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

Lucky Henry Simpson is given the honour of flying in one of only two C-41s, the rare former Flying military-used DC-3s in a unique classic

ISLE OF MAN VISIT TOP PILOTING TIPS LAPL AND PPL EXAMS MWG Chairman David Pilots never stop learning Nick Wilcock explains the Chambers visits the legendary – Matt Lane offers more latest decisions from EASA on island in the Irish Sea advice on flying safely gaining your licence

MAGAZINE 02.2020 FREE TO MEMBERS WWW.AOPA.CO.UK

03 CHAIRMAN'S MESSAGE REFLECTIONS EDITOR David Rawlings ON THE PAST [email protected]

ART EDITOR AND THE FUTURE Dan Payne [email protected] URING THE Christmas and New Year period the media indulges, some might say self-indulgently, in an abundance of stories about what made SUB EDITOR the news in the previous year, this year being no exception. Also, as we Lucy Debenham D are now entering a new decade there has been a plethora of predictions for the forthcoming years. However, some things remain the same. If you’re reading CONTRIBUTORS this as an AOPA member I’m delighted to inform you we have decided to keep the Pauline Vahey, John Walker, Membership Rates for 2020 the same as last year. Matt Lane, Henry Simpson, During the course of 2019 AOPA has successfully run campaigns to increase the Malcolm Bird, Nick Wilcock membership and will continue to actively do so during 2020 with the help of the Members Working Group (MWG). For about fifteen years now AOPA has run PUBLISHED BY periodic MWGs throughout the year. I stepped down as Chairman of the Group AOPA UK at last year’s November meeting and David Chambers was elected as the new 50a Cambridge Street, Chairman. It was one of the best attended meetings for some time, a mixture of London, SW1V 4QQ long-standing attendees and also non-members wanting to understand more about +44 (0)20 7834 5631 what AOPA does for its members and the wider UK GA community. Thank you to all those who attended and participated. I hope that you will give David your continued ADVERTISING & SUBSCRIPTIONS support. Further news from the meeting can be found in this magazine along with the dates for the 2020 meetings – also on the website. Don’t forget we offer a discount AOPA UK for new members who join up at an MWG meeting. British Light Aviation Centre Moving from in-house to national news, and to the future, I noticed that according 50a Cambridge Street London, SW1V 4QQ to The Daily Telegraph, 'Intercity e-planes are cleared for take-off'. George +44 (0)20 7834 5631 Freeman, Minister for Transport and Innovation, is predicting a whole new world of low-level aviation at 2,500 ft with one service starting this coming year. Billed as HEAD OF ADVERTISING environmentally cleaner, economically cheaper and time saving, what’s not to like? David Impey My first thought is: how will they integrate into the existing airspace that AOPA’s +44 (0)7742 605338 members move in? Then, is it an opportunity for new businesses to work out of existing GA airfields, bringing sustainable economic benefit to them? One thing is PRINTING assured, AOPA will be engaging with, and influencing, our legislators to ensure the Ruddocks safety of all, and continued access to airspace and airfields for AOPA members. 56 Great Northern Terrace, Let’s not forget the influence AOPA UK wields which is, in part, derived from its Lincoln LN5 8HL participation and representation at European and global level. AOPA UK is hosting +44 (0)1522 529591 the AOPA European Regional Partners Meeting in London in March. Delegates from www.ruddocks.co.uk all of the AOPA European organisations have been invited. As I write, the agenda

is a work in progress. However, now that we’re purportedly ‘going to get Brexit © British Light Aviation Centre Ltd done’, I’m sure there will be lots to discuss and influence. AOPA UK will continue to AOPA is a member of the International work with the CAA and other agencies to help clarify what Brexit will mean for our Council of Aircraft Owners and members. I’d like to thank all of you for your support last year and I hope we can Pilots Association. IAOPA rely on it for this year. There’s never been a time when the work AOPA carries out on your behalf has been so important and greatly needed. •

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 Pauline Vahey 2020 issue should be recieved no later Chairman, AOPA UK than 01 March 2020. [email protected]

February 2020 AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot 04 INSIDE THIS MONTH CONTENTS FEBRUARY 2020

07AOPA AFFAIRS CEO Martin Robinson 18NEWS The latest aviation news from around discusses the latest from the world of GA and the globe, including the new Cirrus app, Rolls- what's being done to ensure everything is fair Royce's electric speed machine, the first electric for certified-aircraft owners. commercial flight and much more.

09AOPA COMMUNITY Find out the latest 24FLYING FEATURE David Chambers flies to info on how AOPA has been working in your the Isle of Man for a mini break and interests, including some great advice on how encounters the TT races, some amazing to keep flying safely. views and strong winds.

10WORKING FOR YOU New Members' Working 28COVER STORY The DC-3 is a much-loved Group Chairman, David Chambers, updates us aircraft. Henry Simpson takes a flight in an on the latest meetings and the projects AOPA extremely rare variant – the C-41A – and tells is working on. us all about it.

13AIRFIELDS UPDATE John Walker reports 36TRAINING FEATURE Nobody likes exams, on the UK's airfields that are currently under but for the PPL and LAPL trainee, there are threat from property developers as well as changes afoot. Nick Wilcock cuts through the local councils. red tape and explains what's changed.

14PPL CORNER Experienced instructor Matt 40TECH & BOOK REVIEWS The newest products Lane shares his top tips that he has picked up and books on the market. This month we look over the years. Some you may know, others at Garmin's new GI 275 instrument, and a read you won't – you never stop learning. on training an aircrew for the Cold War.

16HELP AND ADVICE AOPA's Maintenance 43CLASSIFIEDS Find pages packed with aviation- Working Group has a few irons in the fire – in related listings, as well as opportunities for this issue Malcolm Bird explains the latest from shares in aircraft, and reputable maintenance CAA and EASA and how it might affect you. organisations.

AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot February 2020 05

EDITOR'S MOMENT Well, January has passed and at time of going to press we're still in Europe – but you can 18 rest assured that when we do eventually leave, AOPA is ready to cope with any potential fallout. Go to the Community section to see how we're continuing to work for you. I would like to welcome David Chambers to the AOPA board as he becomes the Chairman for the Members' Working Group. David is a keen flyer and will often hop over to Europe to fly in new skies. You can read about his adventure to the Isle of Man on page 24. David will also be writing in the Community section from now on, updating members on recent meetings. Also in the Community section is Matt Lane's 'top tips for flyers' – well worth a read. Now that winter is all but behind us, it's time to get back in the skies and start flying again; if you're planning an adventure, let us at the magazine know about it and we'll happily publish it and maybe others will follow in your footsteps.

David Rawlings Editor, AOPA Magazine UK 40 [email protected]

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February 2020 AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot

07 AOPA AFFAIRS AIRSPACE, DRONES AND TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT ON THE AGENDA AGAIN HE ELECTION is well and TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT truly over and it is clear "Although we have There will have been the second now that we have left the responded to the various reading of a Parliamentary Bill covering T European Union (well, we Air Traffic Management and Unmanned should have done by the time you're consultations in the past, aircraft and AOPA provided an input reading this). on this subject to Members of the There is still a degree of uncertainty it was an opportunity House of Lords. about the future, but for now the existing Although we have responded to the rules remain unchanged when it comes for us to emphasise the various consultations in the past, it to EASA aircraft, pilot licences and was an opportunity for us to emphasise maintenance. The rules of the air are concerns we have" the concerns we have about drones also remaining unchanged, and the UK operating near to aerodromes and ANO was previously amended to align ensure that the UK’s airspace is being what penalties could be applied in the it to the last update of the European used efficiently. case of a misuse of drones such as Union’s basic regulation. There are other drivers that will alter fixed penalty notices. Although these In the future, the UK may alter some the shape and size of the airspace as may be appropriate in some instances, parts of the ANO in order to better well. There are issues with airspace we feel that where a drone interferes reflect the needs of UK aviation but as capacity (fragmentation) that leads with manned aviation then court an ICAO contracting state, which we will to inefficiencies which leads to more action is the right solution. However, remain, your ICAO-compliant licence emissions than necessary and I believe the bill did not cover autonomous will allow you to fly where ever you want that these will be of fundamental drone operations or how to deal with to go (for those that have them). So, Le concern to government. With the individuals that may – in future – not Touquet for lunch will still be possible number of airports in the south-east even be in the UK; or how to stop – the issues that relate to the freedom of England there are major challenges people in prison from using a mobile of movement are still to be decided but ahead, including the question of the phone for an amazon delivery. as a non-EU member state, issues like third runway at Heathrow – therefore The other area of interest to us is customs clearance will surface. AOPA the management of the lower airspace in the development and use of new is trying to stay abreast of these issues is going to become a real focal point, technology, and whilst the CAA has as best we can. However some other particularly when you include Beyond a new department: ‘The Innovation European institutions we will be staying Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) Drone Team’, we have had no contact with a part of – such as Eurocontrol and the operations – the consultation on the anyone from that group as of yet, and European Civil Aviation Conference; Airspace Modernisation plan is on the I think that it is very important that we (ECAC) – have la arger membership than CAA website. AOPA will be responding know what they are thinking about. the EU. and we shall share our views with you, Technology moves extremely quickly but please comment individually as and often regulation lags behind, so AIRSPACE well. As a part of these developments a there are a lot of developments ahead Airspace is firmly on the agenda for the new body has been established: ACOG and your association is in the midst of coming year and a lot of new directives (Airspace Change Organisation Group) it. And be assured that we will keep you have been passed from the Secretary under the leadership of Mark Swan informed as progress is made... • of State for Transport (The Right Hon. (formerly of CAA/SRG). The intention Grant Shapps MP) to the CAA. These is then to consult with all interested include issues like completing the GNSS parties on airspace changes in the approaches that have been developed future but following the ICAO principle for GA to use, and giving powers to the that Controlled Airspace should be CAA to recover controlled airspace that the minimum required to ensure the is no longer required, but for which there safe and efficient flow of Commercial was no mechanism to do it. We think Air Transport (CAT) operations. This that this is a very positive step although is a policy that IAOPA/AOPA UK has Martin Robinson it may not mean huge areas of airspace promoted over many years and can be CEO, AOPA UK get reclassified as Golf but at least it will seen in the IAOPA resolutions. [email protected]

February 2020 AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot

AOPA COMMUNITY 09 HELPING YOU STAY FLYING Welcome to the AOPA COMMUNITY section of the magazine, bringing you all the NEWS AND INSIGHTS from the world of AOPA...

WORKING FOR YOU 10 Latest from MWG

AIRFIELDS UPDATE 13 Airfields under threat

PPL CORNER 14 Top tips for pilots

ADVICE 16 Maintenance concerns

February 2020 AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot 10 AOPA COMMUNITY Working For You

WORDS David Chambers IMAGES Various AIRFIELDS, RULE CHANGES, AND EVERYTHING ELSE... New Members' Working Group chair David Chambers hit the ground running at the latest meeting. Here, he talks about the subjects that were on the agenda

THE MEMBERS’ Working Group is a forum open to all members (and potential members) which allows two- way communication between the executive committee and members in person. It’s a great way to, ask questions, find out about and provide feedback on current issues. In the past, volunteers within the group have taken on various projects of specific interest to them, for the benefit of all. The last Members’ Working Group of 2019 – held on Saturday 23 November at West London Aero Club, White Waltham – was well attended by more than 20 pilots. Highlights are provided below, and more detail on several The MWG discussed the possibility of how Permit To Fly aircraft could be used in ab initio training of these topics can be found elsewhere in the magazine. "The implications to be surprised at how few developments, and threats to pilots seem aware of AOPA or UK airfields and infrastructure. CEO UPDATE for Certified that this service is available Mostly this relates to planning Martin Robinson reminded to members. AOPA is not a applications for housing everyone of the ongoing Aircraft and the regulator and is a completely development, which remains advocacy that AOPA provides independent organisation financially lucrative. Old Sarum to members who get into businesses that representing pilots, and at and Redlands have both closed difficulties with the CAA and rely on these times this has even included since the last meeting. More other authorities. He recently pilots in dispute with the LAA. positively, St Athan has been supported two specific cases are not yet fully purchased from the RAF and in which pilots were reported PERMIT CONSULTATION is now owned by the Welsh to the CAA for quite different appreciated" A consultation started on 6 Assembly and operated by reasons. He pointed out that January 2020 regarding the Cardiff Airport. Wellesbourne in these cases the CAA does use of Permit Aircraft for ab continues to operate and the not just look at the individual initio training. The consultation signs are good for the future. specific incident; it thoroughly will last 12 weeks, followed by Redhill has been named an investigates the pilot four weeks for deliberation important employment site background and paperwork, and then a final decision. in the Local Plan. A decision looking for evidence that the The implications for certified on Fairoaks is expected in pilot remains fit and competent aircraft and the businesses that February 2020. Cambridge will to hold their licence. rely on these are not yet fully be closing in 2030. A decision AOPA helps to ensure that appreciated. on Manston was expected in the pilot’s case is presented January 2020. Proposals for in the best light, often AIRFIELDS Andrewsfield were going to the resulting in a more favourable John Walker, AOPA UK Board Planning inspector between 14 outcome. Martin continues Member, actively tracks and 20 January 2020.

AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot February 2020 11

AOPA FLYING INSTRUCTORS REFRESHER COURSES

For revalidation of an FI certificate, the holder shall fulfil two of the following three requirements: Night flying changes were also on the agenda

Members also enquired about must be completed within 1 At least 50 hours of flight instruction other airfields and John was six months of the first flight during certificate validity as able to answer their questions. (applies after Easter 2020) FI, TRI, CTI, IRI, MI or Examiner; Nick expressed 2 Attend a Flight Instructor Refresher EASA UPDATE disappointment that his Nick Wilcock reported that detailed analysis sent privately Seminar within the validity of there had been a major update to AOPA members explaining the certificate; and to the EASA Basic Regulation, these points had been copied 3 Pass an Assessment of Competence with several improvements onto social media both within the 12 months preceding the and clarifications taking effect erroneously and without giving expiry of the certificate. from November. He is still him or AOPA any credit. Nick awaiting publication of the provides a very useful regular AMC (Acceptable Means of email update about regulatory For at least each alternate subsequent Compliance) and guidance changes to instructors and revalidation, an assessment of competence material which should have others, available free to must be undertaken. In the case of a been delivered by now. members on request. renewal you should, within 12 months One significant change that before renewal, attend a Flight benefits PPL licence holders is CAA CONSIDERS LSA Instructor Refresher Course and pass that the combination of a PPL The CAA has been consulting an assessment of competence. licence and LAPL Medical is on whether to directly regulate now valid for flights with LAPL aircraft between 450 kg and privileges throughout Europe. 600 kg. This wouldn’t include You must still have a valid SEP any aircraft already approved NEXT DATES Class Rating but can fly any through CS-LSA – only The next dates for the courses are EASA or non-EASA aircraft. new-build UK aircraft types. 10-11 March 2020, 7-8 July 2020, This will be useful where LAPL It would also exclude EASA 24-25 November 2020. medicals have a longer expiry training. However, it is thought date than Class 2, reducing the that the Modular LAPL could All courses are now run at the AOPA offices frequency of visits to the AME. allow microlight pilots to fly at 50a Cambridge Street, London SW1V 4QQ This relaxation doesn’t apply them with CAA permission. to pilots using their IMC/IR(R) Nick had also been – only 5 minutes' walk from Victoria Station. or instructing. investigating proposed Other relevant changes for airspace changes at Oxford AOPA members mostly relate and Brize. to LAPL/PPL training: • LAPL/PPL theory exams no GAINS PROJECT longer required to be taken in This EU-funded project a maximum of six sittings explored two aspects of • Navigation theory exam adopting new technology – To register for a place on any of the is cross-credited when use of electronic conspicuity seminars please call the AOPA office subsequently taking PPL(A) or (such as ADS-B), and the PPL(H) viability of GNSS instrument on 020 7834 5631 or join online at • Non-ab initio LAPL approaches to GA airfields. WWW.AOPA.CO.UK. licence holders not required Bob Darby reported that the The seminars start at 1100 and end to fly 10 hours before taking GAINS project flight testing at 1800 each day to facilitate travel. passengers was now complete and should • Night Rating instruction be published shortly. Forty-

February 2020 AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot 12 AOPA COMMUNITY Working For You two pilots had participated a 13-month transition period be sent out to examiners to in demonstrating the value after Part ML comes in to "Forty-two pilots replace the outdated ones of electronic conspicuity, force. All ELA2 aircraft are had participated currently in use. However, the while 29 pilots had flown required to have an AMP in CAA is keen to extend use 357 instrument approaches place before their ARC renewal in demonstrating of the electronic ATPL exam using GNSS at a total of eight during the transition period.] system and it has not yet been participating airfields. It is the value of agreed how this will operate. hoped this will lead to wider OTHER BUSINESS electronic use and availability of both. • NATS has published a NEW CHAIRMAN Funding from the EU will digital AIP and withdrawn the conspicuity" Pauline had previously be paid to participants once previous format, bringing it announced that this would be the report has been accepted into line with other countries. her last meeting as chair of (probably sometime in Q1). However, Google search the MWG, and sought another results continue to list the member to take over the role. MAINTENANCE old directory pages for each David Chambers was proposed George Done reported on airport, where the underlying and approved at the meeting. the ongoing activities of the charts and text documents David gained his PPL at Maintenance Working Group. are inaccessible, leading to Kemble in 2010 and has One member raised the issue confusion. made full use of it, flying to of LAMP, which was scheduled • Jeppesen Mobile Flight Deck many UK airfields between to finish on 31 December is to be withdrawn in favour of Wick and the Scillies, as well 2019, while the new EASA ForeFlight, since both products as in Europe and the USA. Part ML takes effect from late are now owned by Boeing. As a flying-club committee February 2020. Without any • Mick Elborn pointed out member, he’s encouraged change, all owners of ELA2 that AOPA offers a discount others to do so too, arranging aircraft (over 1200 kg) will be for new members joining at an flyouts – not only in the UK, required to develop their own MWG meeting. Members can but as far away as Sweden AMP (Approved Maintenance also choose to pay by monthly and Austria. Adding an IMC Program) for any work to be direct debit rather than a single and then full Instrument Rating done between those dates. large annual fee. He provided in 2013 in addition to buying George offered to take the a page of QR bar codes for into a TB20 group share at issue up with the CAA and quick access to these various Gloucester further extended push for an extension to offers. his range. David became a PPL cover the interim. [Update: • PPL Theory Exams: a Flight Instructor in 2018 and the CAA announced a formal working group has spent five is also qualified to instruct for extension to 20 February years developing, reviewing Night and Instrument Ratings. 2020, and thereafter a and approving 600 questions He’s keen to promote private 13-month transition program (five sets of 120) and 2,400 pilot activity beyond simply until 20 March 2021, providing answers. These are ready to gaining a licence, and for the industry to adopt more modern technology where appropriate.

FUTURE MEETINGS The following dates and venues were proposed for meetings in 2020. All AOPA members are welcome to attend. There is no charge (landing fees at White Waltham are waived for those attending), but attendees must let the chairman know in advance. • 28 MARCH 2020: White Waltham Airfield • 18 JULY 2020: Earls Colne Airfield • 17 OCTOBER 2020: White Waltham Airfield The meeting closed with a vote of thanks to Pauline Vahey for chairing the group for many George Done also discussed the latest changes in aircraft maintenance years. •

AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot February 2020 13

WORDS John Walker THE LATEST NEWS ON UK AIRFIELDS THERE ARE airfields Multi-year agreement across the UK currently reached with effect from 1 under threat. Here are February 2020 for site to be the latest developments, used as a parachute centre updated 17 JANUARY. but with no private flying being permitted. MANSTON Examination period ended BRAWDY 2024 on 9 July 2019 into the Cawdor Barracks. Defence application made by River Infrastructure Organisation Oak Strategic Partners (DIO) has submitted site for (who have now purchased mixed use development for the site) for a Development the review of 2033 Local Consent Order (DCO) to Development Plan 2 by retain the aerodrome as Pembrokeshire Council but a Nationally Significant this is not included in the Infrastructure Project. The draft Plan issued for public Planning Inspectorate has consultation on 15 January made a recommendation 2020. on the application to the Secretary of State who has SWANTON MORLEY 2031 extended the deadline to Robertson Barracks. There make a decision until 18 is no reference to the May 2020. Thanet District closure of the Barracks in Council definitive 2031 the definitive Breckland Local Plan submitted for Council 2036 Local Plan Public Examination on 30 adopted by the Council on October 2018 with hearings 28 November 2019. commencing on 2 April 2019 recognises the existing use PETERBOROUGH/SIBSON of Manston as an airport Huntingdonshire District and provides for the DCO Council submitted an process to continue. unsuccessful bid for a 2,500 home Garden Village OLD SARUM on site. The Council Site owner’s planning subsequently withdrew its application for housing support for the proposal development and 10 but the site is still listed in additional hangars refused the Council’s Housing and on appeal in a Planning Economic Land Availability Inspectorate decision letter Assessment. dated 11 July 2019. The owner applied for a Judicial RETFORD (GAMSTON) Review of this decision Originally earmarked for but the application was a Garden Village with refused by the High Court. ultimately 2,500 dwellings In a letter dated 25 July in initial draft 2035 Strategic 2019 the owner gave notice Plan issued by Bassetlaw of the termination of site District Council for public licences from 31 October consultation in 2019 but 2019, the date from which proposal is not included in the aerodrome was notified latest draft Plan issued for as closed to all movements public consultation on 15 until 29 January 2020. January 2020. •

February 2020 AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot 14 AOPA COMMUNITY PPL Corner

WORDS Matt Lane HINTS AND TIPS TO MAKE YOU A BETTER PILOT Matt Lane has many years of experience as a flight instructor and over those years he has stolen, borrowed and liberated many top tips from other pilots and instructors. Here, he offers some of his favourites

THIS IS a collection of little chocks or refuel, never leave it go to drive home there is the tips and tricks that I have "Five incidents connected. Always take it off, trigger to swap the aircraft picked up over years of I know of lay it on the ground away from keys for your car keys. instructing and examining the prop arc, then reconnect and may be of interest to personally when you need to move POST-IT NOTES pilots. Not in any particular again. Five incidents I know Instrument failures can be order, and of course nothing happened when of personally happened when extremely distracting and supersedes any local orders people had people had ‘popped away for confusing during flight – or procedures you may be a second’ then got distracted especially if you are an IR required to follow. 'popped away for or called away and forgot to or IR(R) rated pilot, or in Credit is due to my fellow remove the towbar. demanding Night or VFR pilots and instructors from a second' then conditions – when you will whom I have shamelessly CAR KEYS IN THE TECH LOG be relying on instruments stolen good ideas over the got distracted or There is nothing more and have them in your scan. years – every day is a learning called away and embarrassing or annoying I recommend keeping one day in aviation! than getting home or being or two of the rubber suction forgot to remove on a drive home and getting backed instrument training THE 3MS the phone call from the club covers handy in your flight bag Before I walk away from an the towbar" or other pilot: "Do you know or aircraft so you can cover a aircraft I always have a quick where the keys to the aircraft failed instrument and avoid the visual check of the 3M’s – are?" and realising they are temptation to get distracted or Mixture – Magnetos – Main still in your pocket/bag/jacket! confused by failed or incorrect Switch to make sure Mixture = One idea is to clip your car indications. Round or shaped cut off, Magnetos = off, keys keys into the tech log folder post-it notes, available from out and Main Switch = off. for the aircraft so when you pilot shops or many high street That way you always leave an aircraft in a safe condition and won’t come back to a dead battery!

AIRCRAFT TOWBARS There continues to be plenty of incidents of people starting up, taxiing and even going flying with the towbar still attached – at best it can result in hurt pride, at worst a trashed propeller and shock- loaded engine. My simple remedy is that you never take your hand off the towbar while it is connected to the aircraft – i.e. you only ever connect the towbar when you are actually in the physical action of pushing or pulling. Never walk away with the towbar connected. Even if you go away for seconds to get Add a diversion airfield in your flight plan, but make sure it's open first

AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot February 2020 15 shops do the same job just as well.

DRY-WIPE MARKER PENS Trying to erase permanent pen markings and lines on laminated maps and charts can be a sticky and wet job with nail varnish remover and all sorts of fluids – simply get a dry-wipe marker pen (like used on whiteboards) draw over the line or writing, wipe off and it will cleanly remove both!

STASH SOME CASH I have been caught out without my wallet or means to pay on diversions, land away and being stuck at maintenance on a number of occasions. I now keep a couple of notes in my headset bag so I always have some cash on me when flying. Make sure you have Apple Pay, or Google Pay on your phone – should you forget your wallet For those more up to date on tech matters, having Apple Pay people say I would just divert you at busy, high workload or similar app enabled on your to ‘xx’ but the runway there "After every times. Downwind in a busy phone can be useful as well – I is orientated north/south as flight, I heartily circuit is probably not the time paid a taxi fee with it recently. opposed to our east/west for "oh by the way did you runway so crosswinds could recommend you hear about what happened LANDING LIGHT V TAKE-OFF make it unusable! Flight- to….."! CLEARANCE planning apps like SkyDemon carry out a little I like to use switching on the will also let you easily SELF-DEBRIEF landing light (or for example nominate an ‘Alternate’ so you internal self- After every flight, I heartily pitot heat in some types like a can easily source the weather debrief" recommend you carry out DA42, or starting avionic box and NOTAMs for there at the a little internal self-debrief timer) as a prompt that take- same time as your pre-flight – can be any time, perhaps off clearance has been given. planning. It is valid for local even driving home afterwards The Human Factors people will flights as well – you don’t want or even better over a nice have some proper name for it to find out your home airfield post-flight coffee or other I am sure, but I find having a is suddenly closed because of drink! I always think: "What specific action linked to issue an incident and everywhere went well on that trip? What and readback of the take-off else is fogged in. wasn't so good on that flight? clearance is a useful mental What would I do differently trigger that helps me ensure I next time?". Sometimes it also do not start the take-off before STERILE COCKPIT raises a trigger that I need to getting clearance – useful if A commercial concept is that go and check up, or read up, you are somewhere where ‘line of the ‘sterile cockpit’ where on something as well. • up and wait’ clearances are non-tasked-related chat and common. distractions are prohibited Matt Lane is a CPL/FI/FE/ below a certain altitude – often FICI who is Head of Training DIVERSION AIRFIELD 10,000 ft or a certain point for the RAF Brize Norton Before flight I recommend on approach in some airlines. Flying Club and a current RAF always having a mental idea of It may be worth considering Tutor staff pilot. He instructs where you will plan to divert to something similar, say perhaps and examines for a variety of in the event of your destination start of approach, or below schools across Oxfordshire or home airfield being 1,000 ft or in the circuit. It and Gloucestershire, across unsuitable for landing – this is great to share our flying MEP, SEP and Touring Motor could be because of weather environment and friendship Glider types. Matt is also the or other issues like runway etc. when flying, but a reminder Head of Training for AOPA closed by an aircraft incident. like that may help cut out UK and runs the AOPA FI It is not always obvious either passengers or flying buddy's Refresher Courses with the – at one club where I fly most chatter which would distract AOPA team.

February 2020 AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot 16 AOPA COMMUNITY Advice

WORDS Malcolm Bird IMAGES Various LATEST UPDATES FROM THE MAINTENANCE TEAM Malcolm Bird gives a round up of what’s been drawing the attention from the AOPA Maintenance Working Group

AOPA’s Maintenance KEEP SUBMITTING MORS licences suspended while they Working Group has been "The subsequent A recent report covered an are placed under scrutiny. It is keeping an eye on the investigation incident in which a circuit board good to know that there is an following… caught fire during flight of a active stance on standards. resulted in new Cirrus SR20. The subsequent PART ML FINALLY ARRIVING investigation resulted in new LAMP GOES OUT After a very long gestation documentation documentation and circuit The deadline set for the the “light” maintenance diagrams being generated phased withdrawal of CAA programme, applicable to and circuit by the manufacturer, which LAMP (CAP 767/766), has most certificated GA aircraft, diagrams being will help prevent similar now been extended to, but is finally to become available occurrences in the future. This not beyond, 24 March 2021 from 24 March 2020. This generated by the is another good example of why – one year after the new Part is intended to be a more submitting MORs can be a big ML becomes applicable. This proportionate programme manufacturer" benefit to the whole community. applies to EASA aircraft below in regard to continuing 2,730 kg (ELA2 and ELA1 not airworthiness management MAINTAINING STANDARDS commercially operated). and maintenance for general At several of our Maintenance The deadline to transition aviation aircraft. The CAA is WG meetings examples from LAMP to a maintenance planning to carry out a number were raised of previous poor programme compliant of small workshops for existing maintenance work seen by WG currently with Part M or Part maintenance organisations and members when aircraft turned ML was originally set with licensed engineers. When Part up at their facilities. This has the agreement of EASA for 31 ML becomes applicable there led to questions about how December 2019. However, the will be an 18-month transition these aircraft were released later introduction of Part ML period for organisations to service and over time some has enabled the CAA to extend who wish to gain associated names are heard repeated. It the end date to align with, and organisational approvals. The was interesting to hear recently make allowance for, the new programme makes provision from the CAA that it hears of requirements and to provide a for Part 66 licensed engineers such issues from reviewing further 15 months to complete to issue an Airworthiness Safety Reports, whistleblowing the transition. Review Certificate (ARC) for and also ramp checks by CAP 1454, Issue 3 dated 26 aircraft operated under Annex surveyors. The CAA does November 2019, has been VII (Part – NCO) when they investigate and around five amended to reflect this new are authorised by the CAA. engineers per year have their deadline. •

Part ML is intended to be a more proportionate programme The CAA is hosting workshops for maintenance organisations

AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot February 2020

General Aviation news from around the world

The 2020 Cirrus range is now accompanied by an app

CIRRUS 2020 SR SERIES HAS ITS OWN APP The updated range features an app that connects to aircraft anywhere in the world

by AOPA News Team enhancing the ownership carbon fibre construction experience and maximising "Cirrus IQ and finished with a nickel CIRRUS RECENTLY safety and operational enables remote leading edge protectant, announced the launch of the efficiency. Owners and this new upgrade option all-new 2020 G6 SR Series, operators of SR Series aircraft communication adds an unmistakable ramp saying that the highlight of equipped with Cirrus IQ can presence for the 2020 G6 the new model year is the now remotely access important between aircraft SR22T. The 2017 G6 SR Series introduction of the Cirrus pre-flight status information, launched the high-speed Aircraft App powered by including fuel and oxygen and pilot" Cirrus Perspective+ flight Cirrus IQ – providing a digital levels, battery voltage, oil deck, Cirrus Spectra wingtip connection to the aircraft from temperature, aircraft location conditions during an approach. lighting, premium cockpit virtually anywhere in the world. and flight hours, at the touch of With these upgrades, connectivity solutions and Other enhancements include a a button. the series offers the most more. In the following two new-look interior and exterior, Joining an array of industry- comprehensive, integrated and years, the G6 SR Series along with an optional 4-blade leading safety features, intelligent flight experience was further enhanced with SR22T propeller from Hartzell. additional upgrades to the available today, enabling a flight deck upgrades and The 2020 G6 SR Series Cirrus Perspective+ by Garmin smarter aircraft, a smarter pilot new features in connectivity, introduces the iPhone app flight deck further augment and smarter flying. including flight data streaming as the next step in ultimate safety. These upgrades include Joining the new aircraft is and the ability to text or call connectivity. a new stabilised approach an all-new 4-blade clean contacts on the ground with Cirrus IQ enables remote advisory system which sheet SR22T propeller from FlightStream 510. communication between provides visual and aural alerts Hartzell. Utilising the most Deliveries have already aircraft and pilot via the app, to the pilot about unstable technologically-advanced begun on the new aircraft. •

AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot February 2020 19

CAA OPENS CONSULTATION LOOK BACK... THIS MONTH ON PERMIT AIRCRAFT TRAINING 56 YEARS AGO by Lucy Fields

THE CAA has launched two related consultations that propose expanding the types of aircraft that can be used for initial paid private pilot training. If enacted, it would GERALDINE MOCK allow certain aeroplanes and MAKES HISTORY amateur-built microlights Back in March 1964 operating on national permits Geraldine 'Jerrie' Mock to be used as training aircraft. became the first woman The proposals are in line with to fly around the world the CAA’s approach to make solo, in a Cessna 180 the regulation of GA more Should a Vans aircraft be used in training? Skywagon. She took off proportionate. from Columbus, Ohio on The move follows an training in microlights, a The CAA believes the 19 March and completed amendment to European national licence would be proposals could have a her flight on 17 April regulations which came issued. positive impact on the training taking 29 days. into effect in 2019, that now Input from the GA sector, including cost savings The flight included allows countries to recognise community has been included, that may lead to more people 21 stopovers and she training and experience as the working group learning to fly. covered 22,860 miles. In gained on certain aircraft, developing the proposal The consultations are open 1965 Mock was awarded with permits to fly towards was comprised of key until 17 February 2020 and the Louis Blériot Medal gaining a PPL under EASA stakeholders from the sector’s are available on the CAA for her achievement. An requirements. For those representative groups. website. • almost forgotten part of the flight is the 'race' that developed between Mock and Joan Merriam-Smith, who had flown from a P2002 TO BE CERTIFIED IN field near San Francisco on March 17, 1964. Joan’s THE EU 600 KG CATEGORY departure date and flight path was the same as the by Robert Care the certification process Garmin GPS, the Garmin aviator Amelia Earhart’s to the DULV (Deutscher G3X which features twin last flight and though TECNAM ANNOUNCED Ultraleichtflugverband 10.6-inch screens, and the not in direct competition today the certification of e.V.) agency. The new Garmin G3X touch suite. with each other, media the low-wing P2002 Sierra certification of the MkII is The largest range of coverage soon began MkII light aircraft to align important, since the German options is for interior and tracking the progress with the new German 600 Type approval is recognised exterior styling, with four of each pilot, fascinated kg rules. in many European countries. choices for every style with who would complete The latest version of the The increased weight package: Standard, Premium the journey first. The EASA Basic Regulation now allowance means greater and Power. For the exterior, story of this race is told in allows for 600 kg MTOW safety, as the aircraft can be the range of paint schemes a book written by Taylor Ultralight aircraft under the equipped with a parachute, includes new metallic Phillips entitled, Racing control of the CAAs of the more avionics and more fuel. colours which can be to Greet the Sun, Jerrie member states. Germany is All else remains unchanged. matched to the seats, cabin Mock and Joan Merriam the first country to declare The MkII offers state- sides and instrument panel Smith Duel to Become the opt-out, implementing of-the-art technology covering. The customer is the First Woman to Solo the new-regulation German in a jet-style cockpit. free to choose whatever Around the World. 600 kg technical LTFUL Customers can choose suits their taste. Mock also holds 2018 rules. It is also the from an extensive range of In non-European numerous speed and first country to develop options, starting with the countries, the P2002 is distance records for a and publish the necessary basic analogue instruments available in the Ultralight, female pilot. Her Cessna airworthiness requirements needed for visual flight, US Light Sport Aircraft and now resides at the for these aircraft, delegating a six-pack analogue with Experimental categories. • Smithsonian.

February 2020 AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot 20 AOPA NEWS GA News that matters

ROLLS-ROYCE UNVEILS ALL-ELECTRIC RACEPLANE The British company’s plan to build the world’s fastest all-electric aircraft takes a giant step forward towards reality

by David Rawlings Business, Energy & Industrial three high-power-density axial Strategy, and Innovate UK. "The ACCEL electric motors and compared ROLLS-ROYCE unveiled Rob Watson, Director of project is just to a conventional plane, the its all-electric aircraft at Rolls-Royce Electrical, said: propeller blades spin at a far Gloucestershire Airport, and “Building the world’s fastest one of the ways lower RPM to deliver a more has stated that work will all-electric aircraft is nothing stable and far quieter ride. now begin on integrating the less than a revolutionary step Rolls-Royce is Combined, they’ll continuously ground-breaking electrical change in aviation and we are deliver more than 500 propulsion system. This will delighted to unveil the ACCEL developing lower horsepower for the record run. enable the zero-emissions project plane. This is not only carbon power" Even during the record run the plane to go for the record an important step towards all-electric powertrain delivers books with a target speed of the world-record attempt power with 90% energy 300+ mph in late Spring 2020. but will also help to develop running the propulsion system efficiency and of course zero The plane is part of a Rolls- Rolls-Royce’s capabilities up to full power as well as key emissions. Royce initiative called ACCEL and ensure that we are at airworthiness checks. The ACCEL project is just – short for 'Accelerating the forefront of developing ACCEL will have the most one of the ways Rolls-Royce the Electrification of Flight' technology that can play a power-dense battery pack is developing lower carbon and is a key part of Rolls- fundamental role in enabling ever assembled for an aircraft, power. This includes partnering Royce’s strategy to champion the transition to a low-carbon providing enough energy to with Airbus on the E-Fan X electrification. The project global economy.” fuel 250 homes or fly 200 technology demonstrator involves a host of partners The ionBird test airframe, miles on a single charge. Its project, which is an important including electric motor named after the electrical 6,000 cells are packaged stepping stone towards hybrid and controller manufacturer technology propelling the to minimise weight and electric commercial aircraft YASA and the aviation start- aircraft, was also unveiled. The maximise thermal protection. at the scale of today’s single up Electroflight. Half of the ionBird will be used to test An advanced cooling system aisle family. The programme is project’s funding is provided the propulsion system before ensures optimum performance part of the airline's ambition by the Aerospace Technology it is fully integrated into the by directly cooling cells during to replace and electrify its Institute (ATI), in partnership plane. Planned tests over the the high-power record runs. regional fleet of 30+ planes by with the Department for next couple of months include The propeller is driven by 2030. •

AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot February 2020 21 GOSKYDIVE TO CONTINUE FLYING OPS FROM OLD SARUM by Lucy Fields Paul Shipway, owners, allowing us much Sarum Airfield for some general manager greater flexibility to grow time and following their PARACHUTE OPERATOR of GoSkydive said, “Today as a business and provide decision to change the GoSkydive has announced is a hugely important day additional opportunities for mode of operation to that it will continue for GoSkydive as we can our customers to develop in dedicate the airfield operations from Old Sarum now plan for our future at the sport, including freefall to unlimited flying by Airfield throughout 2020 Old Sarum. skydive training and sports commercial organisations, and beyond. “Securing our agreement skydiving at the site. we are pleased we can The tandem skydiving means we will be able to “It is certainly a very now concentrate fully specialist says it has continue to employ almost exciting time for us as a on additional growth reached a multi-year 70 people at Old Sarum and business as we plan for opportunities and improving agreement with the airfield of course bring visitors to our first operational day, 1 our skydiving packages owners at Old Sarum. the local area. February 2020.” even further.” The airfield closed to “Our new agreement Gordon Blamire, founder GoSkydive has also private pilot and flying removes the aircraft related of GoSkydive, added, “We confirmed it will be school operations at the end operational constraints that have been in discussions reopening the cafe at Old of October. had been imposed by the with the owners of Old Sarum. •

EASA APPROVES VOLOCOPTER by AOPA NEWS TEAM highest safety standards. world class team, and Volocopter is the first "The benefit of devotion to safety here EASA awarded Volocopter eVTOL startup on record having a DOA is at Volocopter,” says the Design Organisation to receive DOA with Jan-Hendrik Boelens, Approval (DOA) following vertical take-off and EASA exercises CTO and Head of Design a series of thorough landing (VTOL) as scope of Organisation of Volocopter. audits. The approval work worldwide. surveillance to “Design Organisation is a confirmation by EASA is the European Approval is a crucial EASA that Volocopter is Union’s aviation authority the organisation step towards receiving performing its tasks as an and regulator, ensuring as a whole" commercial certification aircraft manufacturer in a the highest level of and brings air taxis ever controlled and safe manner. safety protection. By closer!” says Florian Reuter, As an approved Design awarding a DOA, EASA benefit of having a DOA is CEO of Volocopter. Organisation, Volocopter entrusts a growing range EASA exercises surveillance EASA awards DOA to has a competitive edge of responsibilities to to the organisation as a companies they have in development speed, Volocopter as per a set of whole, and the involvement thoroughly audited while guaranteeing the rules and processes. The can be reduced to fewer with regards to their steps on the way to the final organisation, processes, commercial certification. resources, and staff Consequently, product expertise. Key aspects development can be the agency checks conducted at a faster before giving their seal pace by the approved of approval are clearly organisation. Receiving defined throughout certain EASA DOA thus proves processes, that also need to be a strong competitive to be lived in everyday advantage for Volocopter work, safety awareness, within the global context. and the organisation. The “Receiving this seal of audits ultimately serve to approval from EASA is assess and decide whether testament to our rigorously a company can bring a safe Volocopter has been given Design Organisation Approval professional processes, aircraft to market. •

February 2020 AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot 22 AOPA NEWS GA News that matters

AOPA NEWS HIGHLIGHTS DELTA DUMPS FUEL ON SCHOOL A Delta Air Lines Boeing 777 dumped fuel that fell on a Los Angeles-area school as it returned to LAX after an “engine issue”. The flight had an undisclosed engine issue after departure and had to dump fuel to achieve landing weight. The sleek and Los Angeles County supersonic X-59 Fire dispatched more will go into than 70 firefighters and final assembly paramedics to the school to treat 17 children and nine adults. None required hospitalisation.

RADIO RANT COSTS BIG A helicopter pilot has been SUPERSONIC X-59 fined £1600 and had his pilot licence suspended for an on-air rant aimed CLEARED FOR at an air traffic controller. Joel Tobias dressed down controller Andrea Tolley FINAL ASSEMBLY for what he said was a delay in answering his call. NASA’s first supersonic aircraft for more than 30 years has “I’m in a helicopter that been given the go ahead costs £550 an hour and I’ve waited 10 minutes for by David Rawlings plus-incentive-fee contract, is you to answer the call – it’s "We've shown continuing at Lockheed Martin appalling,” a transcript THE FIRST large-scale piloted the project is on Aeronautics Company’s Skunk read. He pleaded guilty to X-plane to be commissioned Works factory in Palmdale, an offense under the Air by NASA for more than 30 schedule, it's California. Three major work Navigation Order. years has been cleared for areas are actively set up for final assembly and integration well planned and building the aircraft's main MOONEY MAKES of its systems, following fuselage, wing and empennage. REDUNDANCIES AGAIN a major project review by on track" Final assembly and integration Employees at Mooney, senior managers at NASA of the aircraft's systems – furloughed in Novemebr Headquarters in Washington. public,” said Bob Pearce, including an innovative cockpit and recalled in December, The management review, NASA’s associate administrator eXternal Visibility System are once again out of work. known as Key Decision for Aeronautics. The X-59 is (XVS) – is targeted for late Employees were told to Point-D (KDP-D), was the shaped to reduce the loudness 2020. The XVS is a forward- “go home” and that the last programmatic hurdle for of a sonic boom reaching the facing camera that uses its company would not be the X-59 Quiet SuperSonic ground, to that of a gentle processing power with custom giving them the two weeks Technology (QueSST) aircraft thump, if it is heard at all. It image processing software and of holiday pay they were to clear before officials meet will be flown above select US camera systems, to create an promised. Devan Burns, again in late 2020 to approve communities to generate data augmented reality view of the who worked for Mooney in the aircraft's first flight in from sensors and people on X-59 pilot’s forward line-of- human resources, stated 2021. “With the completion the ground in order to gauge sight along with graphical flight that 55 employees were of KDP-D we’ve shown the public perception. That data data overlays. discharged. “I’ve been project is on schedule, it’s well will help regulators establish The X-59 falls under the Low trying to help keep Mooney planned and on track. We have new rules to enable commercial Boom Flight Demonstrator stay alive. It’s extremely everything in place to continue supersonic air travel over land. project, which is part of frustrating," she said. this historic research mission Construction of the X-59, NASA’s Integrated Aviation for the nation’s air-travelling under a $247.5 million cost- Systems Program. •

AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot February 2020

24 FEATURE The Isle of Man

WORDS & IMAGES: David Chambers HEADING FOR THE ISLE OF MAN The Isle of Man isn’t too far away but for David Chambers and his wife, it turned into quite an adventure

DAVID CHAMBERS PPL FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR MWG CHAIRMAN SHARED OWNER OF A TB20 IMC AND INSTRUMENT RATED

HAD BOOKED beforehand we had decided aren’t under any pressure to fly afternoon. I filed a VFR flight G-CORB, our not to go far. long hours or even every day plan and a GAR form the shared TB20, for The Isle of Man had been on when it’s your turn to use it. previous evening, since the I a weekend away our target list for some time Planning was done at a fairly IoM is covered under similar with my wife. There was no and is quite convenient to get late stage. The weather for arrangements to the Channel firm pre-planned destination, to with just over an hour’s flight Saturday looked extremely Islands. SkyDemon had a hiccup but with the weather forecast from Gloucester. The benefit windy (Force 6 or 7) so we and didn’t immediately offer quite changeable in the days of a shared aircraft is that you decided to fly out on Friday me the option of filing a GAR

AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot February 2020 25 so I had to work around that airport and there was no "We would be by amending an artificial flight pressure to rush or expedite to Ireland instead. Handling the flight. arriving on the is mandatory, and while the Private Jet Centre would have OUTBOUND last day of the TT been very easy to use, it was The outbound routing kept motorbike races, considerably cheaper to use slightly to the east of Snowdon Rendezvous Handling on the where you are penned in hence the airport south side of the airport. I had by some very low Class A a lot of trouble contacting them airways just to the southwest was very busy" (the phone numbers and details of Liverpool. I did get a Basic on their website are well out service from Shawbury who of date), but persistence got terminated service as we exited there in the end. We would be their zone, and as is common arriving on the last day of the with LARS didn’t handover or TT motorbike races, hence the suggest a next station. Perhaps airport was very busy. I should have spoken with RAF On the morning of the day Valley but instead called London itself, this was one of the first Information, who were quite times I seriously thought about busy. Nonetheless, they set cancelling a flight because me up for an early handover I’d been quite stressed after to Ronaldsway shortly after a busy week. But as the day coasting out, who then gave me progressed, I decided that the a Traffic service. flight was within my capabilities. I had climbed up to FL85 to My wife drove us up to the try and find some VMC above

February 2020 AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot 26 FEATURE The Isle of Man the clouds, which were in aircraft (with portable tie-down 90,000 of which 27,000 live in layers and made finding a kit that screws into the ground) "The few extra Douglas. good cruising altitude difficult. and putting the cover on, we track miles There are quite a few tourist Ronaldsway cleared me into were driven by minibus to the attractions including trams their Class D but asked me gate. An old portacabin serves resulted in a calm, (electric and horse-drawn), to descend to 3,000 ft before as an office. A taxi took us castles, museums and an entering. I had originally directly to our hotel in Douglas. ordered and very abbey covering the period of requested a VFR arrival, based Alternatively, we could have stable approach Viking rule through to present on the report of broken clouds taken a taxi round to the main day. The Bee Gees were born around 2,000 ft, but amended terminal and either hired a car and landing here, and may this year be that to a vectored ILS for there or taken the bus into celebrated by their own statues 26 which was immediately town. that was much on Douglas seafront. granted. It was the last day of the appreciated by The island has its own The few extra track miles TT races and we enjoyed a parliament, the Tynwald, resulted in a calm, ordered spectacular fireworks show my passenger" and strongly resembles the and very stable approach later in the evening from our administration found in the and landing that was much hotel room facing the beach. Channel Islands. The ferry appreciated by my passenger. After unsuccessfully trying to service has for many years, We even got some good views hire a car in Douglas, we found been provided by the Isle of of Douglas as we intercepted the bus service was excellent Man Steam Packet company. the approach track. (all day tickets cost £7) and One thing we noticed was an probably less hassle. We visited apparent lack of solar panels – BUSY BUSY BUSY Peel, Ramsey, Castletown and perhaps there are engineering It was busy after landing, Port Erin including several or financial limitations not with both sides of a taxiway museums and castles which found elsewhere. on the south side being set gave us free admission with The Isle of Man used to aside for grass parking – there our National Trust cards. I’d have a major zinc mining were at least sixty or seventy observe that the southern half industry until the early 1900’s, aircraft parked up in a line. The of the island was more scenic BELOW CLOCKWISE: A busy extracting as much as the rest handlers marshalled me to a than Ramsey in the north, airfield due to the TT; a view of the British Isles put together. space and helped me manually although we didn’t venture to of Castletown from the One of the mines goes down push back onto the grass. After the far northern coast. The castle's ramparts; the famous 2,000 ft (600m) below ground, thoroughly tying down the island population is around ferry terminal and features the largest water

AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot February 2020 27 wheel I’ve ever seen to pump mountains, avoiding low-level TB20 makes it relatively easy to water out. We were able to turbulence. My thinking was "We were able cope with crosswinds. climb up to the top of the that I could cancel IFR at any to climb to the An enjoyable weekend Laxey Wheel which both gives time and just drop down to away, especially considering great views and really lets return home VFR. My clearance top of the Laxey the weather conditions, and you appreciate this marvel of on the ground was via L10 generally quite relaxing even if engineering. airway as filed, but initially told Wheel which both I was keeping a very close eye to steer a heading of 165 after gives great views on the weather for the return WINDY RETURN departure. I was offered the flight. It was still pretty windy on choice of departure runway and really lets Sunday, with METARs reporting and selected 21 with wind 200 David Chambers is a private 25 kts gusting 35 kts, although at 25 knots. After a commercial you appreciate pilot licence holder and flight mostly down the runway. flight landed in front of me on this marvel of instructor keen to encourage The spray from waves at the 26, I taxied gingerly to the hold. more private pilots to venture harbours was splashing over Scottish Control continued to engineering" further afield. He also runs a the tops of the piers. We met a provide headings, effectively popular series of one-day VFR (small) yacht crew from Wales giving a short cut while keeping cross-channel ground schools who had decided to stay until me high at FL90 as requested. which explain all you need to Tuesday before the weather Western Radar provided a know. would be calm enough to traffic service in the descent It’s aimed at private pilots depart. By pure co-incidence, outside controlled airspace, of all experience levels and I saw Phil Mathews, CFI of reverting to Basic at lower involves a mix of slides, videos Cotswold Aero Club, at the levels. and practical exercises. main airport terminal – he’d A Freecall to Gloucester Find out more at https:// just ferried an aircraft over confirmed they weren’t busy www.flyerdaviduk.com/ and was taking a commercial and I requested a VFR direct groundschool-courses flight back home. He not only arrival but with an extended provided a PIREP about the final leg to ensure I was fully Have you been on a fantastic weather conditions but even stable before landing. BELOW CLOCKWISE: Flying adventure? Then tell us about showed me a photo from FL60. It was quite gusty on landing just south of Liverpool; it and we could publish it on I had filed IFR to ensure we but the wind was not as a horse-drawn tram; the these pages. Send your story to could fly in the airways and variable in direction as the Tynwald Manx Parliament [email protected] • route well clear of the Welsh reports suggested, and the building

February 2020 AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot 28 COVER STORY Douglas C-41A

Henry Simpson is given the honour of flying in one of only two C-41s. Here he talks about his amazing adventure in the former military-used DC-3s Flyingin a

WORDS & IMAGESunique Henry Simpson classic

AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot February 2020 29

HE SILVER aircraft 'Twin Wasp' radials churned quickly raised, the aircraft soon This rather special aircraft sparkled in the characteristically. It was the lifted smoothly into the air is owned by Richard Martin; sun in sharp C-41A, a very special variant remaining surprisingly stable in 2019 it has been touring T contrast to the of the ubiquitous Douglas despite the gusty conditions. Europe and I have been green grass it sat on. The DC-3 Dakota. Once clear of the airfield we invited to enjoy a short flight engines coughed into life We taxied out and lined up continued south-west past in the aircraft. It is the only with puffs of smoke and both on Goodwood’s runway 24. Thorney Island and on our way C-41A ever built; it was one Pratt & Whitney PW1830-94 Power on and with the tail to the Isle of Wight. of the first two DC-3s to enter

February 2020 AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot 30 COVER STORY Douglas C-41A government service in 1939, in two branches of the US down the coast of the Isle of the other being the only C-41. military. "I'm not interested Wight just below cloud level, In fact Richard was quick to After the end of the war the in a package instruments in the cabin mention that the aircraft’s 80th aircraft was deemed surplus bulkhead inform passengers birthday had actually been the and so was sold off into the holiday or sailing that we are cruising at 140 previous day! civilian market to the Superior knots and at a height of 800 ft. The C-41 and C-41A were Oil Company. The C-41 and around the world. Inside, the aircraft interior still built to serve as military C-41A staff transports, became I saw this for sale has its 1950s furnishings with staff transports for General the foundation for the post- two sofas along the fuselage, Henry H. 'Hap' Arnold. The war use of DC-3s as executive and ... it seemed two sets of swivelling seats C-41A differed from the C-41 transports, making them the with a table and four large primarily in that it was partly forerunner of the modern like a good idea at seats at the back of the cabin a sleeper, with four sleeping business jet. the time!" next to a galley work surface berths in the forward cabin like In 2015 Richard, now and cupboards, with a lavatory the original Douglas sleeper semi-retired, purchased the opposite the rear door. transport, for which role the aircraft: “I wanted to find a way When Richard purchased the DC-3 design was intended. The to do something a bit more aircraft, registered as N341A, it only exterior evidence of this interesting” he says, “I’m not had not flown for five years and past configuration is panels interested in a package holiday a ferry permit was obtained denoting where two small or sailing around the world. to fly it to Oregon, where it sleeper berth windows used to I saw this for sale and ... it spent a year being thoroughly be on each side above the first seemed like a good idea at the inspected and overhauled. and third cabin windows. time!” Richard’s long-term goal is Hap Arnold went on to Who can disagree? Watching to circumnavigate the world become known as 'the father the engines turn and looking with the aircraft. A key part of of the US Air Force' and with out across the silver wing that trip is planned to be the its creation he became a takes you back to the golden recreation of the 'hump' flight five-star General of the US Air era of aviation. across the Himalayas, that Force, having already been The aircraft is rather being the original route flown made a General of the Army quiet, benefitting from from India to China in WW2 to – making him the only person soundproofing not found in supply American and Chinese to have held a five-star rank other military variants. Flying forces fighting the Japanese.

Looking out over the silver wing takes our author straight back to historic flights; and the famous 'That's all...brother'

AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot February 2020 31

Instantly recognisable, the Dakotas are an aviation favourite

February 2020 AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot 32 COVER STORY Douglas C-41A

The C-41A has been largely kept in its original condition

AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot February 2020 33

For this reason the engines Lassie', the effort resulted in The aircraft received a warm were upgraded to PW1830-94s "The engines 15 aircraft making the journey welcome at Duxford where the with two-stage superchargers from all across America. D-Day squadron rendezvoused in order to allow the aircraft to were upgraded Among the aircraft making the with eight other DC-3 variants, reach a safe height and keep to PW1830-94s trip was the Commemorative including the only flying you there if one fails. Air Force (CAF)’s C-47 'That’s example of the Soviet built The aircraft has been kept in with two-stage all…Brother' that led the Li-2, to create a 23-strong largely original condition but superchargers in main wave of the US airborne cross-channel armada. other compromises have been forces on D-Day and had Duxford then hosted two days made for safety and reliability order to allow the been the focus of a significant of events centred around the given the ultimate goal. restoration effort over the past Dakotas with a flying display of Modern avionics have been aircraft to reach a few years to get the aircraft other D-Day types. The main fitted and the aircraft is fully a safe height and airworthy for the Normandy D-Day event was however a IMC certified. celebrations. disappointment due to the The aircraft itself being a keep you there if The C-41A left five days French leg of the trip turning pre-war example, was built later than planned due to into a notorious organisational with better quality aluminium one fails" poor weather. Stops on the fiasco, made worse by poor as “quality dropped throughout flight included Moosonee weather conditions. However, the war", which bodes well for and Goose Bay in Canada 13 aircraft managed to take the longevity of the aircraft. with Richard remarking that part in the presidential flyover “The plan had been to start flying at low altitude over above Omaha beach on 6 last year, but then the D-Day Hudson bay was pretty June and several of the C-47s 75th and the D-Day squadron spectacular. From there the performed paradrops at sites turned up,” explained Richard. aircraft followed the old WW2 around Normandy. The D-Day squadron was transatlantic ferry route to Following the D-Day an ambitious effort to bring Narsarsuaq where the crew commemorations the D-Day multiple DC-3 variants across enjoyed fantastic weather for squadron, along with several the Atlantic to participate in the Greenland crossing and on of the European Dakotas, flew the commemorations for the to Reykjavík and finally to Wick on to Germany to participate 75th anniversary of D-Day. Run as a diversion from Inverness in the Berlin airlift 70th by the Tunison Foundation, the due to poor weather. The trip anniversary celebrations. operators of the C-47 'Placid took seven days in all. There they received a

The Dakota always draws a crowd and it creates a special atmosphere at any airshow or gathering

February 2020 AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot 34 COVER STORY Douglas C-41A warm welcome with tens of Roe flying-boat hangar at pride of place in the Freddie thousands of people turning "It's a bit like a Cowes can be seen, with March Spirit of Aviation out to view the aircraft at semi-truck in the Spitbank Fort further beyond concours d'élégance for pre- Wiesbaden. in the Solent. 1966 aircraft ahead of the From Germany some aircraft air, it gives you 'Steve, after getting his Goodwood Revival. The aircraft headed to Paris to participate license 37 years ago, started was on show for all three days in the Paris air show whilst four nothing, so a lot of flying in the C-41, taking of the Revival alongside many aircraft went south to Venice to physical work is salmon from a beach in other wonderfully kept vintage Lido-Nicelli airport. The C-41A Alaska to a processing plant types, but unsurprisingly it was flew there via Prague so one of required" in Anchorage. He describes the resplendent C-41A that the pilots, Rob Hutchison, who the aircraft as rock solid to was declared the winner. flies with the L39-equipped fly "as it’s a bit like a semi- After Goodwood, the aircraft Patriots Jet Team could visit truck in the air, it gives you made its final appearance in its the Aero Vodochody factory nothing, so a lot of physical 2019 tour of Europe on static where the latest variant work is required”. He adds at the Duxford Battle of Britian of the jet trainer is being that “some people call it an Airshow, where it was once produced. Venice was one of oversized Super Cub; it is in again well received. Now the the highlights for pilot Steve some ways, but in others it’s a aircraft has moved to Coventry Gray: It’s a small airport for a lot different”. Reflecting on the for the winter whilst Richard DC-3 to get into he remarked, trip he recalls the formation works on plans for the big trip. "so you drop in, put the brakes fly-pasts they took part in, “The biggest single challenge on and stop right in front of “It’s been a one-of-a-kind will be fuel,” he remarks and the terminal.” Once again the adventure – there’s nothing is keen to add that they are aircraft attracted significant like that. Flying in formation always looking for sponsors for attention from the public and with 20 Dakotas just doesn’t the aircraft and its forthcoming media. After Venice the C-41A happen – it’s not happened for trip. Richard and his wife live returned to the UK while a decade or more.” in Sonoma California, which the other American aircraft Soon, passing Thorney is where General 'Hap' Arnold returned home. Richard Island we were approaching himself retired to; the fact described the return flight Goodwood House, where that he ended up owning through the Alps as “stunning”. several photographers could 'Hap' Arnold’s staff transport Back on board, from behind be seen turning their cameras led to him giving it the name the pilots, the Union Flag- towards the aircraft. Once 'Hap-penstance' – appropriate emblazoned former Saunders– landed we taxied to take indeed. • TECH SPEC DOUGLAS C-41A

PERFORMANCE Max climb rate: 1,500 ft/min Payload: 5,984 lb Engine: Pratt & Whtiney R-1830-94 Service ceiling: 18,000 ft Fuel Capacity: 670 imperial gallons Power: 1350 hp Range: 1,350 nm Propeller: Hamilton 23E50-505/6565a Consumption: 83 g/h DIMENSIONS Top speed: 183 kt Wing span: 95 ft 6 in Crusing speed: 170 kt WEIGHTS Length: 64 ft 5 in Landing speed: 85 kt Basic empty weight: 20,916 lb Height: 16 ft 11 in Min Control speed: 76 kt MTOW: 26,900 lb Wing area: 987 sq ft

AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot February 2020 35

The C-41A has an upgraded cockpit with modern avionics, making it fully IMC Certified

February 2020 AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot 36 FEATURE PPL & LAPL Exams

WORDS Nick Wilcock IMAGES Various E-EXAMS ARE COMING! Nobody likes to take exams, but things are changing for the PPL and LAPL. Here Nick Wilcock explains all…

NICK WILCOCK BOARD DIRECTOR IAOPA FCL REPRESENTATIVE AT EASA FORMER RAF PILOT

OME FIVE years of the contemporary exam changes; for example the ExWG, with the aim being that ago now, the CAA questions were becoming old ‘Which of the following is the actual questions in an exam GA Unit turned increasingly out of date. correct: A. i & iv, B. iii & v, C. i & would always include more S its attention to So a LAPL/PPL Exam Working ii or D. ii & iv? ‘ style of question ‘must knows’ than anything updating the LAPL and PPL Group (ExWG) was formed, was banished. All question else. Various other criteria were syllabi, including a proposal initially to agree the ground topics were given ‘could know’, also applied and all questions to refresh the theoretical rules for new exam questions. ‘should know’, ‘must know’ Level had to be stand alone, so that knowledge exams as many These included some significant of Knowledge values by the an incorrect answer in one

AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot February 2020 37

question isn’t then used in given to industry, so potential not so obviously wrong that another. authors were invited to bid for "The questions identifying the correct answer The questions themselves contracts. Regrettably this took themselves were would require little effort from were to be entirely focused much longer than anticipated the applicant. on the practical operation of and many questions were to be entirely Adding urgency to the ExWG’s GA aircraft – both aeroplanes deemed unacceptable. The focused on the work was that the regrettable and helicopters – and grouped ExWG sat together at around level of cheating and the into nine papers. Three papers 10 meetings to review and edit practical operation emergence of unscrupulous would have 16 questions the questions, but ultimately ‘zero-to-hero in one day’ each and the other six would had to rewrite many of them of GA aircraft" answer-spotting providers have 12 each, for the simple completely. Providing a had meant that many EASA reason that the required 75% question and a correct answer Member States (MS) became pass mark would be easily is relatively simple, but the task very concerned about passes identifiable. Also (3 x 16) + of providing three plausible achieved in exams taken in the (6 x 12) adds up to the EASA wrong answers is rather UK. Although all exams have requirement of 120 questions more difficult. For questions to be taken in one MS, it was in total. involving numerical calculation, how they were sat which was The task of writing the new the answers had to be within causing the problem. The CAA questions and answers was reasonable tolerance, but has been obliged to conduct

February 2020 AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot 38 FEATURE PPL & LAPL Exams

Nobody likes exams, but the CAA are attempting to make them more accessible...

validation work for some company credit card details. "Exam questions studies indicate that publication applicants in other MS who Once the applicant starts an of active questions could sat UK exams, but now many exam, a countdown timer will will be randomly negatively affect learning MS simply refuse to accept UK indicate time remaining and and understanding, as well LAPL/PPL exam passes. indication will be given to show selected from the as undermine the validity It was realised that meeting which questions have been database, as will of the knowledge test as an EASA requirements, ensuring attempted. Questions may assessment tool.' exam security and keeping be answered in any order as the sequence of The LAPL/PPL ExWG assessed the question bank up to date suits the applicant and may be some 600 questions and could all be achieved by the ‘bookmarked’ for applicants to answer options" 2,400 answers to populate adoption of online ‘e-exams’. review before submission. the database throughout the The CAA concluded that LAPL/ • It will be necessary for last two to three years and is PPL exams would still be sat the training organisation’s confident that they are all of a at ATOs and DTOs, but would computer to be online to start much more appropriate quality be provided online by ASPEQ, the exam and also to submit than the existing questions. To the IT company which is also the exam for marking. However, maintain this quality, the group responsible for the provision of it will not be necessary to be considers that any additional professional pilot exams. online during the exam itself. questions used in the database Starting in January, the • Exam questions will be must also have been allocated CAA has been holding a randomly selected from the appropriate Level of Knowledge series of e-exam roadshows database, as will the sequence values and subjected to peer- for examiners and training of answer options. A supporting group assessment. organisations, explaining the document will be made So far, so good. But there new system in greater depth. available, containing relevant is one significant area The main points being: graphs and other necessary over which we have some • Training organisations, data. An IT helpline will be considerable concern. The applicants and examiners will established. LAPL/PPL ExWG made it clear be required to register on • The LAPL/PPL question from the outset that any respective CAA ‘portals’, but this database will be updated e-exam system must include will be free of charge. periodically. It will not be a facility for the examiner to • It will cost training publicly available; incidentally, provide an applicant with a organisations £10 per exam for those who think that the comprehensive debrief, by to book an on-line exam, the FAA publishes all its questions adopting the provisions of an booking will then be valid for a and answers, the truth is that earlier Standards Document. defined time period, currently they do not. In fact the faa.gov This stated ‘Following marking 90 days. It will be entirely up to website states: 'The FAA does of the paper and if the the training provider to decide not publish actual knowledge candidate achieves a pass, what to charge the applicant. test questions, in part because the examiner should discuss The CAA will not retain any at least two independent with him/her any questions

AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot February 2020 39

...and in the end you’ll find its all been worth it when you see views which others cannot.

that have been incorrectly "Unlike an with oversight provided by • Applicant scores less than answered. However, if a an invigilator whose primary 50 per cent (exam is failed): candidate fails, the examiner automated responsibility is to prevent ‘Applicant’s Report’ states that may indicate areas where cheating. the entire subject needs further weakness has been indicated, system, an • Unlike an automated system, study. but should not discuss examiner can an examiner can assess • Applicant scores 50–75 per answers to specific questions’. whether a failed question cent (exam is failed): Only the From what we have seen, the assess whether was due to a genuine gap in ‘Applicant’s Report’ is generated, proposed system doesn’t yet knowledge, or simply the result including ‘Recommended meet this requirement as the a failed question of a mistake – e.g. a question Topics for Further Study’. only feedback the applicant was due to a concerned fuel loading in US • Applicant scores more than receives is currently through gallons and the applicant used 75 per cent (exam is passed) the rather aggressively titled genuine gap in the specific gravity value for but with less than 100 per ‘Knowledge Deficiency Report’. Imperial gallons. cent: ‘Applicant’s Report’ and But there are key differences knowledge" The CAA is aware of our ‘examiner Debrief Report’ are in theoretical knowledge concerns and we have both generated. exam methods for private and proposed that the ‘Knowledge Following the roadshows, professional pilots: Deficiency Report’ should be the CAA will apply further • Theoretical knowledge retitled ‘Applicant’s Report’. tweaks to the e-exam system actually necessary for every-day The existing Learning Objective before launching a trial system operations will soon become feedback items should remain, within 16 selected training familiar to the professional pilot titled ‘Recommended Topics organisations in the spring. through company Standard for Further Study’ as an offer If this proves successful, the Operating Procedures and ‘on of advice to the applicant. system will replace the paper the job training’ (OJT). However, Provided that the applicant exam system in June 2020. there is no OJT for private pilots, passes the subject, the system Any paper exams already so they may continue their should snapshot any failed passed by an applicant will flying with blissful ignorance question and the associated remain valid within the normal of why they failed a particular answer options. This should validity period, but all others question, even though they generate an ‘examiner will require use of the e-exam passed the exam – which could Debrief Report’ as a read-only system. be crucial. temporary file accessible by the No-one likes taking exams. • Private pilot exams are Examiner through password But the e-exam system should, invigilated by an examiner entry. When closed after the if suitably configured, lead who is available to debrief debrief the file should be to future GA pilots being the applicant after the automatically deleted. tested more reasonably, exam has been completed, We have recommended that through theoretical knowledge whereas professional exams the policy concerning these requirements better suited to are conducted en masse reports should be: today’s flying environment.•

February 2020 AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot 40 TECH AND BOOKS Latest products and books

NEXT GEN NAV/ GPS/COMM Product GTN 650Xi Maker Garmin

GARMIN ANNOUNCED the GTN 650Xi and GTN 750Xi, the next generation of in-flight navigation technology. Designed as a direct slide-in upgrade to the MODERNISE previous generation GTN 650/750, pilots can preserve their panel and YOUR COCKPIT modernise the cockpit Garmin releases the GI 275 electronic flight instrument with the new GTN 650Xi and GTN 750Xi. The Product GI 275 capable of displaying all-in-one GPS/NAV/ Maker Garmin traffic, weather, terrain, COMM can integrate with SafeTaxi airport diagrams, new or existing remote- GARMIN has released a optional Synthetic Vision mount equipment such new series of instrument Technology and 'and more, as a transponder or panel-mounted displays when fitted alongside audio panel. Dual-core that are rear-mounted a GTN 650 or similar processors and modern into standard 3.125-inch instrument. hardware also prepare cutouts, offering a simple Suitable as a replacement the GTN Xi series for way to replace steam- or for many ageing flight advanced capabilities electric-driven instruments instruments and gyro- in the future. The with capable new electronic The GI 275 has the ability to based attitude indicators GTN 650Xi and GTN 750Xi displays. The GI 275 can display maps on the market such as the have received Federal replace attitude indicators, popular KI-256, the GI 275 Aviation Administration attitude direction reducing installation time gives aircraft owners the (FAA) approval and are indicators, horizontal and preserving the existing benefits of a modern and available immediately for situation indicators, and aircraft panel. It’s also reliable flight instrument. fixed-wing single-engine course deviation indicators, compatible with a variety Its bright, high-resolution and multi-engine piston, and it can also replace of third-party autopilots touchscreen display and turbine and experimental engine instruments as a and does not require a wide viewing angle offers aircraft, with helicopter primary engine indication separate interface adapter, superior readability in the and business aircraft system. It can also replace further reducing installation cockpit. approvals soon to follow. engine instruments as a labour. The GI 275 has A dual concentric knob Retaining all the primary indication system. already received Federal allows pilots to access a features of the older Capable of serving as a Aviation Administration variety of key functions. generation GTN 650/750, 4-in-1 flight instrument, the (FAA) approval and Garmin Highly scaleable, aircraft the GTN Xi series adds a GI 275 can also be installed state that it is expecting to owners can start with a vibrant display and vivid as a standby as it boasts a receive EASA certification single GI 275 and add colours that enhance the back-up battery that has a later this year. up to a total of six in a contemporary look of the life of 60 minutes. Several variants of the GI panel, paving the way for new navigators. The GI 275 is intentionally 275 are available to meet incremental upgrades. • designed to take advantage the needs of over 1,000 Where garmin.com of the common 3.125in aircraft models. Where garmin.com Price Starting at $12,495 flight instrument size, The GI 275 is also Price From $3,995

AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot February 2020 41 TRAINING AN RAF PHANTOM CREW The story of the challenges faced by trainees on the road to becoming operational on the frontline, from a Cold War pilot and navigator’s own perspectives STAMPS AND Author Philip Keeble and also best-selling authors combat aircraft in a wide AVIATION David Gledhill of The Phantom in Focus, range of overseas theatres. Author Howard Piltz Publisher Fonthill Media Fighters over the Falklands, On leaving the forces, he Publisher Pen & Sword Tornado F3 in Focus, became a civilian military THIS BOOK delivers an Tornado in Pictures: simulator instructor in the AUTHOR Howard Piltz insight into a perspective The Multi Role Legend, UK and Saudi Arabia. has combined his two that has increasingly become Operational Test: Honing the Gledhill joined the RAF as greatest interests – a point of interest to amateur Edge and Patrolling the Cold a navigator in 1973 flying transport and stamp historians. War Skies: Reheat Sunset. the Phantom. He was one of collecting – and brought The recipient of a number Keeble was born in 1947 the first to fly the F2 and F3 them together in a series of rave reviews on Amazon, in Beaconsfield, England. air defence variant of the of books looking at the Per Ardua: Training an RAF Educated in Slough and Tornado and commanded the way postage stamps have Phantom Crew desribes how Fareham. In 1965, Keeble was Tornado Fighter Flight in the led him to increase his Cold War aircrew assimilated accepted for pilot training Falkland Islands. • knowledge of our world, the skills needed to fly and with the RAF and had a 28- via his interest in all forms fight the complex fighter year career in the service, Where fonthill.media of transport world-wide. jet. Following their progress flying reconnaissance and Price £25 Philately (the collecting through every stage and of stamps) itself is a explains why it cost millions fascinating hobby looking to train each pilot and at the development of navigator. postal services in all its Flying the McDonnell forms. Designs of stamps Douglas F-4 Phantom was have evolved from the a young man’s dream, but Victorian Penny Black to the path from ‘Civvy Street’ today’s creations, often to operational on a fighter artistic but dependent squadron was long, arduous more and more on and beset with obstacles. photography, with greater To succeed meant the or lesser degrees of chance to fly one of the most digital manipulation. iconic combat aircraft that In his quest Piltz has ever took to the air; however, covered many unusual not every fledgling aviator places that have only who began the journey become more accessible fulfilled their ambition to with the advent of cheap wear the coveted ‘Op. badge’. air travel, but has still Co-written by Philip found it necessary to Keeble and David Gledhill, use his own contacts, both former Phantom pilot/ library of related books navigator recount the and more recently the challenges and emotions internet to research. Like encountered during the all books in this series, rigorous training process in they have been laid out a frank yet light-hearted way as a global tour. that will leave you wondering how anyone achieved the Where pen-and-sword.co.uk goal. Price £16.99 The former aircrew are

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February 2020 AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot