZKATULA Fahim AHMED Stephen DALY REINSTATEMENT Ian TOBIN Daniel Ephraim DEDMAN As Freeman Cameron THOMSON Benjamin EAKINS (AUS) Jack CHONG (HK) Dick VERBURG (OS) Réshé HARRISON Suleman HUSSAIN DECEASED Noel WHITE Jake KENNY David DENNIS James WOODS Tsungirirai Linda MARUTA John MASON Amy Elizabeth PALMER Peter READING Finian Luke SALTER James TIERNEY (AUS) FORFEIT ALL BENEFITS Matthew STEWART (AUS) Barry WHITEHEAD David LEE (NZ)

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pretty well drawn to a close, was very Master’s Message much associated with aspects of City life. A luncheon after the Lord Mayor’s and New Zealand Tour Report Election is traditional and this year was By Captain Colin Cox no exception, with a number of our members being hosted by The As you read this, Denise and I will have I will confine this article to events that Worshipful Company of Cutlers at their just returned from the second part of the have occurred since I last wrote, which hall in Warwick Lane. Our numbers Master’s Tour and a report of that trip have mostly involved City and Livery actually outnumbered the Cutlers’ own will, of necessity, not be able to appear functions. The Lord Mayor’s Election at on this occasion but we are always very until the February edition of Air Pilot. I Guildhall on Michaelmas Day is always a grateful for the continued strong am however writing this from the spectacular affair, with Masters of the 110 relationship we enjoy, and I do believe comfort of our room in the Northern Livery Companies processing in their this is reciprocated. Club in Auckland, having already finery across the Guildhall Yard from the Not long afterwards I was robed up again commenced our Tour immediately after traditional service prior to the event at St for the Musician Company’s Evensong at the Trophies and Awards Banquet, a Lawrence Jewry.The thrust of my speech St. Paul’s Cathedral.This is a lesser known report of which will no doubt be at Guildhall was to highlight our but equally well-attended ceremony appearing elsewhere in this august connections with the City and October involving as many Masters as can be journal. for me, with the flying season having mustered for a processional in full regalia. Presentation of The Master’sTrophy New Zealand Region to Brett Clayton With a reception held after the event in the Crypt this proved for me to be one of those City ‘best-kept secrets’. We enjoyed a Wardens’ Supper a few days ahead of our monthly GP&F meeting at the Boot and Flogger wine bar in the vicinity of our new pre mises. I can highly recommend this establishment, being a wine bar of the Davy’s chain, but we are going to be stuck for choice for hostelries and eateries when we move into our new ‘home’ early in February. It might be asked why the wait until February before we move in, but the answer is that we have to spend some time having the layout of the building reconfigured for our use, such as aspects of wiring, lighting etc. Also, our agreement for the present temporary offices is still curre nt, and we cannot exercise a break-clause in the agreement until the New Year. Well, the Trophies and Awards Banquet was a fabulous affair, as ever, with many very deserving recipients of Awards. I won’t single out any one individual or unit but I think we can all be proud of the marvellous job our Awards Committee, under the stewardship of Past Master Rick Peacock-Edwards has done over the years, as he hands over the reins of Chairman to Assistant Chris Palmer.

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With no real time to recover it was back home to pack our bags for the five weeks away, travelling as we were, this time around, first to New Zealand and then on to Australia and Hong Kong. We arrived in Auckland after a pleasantly uneventful couple of flights with Cathay Pacific on Monday 29th October. We elected to slip in Auckland for one night before travelling down to Wellington, if Informal dinner at Wellington Club From L-R: anything to break up the journey. Denise, NZ Regional Administrator, Capt Barry Barry Mitchell, Administrator of the Mitchell, NZ Regional Chairman, Bill Bennett. New Zealand Region, and winner of this year’s Sir Alan Cobham Memorial Award, cocktail reception at theWellington Club had arranged accommodation for us at for regional members and their guests, the prestigious Northern Club in followed by an in-house dinner and a Auckland. Having only just arrived ‘wrap up’ of the day’s events.Wellington himself from London that morning after is a lovely city but seemingly prone to the T & A, Barry very kindly met us at being windy and the following day the the airport and drove us into town before weather lived up to its re putation, so a going back to his home in the suburbs planned visit to Wellington Aero Club Pre-dinner drinks: New Zealand Formal Dinner and catching up on some well-deserved From L-R: Freeman David Park, Master, Denise, was called off, and Denise and I took the Liveryman Lyn Boyce, Liveryman Allan Boyce rest. Denise and I were well and truly opportunity to visit an absolutely poleaxed so far as jet-lag is concerned. stunning commemoration of the Commander Brett Clayton, leader of the Thirty plus years of long-haul flying has Gallipoli landings on display at the New Zealand Black Falcons Aerobatic never ma de flying across multiple time Museum of New Zealand (Te Papa Display Tea m, the Master’s Trophy New zones any easier. A five-hour transit at Tongarewa) in Wellington.Words cannot Zealand award, in recognition of Hong Kong airport didn’t help either. do this display justice and a side trip to ‘Commendable leadership and The next day we took a taxi out to the the Capital would have been worth it just outstanding contribution to display airport and caught up with Barry again to see this. flying in New Zealand’. for our trip down to Auckland where we Leaving ‘Middle of Middle-Earth’ So, there I will leave our travelogue for met up with Regional Chairman, Bill Airport that afternoon we flew back to the time being until we can pick up the Bennett, at the Wellington Club in town. Auckland where we parted company trail again in Sydney in the next edition. The following day saw a busy schedule with Barry until the formal dinner at the For now, as the time of joy and goodwill of meetings with a lobby organisation, Northern Club the following evening. to all Freemen, Upper Freemen and Aviation New Zealand, the CAA, There I was to meet pretty well the Liverymen approaches (how’s that for Airways Corporation, the ATC provider entire complement of New Zealand and the Transport Accident Investiga tion Liverymen with the event being hosted Political Correctness?), Denise joins me Commission.The whole programme was by Liveryman Allan Boyce with his in wishing you all, around the regions of seamlessly put together by Freeman lovely wife, Lyn, saying Grace. our world, a blessed Christmas and every Leslie Brown and it gave all parties an Unfortunately Bill Bennett, as Chairman, good wish for the coming year.We hope opportunity to discuss topical events had to give his apologies owing to a to see as many of you as possible at our germane to the Region. family bereavement.The dinner gave me Annual Carol Service on the 13th That evening saw Denise and I hosting a the opportunity to present Wing December. Merry Christmas everybody!

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“As technology evolves and reduces the From the Desk of the cost of access to space, there is an exciting opportunity for the U.K. to lead in the Director Aviation Affairs New Space age” and, “The U.K. space Liveryman John Turner sector was worth an impressive €13.8 billion in 2014 and 2015. It is growing “TO BOLDLY GO…” emphasizing the need for international fast and employs around 38,000 people. It is a little while since the 18th June transparency and space traffic (Interestingly, this is the same number 2018 when U.S. President signed Space management (STM) data sharing.” that UK General Aviation supported in Policy Directive – 3, National Space At the meeting at which he signed the 2015.) One fact that astounded me Traffic Management Policy (see reference policy dire ctive on space, U.S. President when I started as science minister is that at the end of this article). However, parts Trump advocated a ‘Space Force’ as an Glasgow creates more small satellites that of policy directive’s first section have independent and co-equal military any other European city. Its satellites — parallels with the issues of my last topic branch. In August,Vice President Mike sometimes as small as fizzy drink cans — and my eye was caught by the following: Pence proposed that the United States are capable of everything from Space Force (USSF) would be a sixth “Today, space is becoming increasingly monitoring the biology of the ocean to branch of the U.S. military with a focus congested and contested, and that trend helping African famers increase their on all matters off-world, including presents challenges for the safety, stability, crop production.” The government’s procuring military satellites and and sustainability … modern industrial strategy (reference ) defending U.S. spacecraft in orbit from Already, the Department of Defense published in December 2017, set out a attacks. However, as yet there are few (DoD) tracks over 20,000 objects in £50 million programm e to enable new specifics on what a USSF would cost or space, and … makes notifications of satellite launch services on top of the what it would mean in terms of we apons potential conjunctions (that is, two or in space beyond “making sure we have £99 million invested in building the more objects coming together at the same the security in space to advance human National Space Testing Facility (though or nearly the same point in time and space exploration.” both figures were dwarfed by space). … As the number of space objects announcements in the same document of Meanwhile the Federal Aviation increases, however, this limited traffic £385 million for UK’s digital Administration (FAA) says it is on management activity and architecture will schedule to publish a notice of proposed infrastructure and an investment of £2.5 become inadequate. rulemaking (NPRM) on 1st February billion in low carbon innovation by The future space operating environment 2019, reforming commercial space- 2021). At the Farnborough International will also be shaped by a significant launch regulations to make American Airshow the government announced increase in the volume and diversity of launch sites, as well as American Sutherland in Scotland as the first commercial activity in space. Emerging launchers, more attractive to the global ‘vertical launch site’ (not to be confused commercial ventures … are increasingly marketplace. Some, including with helicopte r and drone ‘vertiports’) outpacing efforts to develop and representatives of commercial launch together with an indication that other implement government policies and providers, h ave expressed concern over sites were also under consideration. To processes to address these new activities.” the FAA process, citing a “lack of protect the U.K. public, the Civil … we must develop a new approach to dialogue, insight, transparency and Aviation Authority (CAA) intend to have space traffic management (STM) that engagement” with industry but FAA say the required regulatory frameworks in addresses current and future operational the pace of developing the NPRM place, accepted by government and risks. This new approach must set justifies their lack of engagement. supported by the appropriate legal priorities for space situational awareness Evidently tensions between aviation instruments, to enable initial spaceflight (SSA) and STM innovation in science regulators and those they regulate over operations to commence in the UK by and technology (S&T), incorporate consultation are an international 2020. national security considerations, … phenomenon. establish an updated STM architecture, The UK government has also been – and promote space safety standards and outlining its ambitions for space. Sam BREXIT WHAT DOES LEAVING best practices across the international Gyimah, Member of Parliament for East WITHOUT AGREEMENT LOOK LIKE? community.” Surrey and the joint Minister for Higher I promised myself not to mention Brexit The United States recognizes that Education at the Department for this issue but, to balance my article in the spaceflight safety is a global challenge and Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy last, reference explains how things could will continue to encourage safe and and the Department of Education was carry on next year in the absence of an responsible behavior in space while reported as saying in a recent interview, agreement to remain within EASA.

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MAG2TRUE ), provided an opportunity to consider funding regimes might be construed as Nav Canada presented their paper on the roles of the Civil Aviation Authority potential conflicts of interest in deciding changing to navigation by a fixed as regulator and arbiter of airspace airspace changes. The UK has reference point (True North) at the change requests and NATS, the UK’s experienced growing demand for ever ICAO 13th Air Navigation Conference. major air navigation service provider and larger tracts of controlled airspace The paper (reference ) concluded with, to reconsider some of the things we have because that has been the paradigm “Recommendation 3.5/X True North taken for granted for so long. For behind our approach to safety; there is no Reference System - That the Conference instance, air traffic control (ATC) are dispute that controlled airspace does quite comfortable to place two airliners request that States and regions adopt a protect aircraft operating within it. head-on if they are separated vertically by True North reference system by 2030.” However, controlled airspace also pushes only 1,000 ft (300 metres) yet when The paper was well-received with other aircraft that are forced to operate those same airliners are at the same general support, the only negative being outside it into shrinking remnants of height,ATC must keep them a minimum some concern that 2030 was much too uncontrolled airspace with choke points of 12,000 ft (2 nautical miles) and in soon to implement such a major some instances 30,000 ft (5 nautical that increases traffic density and reduce change(!) An ICAO working group has miles), reflecting the histori cal accuracy the safety by raising their risk of mid-air been set up; we will do what we can to of pressure altimeters installed in aircraft collision. Conscious that our members demonstrate that the hurdle may be more and the size of a blip on an air traffic include commercial and GA pilots, our easily surmountable. radar display. In a world of modern response – and any subsequent navigation system accuracy (and data involvement – will aim not to make AIRSPACE transmissions that provide both warning airspace less safe for anyone but to make A call for evidence to support an inquiry and flight guidance when separation is at airspace safe and accessible to everyone into UK airspace change closed at the risk), are those limits still sensible or (where everyone will include end of October. The inquiry, instigated necessary? commercial and GA pilots and by the All-Party Parliamentary Group on The inquiry will no doubt question commercial drone operators who will General Aviation (APPG-GA - reference whether shareholder relationships and need safe access in the future.

REFERENCES (all links accessed 1 November 2018): 1. https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/space-policy-directive-3-national-space-traffic-management-policy/ 2. UK Industrial Strategy – A leading destination to invest and grow published 14 December 2017 https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-industrial-strategy-a-leading-destination-to-invest- and-grow 3. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/flights-to-and- from-the-uk-if-theres-no-brexit-deal/flights-to-and- from-the-uk-if-theres-no-brexit-deal#after-march-2019-if-theres-no-deal 4. https://www.icao.int/Meetings/anconf13/Documents/WP/wp_114_en.pdf 5. http://www.generalaviationappg.uk

Reds in action

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The Trophies and Awards Banquet Guildhall 25th October 2018 By Assistant Paul Smiddy, Honorary Editor

The highlight of the Company’s year again took place at the City of London’s Guildhall on October 26th.At a meeting of the Court in the Crypt beforehand, the Master, Captain Colin Cox, witnessed the clothing of twelve new Liverymen. Wg Cdr Trasler, Professor David Allison, Ms Sue Ingle, Capt Patrick Sherriff, and Messrs Ray Middleton, Jonathan Morton, Stephen Durrell, Clive Rose, Stephen Bridgewater, Alistair just made it in time. After Grace take-up of the new first officer pilot Beaton, Carl Boddy, and Sidney Kwong, enunciated in customary style by our apprenticeship will be minimal at best.” were all welcomed in to the Honourable Honorary Chaplain, the Reverend Peter Leaving the guest of honour some Company as fellow Liverymen. Mullen, the Master invited the newly- further food for thought, he added “I The Master also presented Master Air clothed Liverymen to stand and be wonder, Baroness, if you might take Pilot certificates to Garry Sampson, Ray recognised. With vigorous music from another look at the paper presented for Smith, Rear Admiral Keith Blount, the London Banqueting Ensemble, and consideration back in July which Major Marc le Gresley, Ronald Lawford, very efficient service by the Guildhall’s highlights the problem.” The Master Lt David-John Gibbs, Ian Thompson, catering staff, the meal passed at pace. noted the achievements of our trophy David Hughes, Christopher Marren, and After the sung Grace, the Loving Cups recipients, and proposed the toast to our Flt Lt Keith Frewin, and a Master Rear were circulated, followed by toasts to Her award winners and guests. Crew certificate to Petty Officer Majesty the Queen, the Royal Family, Baroness Sugg then rose to give her state Laurence Slater. and the Lord Mayor and the Corporation of the nation address. She made a brief After the Court meeting members and of the City of London.T he trophies were tribute to our armed forces, and guests proceeded to the champagne awarded by Baroness Sugg. Whilst the regarding civil air transport she said that reception in the Old Library, with the Clerk as usual prefaced each award with she “shared your commitment to helping Pikemen and Musketeers of the an abbreviated citation, the full version the industry to ever more safety.” She Honourable Artillery Company in their can be found on the Company’s website. noted the challenges which will be posed familiar guardian angel role. As is usual After the presentations the Master by high rates of future passenger growth, they appeared of particular interest to our addressed the multitude, and gave a and confirmed that the Government overseas visitors. particularly warm welcome to those who recognises the challenges of t he growing Our Guest of Honour was Baroness had trekked from overseas. Perhaps it was shortage of trained pilots. She said, to Sugg, Minister of Aviation. Other senior my imagination, but the Hong Kong much acclaim, that she would look again contingent seemed larger than normal! guests included the Masters of the at our July submission. Her Department Colin paid tribute to the work of Past Coachmakers and Coach Harness has been working hard on the new Master Roger Gault who “has worked Makers, Merchant Taylors and Master Aviation Strategy, and she hoped that the tirelessly with colleagues on the Aviation Mariners. Lt Gen Richard Felton, resulting Green Paper will be published Industry Skills Board with a view to Commandant of the Army Air Corps, in December. (The Government’s last establishing a First Officer pilot Col Jon Bryant (Comdt Army Aviation policy paper said it would be by early apprenticeship programme.” He noted Centre), Gp Capt Tony Franklin (Comdt 2019). In addition she confirmed that that “the main challenge is that the HMG was working for a ‘No Deal’ CFS), Rear Admiral Jonathan Pentreath Institute for Apprenticeships has (Comdt Joint Helicopter Command), Brexit scenario. She concluded by proposed a funding band of just £4,000, congratulating the award winners. and Gp Capt Howard Edwards (OC 6 which goes nowhere near the full cost of Full copies of her and the Master’s speech FTS) were the senior UK military pilot apprentice training which is can be found on the Company’s website. representatives. The rotary world was, upwards of £150,000 per individual.The therefore, very well represented indeed! current apprenticeship funding rules do Afterwards the Stirrup Cup was well We were also honoured to have as guests not allow for individuals to make a used in the Old Library giving a chance the air advisors to the NZ and Canadian financial contribu tion to their training for many to offer personal High Commissions. and therefore employers would be congratulations to the award winners. A The Beadle,Ted Prior, led the Master and expected to foot the remaining bill. In multitude than progressed to the senior guests into the Great Hall for reality employers will not be able to Cowdray Room at the RAF Club. dinner, with the Guest of Honour having cover these costs alone, and therefore

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The Master & Denise welcome Mr & Mrs Howard Cook

The Editor’s wife bows to the Immediate Past Editor’s wife The Master in exclamatory flow

PM John Hutchinson, with Sue and their family

Baroness Sugg & the Master in Loving Cup mode The Guest of Honour responds

PM Rick Peacock-Edwards leading the RAF Club mafia!

The Master with fellow Masters and Baroness Sugg

Prizewinners from Air Forces from around the world

The Master with new Liverymen: Front Row – RL Middleton, JD Morton, SJ Durrell, the Master, DJ Allison, CH Rose, KF Trasler; The assembled throng before dinner Rear Row – SD Bridgewater, SM Ingle,AT Beaton, CSR Boddy, SS Kwong, PD Sherriff

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The full citations for all the award with the USAF as a test pilot. After the For his commendable contribution to winners can be found on the RAF Frank spent the next six years flying test and evaluation flying, Roger ‘Dodge’ Company website; here follows the A320s and A330s as an airline pilot with Bailey is awarded the Eric ‘Winkle’ abbreviated citations which were Monarch Airlines. This experience was Brown Memorial Trophy. read by the Learned Clerk during ideal preparation for the next stage of his the presentation of awards at the career as in 2004 he was recruited by banquet. Airbus and joined the flight test team in THE JOHN LANDYMORE TROPHY Toulouse as an experimental test pilot. In addition to his test flying, Frank is also THE AWARD OF HONOUR an accomplished display pilot having displayed A350 and A380 at a number of commercial air shows, but also as a regular display pilot of vintage aircraft at the Shuttleworth Collection. For his dedicated contribution to aircraft design, development, and flight testing, both military and civilian, Frank Chapman is a worthy recipient of the Derry & Richards Memorial Medal. Amy Palmer won the Air Pilots THE ERIC ‘WINKLE’ BROWN Benevolent Fund PPL Scholarship and MEMORIAL TROPHY completed her training with Ulster For over 50 years the Flying Club. Aerobatic Team has been performing From the initial impression that she made both in the UK and, at various times, in upon the scholarship selection most countries around the world. The committee to the approach she adopted team is globally famous, they are during her flying training, Amy was ambassadors for the UK and they have, exemplary. Her ground school results for so many years, been perhaps t he most were top class and her whole approach to visible example of British expertise and the learning process and personal excellence in aviation. application required to be a proficient For their excellence and achievement and able pilot were present from the throughout their more than 50 years of outset. Amy’s enthusiasm and existence, the Royal Air Force Aerobatic determination to achieve her goal was Team is awarded the Honourable evident to her ground and flying Company of Air Pilots Award of Honour Roger ‘Dodge’ Bailey flew the C-130 in instructors. Her attitude was always in recognition of its enduring the RAF before attending the Central positive and she was a pleasure to teach. contribution to excellence in aviation. Flying School to train as a Qualified As a result of her personal qualities and Flying Instructor, followed by the USAF professional, competent approach to Test Pilot School. He was eventually flying demonstrated during her training THE DERRY AND RICHARDS appointed the Officer Commanding for a PPL, Amy Palmer is awarded the MEMORIAL MEDAL Aerospace Research Squadron in 1988 John Landymore Trophy for 2018. before retirement from the Royal Air Force in December 1989. After leaving the RAF he joined the then THE AWARD FOR AVIATION JOURNALISM College of Aeronautics as Chief Test Pilot. He also manages the flying of the aircraft in th e Shuttleworth Collection. He approached this whole, exceptionally diverse, collection of aircraft with theTest Piloting skills he had built up over so many years by re-designing the whole system of flying operations of the Collection’s aircraft. He was also Liveryman Frank Chapman has been instrumental in keeping the Shuttleworth involved in flight test as an experimental Collection viable following the test pilot since completing test pilot Shoreham disaster by,again, using his Test training with the French Ecole du Pilot background and meticulous Personnel d’Essai et de Reception preparation, putting in place revised (EPNER) in 1990. procedures to secure the necessary For nearly 40 years David Learmount has Following fast jet training he flew both permissions and implement the various arguably been the most influential Harriers and F4 Phantoms on changes required subsequent to that aviation safety journalist of his era. He operational tours before an exchange disaster. served in the RAF for 10 years until he

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lost his medical category as a pilot. He to the continuing close relationship and THE GRAND MASTER’S AUSTRALIAN MEDAL then joined Flight International initially management of the Region, Donna as their Air Transport Reporter, but Farquhar is awarded the Sir Alan almost immediately took over the annual Cobham Memorial Award. safety review, and wrote up operational news of all kinds – an area that really interested him. Two years later he was THE SIR ALAN COBHAM MEMORIAL AWARD appointed Air Transport Editor and did that job until the new post of Operations and Safety Editor was created especially for him in 1992. Over the 38 years he has served at Flight Jim Thurstan’s aviation career began in International both fulltime and now as a 1955 as A Qantas apprentice engineer, Consultant, his knowledgeable writing and eventually retiring as a Senior Check and in this digital era now his blog, have & Training Engineer on the B747. provided in depth analyses of the failures After retirement, he worked as a and remedies in commercial aviation. simulator instructor at Qantas for 6 years. The quality of his research and writing However, in 1993 he became Senior during this time has made him a figure Project Engineer on the Historical known and respected across the Liveryman Barry Mitchell joined the Aircraft Restoration Society’s (HARS) aeronautical world. then Guild of Air Pilots and Air Lockheed Super Constellation David’s long and renown career is Navigators in New Zealand in 1989, the restoration in Tucson, Arizona. Then, in appropriately recognized by the year that the New Zealand Region was 2010, Jim Thurstan became the Project Company’s Award for Aviation founded. He has been a life-long stalwart Engineer for the repair of a replica Journalism. of the Region ever since. Fokker VIIb/3m “Southern Cross II”, originally built to commemorate the Barry’s flying career began as a pilot in inaugural trans-Pacific crossing by the the RNZAF before he joined Air New THE SIR ALAN COBHAM MEMORIAL AWARD original Southern Cross in 1928 and the Zealand, where he flew until retirement largest reproduction aircraft in the world. age. Soon after joining the Guild (as was) he volunteered for the role of Regional Under the guidance of Bill Whitney, Administrator in 1991 and has remained designer of the SCII, and Captain Bruce in that role, intermittently also being Simpson, certifying engineer, Jim led the Chairman, Deputy Chairman and team th rough a complete engineering Treasurer at times. He has been audit of the aircraft including instrumental in, and fundamental to the modification to the tail area and repair of successful existence of the New Zealand the airframe at the HARS facility at Region – and, indeed, if it had not been Illawarra. for his obliging retention of his Throughout this painstaking process, administrative role in recent years, the Jim’s leadership, practical approach and Region may have ceased to exist. exhausting research has enabled an In 2008 and 2009 Donna Farquhar The New Zealand Region undoubtedly aircraft considered iconic in the history played a pivotal role in establishing the owes its continued existence to Barry of Australian aviation to once again be Canadian Regional organisation for the Mitchell, who has given 28 years of capable of taking to the air. For his Guild of Air Pilots and Navigators, selfless service to the Guild and innovation and methodology in aircraft followed by its expansion to the whole of Company in New Zealand. He engineering Jim Thurstan is awarded the North America. Her position as epitomises the ethos behind the Sir Alan Grand M aster’s Australian Medal. Administrator for the Honourable Cobham Memorial Award and is a most Company of Air Pilots North American deserving recipient of the Company’s THE AUSTRALIAN BI-CENTENNIAL AWARD Region continues today. recognition by this award. Donna is an invaluable force for continuity with Air Pilots NA by management of all the administrative functions and support to the Trophies and Awards submissions from the Region. Eve ry regional Chairman has relied upon Donna since the Region was founded. Her career has been a unique and valuable contribution to aviation in British Columbia and North America. On retirement from the RAAF, Ian For her very significant contribution Mallett joined the then Civil Aviation both to the founding of the North Authority in the role of Airways American Region of the Air Pilots and Surveyor, with responsibility for

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navigation procedures and aircraft establishment of a privately-funded, THE MASTER’S COMMENDAT ION separation systems. At this time the civil state-of-the-art Aviation Academy also at air transport world was beginning to Syerston. investigate the potential for the civil use In sum, John Middleton’s legacy is of the Global Positioning System under enduring as is his unerring belief in the development by the US military, and this power of flight to inspire. In recognition became Ian's special area of expertise for of his long and distinguished career, he is the following 25 years. awarded the Master’s Commendation. It was Ian's involvement in working groups and international expert panels of the International Civil Aviation THE MASTER’S COMMENDATION Organisation that not only developed the systems and standards we now enjoy worldwide, but encouraged Australia to Major Scharf joined the RCAF in 1991 be a leading light in the process. Ian and and in a career that spans 27 years, he has others successfully developed the now- dedicated himself to advancing the familiar patterns for three-dimensional RCAF's Search and Rescue programme navigation using a succession of with over 7500 flight hours and 117 precisely-defined points in space that operational SAR missions. could follow a curved or straight-in approach to a runway.These approaches In the 20 years of SAR flying, Maj Scharf allowed lower decision heights for most would spend an estimated forty thousand runways, and the ability to fly an hours on call, ready to take-off in as little instrument approach to runways that Sqn Ldr Mike Ling is the longest serving as 30 minutes ''so that others may live''. never previously had the capability for an pilot, including 6 years as He has also flown aid and relief missions instrument approach. Red 10. He has landed a red Hawk in 46 in Tanzania, Honduras and in Louisiana countries, been in volved in 699 displays, following Hurr icane Gustav which had For his work in developing these flown 2,585 flights and was recalled to stranded millions. international standard procedures and the team for the 2018 season as Red 3 increasing the safety and accuracy of In spite of his impressive operational following the tragic accident earlier this aerial navigation, Ian Mallett is awarded achievements, Maj Scharf’s biggest year. But it is for his role as Red 10 that the Australian Bicentennial Award. impact to the RCAF SAR programme he is renown - promoting the best of has come through his devotion to British science, engineering and excellence in both flight instruction and THE MASTER’S COMMENDATION education around the world and his safety. He has been instrumental in the tireless dedication to using social media formation of both individual SAR pilots to highlight the work of the team, often as well as in the development of entire with eye-catching photography. SAR crews, and was influential in the Red 10’s job is crucial because it also development and implementation of the entails ensuring nothing untoward is RCAF Human Performance in Military going to affect the team such as airspace Aviation Programme which is now used infringements, and to act as the go- Air Force wide to ensure increased between linking the team and the display operational effectiveness through director as well as commentating during individual and team performance the display itself. training. In recognition of his dedication to duty Major Scharf has demonstrated a passion Group Captain Middleton has given a and tireless support for promoting the and commitment to SAR through both lifetime of service to the Royal Air Force Red Arrows and the ‘Best of British’ his operational and instructional and is currently the longest serving and abroad, particularly embracing the attention. A leader, innovator and oldest officer in uniform. He enjoyed a opportunity social media presents to mentor, his achievements are more than successful and long career in several high- reach new audiences, Squadron Leader deserving of recognition and he is profile staff appointments, in his final Mike Ling is awarded the Master’s accordingly awarded the Master’s role, John was appointed as the Commendation. Commendation. Commandant of 2 Flying Training School at RAF Syerston, responsible for the delivery of cadet gliding at 25 Volunteer Gliding Squadrons. Sadly, within 3 months of assuming command, flying for the entire glider fleet was paused due to technical assurance concerns. During this time and for the next four years John initiated an annual Aerospace Camp at Syerston for cadets to experience a wide range of aerospace STEM activit ies and also advocated the

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THE SIR BARNES WALLIS MEDAL Lee Proudfoot’s skill and maturity were provision of future UAVs in naval service. recognised very early by the flying 700X Naval Air Squadron has provided display community and consequently Lee the delivery aspect in what has been a first started display flying at air shows in paradigm shift in 1988. During the early 1990s he also involvement with unmanned aviation. started to fly and display vintage aircraft Their drive in turning the Urgent and his flying was quickly rated as Operational Requirement of ScanEagle outstanding for both content, safety and a into a deployed reality has been the key sympathetic appreciation for the age of in re-opening eyes to the capability and the aircraft. He took a permanent potential of the UAV in the maritime position with the Breitling Fighters and littoral. They have established formation display team for 4 years flying themselves as the pan-Defence Centre of first the Spitfire and then the Mustang Excellence for Class 1B UAS. aircraft. He has displayed many different In March 2017, AVM Simon ‘Rocky’ 700X Naval Air Squadron members’ types of vintage aircraft including various Rochelle initiated a paradigm shift in the outstanding efforts in the pursuit of marks of Spitfire, Hurricane, Bearcat, application of air and space power. In unmanned air capability at sea and in the Wildcat, Hellcat,Thunderbolt, Blenheim, delivering what is now known as ‘Project wider defence environment personifies Mustang and Lysander. He has flown Primus’, Rocky has transformed the their determination, flexibility and ‘can more than 12,000 hours in over 60 Ministry of Defence’s space capability do’ attitude and make them worthy different types of aircraft. and standing across the space community. recipients of the Johnston Memorial Rocky’s innovative approach has been On the ground Lee Proudfoot is modest Trophy. underpinned by unmatched energy, a and not given to extravagance in any willingness to take risk, empower way, but in the air he displays with subordinates, and an advocacy for precision, flair and passion, qualities that THE CUMBERBATCH TROPHY disruptive thinking. Rocky’s vis ion to are clearly identif ied with the Hanna energise the RAF’s space ambition has Trophy,of which he is accordingly a very inspired colleagues, industrialists and worthy recipient. international partners and has necessitated Ministerial engagement, THE JOHNSTON MEMORIAL TROPHY international stakeholder management, and the mentoring of Defence’s emerging space cadre. Whilst ‘Project Primus’ was initiated to design, develop, deliver and operate a future warfighting constellation of small- satellites, an enhanced space operations centre fuses data from multiple sources and delivers warnings, forecasts and Mike O’Donoghue had a distinguished analysis to a variety of customers across career in the Army Air Corps as a pilot, Defence and other Government flying instructor, commander and staff Departments. As a result of AVM Rocky officer. His final appointment was as Rochelle’s efforts, the Royal Air Force 700X Naval Air Squadron formed at the Commandant of the Tri-Service Defence finds itself at the forefront of thinking on outbreak of World War Two and initially Helicopter Flying School at RAF acquisition agility, disruptive thinking operated catapult launched float-planes Shawbury. Following his retirement and innovation. AVM Rocky Rochelle from battleships at sea; in peacetime, it Mike was appointed as the Chief is accordingly recognised for his took on the mantle of an Intensive Flying Executive of GASCo in 2010. innovative approach and individual and Trials Unit (IFTU) and over the years has The enormous strides made by GASCo exceptional contribution to aviation by brought the majority of the Fleet Air over the past eight years and the very the award of the Sir Barnes Wallis Medal. Arm’s frontline fixed and rotary wing high regard in which it is held by the GA aircraft into service. community is very much due to the THE HANNA TROPHY Up until 2017, and in its late st guise as a commitment, hard work and small unit of only fourteen permanent interpersonal skills of an outstanding staff as the ’s only Unmanned Chief Executive. However, his most Air Vehicle (UAV) unit, 700X Naval Air impressive achievement has been in the Squadron was charged with operating field of GA flight safety where his the catapult launched Scan Eagle contribution has been outstanding. Reconnaissance Maritime (SERM) UAV Shortly before he joined GASCo the from Type 23 frigates and, having flown CAA had announced that it was to stop in excess of 2700 hours from eight direct involvement in organizing and platforms over a three year period, the running their Flight Safety Evenings Squadron proved the utility, capability (FSEs). The GASCo Board decided that and flexibility of unmanned air systems at FSEs were an important part of flight sea, laying firm foundations for the safety and therefore GASCo successfully

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negotiated with the CAA to continue At a national level, Gerry’s commitment are not a reflection of an individual’s running FSEs under contract. On taking to the UK air ambulance community has weakness or failing.When certain events over as CE Mike’s immediate task was to been extraordinary and unequalled. It conspire, every human, including every recruit Regional Safety Officers (RSOs) was Gerry’s expertise, energy, and pilot, could be susceptible to the to cover the country and to devise a tenacity which was pivotal in physiological factors causing CFIT or GASCo format for the FSEs. This he did coordinating the inputs of the aircraft LoC. with such energy and enthusiasm that contractor and UK Civil Aviation His latest work in fu ture ‘shared seven RSOs were quickly recruited and Authority in order to introduce safely, intelligence’ digital cockpits where pilot, trained and year on year the number of night HEMS missions in May 2013, a cyber-physical technology, and AI work FSEs increased to well in excess of the new operational capability to the UK. as a team to ensure optimum 3D flight, number contracted to the CAA. One has Gerry has only recently retired, having mission delivery, and approach accuracy; even been delivered in Australia where a worked into his 70th decade. For his optimum fuel economy; minimum RSO, whose day job is as an airline pilot, outstanding contribution to General environmental impact; and above all, had a stopover. Aviation, Gerry Hermer is awarded the absolute flight safety,continues to present For his outstanding contribution to Sword of Honour. game-changing thinking to develop aviation safety, during an extensive next-generation aircraft which provide aviation career, Mike O’Donoghue is absolute passenger safety and eliminate awarded the Cumberbatch Trophy. THE SIR JAMES MARTIN AWARD any potential for CFIT or LoC. For his outstanding practical contribution leading to the safer THE SWORD OF HONOUR operation of aircraft, Dr Donough Wilson is awarded the Sir James Martin Award.

THE CENTRAL FLYING SCHOOL TROPHY

Dr Donough Wilson is innovation lead for advanced artificial intelligence Gerry Hermer’s career in aviation has focused military and civil future cockpits, spanned more than 5 decades. He began and augmented intelligence cyber- as an Engineering Officer in the Royal physical flight control, mission Air Force before training as a Search and management and combat management Rescue pilot. Following a distinguished systems, at aviation and defence military career Gerry established two innovation consultants, VIVID/ successful aviation businesses based in futureVision. For the past 36 years Sqn Ldr Benson- Cooper has dedicated his military career Norwich and was the driving force His passion is aviation safety and his to the continued development of multi- behind the establishment of the first contributions to the future of global engine fixed wing pilot training in the Norfolk Police Helicopter Unit in 1990. aviation safety and cockpit design have RNZAF,mainly with 42 Squadron. In 1996 Gerry went on to start the East been significant. In a research and Anglian Air Ambulance (EAAA). With deve lopment programme spanning, to For many years Sqn Ldr Benson-Cooper his experience in Search and Rescue, date, over eighteen years, he was the first has been the lead A-Category flying Gerry recognised the potential of a to challenge long held aviation legacy instructor for the Squadron, acting as a helicopter-based medical service. conventions when defining the five Central Flying School agent in assessing Working with a small group who shared intrinsically linked factors inherent to all the instructional standards of the unit's his vision, he developed the service from controlled flight into terrain (CFIT) and flying instructors. He remains an expert scratch. The first aircraft began flying in loss of control (LoC) aviation disasters. in flight instruction specific to multi- 2001, one day a week. Gerry continued This work highlights and addresses the engine flying and his instructional to supply aircraft and pilots for over 10 causal issues underpinning the frailty of techniques have solidified into Squadron years, often flying the Air Ambulance human decision making when in documentation which are now taught to himself. Working as both a pilot and a unnatural and alien environments such as every Squadron flying instructor. supplier, Gerry was acutely aware of the a violent, turbulent, tropical Nearly every serving fixed wing pilot has requirements and demands placed on the thun derstorm in IMC at night. This at some point in their careers been aircraft and its crew.This allowed him to work explains the root physiological instructed by Sqn Ldr Benson-Cooper. develop HEMS focussed procedures and human factors causes of ‘pilot error’ – His name is synonymous with flying techniques as well as address safety issues with two key outcomes being that instruction in the RNZAF and is at a national level. Much of his early cognitive failure (and the associated normally the first reference in multi- work set the foundations for the success bewilderment), are factors in all fatal engine fixed wing instruction. His of the UK’s HEMS sector today. CFIT and LoC incidents; and that they commitment is unyielding, and his

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influence will continue for many years exceptional and its contribution remains THE GRAND MASTER’S COMMENDATION beyond his eventual departure, making utterly critical to the current and future Squadron Leader John Benson-Cooper a success of the AHF. It is accordingly worthy recipient of the Central Flying awarded the Central Flying School School Trophy. Trophy.

THE CENTRAL FLYING SCHOOL TROPHY THE GRAND MASTER’S MEDAL

The widespread media coverage for the UK’s response into the devastating impact of Hurricanes Irma and Maria in Sep 17 would show a largescale military response, spearheaded by HMS Ocean. However, prior to her arrival there was a single UK asset on station, RFA Mounts Bay, with her sole Wildcat HMA Mk2 of 216 Flight 815 NAS embarked. The Over the last 10 years 653 Sqn has Captain Horrell has made profound exceptional work of this small team trained and prepared all Apache aircrew contributions to the 661st Aeronautical cannot be understated and the success of for immediate deployment, initially on Systems Squadron as a Developmental the onward operation of ‘Op Ruman’ Op Herrick, and then to hold the highest Engineer and serves as the squadron's was only achieved by the extraordinary readiness for tasks across the spectrum of Quality Assurance Flight Commander. effort and work they delivered. This was warfare, at the heart of Army and Among his many achievements, Captain a whole flight achievement, wit h 216 Defence capability. Horrell was appointed to lead a 44- Flight collectively deserved of Success is a result of ethos, and its member quick reaction team to create, recognition. However, 2 individuals were unrelenting pursuit of excellence has validate, and field a $465K counter- key to this team’s success; Lt Amy been critical to the Sqn winning the unmanned aerial system capability in Gilmore RN (Flight Commander) and numerous battles facing any training under 4 months. He also vetted an CPO Ian Toms (Flight Senior organisation in uncertain and austere improved Line-of-Sight video dow nlink Maintenance Rating). times. 653 Sqn attracts vocationally on three HH-60 helicopters, enabling Under Lt Amy Gilmore’s leadership and driven and dedicated instructors with aircrews to transmit situational awareness motivation, 216 Flt was able to fly for deep operational experience in all video to facilitate rescue and recovery of over 90 hours during the operation with environments. The Sqn provides experts downed Airmen. He led an effort and 100% serviceability achieved, covering on Weapons, Electronic Warfare and remedied a traffic clearance and 60 sorties and four countries, and having Tactics,Techniques and Procedures. avoidance system technical assistance a real and measurable effect on the lives request within 30 days, personally flying Innovation has been critical to success. of those affected by Irma and Maria. In over 30 flight test sorties and earning his Simulators have been networked and total, her Wildcat – the first to ever first aerial achievement medal. Finally, pushed hard to expose crews to the most deploy to the Caribbean JOA for disaster Captain Horrell created the squadron's challenging of threats, missions and relief operations, and the only UK first joint forces electronic warfare environments. Innovation has also been aircraft operating in theatre in the early exercise which, during one month, tested shown by delivering flying instruction stages of ‘Op Ruman’ – delivered over 37 every aspect of electronic attack using a mix of QHIs and non-CFS tonnes of fresh water, food, medical principles and theory. The new lessons Weapons and EW instructors – supplies and building materials for shelter learned, tactics, techniques, and exploiting the freshness of frontline construction, as well as conducting over procedures became the foundation for aircrew instructors and leaning on the 250 personnel transfers, in a hot and new USAF electronic warfare doctrine. supervisory and instructional skills of humid environment – all on her first CFS trained QHIs. For his outstanding achievement and deployment as Flight Commander. endeavour in a number of fields of The pressure on the Sqn to deliver has CPO Ian Toms directed a small team of 9 engineering and flight testing, Captain been relentless. The Sqn has never failed engineers in achiev ing unprecedented Horrell is awarded the Grand Master’s - it absorbed the pressure placed on it operational Wildcat serviceability whilst Medal. with stoic humour, prioritising and embarked on RFA Mounts Bay as the showing incredible flexibility in the face Flight Senior Maintenance Rating of financial, manning, weather, (SMR). His meticulous planning of serviceability and Air Transport aircraft maintenance and organisation of challenges. The Sqn has an impeccable manpower requirements, coupled with safety record and was recently graded his ever-enthusiastic leadership, resulted very highly by the CFS Agents in Army in ZZ530 achieving over 90 flying hours Aviation Standards. 653 Sqn’s over the course of 29 days, with a 100% professionalism and work ethic have been serviceability rate. Vitally,CPOToms was

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able to grasp instinctively the importance attempted. At just 30 feet above ground two days GFS launched 16 helicopter of fatigue management and despite the level, he straightened up the aircraft and and 5 fixed wing missions, eventually operational pressures and inevitable conducted a full auto-rotative engine-off rescuing 50 survivors in gruelling intensity of activity, initiated numerous landing coming to rest on a downward conditions from 6 ves sels that had sunk safeguards for the team. slope after approximately 50 metres. The or were aground. These two key individuals, representing Flight Data Recorder indicated that from After hours of rescue operations, and the whole of 216 Flight, are deserving onset of the failure to wheels down was given the appalling conditions and recipients of the Grand Master’s just 15 seconds. Commendation for outstanding service hazardous environment, the decision was in the air. Wallis’ almost immediate and accurate made to suspend the operation assessment of the situation, its severity overnight. Mindful that more lives could and ultimately the terminal nature of be at peril, however, the operation THE HUGH GORDON-BURGE events displayed capacity and captaincy of resumed at first light on 24 Aug, with MEMORIAL AWARD the highest order. Likewise, his one Super Puma arriving on scene at subsequent immediate and correct 0530 to conduct a full search of the area. recovery actions, at night, and with a Nine more survivors were located and student pilot in the other seat, displayed rescued from stranded vessels and rocky exceptional handling skill and leadership shorelines and returned to GF S, bringing under pressure. The fact that this the total saved by helicopter to 50 emergency was an extremely rare persons. occurrence, which occurred at night, This was an unprecedented rescue over difficult terrain, and on an operation in the recent history of the instructional sortie, makes his actions in region, involving multiple distressed saving his aircraft and crew truly vessels and large numbers of survivors. remarkable. Flight Lieutenant Wallis’ The rescue crews had to contend with exceptional skill as a pilot, instructor and severe weather and a hazardous aircraft captain undoubtedly saved his environment, making decisions based on As the Royal Danish Air Force (RDAF) aircraft and the lives of all the crew. He fragmented information. Despite these Merlin Exchange Officer, Flight is accordingly awarded the Hugh obstacles, all rescue crews involved Lieutenant Ben Wallis was conducting a Gordon-Burge Memorial Award. displayed exemplary skills, night instructional conversion course professionalism and coordination to save sortie on 16 March 2016 consisting of 50 lives. Multiple helicopters and crews low level handling, navigation and THE PRINCE PHILIP HELICOPTER RESCUE were involved in this extensive rescue landings and take-offs from confined AWARD operation and, accordingly, the entire areas. On departure from a confined area Hong Kong Government Flying Service within a forest, just after raising the is awarded the Prince Philip Helicopter landing gear, the crew heard a loud bang, Rescue award in recognition of its felt a jolt and the aircraft experienced a combined performance and the sideways yawing moment. The aircraft outstanding devotion to duty instruments displayed zero power demonstrated by all its crews. reaching the aircraft rotors and a correspondingly low rotor speed, indicative of a complete and total mechanical failure of the drive to the main gearbox from all three engines. Wallis immediately recognised the severity of this catastrophic and terminal emergency and initiated an aggressive flare from only 80 knots and at just 120 Typhoon Hato hit Hong Kong on 23 feet above the trees. August 2017, bringing a No 10 signal These prompt actions had a rapid and and severe weather conditions t o the likely life-saving effect, increasing the region. At 1315L GFS was informed by rotor speed from below the minimum the HK Maritime Rescue Coordination emergency limit back to within the Centre (MRCC) that multiple distress normal range. In addition,Wallis had the signals had been received from an area of capacity and foresight to turn the aircraft the South China Sea some 30 km SW of to the right in an attempt to land in a Hong Kong. Only later did it become clear area, despite being below the clear that 17 vessels had reported being in minimum altitude at which such a distress, with over 100 crew requiring manoeuvre would normally be assistance. Over the course of the next

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Sir Frederick Tymms Memorial Lecture 25 September 2018 Wing Commander Mark Jackson, OC XIII Squadron The UK Reaper Force By The Editor, All photos courtesy MoD – Crown Copyright 2018

The Master welcomed members and masters of 28 other livery companies to the new venue for the Tymms lecture – the Ballroom (shortly to become the Sovereign’s Room) at the RAF Club. A Tornado GR4 pilot by background (latterly as a Flight Commander on 617 Sqn), Mark was then posted to 16 Air Assault Brigade HQ in Afghanistan, and has been OC of Waddington’s XIII Squadron since March 2018. It is one of Waddington’s 2 squadrons operating the General Atomics MQ-9A Reaper, and he was there fore ideally placed to brief us on the UK’s current deployment of the considerable assets of Remotely Piloted Air Systems (RPAS) – the preferred name in RAF terminology. hours, which obviously necessitates crew his men and women earn their keep. Mark acknowledged that many laymen changes. It carries a healthy load of The Force is already facing serious would have gained their knowledge of ordnanc e - well unhealthy for those on retention problems: so far this is a result RPAS operations from the film Eye in the receiving end! Mark described the of burn-out as a result of the intensity of the Sky, and judged that it presented a acuity of its imaging systems. Progress in operations. Looking forward he can fair portrayal of the decision-making this field in Western air forces has been envisage contractor RPAS/drone process up the chain of command. The quite striking in recent years. Its operators taking a shine to his UK’s current main asset, the MQ-9A Synthetic Aperture Radar is used experienced crew. History shows that Reaper, entered service with the US Air intensively. the Service struggles to match Force in 2007. It was procured by the The training programme for RPAS contractors’ package s…. Aircrew need UK’s MoD under a UOR, and entered operators has been subject of much some proper R&R every 4-6 months to service with a reformed 39 Sqn in March the same year. Its first sortie was 15 debate; Mark noted that he currently has avoid this burn-out. Despite living with months later. XIII Sqn was reformed in seven RPAS(P), that is to say ‘aircrew’ family near Creech or Waddington,Mark October 2012 at RAF Waddington, streamed RPAS ab initio.They will have does not under-estimate the stress of the whilst 39 Sqn (together with 54 Sqn, the had 50 or so hours Elementary Flying RPAS operator lifestyle on crew and OCU) operates from Creech in Nevada. Training in aircraft, together with 50 their families. In his view there is scope Clearly satellite comms are crucial to the hours in the sim.The EFT work is in the for greater consideration of through- operation, and there is a 2 second delay UK, after which they complete the career planning for his men and women. in upload/download. In RAF service the Formal Training Unit as Holloman AFB He was a very good promoter of the Reaper has a 3 man crew, and the pilots in New Mexico. This comprises 100 utility of Reapers: they are very currently come from all aircrew hours (mix of live and synthetic) on the deployable, and require a limited support backgrounds. The other two crew MQ-9, after which they gain limited “tail” relative to normal squadrons. members are the Sensor Operator and combat ready status with 54 Sqn at Mark then looked forward to the next the Mission Intelligence Co-ordinator. Creech AFB, Nevada before they are sent generation of airframes. The MQ-9B Crew need to take multi-tasking skills to over to Waddington.The MIC complete Protector has a current projected in- a new level, since comms can be a bespoke training package on 54 Sqn service date of 2024, and first crews established with a large number of other only, before their front line posting. arriving in Autumn (or should that be in-theatre assets. The bulk of the Reaper Force’s tasking is “Fall”?) 2019. The Protector has much The Reaper is surprisingly large – its ISTAR-related, this requires “huge greater endurance – those who attended wingspan is wider than that of a Typhoon concentration”. There has been no this year’s Farnborough may recall one for example. Typical cruise is 120 kts, shortage of missions in the Middle East landed from the USA with enough fuel with a maximum mission time of 20 in recent months, and Mark clearly feels remaining to return straight home! It will

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also have anti-icing capability - allowing in UK airspace. Mark ably fielded a rush of enthusiastic questions. He noted the intricacies of airspace deconfliction with Russia over Syria, with a stack (of upwards of 25 aircraft, supporting multiple ground commanders, separated by 500’) that makes the London TMA look like child’s play. He pointed out that Reaper- experienced senior officers were now moving up the chain of command (e.g the Station Commander at Waddington). Possibly this is aided by the fact that Reaper operations are subject to “greater oversight of the chain of command than any other weapons system”. Master Elect Malcolm White proposed the vote of thanks and said he was looking forward to the day when, firstly “a RPAS flew down the Mall on the Queen’s Birthday”, and secondly, when “Mark and company get proper recognition “. We should be very grateful that Mark gave such a full, frank and fascinating description of his unit’s ac tivities and plans. It was much enjoyed by members and our guests.

Photo by Freeman Will Eeles

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I would be the first to admit that it needs Her name was Casey… such events for one to become more By Assistant Dacre Watson aware of such places as Great Ormond Street Hospital for children. Some of you Her name was Casey and she was eight that she might like to follow me through may have read Chris Spurrier’s excellent years old; as she walked towards me on the controls all the way in to landing account of the day at Henstridge in the standing by the Tripacer holding her and she seemed to think that to be last issue of the Air Pilot. In the same mother’s hand, I could see that she had entirely reasonable, so we did it together. issue, in the Master’s message, Colin Cox that beautiful translucent skin and soft I did another four sorties that day, flying draws attention to the incredible work hair which told a history far more youngsters and their parents, different which takes place at this unique London effectively than I could ever describe. ages and at different stages of their lives. hospital, both in research and the more Both Casey and her mother were due to Finally, at the end of the day I flew back practical way of caring for children and, fly with me and before we did so I to Oaksey, tired and emotionally as far as possible, curing them. thought that we ought to have a chat exhausted so I decided to fly back at Cancer is a dreadful word: it strikes fear about it. It quickly transpired that neither 6000 feet in order to avoid the low level into those who come into contact with it of them had ever been in an aeroplane turbulence from a hot and humid day. and I cannot imagine that there is anyone before, let alone a Tripacer of vint age Notwithstanding that storms were reading this who has not in some way status, so I explained how noisy it might forecast, it was a beautiful, calm eve ning been touched by it, either through appear to be; we might bump about a bit and I was overwhelmed by a powerful friends or family, and sometimes with as we would be flying quite low, the sense of serenity which even today I am tragic outcomes. I can only express the upside of this being that we would have at a loss to explain, but I put it down to utmost empathy and sympathy for those a better view of the lions at Longleat. She the extraordinary events of the day. A who have lost friends and loved ones. But nodded gravely and said that would be long and gentle descent into Oaksey, the there are so many more these days who alright.Would she like to sit in the front turbulence gone, and the sense of being do go in to remission than ever before, with me or in the back with her Mother? at one with the aeroplane, left me happy and I am convinced that these figures will She thought the front would be fine. and content with life to an unusual improve with further research. We got airborne from Henstridge ‘s degree. I am aware, though, that for those in R/W 25 and after a slow climbing left Four days later, with exquisite irony, we remission there is always the elephant in turn on to north we levelled off at 1500 received a call from our daughter the room. He is, in my imagination, a feet; would she like to fly the aircraft? advising us that her son, our 7 year old kindly fellow - courteous and well Her eyes widened as she turned to check grandson, had developed a lump on his dressed, probably with reading glasses as that she had heard correctly; I said that I left jaw and was being referred to Great he reads theTimes in his armchair, but he would talk her through it and it would be Ormond Street Hospital; the prognosis is utterly dispassionate in his work, and fun.Well,she flew it beautifully and as she was not good. To cut a long and only leaves the room when it is all over. slowly realised what she was doing, a harrowing story short, young William is I am fortunate that I have always had a smile appeared followed by a wide grin. now home again and making a recovery very deep and simple faith, and with faith As we approached Longleat she wanted and with that same sense of stoicism and comes hope. It was a very hot day at to see the lions so would I fly it, please? optimism which I came across at Henstridge when we flew those children; And once we were on our way back she Henstridge and which I found to be so someone had thought to put out a water asked if she could fly it again. I suggested humbling. sprinkler on the grass and it was quite obvious that for these children, far more fun than flying was the opportunity to run through the sprinkler all day. Simple pleasure, simple hope.

Editor’s note: donations to Gt Ormond Street can be made via https://www.gosh.org

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Modular or Integrated? The verdict may surprise you... By Associate Georgina Millington

Modular, integrated. Integrated, modular. This makes the world of difference for so the time. I think I can safely say that those of us many reasons. Firstly, knowing all too Moreover, I personally think it is great to wanting to become pilots, who choose well that my peers and I will eventually be exposed to the great British weather not to go down the military path, are all be applying for the same First Officer for the flying part of the course. Don’t too aware of the great debate about jobs as those at far larger integrated get me wrong, moving abroad to the sun which route is the best. The answer? schools, our instructors understand us on and warmth does sound on paper really There is no right or wrong, but without an individual level - meaning that any very appealing. However, when push any doubt, for me it’s modular. areas needing a little more work will have comes to shove, it’s the ideal opportunity I spent a vast amount of time looking been well and truly ironed out. To the to learn how to tackle strong winds, around integrated schools, and noted that airlines employing low hour cadets cloudy skies, wet weather and all the my parents were being told that it’s reading this, you can be sure that a other fun conditions that might be totally normal to remortgage one’s house modular student has been taught how to thrown at you.After all that is what flying or do equity release to fund my course. It fly really well, and has developed their is all about – fun and challenging. goes without saying that, being retired, competencies in all areas.All training will The end result?You get the same licence they, like me, felt uneasy about this be completed to the required standard as those who have done the equivalent option. and unlike some, there will be no spoon- course at an integrate d school which is a I am exceptionally lucky that Aviation feeding through ground school as all, like Frozen ATPL; except with one South West, based at Exeter Airport, is myself, will be working hard as well as difference, it costs half the amount. So for just down the road. Having chosen the studying throughout my training. me this route is a no brainer! modular approach, I am able to continue There is also the opportunity to gain a Georgina is working whilst tackling the Direct to Direct to Firs t Officer role within 15 happy to discuss First Officer course. So far I’ve been months (possibly even earlier) via the this article and impressed with the professional attitude modular route, with the advantage of no her experiences and excellent instructors at the school. holding pools or such like at the end.Yes, with would-be Being small, here the Ground School you aren’t guaranteed a job at the end of ATPL students, classroom size a verages 8 students (versus it like with the MPL programmes but if and can be typically 30 at the integrated factories), I you look at the small print closely you’re contacted via feel I am much more than just a number not in fact 100% guaranteed a job even at [email protected] and I really like the personal approach to the end of one of those courses. It all my training. depends on the airlines’ business needs at

Phillimore (another BI candidate) and I. The fruits of a scholarship The course was scheduled to be By Fred Bull completed over the weekend of the 9th and 10th of December. With just over a It is now approaching one year since subsequent flying experiences it provided week to go, Kate emailed Martin and I generous funding by the Honourable as an instructor, as well as reaching a Company of Air Pilots allowed me to significant milestone towards fulfilling with an overview of the course. Day commence training for my BGA Basic my career ambition of becoming a One was to focus on our own flying skills Instructor (BI) rating. I would like to take commercial airline pilot. and dealing with awkward situations while DayTwo focussed on Instructing as this opportunity to reflect back over Having completed the pre-BI course a BI, with five hours of lectures in the what I’ve achieved in the past year and checklist, the Chief Flying Instructor thank the Air Pilots and the BGA for (CFI) of the Scottish Gliding Centre, briefing room on each of the two days. providing me with the funding which Mike Carruthers, arranged for a Basic In the week leading up to the course I allowed me to complete my Basic Instructors course to be run at the was balancing a mixture of nerves and Instructor rating. I reflect below on the Scottish Gliding Centre, by regional apprehension with pure excitement. I training I undertook, and on the examiner Kate Byrne, for Martin arrived at Portmoak on Friday evening

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and stayed overnight, much looking demonstration of how each of the bug in the same way that I have, and then forward to beginning the weekend’s control surfaces work as well as the at the end of it all seeing them beaming flying. Saturday morning, after preparing importance of lookout, in the Falke. We with joy. the aircraft we were going to be using completed the remainder of the lectures A personal highlight for me occurred just (the club’s DG505) for flight, we started before reconvening the following a few weeks ago when I was instructing the course at 0900 with our first two Saturday to complete ‘Sortie B’ - a at an air experience evening, and I was hours of lectures.The lecture included a simulated air experience flight with Kate allocated to be the instructor for an review of stall, spin and spiral dive theory, acting as our pupil. For my trial flight airline pilot with Jet 2 who was thinking as well as a brief of the day’s flying Kate pretended to be a little old lady about taking up gliding and so had exercises. At 1100 we began our first who had been bought a flight in a glider booked an air exp erience flight. As a 17 flying session consisting of two sorties: as a birt hday present from her daughter! year-old aspiring to become a the first (‘Sortie A’)consisted of a normal As a 16 year old boy, thinking of and commercial airline pilot, to be PIC on a aerotow launch, including knowledge of dealing with the needs and concerns that flight with a 737 captain was simply signals and recovery from out of position, a granny may have while flying, was incredible. as well as various stall, spin and spiral dive particularly challenging. I rose to the Gaining my Basic Instructors rating has scenarios where we needed to quickly challenge and successfully completed the allowed me to take the coolest hobby in recognise the symptoms of each one, and course as well as the acceptance checks, the world to the next level.The learning then apply the correct recovery. The with CFI Mike Carruthers, two weeks experience on the course was not only second sortie (‘Sortie B’) required us to later. I sent off for my rating and on the fascinating but exhilarating. Since gaining fly accurately a normal winch launch, 5th of January 2018, it arrived, making my rating I’ve had the privilege of followed by a circuit and landing. For our me at 16 years and 6 months old, introducing over 30 members of the second flying session of the day,’Sortie A’ Scotland’s youngest ever flight instructor. public to the wonderful world of was flown in the club’s Falke 2000 motor Over the past 9 month s I’ve flown over aviation. I believe that becoming glider and included simula ted aerotow 30 air experience flights. The BI rating Scotland’s youngest ever flight instructor rope breaks, recovery from being out of has given me the opportunity to meet is also a key milestone in fulfilling my position on circuit as well as field landing and fly with a vast range of people, from career aspiration of becoming a practice. 'Sortie B’ consisted of winch 16 year old girls to 90 year old thrill commercial airline pilot. However none launch failures in the DG505. We put the seekers, from Greek IT workers to a of this would have been possible without aircraft away, had dinner, and then had Slovakian vet on holiday in Scotland. As the funding from the Honourable our next three hours of lectures.This ran their pilot I’ve had to calm and reassure Company of Air Pilots, neither would it from 1800 until 2100, and included a them that everything is safe as I settle be possible without the Honourable debrief of the day’s flying, analysis of them into the aircraft (this sometimes Company and the British Gliding controls in a turn, threat and error takes a little extra effort due to my age Association working together to provide management, as well as take-off and and how young I look compared to the this bursary. Therefore I would like to landing (launch failures, circuit planning, other instructors), then I explain how to thank both organisations for awarding approach control etc.). I we nt to bed that get out of the aircraft and use their me the bursary, which has allowed me to night exhausted, but absolutely parachute in the event of an emergency. have this truly awesome opportunity exhilarated from the day’s flying, and I In flight I take their life into my hands as within the sport I love. couldn’t wait to do it all again the next I talk them through the scenery and day. history of what we can see, and then Sunday we were back at it again. 2 hours demonstrate how our aircraft works Editor’s Note: in the briefing room, talking about the before letting them fly it for themselves. The funding that Fred talks of here is objective of air experience flights, flight These are all the technical aspects which sponsorship from both APT and AST (in the planning and how to care for your pupil have undoubtedly improved not only my name of the Honourable Company) granted to before beginning the day’s flying session. flying skills but my interpersonal skills as the BGA to support their programme of Unfortunately we were unable to use the well as helping me mature as an training young gliding instructors. There is, or gliders as the sub-zero temperatures individual. However for me the best part has been, a shortage of gliding instructors - and meant that despite our best efforts we of having the basic instructor rating is particularly younger instructors - so we agreed were unable to de-ice the wings for long being able to share my love and passion a few years ago to help fund a programme that enough to conduct a safe flight. However for aviation with others, allowing them the BGA has been running to encoura ge and we were able to complete 'Sortie A’ - a to take to the skies and catch the aviation train more individuals into instructing.

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Company Visit to Biggin Hill By Freeman Simon Costa. Photos by Graham Powell and the Editor.

On 27th September 2018, a beautiful, office at the airport. rotary-win g luxury, as our journey next gin-clear day – perfect for those flying in Our mini-bus then took us past some of took us to Castle Air, which operates a – a group from the Honourable the old, brick RAF buildings, which sit fleet of AugustaWestland 109s. The Company paid a visit to Biggin Hill. on a 30-acre parcel of Biggin’s land AW109 is a six-passenger helicopter, This was actually the second of two owned by Bernie Ecclestone – together with twin turbine speed and reliability. identical visits, the first having been a with hangars housing his own aircraft. Castle Air’s primary business is providing fortnight earlier. The Master, Colin Cox, Ecclestone’s Falcon was outside being a shuttle service from Biggin to the and organiser, Graham Powell, headed a prepared for flight, and Andy cautioned, London Heliport at Battersea, or the group of 14, more than half of whom “No photos please, guys”. He wasn’t Vanguard Helipad near Canary Wharf. arrived by air. joking: Biggin attaches great importance This can be a key element in Biggin’s We were met by Andy Patsalides FRAeS, to the privacy it can offer its business,VIP competitive offering: an executive can marketing manager of London Biggin and Royal customers, who value the arrive from New York, land at Biggin as Hill Airport, to give it its full name, who airport’s proximity to London, its modest early as 0630, and then be i n Battersea or is irrepressible in his enthusiasm for size, and the absence of scheduled flights. Canary Wharf by 0700, since the showing off the airport and for aviation Discretion is the watchword. AW109’s flight time there is only six generally. After a welcome and security The next stop was Shipping & Airlines minutes. briefing, we began the tour. Ltd, a delightful company owned by Our next stop was probably the highlight First stop was a vast and pristine business Liveryman Peter Greenyer. It occupies for most of the group: the Heritage jet hangar, Andy stressing that one of its own hangar, where it operat es a light Hanger. This was established in 2011, to Biggin’s unique selling propositions is the aircraft maintenance facility, and is a house the activities of The Spitfire absence of any slot restrictions during its highly experienced maintainer and Company (Biggin Hill) Ltd, originally to 0630-2300 operating hours, thereby restorer of vintage aircraft. Peter’s own restore a single Spitfire. Now, it is the “putting the customer in control” – collection of historic aircraft includes a world’s largest facility dedicated to the unlike its main competitors, Luton and beautiful red and silver DH Dragonfly operation, maintenance and restoration Farnborough. Biggin is currently seeing built in 1937, a Rearwin Sportster of Spitfires – and with over a dozen Spits 39% annual grow th in large business jet (1936), a Curtis Wright Travelair (1931), typically housed there, the Heritage activity. Slightly incongruously,the same a Miles Falcon M3A (1936), a DH Hangar also represents the world’s largest hangar housed a brand new Cirrus, rather Hornet Moth (1936) and a wartime single collection of airworthy Spitfires. smaller than its stable-mates, but specially Piper L4 Cub (1943) which saw service Globally,there are around 50 flying Spits, painted to celebrate Cirrus producing its with the Free French in North Africa. meaning that more than 20% of these are 7,000th aircraft; there’s a Cirrus sales From slow, fixed-wing classics to fast, based at Biggin Hill. It was fascinating to

Andy explains the bizjet business model Peter Greenyer’s treasure trove

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Hill’s history is captured in a fine collection of black and white photographs hung on the room’s walls. During lunch, we were able to have a wide-ranging discussion with Andy about different aspects of Biggin’s operation. He is rightly proud that the airport is home to over 65 commercial Hurricane AE977 painted to represent Pete The high standard of engineering was everywhere at and aviation activities, including 11 Brothers’ 32 Sqn example, as flown by him in the hand maintenance organizations; that Battle of Britain Signature has a facility at Biggin as well as at Heath row and Gatwick; and that in the last 18 months, employment at the airport has grown from 1,002 to 1,307. In addition, Biggin Hill co-sponsors a flying scholarship, has launched an apprenticeship scheme in association with East Surrey College, and is partnering with London South East Colleges to develop a £12m Aerospace and Technology College at the airport. But where does all this leave General Aviation? First, let’s look at flying training. Many readers will have seen the recent letters pages in magazines such as Pilot and Flyer, where angry pilots claim that Biggin’s management has cancelled The Enviable Emil its flying training operators’ leases, and suspended flying training – in an effort to see various of these iconic aircraft being service centre, owned by Freeman Edwin attract more business jets and turn Biggin restored, with fuselages, wings and Brenninkmeyer. There we were Hill into Big Gin Hill. Will Curtis (MD cockpits in various stages of rebuild, to introduced to the latest version of the of Biggin Hill) and Andy Palsalides say nothing of the awe-inspiring Pilatus PC-12 single turboprop, and saw respond that the issue is one of keeping experience of being among so many the impressive maintenance operation at business jets separated from other traffic airworthy examples – a full squadron’s work, which can also support certain so that their TCAS systems do not drive worth, in fact. Cess na Citation and Hawker-Beechcraft ‘level busts’, that NATS and the CAA In addition to all the Spits – including, on jets. Over 1,500 of the versatile PC-12 asked Biggin to address this problem, and the day of our visit, one of the Battle of have been sold worldwide, either for that the deadline for new flying training Britain Memorial Flight’s examples executive transport, or for cargo, air arrangements is not until March 31, undergoing maintenance – the Heritage ambulance, regional airline, government 2019. Hangar currently houses a 1940 Hawker surveillance or special mission roles. The counter-arguments, of course, are Hurricane and a Battle of Britain veteran We were then hosted for lunch in the that business traffic invariably is under Messerschmitt 109e. This latter is said to dining room of Signature Flight Support, radar control (and comes down the ILS be the only currently airworthy Emil in the BBA-owned FBO at Biggin. Its when landing, with light aircraft easily existence (the Airbus-owned one at sweeping views over the airport to the kept out of this flight path), appropriate Manching being grounded). What a London skyline reinforced Biggin’s transponder squawks can assist, and if treat! proximity to London, and the sense in business and light aircraft can co-exist at The final visit of the day was to Oriens using Castle Air’s helicopter shuttle rather Stanstead, North Weald and Oxford, then Aviation, a Pilatus dealer and authorized than roads to get there. Much of Biggin why can’t they at Biggin Hill? The All-

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An impounded bizjet

Party Parliamentary Group on General Canary Wharf within a (Giant’s) leap – the view from the D2 hold Aviation has become involved, and statements from its Chair, Grant Shapps, imply that he doesn’t agree with Biggin’s stance. It seems that where things stand, pending a more comprehensive resolution, is that some flying training, such as rating renewals, might continue – but that circuit and solo work will have to be done elsewhere, with Redhill having been approached. Second, what about Biggin Hill as a base for GA aircraft? Currently, Biggin is home to around 190 GA aircraft, and these can access the hangar and maintenance facilities, and can refuel from either a bowser service or a new self-fuelling facility. Biggin is a Port of Entry,and arguably provides the ability to

get to Europe more easily than most Part of Peter Greenyer’s collection – Miles to bring Smiles other London airports – which are added benefits for GA pilots. Will Curtis has announced plans for a new, dedicated third party. When the General Aviation The group from the Honourable General Aviation Centre to be built at Centre is built, it sounds as if it will be a Company had an excellent visit, and our Biggin, which would manage all light valuable facility for GA; let’s hope that grateful thanks are due to Andy Patsalides aviati on, including visitor movements, more can be done to bring full flight for hosting us, and to Graham Powell for have modern facilities with a club feel, training back to Biggin too. Until the organizing the trip. and direct road access; the self-fuelling GA Centre is running properly, and full facility would be relocated there. An flying training returns, encouraging ‘air- Expression of Interest will be sent out mindedness’ with merely an on-site shortly, as Biggin management wishes to Technology College and a flying devolve its operation and finances to a scholarship looks simply disingenuous.

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Duxford’s Battle of Britain Air Show By the Editor, Photos by the Editor

The weekend of 22-23 September saw (specifically the latest, March 1918 the Imperial War Museum’s edition) is the bible by which Cambridgeshire airfield and museum management and pilots are expected to bring the flying element to the live and breathe during their working celebrations of the RAF’s centenary to a day. In the post-Shoreham era, swept stunning conclusion. In passing isn’t it wing civil aeros are of course banned. wonderful that the IWM, alone apart The Tiger contingent opened the from Imperial College, clings in its name proceedings with a magnificent to a vestige of our past? formation of 16 aircraft (15 Tigers + 1 The weather was below average for what Moth Major) in stately procession from one might expect at that time of year, but South to North, despite grey and blustery it was good enough for the Editor to conditions.This was in a ‘100’ design, in trundle over East Anglia at a relatively commemoration of the RAF’s centenary. ungodly hour on the Saturday.Thanks to One of the highlights for me was the eminent Company members on the sound, let alone sight, of a Blenheim Flying Control Committee (PM Rick escorted by 6 Hurricanes. One of the Peacock-Edwards and Past Editor Tom latter wasV7497 of Hawker Restorations Eeles), I was able to attend the slightly giving its display debut. I also have a soft Rod Dean and Red 3 pass a critical eye delayed pilots’ briefing. It was evident spot for Lysanders – their pilots on SOE over the display that flying-in had been a good option. missions were, in my opinion, amongst From 4 mile finals one was overhead the most skilled, and daring, of all in Vampires ov er, one of which was being traffic queues, and poor Tom and others WW2 (and the bar was high). A shame flown by a charming Finnish F-16 had been somewhat held up in traffic. then that the commentator referred to its jockey; they were very graceful. The This was a direct result of the event’s operation by the “Secret Operations BBMF’s Lancaster was joined in flight by popularity: the Saturday was a sell-out Executive”! In a training aircraft a 41 Sqn GR4 and a non-shiny new with a capacity 25,000 audience, and sequence a Harvard took off after a F35B in what was termed the Gibson 51,000 attended over the whole Bulldog and Chipmunk – it was Formation, in tribute to the leader of 617 weekend. interesting to note that the noisy Sqn. There were differing angles of American machine seemed considerably The management of the event was as attack! thorough as one would expect from this less keen to leave the ground than its The Reds had been based at Cambridge experienced and distinguished team, British brethren. Airport for the weekend; their pilots including 7 fire trucks manned by 30 The Royal Norwegian Air Force’s came over for a greet-the- public session crew. It was evident that CAP 403 Historical Squadron brought two (and lunch, before returning there. Mike Ling / Red 3 (weeks later to receive an award at the T&A) is slightly more The bible mature than your average Reds pilot, and his charming young daughter seemed particularly heart-broken when it was time for Daddy to go back to work!They roared in from the North, and the weather precluded a full display. But red white blue smoke soon merged with the damp Cambridgeshire sky in what was their last British display of their season. The Duxford-based Sally B provide its usual burst of nostalgia for East Anglians, and then the sky w as full of Spitfires – eighteen in all. A splendid end which must have left the large crowd well satisfied.

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2018 not 1940

Part of the 25,000 crowd

A lens full of Spits

Gladiator and Lysander

Reds

RAF trainers through the ages

27

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Tutor taxiing in with a rather lame pyro effort in the background Th(red)ing the needle

Majestic BBMF The Spitfire finale

Reds

Sally B

PR Spitfire on finals

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Company Academic Bursary Awards 2018 By Prof Marion Wooldridge, Chairman, Bursary Selection Panel

Following initial short listing and the and cabin crew, and also this year qualified as an Air Traffic Controller with recent interviews at City University, the included applicants with careers in air NATS, and has since gone on to work in following four students were each traffic control, and aero-medical Germany, being based there since 2011 awarded a Company Academic Bursary; examination and research.This made for where she started off in an ATC Trainer Judith Hallam, Timothy Clark Gibson, a very interesting short-listing exercise, capacity. Judith is now responsible for Matthew Boraman, and Nadeem plus unusually wide ranging interview developing courses for trainee Bandali. Judith and Matthew are both discussions. Unfortunately none of those controllers, and liaison between the UK and the German course regulators. Her studying for the Air Safety Management selected for awards this year came from aim is to develop her management skills (ASM) MSc, and Tim and Nadeem are the MSc in Aircraft Maintenance so that she is fully equipped to lnead a taking the Air Transport Management Management, and we have not yet had ATC Training organisation in the future. (ATM) MSc course. any applicants from the newly approved Matthew Boraman is a Licensed The diversity of backgrounds of our MSc, Airport Manageme nt, which has Helicopter Engineer, who has worked in applicants this year was unusually wide only recently started accepting students. Norway and Nigeria, and is now based in with, as is usual now,pilots plus engineers Judith Hallam, originally from Surrey, Aberdeen. His career began with an

Recent gliding scholarship winners

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apprenticeship at Premiair Aircraft, which navigator. On leaving the RAF he Speciality Group where he is involved in was one of Europe’s largest helicopter undertook an integrated ATPL and has conference organisat ion relevant to his maintenance and charter organisations. since been flying commercially, first as a subject. His aim in undertaking the ATM Matthew’s main aim in undertaking the corporate pilot and later as a captain for MSc is to become a fully effective and ASM MSc is to gain a management role Ryanair, switching to Jet2 last year. in helicopter air safety, and he is keen to Although wanting to undertake the ATM confident manager and, through his understand more about the effects of MSc for many years, it is only recently outreach work, to also help stem the culture on air safety. that personal circumstances have allowed increasing shortage of licensed aircraft Captain Tim Gibson is currently a type him to begin. Nadeem Bandali is a engineers. rating examiner on the Boeing 737-800 Licensed Aircraft Engineer who initially As always, the selection panel greatly for Jet2, based at Stansted. He is also trained in the UK, obtaining a degree in involved in pilot mentoring and pilot Aircraft Engineering before gaining some enjoyed talking with all the interviewees, recruitment. Initially, his degree from experience in Kenya. He now works for and we are sure that all those awarded an Birmingham University led him to SR Technics UK Ltd on sub-contract to Air Pilots Academic Bursary will be seen become an Associate of the Chartered easyJet, at Gatwick Airport, where he also as excellent ambassadors for the aviation Insurance Institute, but Tim soon mentors trainee mechanics. Since January industry. changed his career path to become an this year Nadeem is also a member of the RAF officer and Tornado GR-1 RAeS Airworthiness and Maintenance

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Book Review Spirit of the RAF - One HundredYears of Excellence By Past Master Dr. Michael Fopp Reviewed by the Editor

This volume is a history of the RAF set Michael has selected some of their alongside reproductions of paintings of collection. Suffice to say that in my talismanic RAF aircraft or events. The opinion there are one or two pictures former is authored by Dr. Michael Fopp, that show that the skills of being able to and is, as one might expect from a man capture both the essence of an aircraft, with his impeccable historian’s pedigree, and portray human beings properly, are authoritative. As a Yorkshireman, I was not bestowed on all. pleased to see that Michael acknowledges It is a proper coffee table boouk – yo Sir George Cayley (the man who As most British-based Company would struggle to squeeze it into a instructed his coachman to become members will be aware, the art collection briefcase. This reflects that the format is Britain’s first test pilot) as the father of of the RAF Club is stupendous.The Art large enough to do the pictures justice, flight! In my opinion, the description of Committee, currently under the and there is a wealth of raw material from some missions understandably verges on chairmanship of Wg Cdr Michael which to draw.The book would, in my the bullish: the Peenemunde raid, for Gilbert, has assembled an unparalleled example, was far from precision collection, which continues to evolve. view, make a perfect Christmas gift for bombing. And the narrative loops back This is the source for the majority of the most of us – albeit a little tricky to fit in on several occasions through the timeline illustrations in the book. However art is one’s Christmas stocking unless very of WW2. But with these small provisos, it of course a matter of taste; the book is ample of thigh! is both enjoyable and informative. sponsored by BAe, and in consequence

RIAT 2018 - BBMF in their Trenchard formation

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