The official magazine of the Aircraft Owner and Pilots Association www.aopa.co.uk

789NM IN A STEARMAN CIRCUIT TRAINING TRIG'S LATEST Sue Girdler takes the classic Adam Winter offers advice on We look at the newest radios on aircraft from Kent to Prestwick how to correctly join a circuit offer from the UK's Trig Avionics

Going

Famed for its single-engine aircraft, Tecnam has switched gears with its 11-seat mini airliner. We get the inside with the track on the P2012 Tecnam Traveller

MAGAZINE 02.2018 FREE TO MEMBERS WWW.AOPA.CO.UK

03 CHAIRMAN'S MESSAGE GA IS THE GLUE EDITOR David Rawlings THAT BINDS [email protected]

ART EDITOR AVIATION Dan Payne [email protected] efore Christmas, together with about 80 guests from the General Aviation community and Members of the Houses of Parliament and SUB EDITOR Lords, I attended a reception held by the All-Party Parliamentary Group Lucy Debenham B (APPG) on General Aviation. The Group’s Chairman, the Rt Hon Grant Shapps, used the occasion to announce the establishment of the Government’s CONTRIBUTORS first ever General Aviation Champion, Mr Byron Davies, who will advise and inform Adam Winter, Nick Wilcock, the Secretary of State for Transport, the Rt Hon Chris Grayling MP. It had been Pauline Vahey, Sue Girdler, recognised that GA was “…the glue that binds the entire aviation sector together…”. John Walker, John Pett Byron had been the first Chair of the APPG until he lost his seat in the June 2017 General Election. Both Byron and Grant are pilots/owners and long-standing PUBLISHED BY members of AOPA. AOPA UK The APPG website (generalaviationappg.uk) is worth looking at as it becomes 50a Cambridge Street, clear that the group has managed to enlist support from some big organisations, London, SW1V 4QQ namely Airbus, AirlinesUK, British Airways, BAE Systems, London Luton Airport, +44 (0)20 7834 5631 Rolls-Royce, and Virgin Atlantic. All provide a short rationale for their support – a common theme being “to inspire the next generation into the magic of aviation" ADVERTISING & SUBSCRIPTIONS – so as to supply future aerospace requirements for commercial pilots, engineers, designers, and supporting roles. Another emergent theme, which is viewed as the AOPA UK one upon which all the other activities depend, is the vital need for a network British Light Aviation Centre of general aviation airfields. At the time of writing, the Rt Hon Sajid Javid MP, 50a Cambridge Street London, SW1V 4QQ Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, has promised +44 (0)20 7834 5631 to revisit the planning policy around airfields, previously regarded as ineffective in preventing strategically key airfields from being lost to redevelopment. This is a big HEAD OF ADVERTISING improvement on his previously stated position of disinterest two months earlier. This David Impey change of position indicates that the Group now wields significant political muscle. +44 (0)7742 605338 The APPG is setting up three working groups on Airfields, Airspace and Aviation Taxation, with members invited on the basis of appropriate expertise from the GA PRINTING associations, typically CEOs and others having similar oversight. It was a revelation Fisherprint to discover that the group comprises of 116 parliamentarians from both sides of the Padholme Road House, of whom 4 – 5 percent are active flyers. It is clear that the majority have a Peterborough, PE1 5UL strong interest in a GA airfield within their constituency and/or in supporting a key +44 (0)1733 341444 element of the multi-billion pound aerospace industry. www.fisherprint.co.uk The scale of interest and awareness amongst the politicians is impressive, and

provides hope that many of the aims and objectives that we, in AOPA, have been © British Light Aviation Centre Ltd pushing for may eventually come to fruition. On a slightly irrelevant note, I could not AOPA is a member of the International help but notice how many attendees at the function had been presented with awards Council of Aircraft Owners and by AOPA - seven in all, including three winners of our most prestigious award, the Pilots Association. IAOPA Lennox Boyd Trophy – namely the Rt Hon Sir Gerald Howarth MP, Grant Shapps, and Mike O’Donoghue of GASCo. AOPA will provide the APPG with maximum support, and, likewise, I hope we can rely on your own continued support of AOPA. •

Articles, photographs and news items from AOPA members and other readers are welcome. Please send to the Editor. Inclusion of material in AOPA Magazine cannot be guaranteed, however, and remains at the discretion of the Editor. Material for consideration for the April George Done 2018 issue should be recieved no later Chairman, AOPA UK than 01 March 2018. [email protected]

February 2018 AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot 04 INSIDE THIS MONTH CONTENTS FEBRUARY 2018

07AOPA AFFAIRS Chief Executive Martin 18NEWS All the latest from the world of aviation, Robinson explores the issues affecting AOPA, including the recent buyout of Diamond by and General Aviation, including issues with the a Chinese company, a noteworthy Rotax All Party Parliamentary Group. certified engine, and much more!

09AOPA COMMUNITY The section of the 24FLYING FEATURE Sue Girdler of TG Avation magazine that keeps you flying. At AOPA was given the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity we fight your corner to ensure the world of to fly the company Stearman up to Scotland. General Aviation is being taken care of. What do you think she said?

10WORKING FOR YOU All the latest news 30COVER STORY Tecnam is famed for its small from the most recent Corporate Members single-engine, rotax-powered aircraft. We look Committee meeting, including infringements at how the Italian company is taking a new and airspace concerns. direction, with the 11-seat P2012 Traveller.

13AIRFIELDS UPDATE John Walker keeps us 38TRAINING FEATURE After the winter, posted on the latest developments from Nick Wilcock began thinking about aircraft the UK airfields that are under threat from performance. Here he explains why you developers and local councils. should always know what's what.

14PPL CORNER Now don't panic, when Adam 43TECH REVIEW Two new radios from Trig Winter talks about circuit training he's not Avionics take up the lion's share of tech, with a expecting you to get your trainers on. He look at Garmin's latest certified autopilot, the wants you to practise joining the circuit... CFC500.

16HELP AND ADVICE John Pett explains what 45BOOK REVIEW AOPA's Chairman George happens at AOPA's Flying Instructor refresher Done reads through the latest book from seminars, available to everyone, and you'll David Ogilvy - a pilot’s-eye-view of the much learn plenty. loved Mosquito.

AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot February 2018 05

EDITOR'S MOMENT By the time this issue has landed on your doorstep, 2018 will already feel as if it's been 24 around for quite a while. But the longer days, better weather, and the ability to spend more time in the air – or at the clubhouse – are all awaiting us, on the horizon. This issue is full of advice, flying adventures and everything you need to give you that boost to get back in the cockpit and go flying. If you're looking for a thrilling trip, read Sue Girdler's article about taking a Stearman up to Scotland to display. If you want some refreshers, Adam Winter and Nick Wilcock both offer pages of great advice for flying for both experienced and new pilots. And we also look at Tecnam's big step forward with its new P2012 Traveller, so there's something for everyone. Although as I type this I can hear the wind howling at my office window, I am comfortable in the knowledge that the worst of winter is surely behind us and it's plain sailing flying from here on. As always, blue skies...

David Rawlings Editor, AOPA Magazine UK 10 [email protected]

22

February 2018 AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot

07 AOPA AFFAIRS IF WE ALL WORK TOGETHER WE WILL IMPROVE GA he All Party Aviation Group improved navigation and surveillance. to plan now. (APPG) chaired by the RT Eventually a single class of airspace may AOPA, along with its strategic partners, Hon Grant Shapps offers be all that is required to support a safe now have European Grant agreements T the GA community an flying environment for all airspace users in place, which means we have funding opportunity to influence the highest – maybe we should, in five years only, to carry out research in the following levels of government in respect of the have Class D and G/ G plus (where G+ areas – GAINS (General Aviation director of travel for GA. The newly requires technology). infrastructure navigation surveillance). appointed GA Champion (Tsar) Byron For GA we could have better routings, This project will look at where Davis will talk directly to the Transport low fuel burn, smaller environmental technology can be used to improve Minister Chris Grayling MP about the impact – there could be few airspace safety and efficiency in VFR and IFR key concerns facing GA today, including change proposals as well as less operations, particularly with respect to taxation policies, aerodrome planning infringements! GA could in fact end up improving surveillance and navigation. and airspace. The APPG also has the with more airspace access – the point AOPA has always maintained that the support of 108 members from both here relates to system-wide benefits starting point is low cost, portable houses including some very well-known and therefore if we come back to the equipment while recognising that the individuals – I should add that Haywards, goals of Single European Sky, there will GA fleet is very diverse. This project will the aviation insurance brokers, has been be benefits to that network. So I think require extensive flight trials and some lending support too! I am also pleased to we have a very positive role to play equipment upgrades – more to follow. say that Lork Kirkhope is also involved, here in developing ideas on how GA GRIMASSE (General Aviation Rescue which is great news because as a former can have greater access to airspace. I Capacity Improvement for the worldwide MEP he supported European GA by am pleased to say that along with our Adoption of a Safe Solution based on providing a voice in the EUP. partners, we have European funding European GNSS). A consortium project in place for project GAINS (which together with Pildo Labs and Thalys. The STEPS FORWARD is GA Infrastructure, Navigation and plan is to look at how search and rescue This is all very positive news and AOPA Surveillance), which is geared to making could be improved through the next will be providing support and input as improvements for all GA airspace users. generation of ELTs (Emergency Locator the work gathers momentum. We will keep members informed about Transmitter) and Galileo/EGNOS. If the In January, I took part in a global online the project along the way. So I am amount of search time can be reduced teleconference with participants from excited about the work as AOPA – along then survival rates can be improved. In Europe, Australia, New Zealand and the with industry colleagues – continues to reducing the SAR time costs are also USA – one of the questions I was asked push for change. When it comes to next reduced. As these programmes develop was “what are you most excited about generation of avionics our starting point we shall keep readers informed about the for the future?”. I replied airspace and has always been, low cost, single step progress. technology and I went on to explain why. portable solutions – which is also and AOPA sees the need to be proactive You may have heard or even read IAOPA position. in these areas whilst at the same time about FAS (the Future Airspace getting members involved. This is an Strategy) the UK’s approach to GAINS/GRIMASSE opportunity for you to influence some modernisation of airspace. I know many The CAA recently announced an future technological developments. people have put in a lot of effort with the Innovation Workshop, which AOPA If you would like to comment on development of FAS. I don’t want to be intends to participate in. It’s good to anything in this article please email accused of being negative as I believe I see the regulator thinking about how [email protected]. • am a very positive person – the problem innovation through technology might be is the lack of iconoclastic thinking. We able to answer some of the questions need a ten-year future vision with a about improved performance and safety road map that details how we move from on airspace. In 10 years from now there todays airspace design, to one where will be more GA aircraft using electric we can remove the airspace classes engines. Airspace and its management of today that provide known/known- needs to be reformed. AOPA believes Martin Robinson intent environments for controllers in that in 10 years only, one classification CEO, AOPA UK a situation where technology provides of airspace will be needed – but we need [email protected]

February 2018 AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot

AOPA COMMUNITY 09 HELPING YOU STAY FLYING Welcome to the new AOPA Community section of the magazine, bringing you all the news and insight from the world of AOPA...

WORKING FOR YOU Infringements on the agenda

AIRFIELDS UPDATE The news from the UK airfields

PPL CORNER A refresher on circuits

AOPA ADVICE Find out about FI seminars

February 2018 AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot 10 AOPA COMMUNITY Working For You

WORDS Pauline Vahey AOPA WORKING TOWARDS IMPROVING AVIATION FOR ALL The latest updates from the meetings within AOPA that aim to protect you The Members Working up to three quarters of the hire ″Corporate they operated, which were Group (MWG) and costs paid for (who knows, considerably more stringent Corporate Members how is this regulated?). They members were than the Private hirer. Their Committee (CMC) have are also using the Clubhouse insurance company Besso had regular meetings to ensure as the place to meet, adding taking steps to made it clear that the onus the world of General some degree of credibility. was on the FTOs to prevent Aviation is being taken care The issues were that the ensure hirers the seeming abuse. Other of, and that the businesses hirers were not responsible were not using corporate members had seen involved in GA are for any of the costs associated this and were also taking steps protected. with maintaining, insuring etc the aircraft in to ensure hirers were not using In the latest CMC meeting, the aircraft, nor the overheads the aircraft in connection with which took place on 29 of running the Clubhouse connection with Wingly or similar platform November 2017 at AOPA’s from where they purported to flights. London HQ, the following operate. You could argue that Wingly or similar White Waltham had been subjects were discussed... the Club got the price of the platforms" alerted to it after a visit hire, but had no oversight of by Border Force meeting a REGULATORY ISSUES anything else – including the returning overseas flight. It Colin Dobney, Head of Training experience of the pilot. was perceived that there was at Stapleford Aerodrome, While sufficient for hiring a lack of control despite the brought up the issues that the aircraft for personal use, regulations allowing it. When FTOs are encountering with it's different territory when the CAA had been approached Wingly. Club members are using the aircraft quasi- for a legal opinion, it was hiring aircraft and advertising commercially. Also, the Club suggested that the FTOs get flight experiences at night itself could not offer flight their own, which was seen as around London in the Club experience flights at night BELOW: ATCs are still sidestepping the issue. It was aircraft, where the cost- around London because concerned with airspace also commented that it would sharing means the hirer gets of the rules under which infringements seem the CAA want to pick and choose what they want to ‘gold plate’. It was reported that the Police in Surrey and Sussex were asking for a list of trial lesson pupils for checking. This was seen as overly onerous and unnecessary. Martin Robinson noted that they get asked for a list of members, which they submited.

AIRSPACE ISSUES Mike Rowland, Director/ Airfield Manager at Andrewsfield Aviation, had attended a local Airspace meeting also attended by NATS, Stansted Airport and other local airfields. Despite no changes in operations in nearly 30 years, the statistics

AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot February 2017 11

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

Here are the list of upcoming 2018 dates for the Members Working Goup and Coroperate Members Committee.

MEMBERS WORKING GROUP: ALL SATURDAYS - January 27th 50a Cambridge St. - April 7th White Waltham - June 2nd TBA - a Flyin to a Corporate Member - September 29th White Waltham - November 24th TBA

CORPORATE MEMBERS COMMITTEE: ALL WEDNESDAYS - 28th March 50a Cambridge St. - 27th June White Waltham - 19th September White Waltham - 28th November 50a Cambridge St. presented to them showed one a trial would begin in April infringement in 2014 and then 2018 for local authorities and 14 in 2017. There had been a the new taxation regime for change in reporting six months local Authority Business rates. ago and now everything Any negative instances to be ‘alleged’ to be an infringement reported to AOPA please. is now a statistic. 45% of the The All Party Parliamentary infringements in 2017 were Group for General Aviation in the TMZ with the majority (APPG GA) had set up three being four to eight seconds working groups, one of which and posed no threat to any was focused on the taxation other aircraft. The margin of issues facing GA, including error was now 25ft. Since VAT on training and tax on the whole community is now fuel. Martin Robinson would be moving to using Mode S, the working with them. infringements have increased because they are now in the CONFUSION OVER know. Actually, should some SERA RULES of them really be classified Redhill had an issue with the as infringements? Coupled SERA rules governing VMC with the fact that there is no operations. In Class D airspace clear CAA policy on GPS they were unable to land or training, this was seen as take off, i.e. transit only, if a move to more controlled there was less than a 1500ft airspace. There was a cloud base and 5km visibility, discrepancy between industry as Gatwick wouldn’t renew understanding and NATS their letter of agreement. reporting of infringements. Was this an issue with Now that the reporting was NATS? This was also seen as automated there was no wholly inconsistent with the discrepancy. The use of GPS, operations that were allowed whilst being in the syllabus, at White Waltham. was not tested. What was What were the rules for going to happen when drones private aircraft in private became more prevalent? airfields and uncontrolled Please send all data and strips? experiences to info@aopa. With the CAA FCL, the co.uk and they will be passed lack of experience was again on. apparent when they wrote first to the student rather than the TAXATION AND OTHER examiners, so the examiner FINANCIAL ISSUES then does the CAA’s work for John Walker reported that them. •

February 2018 AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot

AOPA COMMUNITY Airfields Update 13

WORDS John Walker IMAGES Cal Flier LATEST NEWS ON OUR UK AIRFIELDS John Walker offers the latest news and developments at the UK's aerodromes

There are airfields across community with ultimately interest) for £4.25 million. scheme for development the UK currently under 10,000 homes. The definitive The Council intend to fund with up to 1,500 homes. The threat of closure. Here are Local Plan was submitted the purchase through the development is supported by the latest developments, for Public Examination on sale of some airport land the Brudenell Estate, the site updated 2 January 2018. 9 October 2017 with the for industrial purposes. A owner. hearings due to start on 16 public consultation on a Full public consultation ANDREWSFIELD January 2018. draft masterplan for both the expected on a proposed site Braintree, Colchester and adjoining Enterprise Zone and masterplan which is expected Tendring Councils are co- BLACKPOOL airport ended on 21 December to be published early in 2018 operating in developing a Balfour-Beatty has sold 2017. prior to a planning application, Local Plan for north-east their 95% interest in the expected to be made in Essex with an area including airport and associated land DEENETHORPE Autumn 2018. Andrewsfield airfield, to Blackpool Council (who Site accepted under the earmarked for a garden held the remaining 5% Government’s Garden Village MANSTON River Oak Strategic Partners intent to apply in 2018 for Blackpool in the a Development Consent glory days as an Order for the aerodrome international airport as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project. The site owners are consulting on a revised masterplan which includes retaining 1,199 metres of the existing runway, relocating the existing aviation museums and providing homes with runway access. Following the consultation, a planning application for the revised scheme is expected to be made early in 2018. Thanet District Council’s Local Plan submission is for mixed use development of the Manston site. •

MOD SITES

The following MoD aerodrome sites Colerne 2018: Interest in maintaining the document for the site retains the aviation are planned for disposal in the years airfield for aviation purposes. facilities including the runway. indicated: Dishforth 2031: Airfield site being disposed Luffenham 2021: Rutland County Council Abingdon 2029: Site earmarked for of but not included for any development in discussing Garden Village proposal. Garden Village style development with any emerging Local Plan. Wethersfield 2020: Airfield site being ultimately 4,000 homes Halton 2022: Aylesbury Vale District transferred to the HCA in 2020. Alconbury 2023: Major part of site already Council’s definitive Local Plan issued for Wyton 2018: Airfield is being sold off – being developed with 5,000 homes. public consultation does not include the DIO and local property developer Crest Arbroath 2020: Angus Council have shown airfield for any development. Nicholson proposal for up to 4,500 homes an interest in purchasing the site. Henlow 2020: Site earmarked for mixed on site. Due to road infrastructure issues, Chivenor 2027: Local Government has use development. site deleted from Local Plan for mixed use been lobbying to keep a military presence. Mildenhall 2024: Vision & Prospectus development including housing.

February 2018 AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot 14 AOPA COMMUNITY PPL Corner

WORDS Adam Winter IMAGES Chris Leipelt CIRCUITS - UNTANGLING THE MENTAL SPAGHETTI With spring not far away, Adam Winter feels it’s a good time to refresh yourself with the general rules for circuit joins, and how to approach an unfamiliar airfield

Once you have your PPL, will be taking off and turning “G-PA, standard overhead please don’t fall into the trap ADAM WINTER left (downwards), so I am on join, runway 26 right hand of turning up occasionally to the live side, the circuit side circuit QFE1010”. do a few circuits or retracing of the airfield (because I am What is really going your familiar training routes. heading about 020 degrees) on here is that I told You (and your friends/ and approaching from the Elstree Information (so an family) will soon be bored south. The picture can be uncontrolled field, as is Radio) of it and your licence will imagined on the DI. When I that I am north west of them, become something you might see the airfield I will approach and intend to land there. They renew one day. I apologise at 2000ft to the right side of have come back to me and there for the depressing the runway. Once over it I will told me that the preferred start to 2018. I’ll start again. Adam is a commercial pilot descend on the dead side (top approach at Elstree is to join It’s 2018, Happy New Year, with more than 30 years' left of the DI), making a left overhead for a right hand Happy Flying and clear skies experience. His career has turn and join crosswind to the circuit runway 26. Now it is for all. Let’s get out there and included bush flying in Africa left side of the runway (as I my choice what join to make. see the country. I understand and island hopping in the see it on the DI over number I deal with non-standard joins what might be stopping you West Indies, as well as a stint 24 and down to the right). Left in the next paragraph. Using – unfamiliar airfields. You’ve in the airlines. He is also a downwind, left base and then the method above I can see heard they can be busy or physics teacher with three final (towards DI’s 24 numbers that I am on the dead side tricky. Perhaps you don’t years' classroom experience. from the middle to land). So already. For the standard join like the idea of landing at I have the correct joining I will have to go over the field an unmanned airstrip while pattern and circuit in my head. to turn back on myself to talking to a MATZ, or feel for 27 left, 27 right, 09 left and All I need to do now is transfer descend. I might want to do it intimidated by a seemingly 09 right. Draw these out with that to the real runway, once I that way if Elstree is unfamiliar complex joining procedure. approaches for each from the see it. For the same example, and I want to get a good look Generally in aviation you don’t north and the south. That will if the circuit is 24 right, by from above before descending, want to stretch your limits. make eight possible patterns, applying the same rule, I can or if they are busy and feel I But when it comes to having and you should understand see that I am on the dead side. won’t find a gap in the traffic the confidence in mastering them from the comfort of This time, for the standard easily. However I can also see navigation, as well as your living room. However, overhead join, I am going to that being on the dead side approaching new airfields, then you will be approaching the have to get myself over the already I might as well descend you will get the most out of airfield from your plane, not right side of the runway at to 1000ft (above the ground your licence. Being prepared your sofa. Lets think of how to 2000ft. I will then turn back so QFE) and join crosswind, is key. work it out ‘on the trot’. This on myself doing a right hand listening and watching out for is how I do it: I am heading in descending turn to be at any conflicting traffic. That is LET'S BEGIN the general direction of the 1000ft, to go crosswind (over generally what I do. I can do Let’s start with the bog- airfield, perhaps ten minutes the DI’s 24 number). Again, try this with confidence because I standard airfield join. There are or more to run, and I get the this for a few runways, find have a mental picture of who is some very clear and logical joining information. Let us say some pictures of DIs (Google) out there and where they are, rules about circuit patterns and it is runway 24 with a left-hand pointing in different directions. and I am keeping an excellent how to join them. Intellectually circuit. I look at the direction lookout all the time. I start to you should have mastered indicator. GETTING CLOSE descend to 1000ft (QFE) on the simple rule and pattern Look at the number 24. An The final point about this the dead side and announce required to join a circuit. If not, aircraft taking off from the is, of course, that when you “G-PA descending dead side”. or if it confuses you, sit down field will be taking off from the eventually see the runway, the Then join crosswind and with a piece of paper, and centre of the DI towards the numbers will be painted on the downwind directly. draw a few. For every runway number 24. I will be landing opposite side from the DI. Circuit traffic have priority. there will be four possible in that direction from the “Elstree Information G-AOPA If you are approaching an joins. For example an east to centre towards the number 24. is at Bovingdon request uncontrolled field (including west runway will have a join Aircraft in the circuit pattern joining instructions”. ones with AFIS and Radio) and

AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot February 2017 15

Ensure you join the right circuit at unfamiliar airfields

intend doing a non-standard be outside nearly all the time time they will only be using approach (eg at Elstree coming ″Eyes should be looking for traffic you might one of them. Call the airfield in on long final from the golf outside nearly all have missed from listening out, in advance and find out! Tell course or canal bend reporting someone in the wrong place or the controller or AFIS or Radio points), this is something you the time looking for a non radio aircraft. operator you are coming in should announce. If you are going to a for the first time, ask what “G-PA will report canal bend traffic you might controlled airfield, the situation direction the circuits will be for a long final”. The AFIS is of course that you do as when you arrive. might tell you of other traffic have missed from they ask, repeat any clearances The last thing to say by way in the circuit so you can time listening out" and request any variation of encouragement is really your approach accordingly, or from the standard. Confidence don’t worry if things get busier might even advise against it if can also be gained from an than you are comfortable they are busy. You should heed easy flow of correct RT. Don’t with. You can go-around their advice, but if for example babble. If you are joining from any point in the circuit. a passenger is feeling unwell, dead side, the only call you Recently I was downwind with announce it. The other aircraft need to make is when you are a student and someone joined will probably give way to you. descending. You don’t have to downwind on a tight circuit If you are doing it because announce your intention and inside us. Another plane ahead you know the extra time the reason for it unless there are announced he was going to overhead will cost you another others joining as well, in which extend downwind (not a great £17 (that’s me!), then as you case it is useful to them. idea as it forces everyone approach, even on a long final, The only way to gain the behind to extend) and there you do not have the right of experience is to practice, and were two other planes in the way, and should be prepared the best way to practice is to circuit, one on the runway and to go around for other traffic. be prepared in advance. Have one behind us. a picture in your head of where “What should we do?”, asked JOINING FROM LIVE you are when joining or in a my student. Another non-standard circuit, and where the other “ Let’s get out of here”. approach might be if you are planes are. If you are with “G-ZL downwind turning joining from the live side and someone, ask them to keep a north and leaving the circuit”. you can see the only other good lookout for other planes. “G-ZL roger call for rejoin aircraft downwind. “G-PA In theory as mentioned QNH 1014”. joining downwind”. You are the above, one runway can have Five minutes later it had all captain. All the time giving way eight different approach quietened down and we made to circuit traffic. Eyes should scenarios. But at any given a join direct downwind. •

February 2018 AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot 16 AOPA COMMUNITY AOPA Advice

WORDS John Pett IMAGES Carl Nenzen Loven FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR REFRESHER SEMINARS John Pett explains why AOPA’s FI refresher seminars we well worth attending AOPA has been running out on each of the lectures so ″The lecturers are Future seminars in 2018 are Flight Instructor refresher that you have something to jog scheduled for 2-3 May and seminars, under the auspices your memory after you have lead by David 7-8 November, 2018. You may of the CAA and EASA, for returned home. enrol for the seminars online the past 20 years. The lecturers are led by Scouller who through the AOPA portal – AOPA now runs them David Scouller who has www.aopa.co.uk. Costs are three times a year at our over 16,000 hours of flight has over 16,000 £275 for non-members of headquarters close to Victoria experience in more than 210 hourdsof flight AOPA and £240 for members Station in London. It is part types of aircraft. He is ably - VAT is included in both of the process whereby Flight supported by ex-Concorde experience in more sums (but in most cases may Instructors can maintain pilot Tim Orchard, Spitfire flyer be claimed back from HMRC their Instructor privileges Charlie Brown and Professor than 210 types of by the Instructor). In addition, which are required to be Michael Bagshaw, of King’s further information on any revalidated every three years. College London, who wrote aircraft" aspect of the seminars, can For revalidation and renewals the definitive book on human be obtained from the AOPA (less than five years expired) performance and limitations. Seminar Administrator - John the necessary paperwork will Lunch is supplied on each Pett - at pettjohn@hotmail. be signed and validated at day with tea and coffee at com or by his direct phone line the end of the Seminar at no regular intervals. At the end on 07754780335. extra charge. If an Assessment a Certificate of Attendance Also. handily located in the of Competence should be is issued on behalf of the same building, is the AOPA required, this can then be CAA, which confirms the Pilot Shop where everything arranged through the flying attendance at the seminar required from an aviation staff at the Seminar. by the participant. This then standpoint can be obtained – Although intended for FIs, accompanies the SRG1135 including special deals on Bose there is no reason why PPLs or form for revalidation - or headsets. CRIs cannot attend the seminar renewal - of the Flying AOPA staff look forward – where they could well bone Instructor Certificate, which is to meeting you at a future up and revisit the basics they sent by to the CAA. seminar. • may have forgotten in the time since they gained their licence. FIs from other EASA countries often come along as the attendance for renewal of the certificate is valid Europe- wide. It is a two-day Seminar with 45-minute lectures on topics selected by the authorities and lasts for 6 hours each day. Topics include, amongst others, laws and regulations, forced landings without power, GNSS, stalling and spinning, as well as human performance and limitations, and take- off and landing. Interaction between the participants – who usually number between 15 and 20 - is felt by many to be one of the benefits of the gathering. Handouts are given PPLs and CRIs are also welcome at the seminars – it helps to refresh your memory

AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot February 2017

General Aviation news from around the world DIAMOND SOLD TO CHINA'S WANFENG AVIATION INDUSTRY The Austrian aircraft manufacturer has been sold by Christian Dries by David Rawlings long-term future, we needed ”Wanfeng Auto Holdings to find the right partner to Group is a global company Diamond Aircraft Industries continue our good work. with more than 60 subsidiaries, has announced the completion Wanfeng and specifically Mr. with industrial headquarters of the acquisition of Diamond Bin Chen share my vision of throughout the world. The Aircraft Group by Wanfeng the future of general aviation company employs more than Aviation Industry. In a and are investing for the right 12,000 staff in six industrial statement Diamond said that: reasons, with a long-term sectors. "This acquisition assures the strategy and the resources to As one of the new visionaries continued long term future see their vision through.” of Chinese Aviation, Chen of the Diamond brand, with “We were attracted to is committed to building plans to increase global Diamond’s leadership position a whole-industry chain sales volume, expansion of in the market”, said Chen. in aviation, covering five the distribution and support “Under the 25-year leadership business segments (Aircraft Mr Bin Chen will now head networks, and continued of founder Dries, the Diamond Manufacturing, Airport up Diamond Aircraft design and development of team has developed a broad Management, Flight School piston aircraft." range of aircraft. Based on Training, General Aviation projects throughout the world Christian Dries, former CEO this excellent foundation, we Operations, and Flight Service including the Czech Republic, of Diamond Aircraft stated: intend to take Diamond to a Centres). Within only the Canada, United Kingdom, and “Diamond is my life’s work. long-term leadership position last five years, Wanfeng has China. In the interest of a successful in worldwide General Aviation. invested in numerous aviation Wanfeng Aviation Industry is uniquely positioned to remain at the forefront of the global General Aviation market by acquiring one of the world’s leading manufacturers of piston aircraft, and will strengthen their global presence by announcing their vision for Chinese and Global Aviation industries for decades to come. Bin Chen will assume the position of Chairman of Diamond Aircraft Industries GmbH. Mr. Frank Zhang shall assume the position of Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Christian Dries will maintain an advisory function to help guide the new ownership and ensure the continued development of The instantly recognisable Diamond DA42 will now be produced by Wanfeng Industries Diamond Aircraft Group. •

AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot February 2018 19

BRITISH EUROPEAN AVIATION LOOK BACK... THIS MONTH APPOINTED UK PIPER DEALER 115 YEARS AGO by Robert Care maintenance and after- said: “We are ideally sales support, insurance, positioned to guide, support BEA recently announced its hangarage, pilot training, and provide a unique appointment as the exclusive aircraft management, and Aeroplane Management Piper Aircraft dealer for the leaseback. Package which will guide United Kingdom, Ireland and BEA was formed in all current and future Piper the Channel Islands as of the 2010 and represents over customers through the beginning of 2018. three decades of aviation selection, purchasing and Ron Gunnarson, Piper VP experience. operating phases of Piper of Sales, Marketing, and Sean Brown, BEA’s CEO, Aircraft ownership”. • Customer Support at Piper said: “We are delighted to add BEA to our global THIS MONTH, 115 network of dealers. The YEARS AGO, CHARLES company’s reputation, LINDBURGH WAS BORN knowledgeable personnel 4 February 1902 saw the and five locations throughout birth of Charles Augustus the UK provide an ideal Lindbergh in Detroit, foundation for growing sales Michigan. Certainly one of new Pipers in this region.” of the world’s best known BEA said it is confident pilots, Lindbergh began that the Piper range will flight training at the age of prove most appealing 20. In 1924 he was sent when combined with their to San Antonio, Texas for Aeroplane Management a year of training at the Package, which includes Piper's range, including the M600, has a new UK dealer United States Army flight schools at Brooks and Kelly Fields. He graduated at the top of his class, EASA CERTIFY 14HP 5 March 1925, and was commissioned as a ROTAX 915 ISC3 ENGINE Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Service Reserve. by Lucy Fields applications; it will also He then became an Air offer the possibility to Mail pilot and gained Rotax latest engine, the 915 carry up to four valuable flight experience. iSc3, has been persons already On 20 May 1927, certified by in single engine Lindbergh departed EASA with 5hp application. Based New York in his more than first on the proven custom-built Ryan NYP expected, offering concept of the Rotax monoplane, Spirit of St. it 141hp in total. 912 / 914 engine series, Louis, and 33 hours 30 “The Type Rotax is again offering the minutes later, he landed Certificate (TC) allows 100kW best power to weight ratio of at Paris, France, becoming Rotax to fulfil the request (136hp) its class combined with the the first person to fly solo for a more powerful Rotax we will offer best economy while allowing across the Atlantic Ocean. aircraft engine with proven 104kW (141hp) maximum for a high flexibility on the During World War II, reliability,” said Thomas Uhr, power and 99kW (135hp) usable fuels. It delivers the Lindbergh served as a General Manager BRPRotax, maximum continuous power. most advanced aircraft engine civilian adviser and flew vice president Powertrain Once again providing the technology resulting in low the F4U Corsair in combat BRP and R&D / Operations ultimate flight experience to operating cost and ease of missions with Marine Lynx. “Not only has the pilots.” use. Up to this date already fighter squadrons. He also certification been achieved The increased power is 12 OEMs have integrated the flew the Lockheed P-38 within the promised time available up to at least engine and will make their Lightning with the Army schedule but the engine 15,000ft (4,572m) making aircraft available very soon. Air Force. has been certified to even the engine the perfect Additional 47 OEMs are also Lindbergh died on Maui, higher power than originally package for all fixed wings, already in the final stages of Hawaii, 26 August 1974. announced. Instead of gyrocopter and further integration of this engine. •

February 2018 AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot 20 AOPA NEWS GA News that matters

AOPA NEWS The new-look HIGHLIGHTS cockpit for the P2008 FIGHTING FLYERS FIRED Two pilots working for Indian airline Jet Airways have been fired after fighting in the cockpit on a flight from India to London. A female Captain and a male Captain acting as First Officer, had an altercation during the flight which resulted in the female pilot leaving the cockpit in tears and reporting that she had been slapped by the other pilot. At one point, both the pilots reportedly left the flight deck unattended - breaking universal flight regulations. BOEING BOOSTED UPGRADED Boeing reported that it set an industry record with 763 aircraft deliveries TECNAM RECEIVES in 2017. Boeing, whose shares have more than doubled over the last 12 EASA APPROVAL months, also reported that it grew its manufacturing The Tecnam P2008JC MkII will feature a number of backlog with 912 net significant enhancements, including a new avionics suite orders, reflecting heavy and popular demand for by Robert Care depiction of terrain, obstacles, and three twins. Bartolini Air its commercial product water features, the runway currently operate over 12,000 line. The order book The Tecnam P2008JC environment, and more. flight training hours a year, represents approximately MkII will feature a number of The P2008JC MkII is and qualifies more than 200 seven years of production. significant enhancements. available with VFR Night. This students, with many going on The original version was first version has a new improved to rewarding careers in the NEW HUNT FOR MH370 launched in 2009 and was in lighting system featuring both world of commercial aviation. The Malaysian need of an upgrade to keep ambient light and dimmer Bartlomiej Walas, Bartolini Government has signed inline with current trends. switches. Air’s CEO stated: “This is a one-off deal with Ocean These include a new avionic Tecnam have further a very proud day for the Infinity, a US company suite, including a new design improved the levels of comfort Bartolini Air team as we based in Texas. The deal of both the dashboard for passengers and pilots are the first Flight Training includes a speculative and glare shield, thereby alike. Delivery options include Organisation to introduce "no-find, no-fee" contract enabling the introduction of a premium interior, with a the Tecnam P2008JC MkII for 90 days, which has the Garmin’s innovative G3X dark styling of both the cabin into service. The introduction the potential to reward Touch display with a MD302 and ceiling, and a new door of this updated version of the research company attitude instrument. design, coupled with premium the P2008JC is a significant up to $70 million on a The Garmin G3X Touch, leather seats. Customers may addition to our all Tecnam graduated fee scale, based with its two large 10.6in also choose a 2 or 3-blade training fleet.” upon search results, as displays, provides pilots with propeller – helpful for pilots “Tecnam is committed to well as the amount of an intuitive split-screen mode flying on noise-restricted constantly evolving and area covered within the with the option to view PFD, airfields. improving its product offering, allotted time. The search MFD, and engine information Bartolini Air, Poland’s leading to ensure our customers will will focus on an area in the on a single display. Synthetic Flight Training Organisation, always benefit of all the latest Southern Indian Ocean vision is a standard feature recently ordered seven Tecnam innovations the GA world has the size of Wales. on G3X Touch, which offers P2008JC MkIIs to add to their to offer” said Paolo Pascale, a rich, three-dimensional current fleet of eight singles Tecnam’s CEO. •

AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot February 2018 21 SLOVENIA'S PIPISTREL TO BUILD AIRCRAFT IN CHINA by Robert Care in its short history for its Solutions, remains 100% Excellency the Slovenian innovation and technological Slovenian as before. Ambassador in China, Mr. Pipistrel has signed a deal advances. The new company will Janez Premože. with a Chinese entrepreneur Ivo Boscarol (who will now produce two types of aircraft During the next two years, to build a factory in China control 51% ownership) (Alpha Electro and Panthera a new airport, aircraft that will manufacture two and Danny Wu Hao (49%) Hybrid). Pipistrel d.o.o. will factory, villas compound, of its latest aircraft, the entered as financial partners, sell the technology and the and a university department electric power Alpha Electro and will provide capital rights for production and of aviation will be built in two-seat trainer and the investment required for sales for the two aircraft the “Project Jurong” centre. top-of-the-range Panthera the construction of Project models to Pipistrel Asia- With its daughter companies, four-seater. Jurong. Pacific for a significant part which will be established Pipistrel is at the forefront The ownership of both of SE Asia – all together 11 in the coming months. The of GA technology and Slovene companies, Pipistrel countries. Pipistrel Asia-Pacific will also has won plenty of awards d.o.o. and Pipistrel Vertical The PIPSTREL ASIA- take care of the acquisition PACIFIC General Aviation of terrain, the construction Technology Co Ltd will now and management of a be the general distributor of 130ha airport complex, Pipistrel for China. including its infrastructure, It will be in charge of tourist settlements and all realisation of the “Project supporting activities. Jurong”, the agreement The complex is located to establish an aviation next to a highway, which and tourist centre next to connects it to Jurong City Jurong Lake national park. – just a 10 minute drive The agreement was signed away – as well as Nanjing between Pipistrel company international airport (a 30 and the government of the minute drive), from which a Jurong City, back in the direct airline connection will beginning of December be established to the Maribor Danny Wu Hao (l) and Ivo Boscarol sign the deal 2017, in the presence of His airport in Slovenia in 2019. • SHAPPS FIRES BACK OVER LACK OF DIRECTION ON AIRFIELDS by Lucy Fields party group’s Chair, Shapps that the National Planning Surrey, and 22 counties said: “We believe your Policy Framework gives little already with no licensed There has been a lot said Department’s position runs assistance to maintaining the airfields whatsoever. about the future of GA in contrary to the Government’s scarce number of existing The parliamentary group’s the UK over recent months, own stated policy ‘to make airfields, instead delegating letter calls for urgent and there now seems a the United Kingdom the the planning decisions ministerial action to prevent fightback after the latest best country in the world for around these sites to Local a strategically important round of talks concerning General Aviation’.” Planning Authorities. As such, part of the UK’s national airfields. MP Grant Shapps, The parliamentary group the group does not believe transport infrastructure from on behalf of the The All- met with the Secretary of that a national network of disappearing completely, Party Parliamentary Group State Sajid Javid MP in airfields can be maintained along with the 38,000 highly (APPG) on GA, has written a March this year, to highlight “through a series of skilled jobs it provides, and scathing letter to Sajid Javid the seriousness and urgency disconnected, disjointed local the £3billion it adds directly (Communities and Local of the plight facing UK planning decisions.” to the UK economy. Government) about the lack airfields. In the space of 20 This is evidenced by the The group has also called of direction on Airfields at years, the number of Civil fact that dozens of airfields for closer engagement Government level. Aviation Authority-licenced are under immediate threat with the Department for In a comprehensive and airfields has dramatically of closure, with only one Transport, which is the detailed response to the declined from 250 to just 96 licensed airfield left in sponsoring Government Secretary of State’s October today. Hertfordshire, plans to close department for General letter to the APPG, the all- The all-party group notes every licensed airfield in Aviation. •

February 2018 AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot 22 AOPA NEWS GA news that matters

Young became the ninth man to walk on the moon

NASA REMEMBERS PIONEER JOHN YOUNG The space agency's most expereinced astronaut passes away at 87

by David Rawlings sparked our nation’s first in the course of a single was almost aborted when a great achievements in space. flight. He orbited the Moon in malfunction was detected John Young, NASA’s most But, not content with that, Apollo 10, and landed there as in the engine system. It was experienced astronaut, passed his hands-on contributions Commander of the Apollo 16 determined that the problem away on 5 Janaury 2018 at the continued long after the last mission. It was as Commander could be worked around, and age of 87 from complications of his six spaceflights -- a of Apollo 16 that he became the mission continued. of pneumonia. world record at the time of his only the ninth person to walk On STS-9, his final Young is the only NASA retirement from the cockpit. on the moon, but he was spaceflight, and in an iconic astronaut to go into space as “Between his service in the fortunate that it happened display of test pilot ‘cool,’ he part of the Gemini, Apollo and U.S. Navy, where he retired at all. The lunar landing landed the space shuttle with space shuttle programmes, at the rank of captain, and a fire in the back end. and the first to fly into space his later work as a civilian “I will always remember six times. at NASA, John spent his him as the classic ‘hell of an “Today, NASA and the entire life in service to engineer’ from Georgia Tech, world have lost a pioneer. our country. His career who had an uncanny ability to Astronaut John Young’s included the test pilot’s cut to the heart of a technical storied career spanned three dream of two ‘first flights’ in issue by posing the perfect generations of spaceflight; a new spacecraft -- with Gus question, followed by his we will stand on his shoulders Grissom on Gemini 3, and as iconic phrase, ‘Just asking...’ as we look toward the next Commander of STS-1, the first “John Young was at the human frontier,” said acting space shuttle mission, which forefront of human space NASA Administrator Robert some have called ‘the boldest exploration with his poise, Lightfoot. test flight in history.’ He flew talent, and tenacity. He was “John was one of that group as Commander on Gemini 10, in every way the ‘astronaut’s of early space pioneers whose the first mission to rendezvous Young became the first astronaut.’ We will miss him," bravery and commitment with two separate spacecraft astronaut to fly six missions concluded Lightfoot. •

AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot February 2018 23 NATS LAUNCHES PRE-NOTIFICATION TOOL FOR GENERAL AVIATION PILOTS by Robert Care especially important in today’s busy airspace where The tool, which was complex air traffic scenarios developed in response to a can develop rapidly. The new controller survey, will give tool will enable our ATC pilots the option to submit units to see the requests well their notification on the in advance and plan ahead, portal at least 60 minutes which will benefit everyone before their intended involved.” crossing time, so NATS The pre-notification tool controllers can prepare for is now available on NATS their arrival – helping pilots portal. with their requests and At the recent Airport enabling more efficient use of Operators Association the airspace. Awards, NATS was awarded The tool will be part of a the Best Environment wider Airspace Users Portal Initiative prize. that will host all non-standard The accolade acknowledged flight requests in one place the delivery of NATS’ later in the year – such as Environmental Management those for balloon tethering, System across UK airport unmanned aerial vehicles control tower operations (UAV) and general aviation over the past 18 months; (GA) aircraft. reducing emissions and noise Tammy Storrow, NATS from airspace operations, Terminal Control Safety setting objectives to reduce Improvement Specialist, energy consumption and said: “Under the current water use, and improving the system for General Aviation, management of waste. pilots wishing to transit into Mike Stoller, NATS Director controlled airspace, the air Airports said: “I’m delighted traffic controller responsible that the teams have been has no prior knowledge of recognised. It’s good for our the request and therefore has reputation and in our day- little opportunity to formulate to-day relationships with a potential plan for the customers to support and crossing. enhance their environmental “Pre-notification is performance.” •

The pre-notification system will ease the pressure of ATC

February 2018 AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot 24 FEATURE Cross Country Tour

WORDS AND IMAGES Sue Girdler A STEARMAN TO PRESTWICK Sue Girdler of TG Aviation in Kent was offered the chance of a lifetime to fly the company’s Boeing Stearman up to Prestwick for a display... what do you think she said?

SUE GIRDLER DISTANCE FLOWN 789 NAUTICAL MILES HOURS FLOWN 13 HOURS 50 MINUTES

was sat in the landings on tarmac and high correct) so I set off on Tuesday, weather at Doncaster was office at Lydd ground to fly over in an open planning to overnight at good so hoped my decision when Dan Griffith cockpit in August/September. Doncaster where 2Excel had was a calculated one and I called to ask if The quote, to my surprise, very kindly agreed to hangar not driven by “press-on-itis”. I would like to display the was accepted. Now I had to the aircraft. Arriving at Doncaster, I was Stearman at Prestwick. He deliver. The only advice from given a straight in for runway was taking a Dragonfly and Craig at this stage was “don’t THE ADVENTURE BEGAN 02, and on landing a "follow they were looking for other get too cocky” – good advice! I got airborne out of Pent Farm, me vehicle" was sent to collect aircraft to display. Without Once the Herne Bay with terrible feedback on the me – which was helpful. Trying hesitation, I said “yes” but I Airshow was done I started to radio for the first 20 minutes, to read an airfield plate whilst am not sure that a trip like concentrate on the flight to until I remembered to hit the writing down taxi instructions, this was quite what Craig Prestwick. I needed to pack for squelch button! My first stop and weaving from side-to-side Brierley, our Stearman the two of us – the aeroplane was Duxford and on arrival I to avoid hitting something instructor, had in mind when and me. That meant oil, tie was offered a choice of either can be a challenge in an open days before, he said “you just downs, spark plugs, cowling the grass or the tarmac runway. cockpit aircraft, and you don’t have to be more confident”. spanner, absorbent pads, I desperately wanted to accept want anything disappearing in Having said yes, the next stop screen clean etc for the aircraft. the grass but knowing the next the wind. was to supply a quote. The only Then there was the flying kit landing would be Doncaster I wasn’t expecting the weather problem was my chart ended and clothes for me. on tarmac (my first on tarmac to be suitable in the morning at Doncaster so a quick call I had to be in Prestwick by for some time!) I elected the and sitting having breakfast it to Janet at Polar and an old the Friday, ready to fly, so tarmac. With the aircraft started to rain a little. However, chart (for quoting purposes needed to leave by Wednesday refuelled I was soon on my way. by the time I was back at only) was borrowed. It was at at the latest to be there by The weather en route to the hangar, after refuelling this stage that reality set in; at late Thursday afternoon. The Doncaster was poor and I had the Stearman, the weather least six hours each way, three forecast for Wednesday was to decide whether to press improved and I was on my way refuelling stops, at least 12 poor (and did in fact prove on or turn back. I knew the again.

AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot February 2018 25

February 2018 AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot 26 FEATURE Cross Country Tour

Doncaster to Carlisle was Prestwick were on runway 30 refuelling the F16 they helped the leg that concerned me "Doncaster but as I got close I was offered and supported me for which most. It was two hours (leaving to Carlisle Runway 21, which was more I was very grateful. Operating one hour fuel reserve), over into the wind, and this time without a support team is a high ground and no diversion concerned me the landing was better. I was challenge, but I was shown so airfields available over most taught right from the beginning much kindness and given so of the route. The flight went most. It was two that you do not stop flying the much help and support it was well and the scenery was hours over high Stearman until she is safely in not an issue. spectacular. I had to climb to the hangar. Well, she was, and I So finally, the day arrived to 3500ft in places, which was ground and no had finally arrived in Scotland. display the Stearman. I was to cold but safe. The landing at Thursday was spent cleaning display after the Boeing KC- Carlisle was not my best and I diversion airfields the aircraft and sorting myself 135 Stratotanker, but I wasn’t made a note to the effect that available over out. Around 17:00 Dan arrived happy with the two-minute two hours in an open cockpit in the Dragonfly belonging to gap between displays, given getting cold needs a conscious most of the route" Shipping and Airlines. its size and the last pass was effort to remember landing On Friday the Stearman was to be slow with gear, flaps, etc checks, especially “feet on the to do two flights along with down. Wake turbulence can be floor clear of the brakes”. the Dragonfly and Catalina. very dangerous, and I certainly The staff at Carlisle were very This gave me the opportunity didn’t want to end up with an welcoming which, when you to have a look at the seafront unscheduled aerobatic display, are operating alone, makes a display site, which I have to say so the gap was increased, big difference. After a bacon was ideal. Slowly more aircraft which worked fine. sandwich and call to Prestwick I arrived, and late afternoon I am told there were 65,000 was on my way. Steve and Annie Mallion people there but I was so The scenery was spectacular arrived from Lydd. It turns out focused on the display I forgot and I was soon talking to that Lydd is one of the only to look. Prestwick. There are a number organisations to have an F34 From Sunday onwards it was of Visual Reporting Points and fuelling rig required to refuel downhill all the way. We all by the end of the weekend I the F16, so Steve and Annie knew the forecast was poor had managed to get my head BELOW: The Stearman was drove all the way from Lydd and at the time I was due to around them – but “Dalrymple” the star of the show, no with the equipment on the display it was raining hard. Rain and “Doonfoot” were initially matter what airfield it landed Friday, and back again on the will strip paint off the aircraft a challenge over the RT. at on its 789 mile journey Monday. When they were not so I couldn’t fly. Some teams

AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot February 2018 27

Sue (c) with Steve and Annie Mallion who had driven to Prestwick from Lydd

February 2018 AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot 28 FEATURE Cross Country Tour had scrubbed after displaying However, Scampton was below Doonfoot for the final time, on the Saturday and headed limits and they had to recover "It had taken them then onto Turnbury VOR before home while they could, which at Prestwick. When they landed, 45 minutes to fly weaving round the taller hills to meant there was room to slot Monty (Red 1) who I knew from Carlisle. me in the flying programme our Manston days came and from Bournemouth With not much time for a later. But when the time came found me and said I had made turnaround and the weather the organisers made the the right decision to stay on to Prestwick in the still nothing to write home decision for me to scrub as the ground. It was nice to have Hawk whereas it about, I made the decision to the weather was at its worse. confirmation from the Leader of stay at Carlisle. With the aircraft I don’t suppose I will ever get the Red Arrows. had taken me six fuelled and hangared it was off over the disappointment of not No wonder Mike Ling (Red to the pub for the night. Cross being able to fly on the Sunday 10) laughed as he passed me, hours 35 minutes winds were due to be a problem because of the weather, but at charts everywhere trying to from Pent Farm to the next day so the evening was least I had achieved the aim of find a route home! It had taken spent planning and preparing displaying in Scotland. them 45 minutes to fly from Prestwick in the for the long day ahead. Based on the forecast I had Bournemouth to Prestwick in After a good breakfast it was already made the decision to the Hawk whereas it had taken Stearman" back to begin the flights back not attempt to depart on the me six hours 35 minutes from to Pent Farm. With the cross Monday, but I still wanted to go Pent Farm to Prestwick in the wind at Doncaster likely to be in and refuel the aircraft while it Stearman. a bit too much of a challenge, wasn’t raining and look at some So once again it was back to I elected to go east and land alternative routes back, based the hotel and time for a little at Leeds East (The old Church on the weather. shopping, get my shoes re- Fenton Airfield). However, I A number of aircraft did heeled and wash some socks. routed south to start with, depart and sometimes the The life of a display pilot isn’t all following the M6 to Penrith, and hardest decision is not to follow, glamour and excitement! then picked up the River Ure. but it was the right decision. All The forecast for Tuesday My reasoning was that rivers but one of them had to divert was poor – it was 14:30 before don’t flow over hills, so if the back. The Red Arrows were due it was good enough to taxi BELOW: TG Aviation offer cloud was sitting on the tops to do a fly-past over the new for Carlisle. After goodbyes flights in this stunning of the hills, as it had been at Queen Elizabeth Bridge on the all round and a promise to aircraft - it's used as was times on the way down from River Forth at Edinburgh and let everyone know when I intended, to be up in the Prestwick to Carlisle, I should then recover to Scampton. got home safely, it was off to skies be able to route through

AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot February 2018 29 the valleys. Note for future starting all over again! It was then over Stapleford reference, whilst rivers may not This sector led me down the "Unfortunately I through the Southend Zone, route over hills, they can route east of Doncaster and then made a real mess with a clearance, and finally on through them! direct from Gamston VOR to to Pent. As I have already said, The scenery was once again Duxford. I was given MATZ of the landing, it is really important not to stop spectacular, although it was a penetration by RAF airfields flying until the aircraft is in the bit turbulent. So I turned the when required and finally bouncing so high hangar, and Pent had one more aircraft on the rudders a lot, arrived at Duxford, where I that I thought surprise in store for me – a very rather than banking, as I was a was asked whether I would gusty and strong crosswind. I little worried that a gust would like the grass or tarmac. With it better to go was determined not to fail and catch us and tip us over. Luckily the wind across both and to get the aircraft on the ground towards the end of the flight the no more tarmac landings around and in one piece. I think Craig would weather picked up, and I was required I opted for the grass. give the landing have been proud, I was certainly able to cross over the hills as Unfortunately I made a real grateful for those few words: I had a route south to avoid a mess of the landing, bouncing another try" “you just have to be more restricted area, where a military so high that I thought it better confident”. exercise was taking place. Once to go around and give the Denis Holton had been at Pent clear of the hills it was south to landing another try. Thankfully to see me off, and he was there Leeds East. on the second attempt I made a to welcome me back. I have to So far I had managed to be better job of it. say I was very grateful because reasonably organised, having All that was left now was until I shut down that engine I the right plates to hand for to make my way safely back had not realised how exhausted each sector. However, having to Pent Farm. As soon as I I was. His help getting the started up I suddenly realised was airborne from Duxford aircraft unpacked and put safely that I had forgotten to take out I gave Stansted a call in the away in the hangar once more the Carlisle plates and replace hope of getting a clearance was so much appreciated. them on my knee board with through their overhead, but My thanks go to all those that the Duxford plates. This meant the frequency was very busy made this possible, for the shutting down, un-strapping, and I was told to “standby”. BELOW: The scenery was kindness and friendship I found climbing out, retrieving the As the alternative route was spectacular (when it was everywhere I landed, and to The plates from my flight bag in planned via BKY and BKP clear), and waiting for take- Scottish International Air Show the rear locker, re-priming the VORs I continued that way, off near to something that for inviting me to display. Would engine, climbing back in and remaining clear of Stansted. goes a little faster I do it all again? Of course. •

February 2018 AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot 30 COVER STORY P2012 Traveller

WORDS David Rawlings IMAGES Tecnam Entering the airlines With the second prototype recently taking flight, David Rawlings thought it would be a good time to sit down with Tecnam and talk about its latest aircraft – the next- generation P2012 Traveller

AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot February 2018 31

February 2018 AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot 32 COVER STORY P2012 Traveller

ecnam is one of forward for our company,” Friedrichshafen in 2011 and it the newer names he explained. “The project all "I climbed to was full steam ahead. in aviation, came about from Cape Air, perform our When the design process T they have been and was a specific request took place it was decided to designing and building from them. They first began pre-planned stick with some traditional aircraft since 1948. The talking to us around seven Tecnam features, such as the Italian manufacturer is years ago.” manoeuvres to high-wing and fixed landing famed for its single-engine, So for a company that was check the basic gear. However the company high-wing aircraft. But in used to dealing in single- knew that something more recent years it has started engine Rotax-powered behaviour of powerful was needed for an to branch out. aircraft, a huge decision had airliner so the Lycoming TEO- The P2006T, was Tecnam’s to be made on the back of the aircraft... it 540-C1A was chosen as the first step into the twin-engine this request. “After we had responded exactly engine of choice. It’s a direct- category. This four-seat, spoken to Cape Air about drive six-cylinder, horizontally Rotax-powered aircraft was their request, we first decided as expected" opposed, turbocharged, a hit, not only in the civilian to do a deep analysis on the air-cooled engine. It has market, but also as a maritime current market to see if it electronic fuel injection, patrol aircraft, multi-mission was viable for Tecnam,” said electronic ignition and a down aircraft, and recently has De Costa. As you can tell by exhaust. Tecnam said its main been used as a multiengine the article, Tecnam decided advantage is the economic trainer for the Italian Air to push forward with the fuel consumption. And the Force. After the success of project. “We chose to go active engine protection this aircraft, Tecnam were ahead because the market it affords against knock, approached by Cape Air to has been anticipating the overboost and temperatures, develop an aircraft for them. arrival of a next-generation guarantees a trouble- Cape Air is a regional airline 11-seat aircraft,” said De free engine life compared based in Massachusetts. It Costa. “There are hundreds with other old-generation, currently operates over 85 of ‘heritage’ aeroplanes in turbocharged engines. aircraft including Cessna 402s, the FAR23/CS23 category It took until July 2016 for the Britten-Norman Islanders and currently in service around P2012 to make its maiden ATRs. In September last year, the world being used by flight – which was witnessed Cape Air announced a deal airlines, and they are coming by Tecnam’s founder Luigi with Tecnam for 100 of the to the end of their useful Pascale, who sadly passed P2012s to refresh its fleet. commercial life. So airlines away in 2017. Seeing this Walter Da Costa, Global around the world have been latest development for the Sales Director of Tecnam, demanding a replacement for company was a big step and acknowledges that the deal hundreds of aircraft.” After MD Paulo Pascale said at the was a step in a new direction Tecnam decided to go ahead time: “We have witnessed for Tecnam. “Yes, the P2012 with the P2012 Traveller the beginning of new era for Traveller is a big step they announced it at AERO Tecnam. The Tecnam design team have answered all these customer needs [of reliability, efficiency and passenger comfort] with the P2012 Traveller. We feel we are contributing to real innovation in aviation.” Tecnam’s test pilot Lorenzo De Stefano has often claimed the P2012 has always performed faultlessly no matter what manoeuvres have been asked of it. “After a smooth take-off, I climbed to a safe height to perform our pre-planned manoeuvres to check the basic behaviour of the aircraft, engine and flight controls. The aircraft responded exactly as expected. After a couple of circuits around Two Lycoming engines are a step in a new direction for Tecnam the airfield, I landed and the

AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot February 2018 33

Lorenzo De Stefano, Tecnam's test pilot, loved flying the first P2012 prototype

February 2018 AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot 34 COVER STORY P2012 Traveller

More than 100 units of the P2012 have been ordered; the aircraft is set to take over the current ageing fleets

Traveller stopped in a very pilots. It has incredible provide selectable data on the short distance. I am really performance, comfort and "Everyone cockpit screens. An optionally excited about the Traveller safety,” said De Costa. agreed that this provided Flight Management programme.” said De Stefano System keyboard allows after his maiden flight. IN THE OFFICE aeroplane is so insertion of frequencies and Since that initial flight, the The avionics suite is based waypoints, while another first prototype has flown on the Garmin G1000 Nxi, easy to fly and optionally provided Garmin more than 250 hours – some composed of two 10in PFDs does not require Flight Stream device allows of those have included and a single central 12in MFD. an immediate and wireless demo flights with potential Remote redundant AHRS and much experience link between flight suite and customers, which Tecnam ADC provide the main flight portable devices, such as say were very promising. and attitude information from pilots" tablets or smartphones for “All of them agreed that whilst a backup is provided by immediate introduction of this aeroplane is so easy to a MD-302. Communications flight plans, waypoints, routes fly and it does not require and navigation are based and frequencies. much experience from on dual remote units, which A single Garmin GMA 350C audio panel manages the ATC and internal communications, with several facilities such as 3D audio and separation of pilot/co-pilot communication channels. The standard avionics suite is then completed by the latest generation Garmin Automatic Flight Control System, with three axes of operations and provided by a yaw damper (selectable also when A/P is OFF). A/P mode controller, installed on the top of flight Thanks to the avionics, the P2012 will be easy to fly deck, allows immediate

AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot February 2018

36 COVER STORY P2012 Traveller interaction via dedicated De Costa. “To give you some With a price of €2,200,000 pushbuttons and rotary "We can numbers from GAMA: in the the Traveller needs to wheels. Engine monitoring guarantee that US more than 1,100 piston deliver in a tough market, is fully integrated inside the aeroplanes operate as and Tecnam is confident avionics suite screens and the P2012 will be Passenger Carrying Platforms. because it claims it’s the first allows a perfect management They have now an average of the next-gen of twin- of power, with significant and a very affordable age of 45 years and within engine piston airliners. “This revolutionary features: fully aeroplane with 20 years they will be 65 years new generation plane is automatic mixture control, old. However, the active unique in its class, because absence of related lever and a significantly worldwide fleet of 9-seat there is not a competitor with guarantee of the best fuel/air airliners are greater than the same technology, ratio for every single cylinder. improved 2,000, but more than 11,000 innovation, features, and operating costs" aircraft need to be replaced,” flight characteristics. There PASSENGER COMFORT he added. will be good advantages in One of the main differences For those organisations terms of operational cost between the P2012 and looking to replace their of this plane if you compare ‘heritage’ aircraft in the same current fleet, the big question the Traveller with the class is that the Traveller’s is what will the operating actual heritage aeroplanes on fuselage measures are costs be? Tecnam hasn’t said the market,” said De Costa. constant for the whole length. anything concrete yet, but it So with the P2012 well on The elder aircraft in the is confident that the P2012’s its way to certification, surely same bracket traditionally figures will be extremely Tecnam are looking towards feature a tapered fuselage competitive. “We will release a jet? Rumours abound about in the back portion, there the numbers in the next the Italian company producing providing less space – few months,” said De Costa. a turbo fan aircraft – including especially disadvantageous for “But we can guarantee that many pages and posts on passengers seated in the rear the P2012 Traveller will be the internet and even a press rows. The P2012 will have the a very affordable aeroplane release from May 2015 on advantage of having a cabin with significantly improved its own website, but when with constant measurements direct operating costs, more pushed we were told that for its whole extension, so that efficiency, and modern there are no plans on the the space remains the same maintenance procedures.” horizion. Time will tell. • for all passengers and seats.

FROM NOW UNTIL 2019… TECH SPEC P2012 TRAVELLER At the start of 2018 Tecnam announced that the first flight of its second P2012 had just PERFORMANCE DIMENSIONS taken place. “S/N002 is our Speed VNE 220kt/407km/h Wingspan 14m/45.93ft conformity aeroplane and Stall speed - Take-off 70kt/130km/h Length 11.8m/38.6ft Height 4.40m/14.4ft is now flying. This plane will Stall speed - Landing (Full Flaps) 65kt/120km/h allow us to go through all VMC 74kt/137km/h WEIGHTS certification processes until Best RoC 1210ft/min/6m/sec Ramp weight 36018kg/7986lb we get EASA’s and FAA’s Type Take-off run 415m/1362ft Max gross weight 3600kg/7937lb Certification at the end of Take-off distance 690m/2264ft Max landing weight 3600kg/7937lb 2018,” explained De Costa. Landing run 250m/820ft Useful load 1332kg/2937lb Tecnam has gone full steam Landing distance 500m/1640ft Fuel capacity 800lt/212US gal ahead with the Traveller. It has already promised the first 100 to Cape Air, and at AERO Friedrichshafen it announced its Slot Deposit Programme, receiving orders from operators in Argentina, Russia, and the South Pacific. So where does Tecnam see its biggest market coming from? “This plane will be marketed worldwide because currently there is not a replacement of the old models which are coming to the end of their useful commercial life,” said

AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot February 2018 37

The P2012's big selling point is that Tecnam claim the operating costs will be cheaper than current options

February 2018 AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot 38 FEATURE Aircraft Performance

WORDS Nick Wilcock IMAGES Various PERFORMANCE ENHANCING AIRCRAFT... At the recent AOPA Training and Education Committee meeting, it was agreed that committee members should pass on some hints, tips and general reminders from the experience they’ve gained flying and instructing in light aircraft. In this month’s article, Nick Wilcock provides a few reminders about aircraft performance

AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot February 2017 39

’VE GOT IN, BUT My only previous experience Blissfully unaware of the CAN I GET OUT of the PA28 had been 23 years "I did recall that effect a hot day, full tanks and AGAIN? This earlier at Weston-super-Mare flying with three three adults would have, I I isn’t simply a aerodrome. It had seemed summoned full noise from the question which lobsters ask much bigger than the Cessna on board and 3/4 mighty Lycoming and set off. themselves from the bottom 150 on which I obtained my Acceleration was somewhat of a pot, but also applies to PPL, but I did recall that flying tanks had made pedestrian and we were still the operation of light aircraft, it with three on board and ¾ one landing a on the ground as we crossed particularly when visiting tanks had made one landing RW 01/19, before eventually small, unfamiliar landing a bit firmer than I’d expected, bit firmer than I struggling into the sky. Querying sites. but that was about all. My FI this with the CFI when I got My introduction to the world conversion consisted of a trip expected, but that back, he said, “Oh, sorry – I of light aircraft flight instruction to the maintenance aerodrome was about all" thought you realised I meant came when I was serving at and back in the Warrior, then ‘tabs’ fuel!”. I’d no idea what that the University of London Air another trip in the Cherokee a meant, until he showed me, so Squadron, the RAF’s premier few days later. ‘Standardisation’ then I thought that I’d better UAS at RAF Abingdon. We used consisted of “Just teach the way look into the mass and balance the excellent Scottish Aviation you do in the Bulldog” and that and performance graphs before Bulldog and operated from was it. My first day of instructing flying in limiting conditions nice long tarmac runways. came some 10 days later, again. The Bulldog had quite decent involving slow flight, stalling Which brings me to the point performance – even with two and circuits in the Cherokee. of this article. It is absolutely chunky occupants and full tanks RAF Benson was happy to take essential that pilots must be – so performance was never me for circuits as the resident aware of not just the mass and really much of an issue, even UASs were on block summer balance limits of their aircraft, during the few days the UK leave, so the aerodrome was but also the take-off and landing thinks of as summer. very quiet. I’d been told to take performance values and how After I’d obtained my R/BCPL/ a couple of students, neither these are affected by wind, FI rating through the CAA of whom was exactly ‘petite’, temperature, atmospheric crediting system – which was but that didn’t seem an issue pressure, aerodrome elevation, available to RAF QFIs in those to me – I’d do the slow flight runway slope and runway days – I applied to instruct for and stalling with the first chap, surface. To which I would the flying club at a nearby RAF then some circuit work before add the nature of terrain in aerodrome, which operated the landing, switching students and the immediate vicinity of the PA28 Warrior II and Cherokee doing some circuits with the aerodrome. 140C from a 10000ft tarmac other one. “Oh – and pop in to runway. Oxford to fill it up on the way MASS AND BALANCE home, would you”, were the Although you might find CFI's parting words as I walked various ‘apps’ appearing on to the aircraft. sale for working out the total All went well for both mass and CG for your aircraft, students; the refuelling was the only definitive source is done pretty quickly and it was the graph published in the time to set off home. In those aeroplane POH. Be careful not days, Oxford had RW27, an to confuse metric, imperial 880m grass runway, which was and US units! You’ll probably the one which be sold fuel in litres, but will the wind was need to convert the volume favouring. into mass for the mass and balance calculation. There are a few gotchas to be had if you confuse density and specific gravity, particularly when using US gallons. Just remember that there are 3.7854 litres to a US gallon, which has a mass of approximately 6.0 lb when using 100LL. If you find that your total mass or CG would be outside the envelope shown in the POH,

February 2017 AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot 40 FEATURE Aircraft performance it is essential that you take perhaps find that more limiting. If you elect to use anything the necessary action to rectify Once again the POH is the "So down with one other than the criteria stated the situation. Defuelling is not bible to use and any ‘app’ click of the flap for the POH graphs, you’re on normally an easy option, so to you might be tempted to use your own! avoid disappointed passengers, will be unofficial unless the before some gentle if your aeroplane is operated by manufacturer has approved HE GOT IT IN, BUT COULD I others I recommend that you its use. The CAA has another back pressure had GET IT OUT? instigate a prudent refuelling excellent Safety Sense Leaflet me safely airborne, Some years ago, one of our policy within the group. For on this topic, SSL 07C. flying club members was example, if your group owns There are a few general points albeit slightly conducting a solo PFL. When a Cherokee 140 which hasn’t to be made when using the he tried his final engine been too laden down with POH graphs. Firstly, make sure further down response check, nothing extra toys, and at the end of that the graph you’re using is the field than I'd happened. So he applied the day you refuel to ‘tab’ level the correct one for the variant what he’d been taught and on one side and ‘full’ the other, and configuration you intend anticipated" converted his PFL into a well- you’ll probably be just within to use. Not just flap setting and executed actual forced landing, mass and balance limits to assumed technique, but also then rang me to tell me what fly it the next day with three the type of propeller fitted. had happened. I drove to the PoB, assuming that they’re no Some aeroplanes may have site, to find the aeroplane more than 80kg each and have been fitted with coarse pitch sitting totally undamaged in no luggage. You won’t notice ‘cruise’ propellers; not only the field he’d used. Although any asymmetry, particularly if will they probably not be the there was nothing immediately the third occupant sits on the same as the type fitted when obvious to indicate the cause ‘tab’ side. I read somewhere the POH graphs were originally of the failure, we resisted the recently that a pilot on a CAA drawn up, but they can also temptation to try and start test had been refused the have a significantly deleterious the engine and went to find examiner’s weight; not only effect on acceleration during the farmer. A genial son of the was that inexcusable but it take-off. Even if the propeller is soil, he told us that he and also put the candidate under of the same type, the condition ‘Pup’, his rather impressive unreasonable stress. Anyone of both engine and propeller Rottweiler, would happily keep who refuses to give you their may have deteriorated over watch on the aeroplane whilst weight when they’re going flying the years. For this reason, the we decided what to do. After in your aeroplane stays firmly CAA advise the use of a 1.33 a check over by our LAEs, it on the ground, in my book, no safety factor when calculating was thought that there might matter who they might be! I take-off distance required, have been an obstruction in recommend CAA Safety Sense once all other calculations have the carburettor air intake filter, Leaflet 09 for further reading been completed. SSL 07C and which they changed before on the topic of mass and probably also the aeroplane running the engine and passing balance. POH provide the factors to be it fit in wind and limb. applied for runway condition, So now came the question PERFORMANCE elevation, and slope and of getting the aircraft out of When I was learning to fly the atmospheric conditions to the field. Could we take-off, VC10, as part of the course which pilots should always or would we have to recover we had a fortnight of hell – refer, rather than trying to it by truck with the wings off? graphs and exams being taught commit them to memory. Time was of the essence as the all about scheduled aircraft weather was due to turn nasty performance. Planning a flight TO FLAP OR NOT TO FLAP, and the wind was forecast from take-off to destination THAT IS THE QUESTION to back to an unfavourable could involve a number of Not all POH include direction. Nevertheless, after limiting factors; as well as the performance information for an hour or so spent poring take-off distance available, the ‘short field’ take-off or landings. over the POH and a chat with landing distance available and For example, nothing official the met man, I’d calculated en-route obstacle clearance has been published for take- the take-off distance required in the event of an engine off with flap for the Cherokee for the expected conditions. failure all had to be considered 140. Most of us know that use Although the field had recently too. For single-engined light of some flap will reduce the been mowed and had a aeroplanes things are rather take-off ground roll, but cannot beneficial downhill slope, at the simpler, but no less important. quantify the actual benefit. My far end it fell away into a small Usually it is the take-off original brief when I first flew valley. It looked quite doable, distance available which is the the Cherokee was to use 10° so over we went to meet the limiting factor, but if you’re flap for take-off, but there was farmer and ‘Pup’ before I intending to land somewhere nothing in the POH when I was paced out the take-off distance on short, wet grass, you could instructing to substantiate this. available. That was greater than

AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot February 2017 41

the calculated TODR, so I was CAA Supplement advising soon taxiing to the very edge that, for this particular model of the field before lining up for of Cherokee, the POH figures take-off. are 10% in error! Which is Acceleration was entirely something else described in normal and I’d also SSL 07C; when using the POH remembered the rule of thumb make sure that any CAA Change of achieving 2/3 of the rotate Sheets or Supplements have speed by half the available been included. distance, so was looking for 48mph by halfway. But the IN CONCLUSION rattling and bouncing on the With the days beginning to field surface made the ASI get lighter again, at last, and needle rather unsteady and the opportunities for touring the downhill section was hopefully increasing, it’s worth rapidly approaching. So down reminding yourself about mass, with one click of flap before balance and performance some gentle back pressure calculations, particularly had me safely airborne, albeit when visiting an unfamiliar slightly further down the field aerodrome. than I’d anticipated, and with There have been quite a a nagging flicker or two from few accidents caused by light the stall warning light. Which aircraft either being overloaded was something of a surprise as or attempting to take-off from I’d been very careful with my runways which weren’t long calculations and the aircraft had enough. As the 'five p' saying a good engine and propeller, goes (or six Ps sometimes): so why had it taken longer prior planning prevents poor to become airborne than performance, so spend a little expected? time checking your figures The probable answer came and don’t become an accident ABOVE: A Cherokee, a great training aircraft for working a week later. We received a statistic! • everything out; A Vickers VC10, one of Nick's training aircraft

When using the POH ensure any CAA Change Sheets or Supplements have been included, as happened with Nick's Cherokee POH

February 2017 AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot

TECH REVIEW The latest products for the pilot 43 TRIG AVIONICS LAUNCHES TWO GARMIN AUTO PILOT NEW RADIOS FOR CESSNA The new TMA44 and TMA45. Both will work with Trig’s 172 AND 182 own TY96 and TY96A radios, as well third-party radios Product Auto Pilot Maker Garmin

Garmin has recently announced it has received Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Supplemental Type Certification (STC) for several aircraft Product TMA44 and TMA45 natural companion for Trig Each audio panel has models for the GFC 500 Maker Trig TY96 and TY96A stack a built-in intercom and autopilot, including a radios; however, they marker beacon receiver. wide range of Cessna In the world of aviation also support third party Jon Roper, Marketing 172 and 182 model there are few things more products too. Manager at Trig said, “With aircraft. Intended for less frustrating - and exhausting Both audio panels are a choice of two audio complex piston single- - than having terrible radio dual comm, dual nav and panels Trig has created engine aircraft, the GFC communications. fully featured for IFR and options for all pilots. Those 500 delivers superior Edinburgh-based Trig VFR flight. The TMA45 looking for a fully-featured in-flight characteristics, Avionics solves this has comprehensive stereo and Bluetooth audio self-monitoring problem with their new entertainment features with panel will fit the TMA45 capabilities and minimal audio panels, which have Bluetooth wireless support superior panel. Those pilots maintenance needs already started shipping. for music and mobile wanting key features but when compared to older If you're unaware of Trig, devices. The TMA45 hosts great value will most likely generation autopilot they are fairly new to the 2-6 seats, and has Trig buy our TMA44 standard systems. world of aviation, first Digital Noise Reduction panel.” The GFC 500 autopilot founded in 2004 by Andy (TDNR) to automatically The TMA45 is a plug and uniquely integrates with Davis, an entrepreneur select the optimum level of play retro-fit for GMA340 the G5 to provide pilots and pilot. He set out to intercom squelch and mic audio panels. The TMA44 with an economical produce a solid state and threshold, reducing cockpit uses an industry standard autopilot and modern energy efficient Mode noise. Trig Active Mute 44 pin connector, making a flight instrument. The S transponder to meet (TAM) further reduces simple retro-fit with older autopilot mode controller EASA's mandate for Mode unwanted background audio panels easy. Both contains large dedicated S. At the time, aircraft noise from radio static, panels are 33mm high and keys and knobs, a control owners had few options producing class-leading have the same form factor. wheel that allows for available, so Davis and his audio. These features You can order a TMA44 easy adjustments to team changed this. Since allow customers to enjoy or TMA45 through Trig’s aircraft pitch, airspeed then it has produced Mode the comprehensive stereo extensive Approved Trig and vertical speed,and a S transponders and radios music and entertainment. Dealer network. Trig level button that returns and now has a network of The TMA44 hosts 2-4 seats products come with a two the aircraft to straight- over 700 dealers. and has mono entertainment year warranty with global and-level flight. The GFC Aircraft owners can and communication options. support. • 500 servos also contain select from two models, a brushless DC motor the superior TMA45 panel and a gear train that and standard TMA44 panel. NEED TO KNOW eliminates the need for Both units benefit from a + A cheaper option for those on a budget. a maintenance-prone high quality and simple + Can be used in both FVR and IFR flight. mechanical slip clutch. to use interface, matched + EASA and TSO Certified. with impressive audio and + Two year warranty Where www.garmin.com entertainment technology. Where www.trig-avionics.com Price £995 Price $6,996 Trig audio panels are a

February 2018 AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot

BOOK REVIEW A look at the latest publications 45 INSIGHT INTO THE HISTORIC MOSQUITO AOPA Chairman George Done flicks through the latest book from David Ogilvy – a 'cockpit-eye-view' of one of de Havilland's most famous wartime aircraft ACCIDENT OR Book De Havilland Mosquito The book ends with brief TREACHERY - through the eyes of a pilot descriptions of aircraft Book Spitfire Deserter? Author David Ogilvy that took over some of Author Bill Simpson the Mosquito's roles, such Author David Ogilvy is as the Canberra and the In April 1942, 47 a well-known writer on Gloster Meteor. Spitfire of 601 and aviation topics, and his For me, it is a privilege 603 Squadrons of flight reviews on now rare to review a book written the Auxiliary Air Force aircraft for this magazine by my ab initio flying launched from the USS (in its previous guise of instructor of more Wasp, which had sailed General Aviation) have years ago than I care to a position north of entertained AOPA members to remember, but this is Algiers. The planes were for many years. As one of does not impinge on my bound for Malta. At the the last surviving pilots recommendation that this time, the island was to have flown Mosquitos book is an absolute must under heavy siege by in squadron service and for your aviation bookshelf. Axis forces. Salvatore later in a civilian capacity ‘Plywood: Material of Ogilvy speaks from a Walcott’s Spitfire never over a period of 15 years, the Modern World’, was place of authority as one made it; he crash-landed this relatively slim volume about the construction of of the last surviving pilots in North Africa – part of comes as a valuable the Mosquito fuselage). to have flown Mosquitos Vichy France – and was contribution to aviation The book's first four in squadron service and interned. After attempting history. The author writes chapters are devoted to the later in a civilian capacity. to escape, Walcott was with such an easy style, conception, development He flew the de Havilland liberated at the end of that once you start reading, and construction of the classic intermittently over 1942. He returned to it is hard to stop. I knew the Mosquito, as well as its a period of fifteen years, the UK and joined the Mosquito was an amazing operations and duties in the and therefore provides an US Army Air Corps. He aircraft, but I had no idea RAF, and civilian roles. expert inside story of the continued to serve as a just how amazing until I'd The chapter entitled ‘As a secret development of the pilot until the end of the finished this book. Flying Machine’ provides aircraft, the astonishing war and beyond, serving The de Havilland DH a first-hand account of the impact it made when first with the USAF during the 98 Mosquito was one flying and handling qualities flown, its operational Berlin Airlift. of the fastest and most of the machine, with the achievements, handling But was that landing versatile aircraft of the misfortune of losing an qualities and the many in Africa ‘an inexplicable Second World War. Two engine at the wrong time design developments defection’, as it has been outstanding aspects of the being particularly revealing. that took it from described? Here is the aircraft were its ability for An asymmetric safety quicksilver photographic evidence, alongside an the design to be developed speed of 184 knots on the reconnaissance aircraft to exploration of American into a multitude of quite heavy and powerful PR34 long-range bomber and and British attitudes to different operational seems frightening! pathfinder. • men like Walcott who roles, from fighter to served under foreign long-range bomber to flags. Walcott’s story has photo-reconnaissance, NEED TO KNOW been discussed for many and the fact that the basic + Written from a position of authority.. years, but here is the structure was largely + Provides insight into one of the lesser-known de Havillands. truth. made of wood (part of + Captivating in-depth descriptions. the recent exhibition at - More images would be useful. Where www.amazon.co.uk the Victoria and Albert Where www.amberley-books.com Price £14.99 Price £20 Museum in London on

February 2018 AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot

AIRCRAFT FOR SALE AIRCRAFT FOR SHARE INSURANCE TRAINING TECHNICAL FUEL +MORE CLASSIFIED ADS The AOPA Classifieds section is chock-full of everything you need to get the most out of your flying. No matter what your aviation need is, you'll be able to find it here, whether it be an aircraft, services, or a hangar home, we have it all. To advertise contact Charlotte Pulham at [email protected]

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1987 BEECH BONANZA F33A

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HELP NEEDED CLASSIFIED We are searching for any FACTORY DRAWINGS ENQUIRIES (including cutaways and repair manuals) of the ARMSTRONG WHITWORTH F.K.8 and pictures Please contact of them in manufacture or repair. With a particular focus CHARLOTTE PULHAM on the wings but anything would be useful. at [email protected] If anybody has any material that can help then +44(0)1487 830 105 please email [email protected] or +44(0)7583 140 127 It would be most appreciated!

February 2018 AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot