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OCTOBER 2008 No.171

THE GUILD OF AIR PILOTS AND AIR NAVIGATORS

1 GuildDiary OCTOBER 2008 9 6th General Purposes and Finance Committee Meeting House 9 Aptitude Assessment RAF Cranwell 14 Benevolent Fund Board of Management Cobham House 14 4th Technical and Air Safety Committee Cobham House 16 Sir Frederick Tymms Lecture Royal Aeronautical Society 23 Trophies and Awards Banquet Guildhall

THE GUILD OF NOVEMBER 2008 AIR PILOTS AND 7 Silent Change Guildhall 8 Lord Mayor’s Show AIR NAVIGATORS 10 Lord Mayor’s Banquet Guildhall PATRON: 11 4th Education and Training Committee Cobham House 13 7th General Purposes and Finance Committee Meeting Cobham House His Royal Highness 13 4th Court Meeting Cutlers’ Hall The Prince Philip 13 Scholarships Presentation Cutlers’ Hall Duke of Edinburgh KG KT 19 St Cecilia’s Festival Westminster Cathedral 20 Past Masters’ Lunch RAF Club GRAND MASTER: 23 Guild Flying Club Lunch White Waltham His Royal Highness The Prince Andrew DECEMBER 2008 Duke of York KG KCVO 4 Aptitude Assessment RAF Cranwell MASTER: 9 5th Technical and Air Safety Committee Cobham House 12 8th General Purposes and Finance Committee Cobham House Air R S Peacock-Edwards 12 New Members’ Briefing Cobham House CBE AFC FRAeS FCIM 12 Guild Carol Service St Michael’s, Cornhill 12 Christmas Supper The Counting House CLERK: Paul J Tacon BA FCIS 17 Guild Closes The Guild, founded in 1929, is a Livery JANUARY 2009 Company of the City of . 5 Guild Opens (Letters Patent 1956) 13 5th Education and Training Committee Cobham House PUBLISHED BY: 14 Trophies & Awards Committee Cobham House The Guild of Air Pilots and Air Navigators, 21 Benevolent Fund Board of Management RAF Club Cobham House, 9 Warwick Court, Gray’s 22 9th General Purposes and Finance Committee Cobham House Inn, London WC1R 5DJ. 22 5th Court Meeting Cutlers’ Hall GUILD NEWS EDITOR: 22 Court Election Dinner TBC Linda Jones FEBRUARY 2009 PRINTED BY: Esto Perpetua Ltd 01992 761422 3 Combined Courts’ Lunch Cutlers’ Hall 5 Alex Henshaw Commemorative Dinner RAF Museum Hendon FUNCTION PHOTOGRAPHY: Gerald Sharp Photography. View images and 12 10th General Purposes and Finance Committee Cobham House order prints on-line. 24 6th Technical and Air Safety Committee Cobham House TELEPHONE: 020 8599 5070 MARCH 2009 EMAIL: [email protected] WEBSITE: www.sharpphoto.co.uk 10 6th Education and Training Committee Cobham House 12 11th General Purposes and Finance Committee Cobham House EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS: The copy deadline for the December 2008 12 6th Court Meeting Cutlers’ Hall edition of Guild News is 1 November 2008. 19 Annual Guild Service St Michael's, Cornhill Contributions should be sent to: The Editor, 19 AGM, Installation and Supper Merchant Taylors' Hall Guild News, Cobham House, 9 Warwick Court, Gray’s Inn, London WC1R 5DJ. Guild Visits Programme 2008 Guild News is free to Guild Members and by 20 January Aircraft Tyres, Birmingham subscription to non-members at £15 per annum.

TELEPHONE: 020 7404 4032 Please see the Flyers accompanying this and previous editions of Guild News or contact Assistant Michael Glover at [email protected] FAX NO: 020 7404 4035 EMAIL: [email protected] Cover picture: for generations, sailors and aviators have used the stars to navigate, and Orion, the Hunter, is one of WEBSITE: www.gapan.org the better-known of the largest and most conspicuous constellations they would have used in the Northern Hemisphere. Sadly, the dominance of the Global Positioning System has made it virtually unnecessary for traditional Except where specifically stated, none of the navigational skills to be learned or practiced these days. Yet, all is not lost, as Guild member Tristan Gooley still has material in this issue is to be taken as heavenly objects in his sight and is teaching the rare art of natural navigation. You can read his story on page 9. expressing the opinion of the Court of the Guild. In this edition of Guild News 4 News round up 14 Canada: Liveryman Lettice Curtis honoured Master at Abbotsford Air Show...

... with Liveryman Peter Duffey 15/16 Guild archives 5 Obituary ...at Cobham House Past Master Cliff Farndell 6 The Master writes... 7 Garden Party Hats off to Lasham Gliding Club 8 Clerk’s column and Hong 17 Visit to Central Kong’s Charity Night Flying School, Cranwell Guild Visits - the future 18 Gazette & Technical briefing 19 Regions Hong Kong: remembering Kai Tak : Education & Training report 20 Centenary of UK flight 9 Navigation Cody first day covers Long road to natural navigation 10/11 Canada: Webster Trophy Awards 12/13 At Brize Norton ...the Guild goes operational Round up.....

short flying display and lunch before all those who were able departed in coaches for No 10 Downing Street to be presented with their Badges by the Prime Minister. White Waltham was the headquarters of the Trophies and Awards Banquet ATA during WW2, an Capacity will be back to normal at this organisation which carried year’s Trophies and Awards Banquet out more than 300,000 on 23 October, following the aircraft delivery flights Guildhall’s major kitchen during the war involving refurbishment programme. The plan is some 147 different types of to accommodate up to 650 Guild aircraft. A number of pilots ATA legend: Liveryman Lettice Curtis is members and their guests, as against lost their lives in the process – they presented with an ATA Veterans Badge by the the much-reduced numbers of the last were very brave aircrew to whom the Master. (Photo: Jack Randell) few years. The guest of honour will be Nation owes a lot. What a pity that it Sir Stuart Rose, Executive Chairman of has taken more than sixty years for moving ceremony at her Care Home to Marks and Spencer. Sir Stuart was this much needed recognition to come. coincide with the ceremony at No 10. knighted in the New Year Honours List Those Guild members who attended ‘I was accompanied by Liveryman for his services to the retail industry the Trophies and Awards Banquet in Jack Randell and Freeman Ken Peters. and corporate social responsibility. 2003 will remember the standing A number of Lettice's close family and Now a Guild member, Sir Stuart is also ovation given to the three legendary friends also attended. Finally, I must mad keen on aviation and plays an female members of the ATA who were make mention of the tea that the staff active part in promoting the Imperial saluted on that occasion. One of those of the Care Home had prepared for the War Museum, Duxford, and associated was Liveryman Lettice Curtis, arguably occasion; it was quite the best and flying. Word has it he’s recently flown the most famous of the ATA female largest tea that I have ever enjoyed’. in a Spitfire – lucky fellow. aircrew. She herself carried out over Alan Bramson Among the ATA presentation The Master was 1,400 delivery flights and was the first deceased listed in the Gazette (page at White Waltham on Tuesday, 9 lady pilot to be cleared to carry out 4 18) is Liveryman Alan Bramson September to take part in the engine aircraft delivery flights. Lettice FRAeS, who was one of the Guild's celebrations associated with the award now resides in a lovely Care most eminent members and a legend of a Veterans Badge to all those who Home but was unable to attend either among the aviation fraternity. Ex-RAF, served in the Air Transport Auxiliary the event at White Waltham or at No with 250 aircraft types in his logbook, (ATA) in the Second World War. White 10. However, it was the Master's great he was an accomplished writer, Waltham was an entirely appropriate pleasure to have been able to present publishing some 20 books on aviation, venue for these celebrations, which Lettice, on behalf of the Prime air transport, pilot training and included an exhibition, speeches, a Minister, with her Veterans Badge in a certification, air accident investigation, airworthiness' and aircraft maintenance and so on. Most private pilots will have ploughed through the volumes of his definitive textbook: Flight Training for Pilots. He was for many years a much-respected aviation consultant. Alan joined the Guild in 1947 and was clothed with the Livery in 1964. He was a member of the Guild's Panel of Examiners for 28 years and Chairman for some of that time. - Continued on page 13

Unique aircraft: Flying Club members at Cosford with the Miles Mohawk, the RAF Museum’s latest acquisition. The aircraft was built in 1936 as an all-wood tandem two-seat dual control cabin monoplane. The American Charles Lindbergh, who in May 1927 made the first solo west-east , was in Britain that year. He wanted a fast, long-range light-touring aeroplane in which he and his wife could make business trips around . He asked F G Miles to build one for him to his specification. Lindbergh flew the aircraft between 1936 and 1939. This was the only Mohawk to be assembled.(Photo: Guy Faulkner)

4 OBITUARY PAST MASTER CLIFFORD THOMAS FARNDELL FRIN FRMetS

liff Farndell, who died on managed the Asian Civil Aviation but with the active co-operation of 2 September aged 94, Academy as part of the UN friends in Qantas and Jim Cowan”. technical assistance programme. The first meeting of the Australian Cwas Master of the Guild Mr Farndell’s exodus to the Region took place on 11 July 1968 in 1968-70, the second Bahamas in 1967 was lamented by and Jim Cowan became the navigator to hold the office – his friend Sir as a Region’s first Chairman. This was the start of the the first being Sir Frederick Master’s official tour of the Guild’s Tymms (1957-59). Mr Farndell Regions, the first of which took had been a member of the place in February 1969. In Master Guild for more than fifty years, Farndell’s case the visit was greatly facilitated by the Deputy Master, when among the Guild’s Sir Matthew Slattery, Chairman of enthusiastic supporters were BOAC. Accompanied by their figures such as Sir Alan wives, they visited both Australia and also Hong Kong, where their Cobham and Freddie Laker. attempts to initiate a Guild He joined the Guild as an presence were at that time Upper Freeman in 1958 and unsuccessful. took the Livery in 1964. In 2001 Past Master Farndell wrote to the Guild, having seen an Mr Farndell’s flying career obituary (presumably in a Guild began in 1940 when he joined the publication) for his old friend RAF and was dispatched to Canada Norman Bristow. Bristow, to train as a pilot. When he arrived he said, had been described as the he found himself on a navigation oldest surviving Past Master, course, became a navigator and “loss to this country”, who whereas he had succeeded Mr was posted to No. 307 Polish described him as “a man of Farndell in office in 1970. “I squadron night fighters on integrity and unimpeachable suspect”, he wrote, “I may not be Mosquitos, becoming one of the character”. Sir Alan, (Master 1964- the only one to protest that my first to use airborne radar in a 6) had known Mr Farndell for more decease has been greatly night fighter. In 1944 he was than ten years, largely through the exaggerated”. seconded to BOAC and operated Guild, where he had been In 2006, when the Duke of DC3s and Haltons out of chairman of the Technical Edinburgh met a group of Past Whitchurch. He then found himself Committee. Masters at the presentation of a at Northolt where he was Cliff Farndell was also the sword engraved with a list of the temporarily seconded to BEA and Master who played a pivotal role in many aircraft he had flown, Cliff flew as a navigator on one of the the setting up of the Guild’s first Farndell was strategically placed early services. At that time overseas Region – Australia. When next to him as the most senior Past BEA was a European offshoot of the concept of an Australian Master present, apart from the BOAC and in the throes of being set Region had been suggested by Duke himself. They should have up with help from secondees. Mr Australia’s legendary Jim Cowan in had plenty to talk about. Cliff Farndell returned to BOAC at Hurn the early 1960s, it was deemed ‘too Farndell was the navigator on one and became deputy flight difficult’ and allowed to lapse. The of the most famous Argonaut navigation officer of the ’s Court of Aldermen and the City flights ever, when he took Princess Argonaut fleet and later Comet 1s. Corporation had envisaged many Elizabeth to and brought her When the Comets were withdrawn, problems of such an offshoot. back to as Queen. he became an instructor at the However, with the help of his old Until quite recently, Cliff airline’s training unit. He moved friend Cliff Farndell, Jim Cowan Farndell attended Past Masters’ on to be Flight Navigation Officer persevered. With some 40 Guild lunches at the RAF Club. He on Constellations, DC7Cs, Comet members already living in enjoyed the company of his 2Es, Comet 4 and finally the Australia, he flew to London to successors and keeping in touch Boeing 707. discuss his proposals with the with the Guild’s affairs. In his 2001 After 22 years service with Court, returning triumphantly to letter, Past Master Farndell said BOAC, and by this time a Warden Australia with full approval and a how much he appreciated the of the Guild, Mr Farndell retired mandate to work out the ‘nuts and Guild’s efforts and to “see the and went to live in the Bahamas. bolts’ of setting up the Region. Guild going strongly and He joined the UN secretariat According to Master Farndell “it continuing to make a valuable specialised agency for ICAO in was an achievement reached in the contribution to aviation.” Montreal and originated and face of much cynical opposition,

5 The Master writes…. RICK PEACOCK-EDWARDS

n this Master’s message, in addition to making mention of Isome of the major highlights from the last few months, I would like to say a few words about Guild membership and some of our clubs and activities. However, I would first like to record that it is with great sadness that I have to report the passing of Past Master Cliff Farndell, who was only the second navigator to hold the office of Master, and the legendary aviator and Guild member, Liveryman Alan Bramson. References to their illustrious careers appear on pages 4 and 5. because of my own experience which I Hat’s off: the Master acknowledges support from With regard to the highlights of my know is mirrored elsewhere amongst the the many Guild members who were at Lasham activities, of most importance, and for the Guild Garden Party. With Air Commodore membership and tells me that we are not Rick Peacock-Edwards are Lasham Gliding Club’s something that I will never forget, was always advertising the Guild to best effect. Alistair Mackinnon (left) and Chris Lewis being presented to the Queen at the Royal I only joined in 1997 and my first (right). Centre is Mike Miller-Smith, a member Garden Party at Buckingham Palace on 22 introduction to the Guild came when I of the Lasham Gliding Club and chairman of the British Disabled Flying Association. July. As you would expect, I greatly was the guest of James Martin, joint enjoyed the experience and the managing director of Martin-Baker, at a the membership at large is not making opportunity to have a most pleasant and Trophies and Awards Banquet. I best use of the opportunities that are relaxed conversation with the Queen. In remember how hugely impressed I was by available. I would like to make special early August, together with Past Master the glittering magnificence of the occasion mention of the Guild flying and golf clubs. John Hutchinson, I attended and was part and I then learnt more about the Guild The Flying Club has around 100 members of the VIP party for the opening of the and joined. I quickly became involved in and the Golf Club somewhat less and yet Abbotsford International Air Show in Guild activities and realized that there is these two clubs themselves provide great British Columbia, Canada. This was also so much to gain from membership. opportunities for you, the membership, to an opportune time for some important However, as is always the case, the enjoy yourselves with like-minded people, meetings related to a Canadian Region. amount of benefit to be gained is to some and you don’t need to own an aircraft or Other highlights were the annual visit extent proportional to the amount of effort even a set of golf clubs. If you wish to to RAF Brize Norton and the Annual put in. My one big regret is that I had not obtain more information I suggest that Garden Party. The Brize Norton visit was joined 20 years earlier, and I regularly hear you contact the following: Flying Club - made even more special this year because others say exactly the same. I am Gerald Hackemer (gerald_hackemer we found ourselves involved in a serious mentioning all this because we must @compuserve.com) or Peter Davis operational mission (see the Guild goes always be looking to our future. We have, (peter.davis49 @btinternet.com) and the operational on pages 12/13). Lasham was of course, introduced the Guild Young Golf Club - John Mason (johnmason37@ an excellent venue for the Garden Party in Members’ Group (GYM) during the last onetel.com). spite of some inclement weather and was year and this initiative is of great Finally, you will find enclosed with greatly enjoyed by all who attended. It importance to our future. However, I ask this edition of Guild News a questionnaire also gave me a lot of pleasure to present a you, the members, to also help spread the seeking your views in a number of areas ‘hoist’ to Lasham Gliding Club for use by word about the benefits from membership associated with the on-going work of the disabled pilots. Turn to page 7 to read all because there are some very good people Strategic Review Team. This is about it and see how much it meant to out there who aren’t members because IMPORTANT and I do ask that you take them. they are no wiser than I was before I the time and effort to complete and return But now let me return to the subject of joined. This brings me on to the subject of the questionnaire. Your responses will membership. This is a subject that has the membership of our various clubs and have an influence on the future focus and long been close to my thoughts, not activities. direction of the Guild. because we are short of new members, There are a number of clubs and I look forward to seeing many of you indeed our membership has been steadily activities available through your at Guildhall on 23 October for the Trophies on the increase for many months, but membership and in some cases I feel that and Awards Banquet. 6 GUILD GARDEN PARTY Hats off to Lasham LINDA JONES

ore than a hundred and sixty Guild Mmembers brought their family and friends to Lasham, Hampshire on 10 Huddled masses: members enjoy a picnic lunch, August for the annual Guild their cars clutching massive cool boxes protected by the Guild’s substantial marquee. Garden Party, where more and other trappings thought necessary for (Photo: Lasham Gliding Society) hats flew this year than a good English picnic. They had travelled doubt having read the feature on Lasham to Lasham from across the shires and in the February Guild News, which was aircraft. Strong, gusty winds even, in John and Andrea Eacott’s case, written by their own man, Mike Birch. whipped viciously across the from Australia. The Region’s Treasurer The article generated a lot of interest in airfield all day, putting a stop was on the final leg of an eight-week and the Guild, and young glider pilots took well-timed visit to the UK. And so, to the the opportunity to pop in for a chat or to to the National Gliding popping of Champagne corks, the feast take a pilot aptitude test. Guild training Competition Finals, but failing began, showing you can always depend experts advised on how to progress to deter Guild diehards Guy upon aviators to tuck-in and enjoy towards a career in commercial aviation. Faulkner and Owen Cubitt themselves whatever the weather. On the other hand, some Guild members The choice of Lasham this year for the were taking a peek at what the Lasham from flying in from Gamston Garden Party couldn’t have been a better Gliding Society might have to offer them. and Denham, respectively. one, with some of their top brass – Barry While the weather might have Woodhouse, Alistair Mackinnon and scrubbed gliding for the day, it didn’t Chris Lewis – being welcomed to the prevent two powered aircraft from Guild encampment by the Master, Rick putting on a display for the Guild. Peacock-Edwards. Warden Cliff Spink opted for an ME109 It was particularly pleasing to also (conditions were unsuitable for the welcome Mike Miller-Smith, chairman of Spitfire) flying from Duxford to Lasham to give a spectacular display across the airfield. Following him into the Hampshire air was Diana Britten, the country’s only woman unlimited

Gift aid: the Master presents a hoist to Mike Miller-Smith, Chairman of the British Disabled Flying Association, to help the disabled pilots access and leave their aircraft. (Photo: Lasham Gliding Society) Star turn: Diana Britten gave a stunning aerobatic performance in her CAP 232 aircraft. the British Disabled Flying Association (BDFA) and a member of the Lasham aerobatic display pilot. In her French Made for walking: Upper Freeman Graham Thomas, and his wife Amanda, came prepared Gliding Society. On behalf of the Guild, composite wooden and carbon fibre CAP for all eventualities. the Master presented the Society with a 232 aircraft, she wowed the crowd with special hoist to aid disabled pilots get into her world-class aerobatic performance. Thanks to organiser Assistant Mike and out of their aircraft, which Mike Great stuff! Glover’s meteorological instincts, a gratefully accepted. Four aircraft at All too soon it was time to pack up substantial Guild marquee had been Lasham have been adapted for use by the and head for home. And as members erected beside Lasham’s welcoming Club disabled. Mike said the BDFA is trying to gathered their debris and made for the House, providing a safe haven from the get other airfields to affiliate with them. road, a Seneca and Chipmunk became blustery weather. The tables and chairs Other members of the Lasham Gliding airborne – as Guy and Owen took off and provided inside the marquee were quickly Society visiting the Guild marquee were flew straight into a heavy squall. Ah, well filled by the masses, after struggling from attracted by the Guild display stand, no – it is summer, you know! 7 Clerk’s column PAUL TACON Learned Clerk HONG KONG REGION

Review Questionnaire This edition of Guild News contains a copy of the questionnaire that the Review Team has distributed as part of the ongoing strategic review of the Guild and its activities. This is important, so please do take time to complete the questionnaire, either in hard copy or by e-mail, and return it to the Guild office. Your views are genuinely sought and will be considered.

Website One of the recommendations proposed as a result of the strategic review that is being actioned immediately, is an update of the Guild website. A new website is being designed and constructed that will, hopefully, be as useful and informative as possible, whilst also enabled to be The Hong Kong Region held it’s third “Ladies Successful evening: students used in a far more interactive and Charity Night” on 4 September and it proved as large a of the Pinehill Integrated pro-active way than is the case Vocational Training Centre, success as the previous events. Hong Kong at another Ladies’ with the current website. More Charity Night. With them are news will follow in due course Thirty-five Guild members and their guests (from left) Peter Robinson about when the new website will travelled by the Centre’s bus from the more convenient (Guild Immediate Past Chairman); Jack Smith, be going ‘live’. Aviation Club at Kai Tak to enjoy an evening and Guild Region Administrator; superb dinner catered and served by the young mild Nicole Li, Admin Centre Regional Development There grade mentally handicapped students of the Pinehill Manager; John Li, Guild is significant interest in both Chairman; and Patrick Poon, Integrated Vocational Training centre. The Centre is Pinehill Centre Supervisor. Canada and South Africa in located at Tai Po in the northern part of Hong Kong. developing a national Guild base or Regional Committee in those This year there was a slight difference in that a small hotel has been built at countries. A great deal of work the Centre and the evening started there with pre-dinner cocktails. For eight has been and is currently being guests the evening also ended there when they returned, after the completion of conducted to bring these very the dinner, to take advantage of the accommodation and leave the drive home welcome initiatives to fruition. In until the next day. All agreed it was a great facility! the case of the SA Regional Committee, an Alex Henshaw Guests then moved to the dining room for a four-course dinner, complete tribute is planned that will involve with Loving Cup and toasts. The Chairman in his toast to the Guests praised the events in both UK and SA, timed work of the centre and congratulated the students on the high standard of food to commemorate his record- and service. He promised to return next year! breaking flight between the two countries. See the ‘pull-out’ and Patrick Poon, the Centre Supervisor, made the reply to the toast. He thanked flyer in this edition. Plans for the the Guild for once again choosing the Integrated Vocational Training Centre as development of the Canadian the venue to hold it’s annual dinner. He added that the students and his Regional Committee are also colleagues were always excited to be given the precious opportunity to serve the forging ahead and it is hoped the Guild, which has now become a popular name within the centre. He said Guild will eventually be able to everyone takes pride in being a participant in the event. Mr Poon completed his count these two countries reply by stating that he felt honoured to be invited and had enjoyed the whole amongst its regional network. evening thoroughly. He then proposed the toast to the Guild and ended the The addition of Canada and South evening by wishing the Company all the best and success and looked forward to Africa to the existing Regional the same occasion again next year. Committees in Hong Kong, Australia and New Zealand shows Great difficulty was then experienced in persuading guests to board the bus. that globalisation is alive and well But eventually the staff and students waved it off a little after 2300 hours. Those in the Guild. that remained carried a last glass to their hotel rooms. Another successful night came to an end. 8 Long road to natural navigation FREEMAN TRISTAN GOOLEY

hen I was 10 my mother, grateful for Wsome peace and quiet no doubt, packed me off on a five-day Royal Yachting Association dinghy course in Bembridge on the Isle of Wight. I was hesitant at first, but soon found myself having a lot of fun. Near the end of the course my instructor said to my shipmate and me: ‘Where would you like to go today?’ With that innocuous- sounding expression he detonated a lifelong passion for navigation, although I didn’t realise that was what it was called at the time.

Navigation as a discipline has a bit of a dry reputation amongst the uninitiated, but it was the opposite for me. I learned over years of walking up mountains, sailing over seas and flying as much as I could, Back to nature - watch and learn that this navigation thing was really a wolf in sheep’s clothing. I never saw then marking down new ones on Is this absolutely necessary in the navigators as paper and pencil people charts. You will not be surprised to world today? Perhaps not, but then (that was an occupational hazard), hear that I’ve filled many an hour the most interesting things in life are they were adventurers and restless reading biographies of Cook, not always. Are music, art, sculpture souls pushing back boundaries and Shackleton, Johnson and co. and dance? It is a complementary skill and while the few who have taken an The journeys I undertook taught interest in the subject like to focus on me many things, but chief among the safety aspect, I also like to them was an interest in and emphasise the enjoyment that comes appreciation of the world around me. from greater understanding and This interest matured into a curiosity awareness. It is very satisfying to and that then became a fascination. watch the heavenly objects behaving For a long time now the two interests the way you expect them to and even of navigation and nature have run in the plants and animals oblige from parallel, but a month ago I took the time to time. The weather in this plunge and set up a school teaching country rarely does, but at least we and researching the rare art of natural navigators can take some satisfaction navigation. I teach people how to find from understanding why. their way without a GPS (Global Positioning System) or compass, On 1st January 2008 Tristan using the sun, moon, stars, weather, Gooley became the first European to water, land, plants and animals. My have both flown solo and sailed courses are for those who enjoy the single-handedly across the Atlantic. outdoors or getting places: walkers, He is the founder of The Natural sailors, pilots, adventurers, travellers Navigator School. See his website: Tristan Gooley and explorers. In a word – navigators. www.naturalnavigator.com. 9 The Webster Trophy Awards Banquet ASSISTANT POLLY VACHER

lue, clear skies greeted Canadian aviation awards. flight test report may be used instead. me as I landed at Dr J C Webster was a well-known There is a set of marking criteria to surgeon whose pilot son John was make the competition as objective as BMoncton in New sadly killed in an aviation accident. In possible. The competitor from each of Brunswick, Canada, on 21 1932 he established the Webster the nine regions with the highest August. I had flown over Memorial Trophy Competition to marks on their flight test goes through perpetuate the memory of his son and to the finals. Moncton a couple of times to encourage excellence and precision The selection of an overall winner on my trans-Atlantic and first amongst amateur pilots. He had a takes place at a different venue across world flights, but never huge bronze trophy of the Greek God Canada each year. This year it was landed. Before 1996 anyone Icarus, representing youth and flight, Moncton and the Moncton Flight and from then to the present day this College hosted the candidates for a wishing to ferry a light is awarded annually. The trophy, week. The whole event is sponsored aircraft across the North rather like the tennis tournament by Air Canada who fly the finalists to Atlantic was obligated to trophy which remains at Wimbledon, the selection and pay for their lives in the Canada Aviation Museum accommodations along with the land at Moncton first, where in Ottawa and never graces the Awards Banquet as well. The Airline a rigorous check of their mantelpiece of the winner. It is the Pilots’ Association paid for all the aircraft and equipment took honour and prestige that makes this flying costs associated with the flight place. This custom was abolished before my first crossing in 1997, but I had all the advisory notices from the Canadian authorities and as they made good safety sense I adhered to them anyway. It was strange flying over such familiar territory in a Bombardier CRJ instead of my little Piper Dakota, and I couldn’t help a certain feeling of nostalgia. I was to be the guest of honour and keynote speaker at the prestigious Webster Trophy Banquet, when the Flying: Jason Gregg, Regional Winner for the Atlantic Provinces (Maritimes Region) during the air very best of General Aviation pilots portion of the competition in a DA20. (Photo: Marcel Keays) compete for this greatest of all the most sought after Canadian testing portion of the competition. aviation award. During the week at the Moncton For the purposes of the Flight College, an impressive building competition, Canada is divided into which can house up to 400 students nine regions. Any amateur pilot can in modern accommodation blocks, apply but they must not have been the finalists sit two more written remunerated in any way for their exams (in French or English) which flying, so it really is strictly for incorporate navigation, meteorology, amateurs. The initial stages comprise principles of flight and air law. There a significant application form which are normally three judges who mark is then followed by taking a flight test these papers. They are full written one of two ways. The competitor can papers, no multi-choice. Two use the services of a Pilot Examiner Transport Canada Civil Aviation authorized by Transport Canada and Inspectors (similar to the UK’s Civil take a Webster flight test or, if the Aviation Authority Examiners) competitor has received either a conduct the flight tests, one Training: Jason Gregg, Regional winner for the Private or Commercial Pilot’s Licence navigation and the other general Altantic Provinces (Maritimes Region) being trained at Moncton Flight College. (Photo: within the Webster fiscal year, a copy handling. One inspector does all the Marcel Keays) of the Transport Canada Licensing general handling and the other all the

10 promote the work that this charity does for disabled people in the UK and now in Australia, Norway and the USA. Between each course of the delicious meal, various people arose to thank sponsors, volunteers and supporters. The tension was mounting – how long would they be before they announced the winner? Whilst sipping coffee all the finalists were called to the Planning: the Webster finalists beginning a front and given certificates cross-country flight planning exercise as part of and other tokens of their the ground portion of the competition. Kevin participation. More tension Dhaliwal representing the British Columbia Region in foreground seated beside Trevor for everyone, but I guess that LeMarquand (eventual runner-up) representing was part of the design. the Quebec Region. (Photo: Marcel Keays) Eventually they announced Winning: Sandeep Nagpal, 2008 winner of the the runner up, Trevor LeMarquand Webster Memorial Trophy Competition, from Brampton Flight Centre and representing the navigation to ensure as fair a result as who was given the Eunice Carter Western Ontario Region. (Photo: Marcel Keays) possible. Memorial Trophy “I am gathering a I had the good fortune to spend lot of business cards tonight” he Amy and Wayne have offered to help some time with the nine candidates laughed acknowledging that the and advise on how they run the and enjoyed hearing about their flying networking opportunities at the competition. experiences and their aspirations. Webster Banquet were invaluable. For more details contact: Polly Whilst being open to amateur pilots The late Eunice Carter administered Vacher: [email protected] or 01235 of all ages and backgrounds, the the Webster Trophy Competition for 817554. For details on Webster finalists were bright young men who over 15 years, and I was lucky enough Trophy: www.webstertrophy.ca or were hoping to make a career in to meet her husband Bruce who had Amy and Wayne Foy on aviation. ‘Where are the women?’, I been a judge for 22 years. [email protected] For details about couldn’t resist asking. I was assured At last, with much aplomb, the Flying Scholarships for the Disabled: that normally there are one or two Director of Flight Operations for Air www.toreachforthesky.org.uk women finalists. Canada ripped the envelope open and The full range of photographs of By the Saturday all flight tests announced the winner. It was the Webster Trophy Competition were complete and it was just a Sandeep Nagpal. is available for viewing on: matter of the computer working out “ I was resigned to the fact that I http://picasaweb.google.com/photoma the candidate with the most marks. I was just going to enjoy myself and xme/Webster was told that it is very close with as have a good time”, said little as 0.1 difference between them Sandeep. “I like flying but on occasions, and having met them even on the ground there’s all, I can well believe that! still a spirit of friendship The whole week culminated in the and camaraderie in Webster Trophy Banquet which aviation.” commenced with a welcome Amy Foy who reception. Everyone was in evening administers the whole dress with most influential people in competition and Wayne aviation in attendance as well as Foy, her husband and representatives from the major judge, threw down the sponsor, Air Canada. Sennheiser, gauntlet. “We would love along with Jeppesen, Shell Canada, you to start something and Field Aviation sponsored my visit similar in the UK”, they and raised a significant donation for said, to which I retorted “I Flying Scholarships for the Disabled. would love you to start There is a serious movement afoot to Flying Scholarships for the Talking: Assistant Polly Vacher with Gerald start Flying Scholarships for the Disabled in Canada”. So who knows? Riddett, Program Manager and Chief Flight Disabled in Canada, so it was Is there anyone in the Guild who Instructor JAA Operations, after the completion of a local press conference. (Photo: Marcel appropriate to have the opportunity to would like to take up the challenge? Keays) 11 The Guild goes operational AIR COMMODORE RICK PEACOCK-EDWARDS The Master

(Photo: Alan Jackson)

n Thursday 24 July, a mission in support of the UK Northern Tornados in the RAF but when I was delegation of 30 of us Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) Force, based at RAF Leuchars, then flying F4 namely Tornados F3s operating out of Phantoms, I intercepted over 30 Omade our much RAF Leuchars in Scotland. A pair of Russian bombers in very similar sought after annual visit to Russian ‘Bear’ aircraft had been circumstances during my three-year RAF Brize Norton. detected and the Tornados had been tour at the Station. I was therefore scrambled from Leuchars. There was able to explain to others exactly what This was another outstanding visit, great interest as the fully armed was going on and I was delighted to the highlight of which was a flight in Tornados air-to-air refueled from the have the opportunity. a VC10 Tanker aircraft from No 101 VC10 way north of Scotland, Aside from the excitement and Squadron. However, on this occasion somewhere between the Shetlands involvement in an operational mission which in the event took up most of the visit, the day’s programme included two presentations. There was an excellent one about the largest RAF base in the UK, and one that is in the midst of great change, and another most interesting one from No 101 Squadron. As in previous years, the visit had been superbly organized by Cat Thompson. Her husband, Squadron Leader Dave Thompson, himself a VC10 skipper in command of “our” VC10 on the day, hosted the flying part of the visit and was most helpful in answering questions. One could say ‘a real family affair’ and I am pleased to say they have both accepted invitations to be our guests at this year’s Trophies and Awards Banquet on 23 October. During the visit I was also (Photo: Alan Jackson) able to present a cheque for Station Charities to the new Station there was a very interesting and and the Faroes. For all the GAPAN , Group Captain Jon Ager. unplanned surprise. The plan was for visitors on board this was a most This was another wonderful visit. the VC10 to offload fuel over the North fascinating experience and certainly a Thank you Brize Norton for making Sea to Typhoons, Harriers and French flight that will be long remembered. everyone so welcome and for giving Mirages. In the event it was diverted For me it was a trip down memory us a day to remember. Assistant Mike from this task to an operational lane because not only did I fly Glover has already received an

12 invitation for another visit in 2009 It was at this point that we were and now has a date in his Visits re-tasked. Two Russian Tu-95 ‘Bear’ Calendar for next July. bomber/reconnaissance aircraft had Liveryman Alan Jackson, who been detected approaching the was also on board the VC10, writes: over the Norwegian We were airborne at 11.15 and en Sea. A Tornado F3 had been route for the first air-to-air refuelling launched by 111 Squadron from RAF (AAR) exercise, at AAR area 5 over Leuchars in Scotland to intercept, the North Sea to the east of and would in due course need fuel – Bamburgh. There we were due to as would any further fighters that tank four Eurofighter Typhoons from might need to be scrambled. And, 29 Squadron out of Coningsby, praise be, we were closest! So the the aircraft commander, co-pilot, delivering three tonnes of fuel to training sortie was consigned to flight engineer and navigator, and all each: from there we were scheduled ‘might have been’. were focused on the job in hand. The to fly south to AARA 8, east of the We flew north towards the Faroe Russians were now around 60 miles Wash, to tank a pair of French air Islands, in the vicinity of which the ahead of us. force Mirage 2000s, and then four interception was expected to take Our first customer was a second Harrier GR7s from 4 Squadron at place. Soon the Scottish highlands F3 that had been launched from Cottesmore. I expected to be busy were beneath us. Our scheduled two Leuchars: he took four tonnes of fuel with my camera! hour training sortie looked like from us so as to be topped up to the We got our first inkling that the turning into something a lot longer! brim, and then flew on to take over day would not go entirely to plan As we approached 62° north, the the shadowing role from the first when the Typhoons scrubbed: they tempo on the flight deck rose. These aircraft, which by now had evidently had better games to play. aircraft fly with four flight deck crew: intercepted the Russians. The first aircraft then appeared out of the increasingly murky sky at our 20,000ft altitude, and took his share. Both F3s were fully armed with four AMRAAMs (advanced medium range air-to-air missiles) and four ASRAAMs (the short range equivalent): so if one day the bombers arrive with hostile intent, there will be an answer. By this time the two Bears had seen enough, and were heading for home, so there was no need for us to stick around: we headed south, along the west coast of Scotland, down past the Lake District and back to Brize where we landed at 4.45pm: a five and a half hour sortie, rather than the two hours that had been (Photo: Alan Jackson) scheduled.

UK to do an MSc at Cranfield and started to fly at the College of Long Serving Aeronautics, but could not afford to continue, thus the application Members for the Guild scholarship. Golden wedding Past Master John 60 years membership Hutchinson and his wife Sue are Captain Douglas Bryan celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary at a Service at St Michael’s, Coventry air accident One of Cornhill, on 31 the people killed in the mid-air October and Flying holiday: Adam Norris, the Sir Sefton collision at Coventry on 17 August invite Guild Brancker PPL scholar, has been busy training was Sybille Gautrey, who as Sybille members to for his licence during the summer holidays. So far he has completed 48-hours flying, having Paarmann won two Guild join them. The achieved his solo qualifying cross-country via scholarships, one for a PPL and Holy Gamston and Sywell. Although he now had one for an instructor rating. Sybille Communion had to return to school he is confident of finishing his PPL in free periods and at was brought up in East Germany Service starts weekends, despite the British weather. Adam is and later studied aeronautical at 1.10pm and pictured at Henlow Flying School beside the engineering at the Technical will last about Cessna 152 in which he was just about to take University of Berlin. She came to 20-25 minutes. a lesson. (Photo: Arthur Thorning)

13 CANADA IN OUR SIGHTS Guild visits Abbotsford International Air Show

he Master, Rick Peacock- to Canada at the beginning of August Edwards, accompanied exceeded my expectations in every way as a catalyst for creating a new Tby Past Master John Region of the Guild. I flew into Hutchinson, visited Canada Vancouver, itself a quite beautiful at the beginning of August city, and I certainly packed a lot into and attended the Abbotsford my short visit. International Air Show. The “Wherever we went we were very Master also took part in the warmly received and the word had VIP Opening Ceremony. obviously got around because I was most pleasantly surprised at how may people knew who we were, and This was a memorable visit and The Abbotsford International Air about our plans. I was also warmed one that has helped create that bond Show has been one of the main air by the enthusiasm of everyone for that we are seeking for the future. show events in the North American the idea of creating closer ties. You might also be interested to note calendar for more than 40 years and that the Guild’s Australian Region this year it took place over three “All our meetings were highly are now in good contact with days: 8-10 August. The Master productive and, collectively, we Canada since there would appear to attended for the opening ceremonies were able to develop be a lot of synergy between the two plans for the way Regions because of the size of the ahead, and it was so respective countries. nice to meet face-to- face and to be able to Making headway: the Master with John Burley put faces to names. (left), Donna Farquhar, and Patrick Reid Much work has still to (right) who he hopes will be active members of be done, but we have the new Canadian Region. Now a Guild member, John was instrumental in helping the made an excellent Guild make contacts in Canada and is a start. For general member of the Steering Group planning the information at this formation of the new Region. Donna works for Ron Price, CEO of the Abbotsford Air Show, stage, the basic plan is and therefore deeply involved with the that the new Region Abbotsford International Air Show. She is will form from a likely to have a key administrative role in the Vancouver base and new Canadian Region and is also ready organising the initial meetings. Patrick is a then build across the member of the Guild under the Nominated nation”. Admissions scheme and comes from a Ex-pat: Peter Duffey (left) with the Master. A diplomatic and business background. His former pilot, Peter is a Liveryman of But back to the Abbotsford Air father-in-law (now deceased) was Group Captain W N Cummings, Master of the Guild the Guild and now lives in British Columbia. It Show, Abbotsford is about a one- is likely he will be involved with the Guild in in 1949. Patrick is tentatively earmarked to be Canada and has offered to help as required. hour drive from Chairman of the Canadian Region. Vancouver and close to the border. and the first day of flying before he Like Vancouver, it is a had to return to the UK in time for part of some of the most the Garden Party at Lasham. John beautiful scenery in the Hutchinson, however, was able to world in British attend for all three days and made Columbia. The air display some excellent contacts to help us itself was very high move forwards with the formation a quality with some new Canadian Region of the Guild. excellent performances. Indeed, whilst the Abbotsford Air Of note, both the US Show was the driver for the visit it Thunderbird and also provided the opportunity for the Canadian Snowbird Master and PM Hutchinson to hold a aerobatic teams were number of important meetings performing at the show, associated with the new Region and testament to the quality to meet key and influential people to of the display. There was help make it happen. plenty to see of great interest, and some As the Master reports: “Our visit excellent flying displays.

14 Archives at Cobham House PAST MASTER PETER BUGGÉ

t became apparent when the carried out a survey flight in a Leopard Guild moved its offices from Moth, leaving England on 22 March 1934. In the race itself Cathcart-Jones IGray’s Inn Road that quite a and Waller finished third in the speed lot of our history was in danger section. We have Waller’s logbooks of being lost and Assistant covering, among other things, both the survey flight and the race itself. The Gerald Hackemer was collating actual notes he made during the survey what we had. At the same flight, jotted down during and time I was in possession of immediately after each sector, are also material gifted or loaned to the displayed and make fascinating reading. Guild which was far too good Dick Bentley was a Guild member to sit in a cupboard and who died in 1990 and when his widow between us, and with the help died a few years later some of his memorabilia came on loan to the Guild. and support of many Guild Born in 1897, he joined the Royal Flying members and staff, we had Corps (RFC) as a pilot in 1916. For his installed the display cabinets, observation patrols over the battlefield at shelving and cupboards in the Cambrai on 20 November 1917, which was the first battle in which tanks were top floor room at Cobham used, Dick Bentley was awarded the House. The two largest Military Cross. After the war he Details of Dick Bentley’s flying career. collections are of the Waller emigrated to South Africa where he joined the nascent South African Air 11 June 1958 record inter alia complaints Force. In 1927, with sponsorship from that the four speeches at the second the Johannesburg Star newspaper, he Annual Banquet held at the Dorchester purchased a DH 60X Cirrus Moth for a Hotel on 28 May had taken 1 hour 34 solo flight from London to Cape Town, minutes! Although not all were present, then the longest solo flight ever the proposed guest list for this event had achieved. The only modification to the included Prince Bernhard of the aircraft was the fitting of an additional 25 Netherlands, Lord Mountbatten of gallon fuel tank in the passenger seat Burma, the Secretary of State for Air, and an additional oil tank. He left Stag CAS (Sir Dermot Boyle), the Minister of Lane on 1 September 1927 and reached Transport and Civil Aviation (Harold Cape Town on 28 September and for this Watkinson), the President of the RAeS flight Dick Bentley was awarded the Air (Sir George Edwards), the President of Force Cross and the . In the RAeC (Lord Brabazon of Tara), and On record: the display cabinet at Cobham House 1928 Bentley flew back to the UK, the Chairman of BOAC (Sir Gerard with Dick Bentley’s medals, with a picture of becoming the first person to fly from d’Erlanger) and of BEA (Lord Douglas of him wearing them. In the background is the Cape Town to London, and the first to fly Kirtleside). RE8 he flew over Cambrai when winning his Military Cross. In an adjacent cabinet is his the round trip. During the Second World logbook, a picture of the aircraft in which he War he was commissioned into the There are four volumes of cuttings flew to South Africa, a map of the route and a RAFVR on instructing, testing and and photographs recently brought to the picture of him receiving the Britannia Trophy ferrying duties, for which he was office covering the career of Captain A S from the Duke of Edinburgh. awarded the Air Efficiency Medal, and Wilcockson, a founder member of the flew many types of aircraft. We have Guild and perhaps best known for and the Bentley material, but a Dick’s medals, the logbook of his commanding Maia, the flying boat that substantial amount of the Capetown flights, the Britannia trophy launched Mercury, the flown Guild's history has also come and various other items which are by Don Bennett which was used to to light. displayed by courtesy of the McGregor develop transatlantic flights. Wilcockson Museum, Kimberley, SA. was appointed OBE for this work and in Ken Waller was Chief Test Pilot for one of the albums there is a letter of at Woodley from 1946, but Turning now to Guild material, there congratulation signed by C G Grey, the is perhaps better known as a contestant is a Minute Book of the Guild's legendary editor of The Aeroplane. in the England-Australia MacRobertson Functions and Ceremonies Committee Captain Wilcockson was also the winner Air Race, which started from Mildenhall which, until October 1958, met at of the Johnston Memorial Trophy for on 20 October 1934, flying in one of the Londonderry House, subsequent ‘the best feat of navigation for the year three DH 88 Comet aircraft, ‘SR, with meetings being at 14 South Street. To 1936-7’ which was presented at a Cathcart-Jones. Prior to the race Waller take one entry at random, the minutes of reception at Londonderry House.

15 Archives at Cobham House cont’d PAST MASTER PETER BUGGÉ

One of my favourite items is a Croydon’. Lawson is in fact named on the much correspondence about the venue Register of members which dates from print that hangs in Cobham House as the for a Dinner to be held in October 1929, the very formation of the Guild. Entries pilot of the DH4A of Air Transport &Travel following the refusal by the police to are handwritten, mostly in a fine that was used for the first scheduled daily grant Rules restaurant a liquor licence for copperplate script, and sometimes with flight from Hounslow Heath to Paris on 25 Sunday 6 October. An offer from the a succinct addendum across the entry August 1919. Hotel Cecil concludes: "Trusting to be such as that for Sir Sefton Brancker – favoured with your esteemed patronage ‘deceased R101 disaster 5 October 1930’, Perhaps my favourite entry of all in and awaiting your further instructions, or for Charles Ulm, noted as joint MD the Register is that of Alexander which shall have our best attention". with Charles Kingsford-Smith (who was Duckham, described as a Petroleum The first General Meeting of the Guild also a Guild member) of Australian Technologist – I'm sure we older was indeed held at the Hotel Cecil on 19 National Airways and half owner and members remember Duckham’s Oil, later October and followed by a Dinner. co-commander of the Southern Cross, ‘Deceased December 1934 – reported In July there was correspondence missing’. The flight in question was that about the refusal of the Board of Trade to of an Airspeed Envoy named Stella grant a licence to the Guild under the Australis which left Oakland, California, Companies Act 1908 and on 5 July Laurie for Hawaii on 3 December 1934; no trace Wingfield wrote to E L Johnston asking of it was ever found. The preparation of "Do you think we can bring further the aircraft and the conduct of the flight pressure to bear upon them or shall we is discussed in ’s accept the situation?" As a result of this autobiography Slide Rule. discussion Laurie Wingfield wrote to Sir Sefton Brancker on 8 July saying "I think perhaps a word from you to the Board of Trade might make all the difference". Apparently the Board of Trade remained unmoved for on 19 July Laurie Wingfield again wrote to Sir Sefton Brancker conceding defeat!

Let me close with a personal reference to more modern times. The entry in the Register of Members for Through the Panel of Examiners the Alexander Duckham Guild was responsible until, I think, the part of Castrol - whose qualification for mid-1960s for the standards for flying membership reads: "Never piloted. Flew instructors. On the shelves there is an with Bleriot in 1909 and with Charles Issue Book recording the authorisation of Rolls in 1910". flying instructors and to my delight the seventh entry on the first page reads: "F The most recent items to come to H Buggé, £2.2.0 paid, test date 19/10/56, light are seven bundles of original time 40 minutes. And the comment: correspondence relating to the founding “Very experienced”. This was my Uncle of the Guild. The covers are in a poor who first started me flying when I was state but the condition of the letters doing A levels at Brooklands Technical themselves is not too bad. Many are College, Weybridge, in the late ‘50s. He between Laurie Wingfield, the first Clerk, had flown with the RFC and RAF, was in Sir Sefton Brancker and Squadron Leader Iraq - or Mesapotamia as he always The entry in the Register of Members for Sir E L Johnston – the navigator of R101 called it - in the 1920s, and was later Sefton Brancker, the first Master of the Guild whose address is given as Royal Airship running his own air photography Works, Cardington - and they all tell of a business in Argentina. After the War, Other entries include Sir Arthur different world to the one our children during which he again served with the Whitten Brown, whose ‘Qualification for and grandchildren now know. Sir Sefton RAF, he instructed at weekends at membership’ reads ‘Air Navigator Brancker received a letter dated 4 July Elstree, Denham and Panshanger. (retired) companion of Sir John Alcock on 1929: "Mr Hugh Lewis' compliments to the first successful Atlantic crossing June Sir Sefton Brancker, Director of Civil There is much more, of course; do 10 1919’. A name perhaps less well Aviation. Mr Lewis would be greatly make the time to visit Cobham House known is that of E H Lawson, whose obliged if he would kindly ask the and look through the archives which entry reads ‘B pilot 150 12/6/19’ and Secretary of the new Guild of Air Pilots give such a wonderful insight into the whose address is given as ‘Aerodrome and Air Navigators to send Mr Lewis founders of our Guild. Office, Control Tower, Airport of London, particulars of the organisation". There is

16 Visit to Central Flying School, RAF Cranwell Guild visits PAST MASTER ARTHUR THORNING ASSISTANT MICHAEL GLOVER party of 23 Guild The emphasis is on training in aving run the Guild members, led by the human factors and cognitive skills Visits and Garden Party to improve mission success through A Master, visited the individual and team performance. Hprogramme for more RAF Central Flying School Lessons have been learned from than 10 years it now seems (CFS) – one of our sports psychologists on motivation time for me to “retire” or, at and attitude. A five-day human associated military units - factors course is included in the least, step back a bit and let on 17 July, at the invitation syllabus for all pilot trainees and someone else have a go – new of Group Captain Nick flying instructors also attend ideas and, perhaps, a change Seward, Commandant CFS. another five-day course, ‘Human of style should not come Performance for Instructors’. The visit was efficiently amiss. organised by Squadron After lunch in the York House Leader Nick Goodwyn, who Officers’ Mess we moved on to the Officer and Aircrew Selection is a staff member at CFS Centre. Sqn Ldr Mike Carr briefed and sits on the Guild’s us on a comprehensive range of Education and Training tests which are under constant Committee. The day was development. The OASC has many external customers, civil and chosen to coincide with the foreign military, including, of annual gathering of the CFS course, the Guild with its Association when an air assessment programme for aspiring civil pilots. We then display was scheduled for moved on to a fascinating tour of the afternoon - an the imposing RAF College appealing bonus. building, guided by the very knowledgeable Dave Bell – a The visit started with a welcome particularly interesting experience So, for the next Guild year, March and presentation on the CFS by Gp for the many in the group who had 2009 to March 2010, while I shall Capt Seward. The Central Flying not been there before. continue to have overall responsibility School has been a vital component for the programme, you will begin to of British military flying training The bus, fuelled by optimism, see different names and addresses on since the first course was held in then took us to the flight line for the bottoms of some of the Initial 1912, at Upavon, Wiltshire, and the flying display. It had been an Advice Sheets asking for your continues currently at RAF unremittingly wet day so far. responses. This process of spreading Cranwell. The CFS is responsible for Peering out from under umbrellas the load has actually started, in a small training RAF instructors and and two small marquees we way, this year with Arthur Thorning maintaining standards of watched some determined running three of our visits this past instruction and regards its links displays by a Tutor, a Firefly and a summer. His assistance has been most with the Guild as very valuable. The KingAir flying from the welcome and, I hope, his name will development of the forthcoming UK Cranwell/Barkston Heath training continue to appear on some of our one- Military Flying Training System fleet. Fortunately the rain eased a day visits in the future. (MFTS) is a major interest for CFS bit and we had the delight of a I have much enjoyed developing the at this time. It takes about four combined display by a Spitfire and Guild Programme of Visits over the last years for a pilot to progress through its latest successor, the Typhoon. several years and am especially grateful the training system to be combat We must all have been muttering for the letters, emails and phone calls ready, but over 90% get all the way the words of William Blake’s of appreciation I have received from through, in no small part due to the Jerusalem under our breath ‘O many of you. During the last Guild year efforts of CFS. The clouds unfold’, for lo, they did – 554 of you joined one or more of our Aerobatic Team, the , and right on cue the Red Arrows “outings” and, in each case, your “feed come within the CFS organisation – roared low over the airfield and back” afterwards was most generous. happily they were scheduled to take then gave us the privilege of It has been a privilege doing the job part in the afternoon flying display. watching their full programme. and I am particularly grateful to the Court and a succession of Masters for The party then learned from Altogether a most interesting their support and to all of you who Sqdn Leader Adrian Rycroft about and satisfying day – our thanks to have helped me in so many ways over human factors training in the RAF. everyone at Cranwell. the years.

17 have staged hunger strikes. be submitted by the end of October. Technical CAA changes to medical rules Safety first – track every move Following changes to the Air The Find Me Spot Satellite Personal Navigation Order, the Civil Aviation Tracker from www.findmespot.com briefing Authority has expanded an exemption provides a constant track readout of C L HODGKINSON Technical director to allow the holder of a UK issued your flight or walk, for instance, for a pilot’s licence to continue flying very modest cost to give you or your China: pilots fined for quitting In microlights, self-launching motor family peace of mind. It works in the UK some pilots object to ‘bonding’ gliders (SLMG) and simple single conjunction with Google maps and has for a few years to repay training costs. engine aircraft (SSEA) if they hold a the added benefit of an emergency In China if you quit your job as an medical declaration from their general button. Unit Cost is $170 and annual airline pilot, you could end up owing practitioner (GP). The previous subscription $100. your former employer more than requirement called for a full Joint Avoid runway incursions? Plenty $102,000. China's carriers are Aviation Authorities medical from a of pilots are familiar with technology struggling to hold onto their crews as specialist aviation medical examiner. that tells us to "turn right" or "turn demand for air travel creates ELTs and PLBs in FRANCE While left" from their car sat navs. Now opportunities for pilots worldwide. the CAA has continued the exemption Alaska will be the first airline Now, Air China, China Eastern Airlines for the International Civil Avaition to provide similar technology for all of and China Southern Airlines, China's Organisation (ICAO) requirement to its aircraft, to guide pilots around largest carriers, have taken to enforcing carry either an Emergency Locator airport runways. Their technology, lifetime crew contracts. A Chinese Transmitter (ELT) or Personal Locator fresh from Honeywell, will cost government regulation issued in May Transmitter (PLB) until early 2009, it $20,000 per aircraft. The airline started 2006, designed to prevent bidding wars would appear that our French friends working with Honeywell three years for experienced pilots, penalizes those (DGAC) may well require carriage from ago to test the Runway Awareness and pilots who seek opportunity abroad by 1 January. Advisory System (RAAS), which allowing airlines to demand LAA/PFA/BMAA The Popular provides pilots with audible alerts compensation for lost staff. "Everyone Flying Association, recently re- when they approach and enter should follow the rules," Chen Feng, branded as the Light Aircraft taxiways and runways. RAAS confirms chairman of Grand China Air, told Association (LAA), is now in merger runway identifications to help ensure Bloomberg news. "The situation has negotiations with the British pilots are on the correct runway with drawn attention from the International Microlight Association (BMAA). enough distance to complete takeoff, Federation of Air Line Pilots' Government consultation (via and provides an audible warning if a Associations, which views the practice OFCOM) to charge for Spectrum pilot inadvertently accelerates for as unrelated to reality and almost like usage Do you want to be charged for takeoff while on a taxiway. Alaska slavery. Pilots in China have begun using the ‘radio waves’? A Airlines began installing RAAS on its their own work condition protests consultation document is at Boeing 737s in July, and the fleet will when in March and April crews turned http://www.ofcom.org.uk be fully equipped with the oral alert around 21 flights mid-route. Others /consult/condocs/aip/ Responses must software by the end of this month. Gazette APPROVED BY THE COURT 11 SEPTEMBER 2008

ADMISSIONS As Freeman REINSTATEMENT As Upper Freeman Robert Andrew BRYAN Sean COORAY (AUS) Dr David BAREFORD Thomas BLAIR (OS) Colonel Frederick George BIGELOW (OS) Stuart BURDESS DECEASED General Rod BISHOP (OS) John BURLEY (OS) Dr Geoffrey BENNETT Captain Peter Christopher BOUGHEN (AUS) Peter Joseph GREENYER Alan Elesmere BRAMSON Group Captain Nigel BREWERTON Rod LYNCH Janet Elizabeth DOUGLAS Peter James BROOK Brett McDONALD (AUS) Past Master Clifford Thomas FARNDELL Wing Commander Geoffrey Prior COLLINS Ian James METHUEN Captain Christopher Martin DOSWELL Ron PRICE (OS) RESIGNATIONS Major General Jack B EGGINGTON (OS) Peter READ Yin-Yin CHAN (HK) Clive Graham ELESMORE Patrick REID (OS) John Richard CRUTCHFIELD (OS) Lieutenant Commander Terry Bruce GADENNE (AUS) Sir Stuart ROSE Gordon Barker HABGOOD (NZ) Robert GIBSON Christopher Michael SQUIRE David John HASTINGS Captain David William HOLZIGAL (HK) Richard Alan HOWELL (HK) Captain Graham Stephen JONES As Associate Stephen Richard LAST Alan James LONGSTAFFE William Robert ALMOND Ian James SIMMONS Captain Brian James MARTIN (OS) Jonathan LAM-KEE Timothy THANE (HK) Colonel Doug NEILL (OS) Ceri William TWISTON DAVIES Captain Alan Michael PAGE REGRADE Derek Joseph PARRY To Livery FORFEIT ALL BENEFITS Captain John Howard SALEM John Graham EACOTT Kevin Christopher O’GORMAN Captain Heath Jordan SCANLON (AUS) David Gordon JOHNSON David Roy SOUTHWOOD Peter Geoffrey THORNE ERRATA from Gazette of July 2008 Air Commodore Mark SWAN Richard MODEL Cary Zjan Thoresen (AUS) was Piotry Franciszek Stefan ZIMMERMANN Philip Anthony SHAW shown incorrectly.

18 Regions Hong Kong - Remembering Kai Tak

LIVERYMAN COLIN COX

en years ago witnessed the closure of an era in Australia Taviation history when LIVERYMAN SUE BALL Hong Kong’s Kai Tak Airport Chairman, Education was decommissioned in and Training Committee favour of the new airport at embers of the South Chek Lap Kok. HK Regional Chairman, John Li, Australian Working had the idea of celebrating the 10th Favourite tipple: Jack Smith (seated left) Group have been contemplates his well-deserved pint with the M anniversary of this event with a Stanley family, May, James and Richard, and working for several months function on 19th July at the Hong opposite tucking-in, his wife Helen. Kong Aviation Club with the theme with Air Services Australia of Remembering Kai Tak. President, Mr Danny Patterson with (provider of Air Traffic Appropriately enough, the HK Phil Parker of HK Air Traffic Control Control Services) to address Aviation Club has managed, against being coerced into being guest air traffic safety concerns all odds, to retain a presence on the speaker for the evening. Actually site of the old Kai Tak and supports a coerced probably isn’t the right around the Adelaide basin. thriving helicopter community. word, since Phil launched into a passionate presentation of the The “Adelaide basin” includes air history of Kai Tak which he seemed space adjacent to three airports, to thoroughly enjoy giving, and the Adelaide International, RAAF audience thoroughly enjoyed Edinburgh and the GAAP at Parafield. listening to. Accompanied by a There have been particular concerns memory-jerking slide show of related to training and General visiting aircraft to Kai Tak, from Aviation (GA) aircraft accessing the flying boats to Concorde, it certainly controlled airspace around Adelaide made for a memorable evening. international airport. As a result of this Jack and Helen Smith were there. work, Air Services Australia (ASA) has The Hong Kong Regional now established General Aviation Air Administrator could not be seen Safety Forums in two states, South Guest speaker: Phil Parker of Hong Kong Air without the inevitable pint of his Australia and Victoria, for the Traffic Control with John Li, Chairman of the Hong Kong Region. favourite tipple in front of him - a Adelaide basin and for the little matter of medical area respectively. It is intended that John invited various dignitaries, interventionism isn’t going to put these GA Safety Forums will be including the Director General of the him off his creature comforts! Past established in all states to promote HK Civil Aviation Department, Mr Chairman Richard Stanley and his discussion and resolution of safety Norman Lo, to join Guild members at lovely wife May brought along a issues in the relevant air space a Summer Social BBQ. Representing prospective Guild member in the between the service provider (ASA) the HK Aviation Club was its form of their son James. At the time and the air space users. of writing James has just completed his first solo in a glider. members in the HK Region and still In addition, a hard core of increasing, who knows, let alone Kai revellers were observed enjoying the Tak, some of our younger members music provided by a live Filipino may well be remembering Chek Lap band which developed into a Kok in years to come! Karaoke evening when the band’s lead singer had a little trouble with the words of certain well-known old standards. So there we are – ten years on. My pleasure: Captain John Li, Chairman of the Where we’ll be ten years from now is Hong Kong Region, presents Captain Robert anybody’s guess but, for sure, the HK Rowntree with a framed certificate marking the granting of his Freedom of the City of London. Region will be thriving, as it has Captain Rowntree flew helicopters with the Royal done continuously in the twenty-six Marines and the Army Air Corps and Boeing years since its inception. At the last Yours truly: Past Region Chairman Colin Cox 737’s for British Midland before moving to Hong (left) with Liveryman Nigel Tuffs and guest Kong. He now flies A320s for Dragonair. count, with the order of about 170 Wolfgang Bern.

19 UK 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF FLIGHT Samuel Cody philatelic covers LIVERYMAN PETER ADAMS, LORD OF ABBOTS-HAY o commemorate the We are currently doing one for RAF more prizes for completing 255 miles in a centenary of the UK’s first Aldergrove which the Master, Air single flight and completing a 125-mile Commodore Rick Peacock-Edwards, has cross-country circuit in just over three Tflight – a very significant kindly agreed to sign. In total, our small hours. In 1912, Cody entered the Military event in the aviation calendar – group has raised close on £4 million for Flying Trials at Salisbury Plain, winning I am creating a philatelic cover (largely) Service charities during this both top prizes. For this, the Royal Aero period. I am always indebted to the Guild Club awarded Cody the Gold Medal, its together with some prints and many Past Masters who have shown highest honour. depicting the flight by Col. their support by signing the covers Always a flamboyant showman, Samuel Franklin Cody that took whenever I ask. In fact we have one Past Cody had brushed with death on many place on 16th October 1908 at Master who has amassed quite a occasions. His luck finally ran out on 7th collection of the covers I have flown. Farnborough. If any Guild members wish to obtain I intend to fly the covers and pictures one of these prints or covers on the 16th October from Biggin Hill to commemorating the UK’s 100th Farnborough. There I will do a ‘touch- anniversary of flight, I will be happy to and-go’, hopefully recreating the exact hear from them. distance of his flight. Then I will fly over to Blackbushe to meet the great grandsons of Col. Cody, Samuel Franklin An American with John Cody and Peter Cody. The Cody brothers will sign the philatelic covers courage and prints before I fly back to Biggin Hill. On the following day I will drive Samuel Cody’s Army Aeroplane No. down to West Sussex to the house of 1, which he designed and flew, was the Dame Vera Lynn who will also be signing first aircraft to fly in the UK. On 16th some of the covers and all the prints. October 1908 Cody flew it for almost The prints will be sold to raise money 1,400 ft in 27 seconds to an altitude of 30- for Service charities which include the 40 ft towards Cove Common, Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund, RAFA, Farnborough. Army Air Corps and A former Texan cowboy, Cody had charities. been experimenting with man-lifting As to the philatelic covers they will kites for years and in 1901, aware of the form part of our new series titled “Those British Army’s use of observation Magnificent Men in Their Flying balloons during the Boer War, offered his Machines”. This will include the father of services to the War Office (the Navy aviation Sir George Caley, Wilber and declined). Orville Wright, A V Roe, Louis Bleriot, Arriving at Aldershot in 1904, Cody Maurice Farman, Santos Dumont, was given a salary of £1,000 a year (plus Charles Lindbergh, and so on. The covers expenses), and he set about testing his Intrepid aviator: Samuel Cody, early pioneer of will be sold as part of this series. kites, balloons and aeroplanes. In 1907 manned flight, depicted with one of the giant I have a small team of pilots who help his war airship Nulli Secundus was kites he invented for the Royal Navy. It was used me fly these philatelic covers and prints. deemed a success after completing two prior to Cody inventing his first powered aircraft During the last 40 years I have flown Army Aeroplane No. 1, known as The Flying circuits of Farnborough Common at a Cathedral. close on 200 philatelic covers and prints. height of 800 ft. Towards the end of This has covered both the First and 1907, Cody was planning his first Second World Wars, the history of flight aeroplane, which resulted in the building August 1913 at Cove Common – and many RAF squadrons. of British Army Aeroplane No. 1 and the ironically the scene of his greatest UK’s first flight. The aircraft had 40 ft triumph – when the wings of his aircraft wings, bicycle wheels on the wing tips crumpled over Ball Hill. Cody and his and a revolutionary buffer wheel. passenger were killed instantly. More In 1909 Cody carried his first than 100,000 people lined the route of his passenger and one morning in funeral procession and he was buried September flew for 63 minutes and a with the highest military honours at distance of 40 miles. The same year, he Aldershot Military Cemetery. flew at the UK’s first air show, emerging An aluminium replica of the beech unhurt when the plane crash landed after tree to which Cody tethered his planes completing a circuit. In 1910 he set a while testing engine thrust on Laffan’s Signing: Liveryman Peter Adams with Dame British distance record of 189.2 miles in Plan can be found outside QinetiQ’s Vera Lynn at a book signing. the Michelin Cup and in 1911 he won Cody Building at Farnborough.