THE ROYAL AERO CLUB

OF THE UNITED KINGDOM The Coordinating Body of British Airsport Organisations Patron: Her Majesty The Queen

President: His Royal Highness The Duke of York, KG,

NEWSLETTER Spring 2014

Many people are involved in the organisation of the LETTER FROM THE CHAIRMAN Awards Ceremony. Breitling UK helps us with the secure transportation of awards and trophies, and In recognition of his significant contribution to with the publication of the very impressive Awards design and engineering, RAeC Council member for Brochure given out on the evening. Aviation and the BBAC, Don Cameron, was awarded an MBE in Breitling have also been synonymous since the first the New Year’s Honours List. Don, and his aviation pioneers appeared in the modern era. business Cameron Balloons, have been Aviation history features prominently in the synonymous with ballooning for many years. His company’s marketing and branding activities. The honour is richly deserved – congratulations, Don. RAeC has some of the rarest and most iconic aviation trophies, images and documents in its Don Cameron (photo: collection. The Club recently met Breitling and Tom Sage) took the opportunity to look at a number of items Trying to from the collection. It is hoped that Breitling might summarise Don’s use some of the Club’s collection in support of its achievements in a marketing activities. This is just one small way in few short words is which we can thank Breitling for their help. impossible. I At this point, I’d like to shift the focus of my report would strongly to matters entirely outside of the RAeC – encourage you to specifically, the Red Tape Challenge (“RTC”) and look up the history of Cameron Balloons on the the proposal for controlled airspace recently put out internet, you will find it a breath-taking read. His for consultation by TAG Aviation, the balloons have been used for most of the owner/operator of Farnborough airport on the extraordinary ballooning records set in recent years. Hampshire/Surrey borders. Don also pioneered the development of specially The RTC was launched last year with general shaped balloons, and has built more ‘character’ aviation identified as an area of focus. The RTC is balloons than all other balloon manufacturers put due to deliver its aviation report sometime after together. So, the next time you look out in the April, and is supported by a Challenge Panel of morning, and you see Bertie Bassett, the Disney general aviation experts. The panel has delivered Castle, or the ghostly head of Van Gogh float past, its interim report. It makes for a very interesting don’t immediately think of how much you might or read. The report can be viewed at might not have had to drink the night before. Blame https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/syste the surreal vision on Cameron Balloons. m/uploads/attachment_data/file/276478/GA- One of the most inspiring things about aviation is challenge-panel-interim-report.pdf and I urge that it is full of inspiring individuals. The Club is you to read it. It includes 53 draft looking forward to honouring some of them at its recommendations. If these are followed through, Awards Ceremony, which takes place at the RAF then we should see a number of things happen that Club in May. We are very pleased that HRH The will be directly beneficial to all areas of general Duke of York will be attending as our guest of aviation. Of course, the operative word is ‘if’. The honour, and will be giving recipients their awards RTC has ministerial-level sponsorship, the full personally. involvement of the CAA, the Department for Transport, and has actively engaged with the At the moment, TAG’s proposals are out for general aviation community. We should, therefore, consultation up until 2 May 2014. TAG will then be optimistic that the RTC ought to be able to pave formally submit their application to the CAA the way for beneficial change. I, like many others, sometime during the summer. will be awaiting its final report with keen interest. It is vitally important that everybody that is part of I don’t like closing on a concerning note, but on this the aviation community provides input to the occasion, I am going to have to. At the end of this consultation and makes their opposition clear. The piece, you will find a body of text that I recently main general aviation organisations are already drafted. Please read it carefully, and think about working closely and will be providing information how it might affect you. to help people understand the issues that are of most concern. Happy aviating. So, if you fly in the south-east of the country, or Patrick Naegeli ever fly through the area, then please take notice. Chairman  Make sure that you read the TAG proposals, Farnborough Airspace Change Proposal and reflect on how they might affect you – you The operator of Farnborough Airport, TAG should do this as soon as possible Farnborough, has begun the formal process of  Keep a regular watch on the air sport or general applying for controlled airspace. aviation websites, forums and publications for Their proposals directly affect current controlled more information and advice – expect more and uncontrolled airspace across a large area of communications and advice to be available southern England – not only in the immediate shortly and then on a regular basis vicinity to Farnborough Airport. If approved, their  Be prepared to submit your formal response to airspace would extend: the consultation process, but don’t do so until you are ready to, or have been advised to by  Out as far as Reading and Aldermaston to the your air sport association – you should be north west planning on getting your input to TAG in  All the way from Farnborough to the the early part of April Solent/Southampton area to the west and south west Don’t imagine for one moment that this will not  Right down and off the south coast as far as the affect you. It will. south part of the Isle of Wight Don’t imagine for one moment that others will sort  Along the south coast to a point just north of the situation out for you. They won’t be able to do Shoreham that unless you play your part and actively support  Well beyond Guildford to the east. the campaign to oppose TAG. The base of many areas of existing airspace would be lowered, and large areas of new airspace would ROYAL AERO CLUB AWARDS be introduced. Their plans represent the most substantial redesign and increase of airspace in the The names of award winners for 2013 have been UK for many years. announced as follows: You can find the details of what TAG want to do The Britannia Trophy through the following link: Jon Hilton – Nominated by BMAA http://www.consultation.tagfarnborough.com Prince of Wales Cup 2013 World Championship Team – Nominated by If TAG get what they want, the likely impact on BMAA general aviation would be significant. Pilots and Silver Medals airfield/airstrip operators will be affected. The Ayala Truelove – Nominated by BGA impact would range from catastrophic for some Barry Plumb – Nominated by LAA groups, through to extremely disruptive for others. Stewart Jackson – Nominated by LAA The impacts are not restricted to aviators and John Curtis – Nominated by BPA aviation. Many other local groups are also likely to Richard Carter – Nominated by BHPA be adversely affected. Russell Ogden – Nominated by BHPA The only party to benefit will be TAG. Bronze Medals Robin Morton – Nominated by LAA Stan Dauncey – Nominated by LAA Members of Prospect ATCO’s Branch – Terry Viner – Nominated by BMAA Nominated by Aerobility Chris Draper – Nominated by BMAA Richard Deakin – Nominated by Aerobility Paul Farley – Nominated by BHPA Companion of The Royal Aero Club Ed Cleasby - Nominated by BHPA John Downer – Nominated by the RAeC & RAeC Royal Aero Club Diploma Trust Ann Welch Memorial Award Deepak Mahajan – Nominated by BMAA Mike Randle – Nominated by BGA Congratulations to all. The Awards Ceremony will th be held on Tuesday 13 May at the RAF Club.

BRITISH PILOTS AT INTERNATIONAL EVENTS Congratulations to Martin Robe, who came third in the 2013 European Grand Prix for parascending Paul Conran – Nominated by BAeA accuracy. Paul Dewhurst – Nominated by BMAA Arthur Ord-Hume – Nominated by LAA Well done also to Mark Benns, Tony Hebb and Derek Richards, F1D team, for their team Silver Royal Aero Club Certificates of Merit medals at the 2013 European Championships for Aware Project Team – Nominated by LAA Free Flight Model Aircraft in Belgrade last August. Ian Rickard – Nominated by LAA David & Susan Dunn – Nominated by LAA Barbara Moreton – Nominated by BBAC RECORDS and OTHER AWARDS Dr Sally Evans - Nominated by BGA Ian Dandie – Nominated by BGA Don Cameron MBE – an appreciation by Derek Martin Shuttleworth - Nominated by BPA Maltby Stuart Buchanan – Nominated by BMAA Don Cameron is the designer and manufacturer of Tim Wassell – Nominated by RRRA the first hot air balloon to be constructed and flown Rex Levi – Nominated by RRRA in the United Kingdom, in 1967. He set up Norton-Griffiths Challenge Trophy Cameron Balloons in 1969 from the basement of his Mark Albery – Nominated by LAA house in Bristol. The President’s Breitling Trophy Through Don’s dedication, commitment and Alicia Hempleman-Adams – Nominated by Jim leadership, the world of ballooning has seen a great Crocker & Don Cameron many triumphs and ‘firsts’ in endurance and world Breitling Certificate of Recognition records. Amongst the most notable was the first Devon Build a Plane Project (Naomi Green & helium/hot air balloon to circumnavigate the world Nathan Borroughs) – Nominated by LAA in 1999 followed by the same achievement three Nexus Aviation Journalist of the Year Trophy years later by a solo pilot. Liz Ashley – Nominated by BPA Under Don’s guidance, the first Bristol Balloon Certificates of Appreciation Fiesta took place in 1979; this has gone on to become the biggest annual balloon event in Europe Dr. Gillian Jenkins – with over 140 balloons participating. This annual Nominated by HCGB event attracts more than 250,000 spectators and continues to be a free event for all spectators.

Don is an iconic figurehead in the world of ballooning; he is respected for his knowledge, technical and innovative skill and practical ability by balloonists worldwide. He has unique childlike enthusiasm coupled with great engineering prowess; it is very unusual to have both qualities in Michael Littler – Nominated by HCGB an aeronautical engineer but ‘essential’ for a balloon engineer! Don’s ballooning achievements as a pilot include within the Southend area to draw attention to the being the first man to cross the Sahara and the Alps potential impact of proposed changes there. by hot-air balloon, and making the first flight between the UK and what was then the USSR in FAI 1990. After an unsuccessful attempt in 1978 at the Secretary General first Atlantic crossing by balloon, his dream came The FAI has announced true in 1992 when he flew a balloon of his own the appointment of design from the US to Portugal and took second Susanne Schödel as its place in the first ever transatlantic balloon race. new Secretary General, No one has contributed more to the world of starting on 1 March 2014. ballooning, especially in the UK, than Don. Schödel, a 41 year old German native, combines World Records experience in airsports, Congratulations to Daniel Pangbourne for four management of non- record-setting flights last July and August. In July profit organisations and he set a new record with a flight from political matters. She is a world-class glider pilot, Wolverhampton to Enniskillen at a speed of 175.9 member of the German National Gliding Team kph. Two days later his return flight set a record from 2004 to 2013, twice winner of the FAI speed of 195.3 kph. Daniel was flying an AA-5B Women’s World Gliding championships in 2009 Grumman Tiger. In August, Daniel took a Piper and 2011 and holder of several gliding records, PA-28-161 from North Weald Airfield to including five African records and two World Ronaldsway at a record 201.7 kph, returning at records set last December and January and ratified 193.2 kph, to set his fourth record. this week. She is also a volunteer for several And finally, on 29 July 2013, Douglas Cairns set a organisations such as the Dr. Angelika Machinek new record of 214.34 kph for a flight from Omaha, association which supports young female pilots in Nebraska to Madison, Wisconsin. Douglas was gliding. flying a PA-28 Piper Cherokee. This was a FAI Sporting Licence Database simultaneous record with Christopher Isler of the The database is now fully operational and details of USA, flying a Cessna 172 and Jason N. Harmon also of the USA in a DA40 D Diamond. all sporting licences issued during 2014 will be entered onto the database. European Records

Congratulations to Kirsty Cameron for a flight on 2 June 2013, which set two new European female SCHOLARSHIPS and BURSARIES paragliding records. Flying an Ozone Enzo from de Havilland Educational Trust Lawley (Shropshire) to Dorchester, Kirsty set a straight distance record of 210.3 km and a straight The Trust has announced flying and engineering distance to a declared goal of 208.2 km. bursaries for 2014. The Fiona McKay Bursary provides five hours flying on a Tiger Moth to assist in the conversion of RAeC COUNCIL NEWS UK-based PPLs onto type. At the recent Council meeting, a number of projects The Amy Johnson Engineering Bursary is designed were discussed. It was agreed to find funding for a to assist the personal development of engineers Future Airspace Strategy Programme Manager, to involved with vintage aircraft. The closing date is oversee and co-ordinate work on the Future 31 March and application forms are available from Airspace Strategy, which should provide some [email protected]. excellent opportunities over the next couple of years. 50% of the funding had already been RAeC Trust Bursaries sourced, and Council agreed that it would be a good A reminder that the Royal Aero Club Trust bursary initiative for the RAeC to support. The RAeC’s scheme will be operating again in 2014. contribution for the first year is to be covered from Reserves. Bursaries include the President’s Award (two bursaries each worth up to £750), the Peter Cruddas There are a number of active airspace consultations. Foundation Scholarship worth up to £1,000, the Among them, the RAeC has written to all councils Breitling Bursary worth up to £750, and the Bramson Bursary worth up to £500, as well as a Club, had a vision to establish a permanent number of additional bursaries worth up to £500 ballooning ground near central London with each. Bursaries are available to those wishing to professional aeronauts and balloon builders at its advance from one recognised level of air sport to core. Battersea and the Shorts fitted Rolls’ bill and the next and/or wishing to upgrade existing the brothers moved their business to Battersea. In qualifications. August 1907 Eustace and Oswald were appointed Aeronauts to the Aero Club and built about 30 Applicants must be British Citizens aged 16-21 and balloons at Battersea, mostly for members of the permanently resident in the UK. Full details and Aero Club. application forms are available at http://www.royalaeroclubtrust.org/bursaries. The partnership’s first order for an aeroplane came Applications must be submitted through your from Frank McLean, a member of the Aero Club member association by 31 March 2014. and the Short No. 1 was built underneath the arches at Battersea and displayed at the 1909 Aero Exhibition. The focus of Shorts aeroplane-building REGULATORY MATTERS business later moved to Kent, but Battersea continued to be used for Shorts ballooning and Europe Air Sports airship activities until late 1919. News of recent developments in Europe will shortly In 1936 a subsidiary Short company was be published in the EAS Newsletter, accessible at established in Northern Ireland and, after the www.europe-air-sports.org/activities/newsletter/. Second World War, the Kent-based arm of Shorts business was transferred to Belfast where many famous names were added to the litany of Short EVENTS and NEWS from RAeC MEMBERS aircraft and guided weapons. Shorts became a Short Brothers Blue Plaque subsidiary of the Canadian company Bombardier in 1989 and, in 1993, Shorts built their last complete In September 2013 an English Heritage Blue Plaque aircraft. Shorts are still in the front line of the commemorating the Short brothers was unveiled at aircraft industry, building major structural Battersea by Jenny Body OBE, FRAeS, President components for Bombardier using advanced of the Royal Aeronautical Society. composite materials in their construction. Surviving all of these changes, the corporate name of the enterprise at Belfast – Short Brothers Plc – still honours the three founding brothers. RAeC Collection The web-site at http://raec.sds.websds.net/ has been developed to include a “News & Blog” feature and a “Showcase” feature. Red Bull Air Races Following the announcement of the resumption of The three brothers Horace, Eustace & Oswald Short the Red Bull Air Race World Championship in had their factory in Battersea, initially building 2014, the FAI and the Red Bull Air Race balloons and subsequently diversifying into management have signed an agreement confirming aeroplanes. They came to Battersea because FAI’s official international recognition of the Red Charles S. Rolls was searching for a balloon builder Bull Air Race World Championship as well as to design and construct his entry for the first Gordon detailing the FAI’s support in the form of safety Bennett International Balloon race in 1906. Rolls supervision. The 4th race of the series will be held gave the Shorts the contract to build balloon at Ascot on 16/17 August. “Britannia”. Rolls, a founder-member of the Aero

Newsletter edited by Diana King. Please send items for future Newsletters to Royal Aero Club, Hebbs Acre, Presteigne, Powys, LD8 2HG or to [email protected] For further information on any items contained in this Newsletter, please contact the RAeC Office at 31 St Andrew’s Road, Leicester, LE2 8RE or on 0116 244 0182 or at [email protected].