AIR PILOT SEPTEMBER 2018:AIR PILOT MASTER 27/9/18 19:55 Page 1 2 AirPilot OCTOBER 2018 ISSUE 29 AIR PILOT SEPTEMBER 2018:AIR PILOT MASTER 27/9/18 19:55 Page 2

Diary

OCTOBER 2018 AIR PILOT 1st Lord Mayor’s Election Guildhall THE HONOURABLE 10th Pilot Aptitude Testing RAF Cranwell COMPANY OF 18th GP&F Cutlers’ Hall AIR PILOTS 25th Trophies & Awards Banquet Guildhall incorporating Air Navigators NOVEMBER 2018 PATRON: 2nd - 3rd Pilot Careers Live Heathrow His Royal Highness 15th ACEC & APBF Dowgate Hill The Prince Philip Duke of Edinburgh KG KT 22nd Scholarships pres entation, GP&F,Court Cutlers’ Hall

GRAND MASTER: DECEMBER 2018 His Royal Highness The Prince Andrew 5th AST/APT meeting Dowgate Hill Duke of York KG GCVO 13th GP&F Cutlers’ Hall 13th Carol Service St. Michaels’, Cornhill MASTER: Captain Colin Cox FRAeS Please note that meetings scheduled for Dowgate Hill may be relocated to our new CLERK: Paul J Tacon BA FCIS office depending on the date of our move.

Incorporated by Royal Charter. A Livery Company of the City of London. VISITS PROGRAMME PUBLISHED BY: Please see the flyers accompanying this issue of Air Pilot or contact Liveryman David The Honourable Company of Air Pilots, Curgenven at [email protected]. Dowgate Hill House, 14-16 Dowgate Hill, These flyers can also be downloaded from the Company's website. London EC4R 2SU. Please check on the Company website for visits that are to be confirmed. EDITOR: Paul Smiddy BA (Ec on), FCA EMAIL: [email protected]

FUNCTION PHOTOGRAPHY: GOLF CLUB EVENTS Gerald Sharp Photography Please check on Company website for latest information View images and order prints on-line. TELEPHONE: 020 8599 5070 EMAIL: [email protected] WEBSITE: www.sharpphoto.co.uk

PRINTED BY: Printed Solutions Ltd 01494 478870 Except where specifically stated, none of the material in this issue is to be taken as expressing the opinion of the Court of the Company. EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS: The copy deadline for the December 2018 edition of Air Pilot is 1 November 2018. The address is: 14-16 Dowgate Hill House, London EC4R 2SU. Our telephone number remains unchanged TELEPHONE: 020 7404 4032 EMAIL: [email protected] Cover photo: Old Red, new Reds - Gnat at RIAT 2018. WEBSITE: www.airpilots.org Courtesy of Freeman Will Eeles. AIR PILOT SEPTEMBER 2018:AIR PILOT MASTER 27/9/18 19:55 Page 3

A message from your Editor... Good news! There is no need for Company members to start selling the Big Issue on the streets of London.We are no longer homeless; well perhaps a slight exaggeration since we have been well catered for in serviced offices on a temporary measure for some while. But now we have a new permanent abode in Southwark. For those that might be tempted to scoff that it is not in the City, well it is just over the river, and, having worked in the locale, albeit many m oons ago, I can affirm there are plenty of hostelries nearby where members and staff can slake their thirst or assuage their hunger. Moreover it is as steeped in history as its more staid neighbour, the City itself.The site of the Tabard Inn, whence Chaucer and his band of merry pilgrims departed for Canterbury is only a few hundred yards away.

In the News section of this issue, you will find two references to the gliding world: firstly the BGA have understandably been a vehement opponent of the airspace grab by Farnborough which prejudices activity at the busiest gliding site in the country. Secondly the BGA has recently issued a reminder to avoid the overflight of their winch-launching sites.Which reminds me, stories from the gliding fraternity have been noticeable by their absence in this magazine. I should really welcome contributions on soaring exploits or issues – there must be some of our number who positively dislike a propeller in their cock pit view….

Paul Smiddy - Editor

Contents

News Round Up ...... 4

The Master’s Message and North American Tour Report ...... 8

From the Desk of the DAA ...... 11

The Heroes at Highclere ...... 13

Past Master Brian Pickard ...... 14

Sun, Lakes and Glaciers ...... 15

The Morgan Motor Company ...... 18

Visit to the DHFS, RAF Shawbury ...... 20

Helicopter Museum Visit ...... 22

Company Visit to RAF Waddington ...... 23

North Weald ...... 26

Trophies and Awards 2017 - 2018 ...... 27

Henstridge ...... 28

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News Round Up OVERFLIGHT OF GLIDING SITES location by a narrow margin because ban on alcohol sales before 1000 hrs.T his Liveryman DaiWhittingham encourages us to there are likely to be gliders operating seems to the Editor an eminently sensible heed recent advice from the BGA: close to the site as they soar within first step, and members might wish to gliding range. Even if a site has finished A significant number of gliding sites discuss this possible improvement to our winch-launching for the day, it may winch launch gliders to 2000 feet or have gliders returning from cross legislative framework with their MPs. more using cables. Maximum launch country flights, or motor gliders self- altitudes are indicated on the ½ mil launching into the local area. VFR chart with a forward slash and THE ABC OF THE RAF CAA AIC Y083/2011 refers height. For example, Rivar Hill has a Former fast jet pilot and QFI Paul maximum winch-launch altitude of Heasman has published a 56 page 3800ft, as shown on the graphic as /3.8. RYANAIR softback book with the above title. It is There is further detail about winch It was a summer of discontent for launch sites in the UK AIP.Pilots should Ryanair passengers, due to strike action clearly designed to encourage young not rely on seeing the winch launch by its pilots, and air traffic issues at people to consider a light blue career. It happening.A glider will go from ground Stansted. Finally the company has is slightly difficult to judge the right age to 1,000 -1,500ft in about 20 seconds, so acceded to a voluntary trade union group for this book, but the ‘A’ is for Air spotting it in the climb is too late to do agreement in many of the countries Experience Flight, in wh ich Heasman anything about the conflict.The hazard (including the UK) in which it is based. continues for at least another 20 asks the reader “Do you know where IS COMMERCIAL AVIATION PROVIDING seconds as the cable descends under a your nearest Air Cadet squadron is PASSENGERS WITH A BETTER SERVICE? small parachute. The higher the launch, based?”. This indicates the target age Which? Magazine recently published an the longer the descent. Many of the interesting investigation reporting how group is probably 10-14. It certainly did moving map databases and published published flight schedules have broadly not engage my four year-old grandson, approach plates commonly used by some lengthened since 2009.Virgin’s LHR to although perhaps he has not had enough private and most commercial pilots do Newark service has slowed by 35 not depict winch launch sites. brainwashing as yet! There are some very minutes, for example. Pilots will good photographs in it, most sourced Ed Downham, who, as well as being a undoubtedly be aware of operational UK Airprox Board gliding member, is a reasons w hy this might be so – skirting from the MoD, whom I imagine will be Boeing 777 captain said, “So far, we the world’s trouble spots, slowing for fuel quite pleased with the tenor of the haven’t seen an actual mid-air collision economy, etc. But Which? strongly volume. It definitely fills a void – we with a winch cable. But it could soon be suspected that this padding was partly need a Capt. WE Johns for the 21st a matter for the AAIB rather than due to a desire to avoid compensating century! UKAB. Be under no illusion, such an passengers for flight delays under the EU encounter is highly likely to be fatal for compensation regime. BA, Easyjet and The ABC of the RAF costs £14.99 plus those involved.” Ryanair were amongst the airlines postage and packaging. For information Chris Fox, another UKAB gliding mentioned. Whatever the excuses, the or purchase please visit the Facebook member and an R44 pilot, said: “A findings do rather underline that the page www.facebook.com/ABCofRAF or passenger experience has ceased to recurring theme in these reports is that email [email protected] the powered aircraft pilot assumed that improve. the gliding site would not be active – ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION perhaps because the weather was less AMONGST PASSENGERS INTER-LIVERY SKI CHAMPIONSHIPS than perfect, or it was late in the day. Another depressing part of passenger These are once again being organised by Gliders can, and do, winch-launch in travel is the increasing occurrence of the Ironmongers – see https:// strong winds and any cloud base that poor behaviour from fellow passengers permits the launch to be completed due to inebriation. The CAA notes that www.liveryskiing.com/. safely – often in conditions that would there were more than 200 reported Our participation is again being co- deter many other GA pilots.” instances in H1 2018 of disruptive ordinated by Sam Rutherford who is passengers, vs. 417 in the whole of 2017. The UKAB advise that pilots should keen for volunteers for our team, always avoid glider sites. Only overfly (It believes that there is a significant particularly of the female gender. 2019 them if you have timely, positive incidence of unreported cases). confirmation from the site itself that they Currently airport bars are exempt from will mark the first year in which a t rophy are inactive. When avoiding glidersites, the UK’s licensing laws; Ryanair and Jet2 will be awarded by ourselves (for Fastest beware of simply skirting the ground are amongst the airlines which favour a Rate of Ascent – don’t ask!).

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AIRSPACE CHANGES GAA ALLIANCE RESPONSE TO THE Liveryman Nick Willcock writes: CAA AIRSPACE MODERNISATION STRATEGY In the News Round Up section of Issue This is the General Aviation Alliance 28 concerning Farnborough Airspace, it (GAA) response to the new draft is stated that the new Class E TMZ Airspace Modernisation Strategy (CAP blocks will allow access for aircraft 1690) consultation and should be read in ‘without the need for air traffic control addition to the GAA on-line survey clearance’.To use that immortal line from comments, as well as any responses from RAF MUSEUM VISIT Independence Day - “That’s not entirely individual GAA member organisations. Master Elect Malcolm White, with his accurate”! The GAA is a group of organisations wife Vanessa and Warden Nick Goodwin Under SERA, entry into Class E airspace representing the interests of many in the supported a visit to the RAF Museum by without ATC clearance is only UK General Aviation (GA) industry. The Worshipful Company of Gold and permissible for VFR traffic. Below Members of the GAA in clude: British Silver Wyre Drawers. Hosted by Karen Balloon and Airship Club (BBAC); 10000ft,VMC in such airspace requires at Whitting (the Museum’s Director of British Gliding Association (BGA); least 1000ft vertical and 1500m Content and Programmes) and others British Hang Gliding and Paragliding horizontal clearance from cloud and an from the Museum and the RAF Association (BHPA); British Microlight Historical Branch , it was a splendid in-flight vi sibility of not less than 5km. Aircraft Association (BMAA); British morning followed by an excellent lunch Conditions below these limits are IMC, Parachute Association (BPA); Helicopter hosted by Master John Walsham. requiring the pilot to operate under IFR Club of Great Britain (HCGB); Light and to have an ATC clearance. Pilots of Aircraft Association (LAA); PPL/IR aeroplanes and helicopters, but not Europe - European Association of 100 YEAR OLD SWORDFISH PILOT sailplanes, must also hold an instrument Instrument Rated Private Pilots; Royal REUNITED WITH HIS STEED qualification to fly under IFR; gone are Aero Club of the United Kingdom An emotional moment as 100-year-old the days of PPL holders without IMCRs (RAeC). The GAA coordinates about (17 June 1918) Ian Templar watched the 72,000 subscription paying members of only flying Mk1 Swordfish in the world being legally permitted to fly under IFR! these bodies. lift to the skies catapulting him back in However, NPPL and LAPL holders may time to 1940 when he got his wings and fly out of sight of the surface as long as a commission as acting temporary Sub- they can maintain VMC, but may not Introduction Lieutenant. operate under IFR. The GAA understands and supports the Cdr Nathan Grey,currently a pilot in the Henc e the Class E TMZ blocks will need to modernise UK airspace to create Fleet Air Arm was at RNHF filming for probably be of little facility to GA traffic structures and flight procedures that are the next series of HMS Queen Elizabeth unless the pilot can guarantee remaining efficient, safe and proportionate for all and had just flown in the 78 year old in VMC; as SVFR is not available in users. In doing so, we recognise the aircraft. Cdr Gray flies the F-35B considerable challenge in balancing the Lightning fifth -generation aircraft. Cdr CTAs, Farnborough ATC are also going to have to be prepared to accept suitably differing requirements of a broad range Gray said “I feel immensely pro ud to of users, particularly at lower altitudes, qualified pilots’ requests for IFR meet Ian today, what an absolute and stand ready to contribute to clearance at short notice, particularly privilege it is to shake his hand.To know subsequent work to deliver the strategy, what his generation in the Fleet Air Arm from pilots already operating inside the either directly or through the Future achieved in this biplane made of Irish blocks under VFR. Airspace Strategy VFR Implementation linen during World War Two is truly Of course the alternative is that many Group (FASVIG). inspiring and the foundation on which we operate today.”This is the first time pilots will simply ignore the limits, either Whilst the GAA welcomes the strategy, Ian has been back to RNAS Yeovilton deliberately or through lack of we are concerned that it is focussed since 1944! It revived his memories of knowledge. One hopes that they will not largely on the commercial aspects of UK ‘chasing Italians in the Mediterranean’. take this option, because that would aviation and pays insufficient regard to surely lead to the airspace being the needs of, or issues facing, a recategorized as Class D, requiring all burgeoning GA community.These need traffic to be under an ATC clearance to be given more consideration in the strategy if the Government’s objective to The recent decision by the CAA broadly make the UK the best place in the world to accede to TAG’s request for a vast for GA is to be achieved. As a national increase in controlled airspace around asset, airspace should be avail able to all Farnborough has provoked a wave of (with the default position being distraught response from the other parts uncontrolled airspace), which requires a of the GA community who will be holistic approach to satisfy the adversely affected by these changes. The requirements, as far as possible, of all response from the GAA is show n in full forms of aviation. Our main concerns below. centre on the proposed governance

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arrangements and on the modernisation Lower airspace modernisation collisions. The GAA believes that of lower airspace. The key part of the strategy for the GA modern commercial aircraft performance community, unsurprisingly, concerns the and technologies should translate into reductions in the dimensions of airport Governance arrangements modernisation of airspace at lower control zones. The strategy ought to The governance structure does not lend altitudes where the majority of GA highlight this and initiate work to itself to independent decision making, activity takes place. consider how commercially driven with only the proposed Independent The GAA is, therefore, particularly parties can be incentivised to release Commission for Civil Aviation Noise interested in ensurin g that GA needs and controlled airspace. (ICCAN) providing independent views are fully considered in the oversight, albeit with a very narrow modernisation of airspace below around remit. 7000 feet, both around airports and Conclusion and recommendations We are particularly concerned about the outside controlled airspace. We have no In conclusion, the GAA understands and integrity of a structure that essentially difficulty with the initiatives relating to supports the need to modernise UK places NATS, 42% of which is owned by these are as but, given that the strategy airspace but is con cerned that GA use of the Airline Group and which is funded ‘...is expected to improve access to airspace (both controlled and by the airline operators, as the airspace airspace for General Aviation, by enabling uncontrolled) has not been given due modernisation Project Management greater integration (rather than consideration in the strategy. Specifically, Office (PMO).We believe there is a need segregation) of different airspace user we have concerns about the proposed for independent oversight of airspace groups', are concerned that there is not governance arrangements and the modernisation and would like to see the more emphasis on chang es to the overly approach to delivering change at lower appointment of a truly independent complex and outdated lower airspace altitudes. To address these issues, we PMO to provide oversight of the structure. recommend that: delivery plan. Additionally, we believe Whilst the strategy refers to new airspace, • A truly independent PMO is appointed that consideration should be given to to provide oversight of the creating further independent bodies like procedures and technology to improve modernisation delivery plan. ICCAN to provide oversight of other booking and release of segregated areas in important aspects of the modernisation the upper airspace under the Advanced • Consideration is given to creating programme, such as safety. Flexible Use Airspace (FUA) initiative, further independent bodies to provide there is no corresponding lower airspace The role of the CAA as the airspace oversight of specific aspects of the initiative. Indeed, there is no reference to regulator and primary decision maker is modernisation, such as safety. the reclassification of under-utilised or set out clearly in the strategy, albeit • The CAA’s powers are extended to redundant controlled airspace and scant muddied somewhat in practice by the enable it to direct airports to take mention of the shared use of regulated fact that, although accountable to forward airspace changes necessary for airspace for VFR operations.We strongly Government, it is funded by those it modernisation. regulates. Notwithstanding, without the believe that there should be an initiative power to initiate or mandate airspace to conduct a review of the airspace • An additional initiative is introduced to modifications within the delivery plan, it below 7000 feet to identify, inter alia, review the airspace below 7000 feet, is difficult to seehow the current underused or larger than strictly with the aim of identifying and piecemeal development of lower airspace necessary controlled airspace, with the releasing underused or larger than strictly necessary controlled airspace based on change proposals submitted by aim of releasing this and improving access and increasing GA access. commerci ally driven airports and Air for all classes of aircraft across the GA Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs) sector. Such a review could also usefully • Work is initiated to consider to how will ‘further enable greater access to consider ‘best practice’ elsewhere in airport operators might be incentiv ised airspace for non-commercial users.’ As Europe. to release regulated airspace. such, we support the move to give the On a related point, although the strategy Secretary of State new legislative powers acknowledges that many airport arrival to direct airports, through the CAA, to AIRSPACE INQUIRY - and departure procedures today are take forward the airspace changes THE VIEW OF THE APPG – GA necessary for modernisation. outdated and should be redesigned based (their latest press release) on more precise satellite navigation As highlighted last year by Andy The All-Party Parliamentary Group on technology (and the steeper climbs and Wightman MSP ("Flawed Airport General Aviation (APPG-GA) is descents that modern commercial and Consultation" speech to the Scottish parliament’s largest APPG, with 174 MPs military aircraft are capable of), there is Parliament on 27 April 2017), the and Peers[1]. The parliamentary group no mention of the opportunity here to governanc e framework is simply not one works to educate parliamentarians and that can work in the public interest when reduce the dimensions of controlled ministers about the role that aviation both the CAA and NATS are airspace around airports. This is a plays in society and our economic accountable to the Government but significant issue for GA and would go nation’s prosperity. The APPG has five funded by the airline industry and some way to reducing hot spots of expert Working Groups covering therefore accountable to private interests congestion in lower unregulated Airfields, Airspace, Tax & Regulations, as well. airspace and thus the risk of mid-air Heritage Aviation and STEM Jobs &

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Skills. all stakeholder groups; requirement for access for all airspace users evidence-based inputs; reference to best The APPG-GA believes that the UK’s • Wha t measures should be in place to practice; etc.) airspace belongs to everyone. Removing monitor and withdraw underutilised it from certain users must come with •Assessment of the efficiency and areas of controlled airspace responsibilities. Equitable access is effectiveness of current airspace-related therefore paramount.This paper has been processes • What measures should be in place to produced by the Airspace Working ensure governance and process remains Group and follows the announcement • Delegations of authority, including the fit for purpose allocation of accountabilities, during July 2018 that the APPG-GA • And who pays intends to investigate the way that • responsibilities, roles and interests airspace is managed in the UK. •The role of non-governmental organisations that are a part of the Next Steps Inquiry Purpose and Scope established airspace system (e.g. NATS) A general Call for Evidence will close on 31st October 2018. The inquiry will study all components of • The case for making change in priority governance and process that result in geographical areas Formal invitations will be issued to airspace decisions and make certain stakeholders, but any organisation • Whether airspace change sponsors recommendations on how to improve that wishes to present evidence and make should make financial contributions in the current system. In addition to making representations should do so in written return for taking away airspace from representations to ministers on the format addressing the broad headings in other users – similar to so-called findings, MPs and Lords may wish to this Terms of Reference discussion paper Section 106 provisions in national introduce legislation to change the planning policy to present their evidence. Please email: current law. AirspaceInquiry@GeneralAviationAPP Focussing primarily on lower airspace, G.uk the inquiry is likely to cover topics such Airspace Report Recommendations Please note that your evidence will as; The all-party group will invite ordinarily be published. • Current and potential future issues stakeholders to submit evidence through relating to the overall strategy, policy a formal Call for Evidence process, hold Witness invitations to give evidence will and principal mechanics guiding Hearings in the Palace of Westminster as be sent out in November. Based on the airspace design, management and the part of their Inquiry, and produce a Call for Evidence response, APPG-GA measurement of effective performance written report. The report, which will intend to hold a number of oral witness • The principal current and potential include specific recommendations, is expected to cover: hearing sessions in the Palace of future influences on airspace strategy Westminster. These will be both and policy as identified by different • Governance and management of the broadcast live and taped. stakeholder groups UK’s airspace • The underlying principles that should • Parliamentary and ministerial oversight Follow up be used to guide all airspace-related • Government role matters (e.g. proportionality; need to The APPG-GA Airspace Inquiry report maintain currency/relevance of • CAA roles and responsibilities will be published in 2019. This will designs; retire designs when no longer • NATS roles and responsibilities include recommendations for ministers. required; periodic independent reviews A formal response to the report will be • What the overarching policy objectives - e.g. by National Audit Office - of the requested from government ministers. should be for airspace efficiency and effectiveness of airspace MPs and Peers may decide to introduce strategy, policy and specific • What measures should be in place to legislation in order to bring findings into mechanisms; equitable consideration of increase efficiency and ensure equitable effect.

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Master’s Message and North American Tour Report By Captain Colin Cox

Look up ‘The Master’ on Wikipedia and would come as no surprise that the main Germany and they tried to talk me into you’ll see that he is a recurring character investor is a mainland Chinese helping with their pitch to the RCAF in a British science fiction television businessman with a vision to develop an concerning the relative merits of the series, Doctor Who. Sometimes I do feel aviation college in the lower mainland of Typhoon vs the F35B. I said that they like a bit of a time traveller when I write BC. After five years he hopes that this didn’t need any help from me, these articles. Not only do I have to write development will have morphed into a considering just cost alone, and they very about what’s happened in the past, print University of the Air where, not only kindly gave me some Eurofighter trinkets deadlines dictate that I also have to write pilots, but engineers, cabin crew, ground by way of mementos for my wise words. about things before they’ve happened so personnel etc. will all be able to start out Abbotsford was again the venue next day that they appear to have occurred in the on their respective careers. Grand plans for Canada’s premier air show where I past. indeed but from little acorns, as they say, was to present the Master’s North As an example of what I’m talking about, mighty oaks do grow and from this American Trophy to this year’s recipient, let me mention the day upw ards of 120 dinner a pledge of C$100,000 was made Coulson Aviation, an aerial fire-fighting of our members and their guests which will go into a trust administered company. Unfortunately, at the time we descended upon Highclere Castle for our by the North American Region itself, were there, no less than 40 fires were annual garden party. Of course, at the with a view initially to assist in the blazing across Western Canada alone, let time of writing this event hadn’t training of pilots. Our benefactor also alone further south across the border, and occurred yet so I can only hope that the very kindly paid for the dinner! Coulson Aviation found themselves weather gods played ball and that For those who haven’t visited,Vancouver somewhat s tretched to find a everything turned out as planned. From is a spectacular city and home to another representative to receive it.The certificate the information sheet provided it institution which has attracted Chinese will be framed and presented at a later certainly looked like having the potential aviation business interest with a 25% date. Speaking of awards, I was finally to be a really enjoyable day out. David interest in Harbour Air, a successful able to put a face to the name when I Curgenven and his team have certainly floatplane company operating out of two met with Donna Farquahar, our North excelled themselves this year in providing locations in the Vancouver area. Harbour American Administrator, who is to be a varied and intere sting cornucopia of Air Seaplanes also happens to be one of presented with the Sir Alan Cobham visits from gin making sessions to our our North American Region’s affiliates. Memorial Award at the Trophies & usual aviation-related activities such as Denise and I were invited to experience Awards Banquet this year. It is hoped that fly-ins etc. their operation with a flight in a DHC-3 she might be able to travel across the What I can write about with a high Turbine Single Otter from their base in ‘pond’ to receive it in person. For many degree of certainty however is the Coal Harbour, downtown Vancouver, to years Donna has been associated with Master’s Visit to our North American Victoria on Vancouver Island. Harbour The Abbotsford International Air Show Region. Taking advantage of the lull in Air Seaplanes were recipients of our Society, another North American activity during August in the UK, Denise Cumberbatch Trophy “for its outstanding Affiliate of ours, as is the Canadian and I flew to Vancouver where I was to safety record” in 2011/12, a fac t which is Snowbirds Demonstration Team and it attend the Aerospace, Defence and acknowledged on its website.Their safety was great to see them in action from a Security Expo at Abbotsford Airport, record is no less significant to this day prime position on the lawn outside the British Columbia, escorted by North and this safety culture was evident President’s Club Chalet. American Region Director, Alistair throughout the whole process of check- From Vancouver the Mistress and I flew Beaton. in, boarding, flight and disembarkation. I to Washington, DC via Toronto. Therein Prior to this I was invited to a dinner in was able to witness it all first hand as I lies a tale. Your Master contrived to Vancouver where I was introduced by was invited to sit in the right-hand seat ‘mislay’ his mobile phone whilst having a Alistair, and Past Chairman of the beside Captain Darren Malcolm, a shoeshine - what else do you do with a Region Dr Steve Stewart, to veteran floatplane pilot of some 30 years, three-hour transit stop? Obviously not representatives of an organisation that 13 of which are with Harbour Air. His rea lising at this point that I was sans wishes to invest heavily in broad-brush boss, President at Harbour Air Seaplanes, phone we proceeded to clear US aeronautical training in the hinterland Captain Peter Evans, is a Live ryman of immigration in Toronto. Only when we around theVancouver area. Inevitably this our Company and we are deeply were in the USA (whilst geographically would involve pilot training from ab indebted to his continued hospitality. still in Canada) did I realise I didn’t have initio through to advanced modules The Defence and Security Expo was my phone. Apple’s ‘Find my iPhone’ is a including substantive simulator very much a talking shop but useful from wonderful thing. It indicated that it was installations. If I said that this dinner was the point of view of meeting many sitting at the shoe shine stand (in at the Shun Feng Seafood Restaurant in industry movers and shakers. The Canada). Do you think the powers-that- Richmond, a suburb of Vancouver, it Eurofighter sales team was there from be would let me back?Would they ‘eck as

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like! At this point I will extol the virtues of the NTSB, Robert Sumwelt, and we pu ll a rabbit out of the hat though by of Air Canada in the air, but on the also met with representatives of the arranging a last minute meeting with a ground? Not so good. Flight Safety Foundation. The principle representative of the College of Good old Apple to the rescue though: subject of discussion was the ongoing Professional Pilots of Canada with a view ‘I’ve lost my phone – call this number’ I difficulties all agencies have with the to combining our collective efforts in put Denise’s mobile number out and lo handling of uncontained lithium-ion promoting professionalism within the and behold it rang.“I’ve got your phone,” battery fires and some examples freely aviation industry in Canada, so all was said a voice. “Brilliant! Hand it to Air available to view on social media are very not totally lost. Canada Ground Services,” I suggested. worrying indeed. With other subjects The flight home was uneventful and, on under discussion, Bill and John both felt “Sir,” came the reply,“Between you and this occasion, can give Air Canada a pat that the meetings had been very fruitful, me better to leave it with the shoe shine on the back.They have even gone so far and John departed back home to Florida guy!”Well,cutting a long story short, the as to agree to reimbursing the cost of our and Bill dropped us off at the Dulles shoe shine guy got my phon e to me so, if hotel for the extra night in Washington. Marriott ahead of our trip to Montreal you’re ever passing through Toronto’s By now of course this is all a distant the next day. Or so we thought………. Pearson Airport, go and have your shoes memory and we are keen to capitalise on shined at Walter’s Shoe Care. Anyone It’s a very long story but our flight next our experience in attempting to ensure from Air Canada reading this? Now,that’s day went tech and was subsequently the Australasian leg of our adventures go service! cancelled.Try as we might we could not smoothly.That of course is immediately find any alternative way of getting to Anyway, we made it to Washington and after the Trophies and Awards Banquet Montreal or indeed Ottawa, which was were kindly met at the airport and taken later in the month.Whilst the office staff our final destination after planned to the Army and Navy Club, an affiliated are actively involved with organising the meetings anyway. With an enforced club of the RAF Club in London, by T&A, the general day-to-day activities of unscheduled night in another hotel at North American Regional Chairman, the Company cannot be ignored so this Dulles we eventually got to Montreal late Capt. Bill Pinney. The next day, in his time of year is a very busy one for all the next afternoon. Upper Freeman capacity as Docent of the Smithsonian concerned. This past few months Chris Brown, who had been equally particu larly have seen a flurry of activity Air and Space Museum at Dulles Airport, frustrated at having had several meetings with regard to seeking out a new home Bill generously gave Denise and I a cancelled then drove us all the way to for our Honourable Company. personal guided tour taking in such Ottawa for the night.We did manage to magnificent exhibits as Enola Gay and reschedule a meeting with Commander One area where I have been somewhat the Space Shuttle, Discovery, amongst of the Royal Canadian Air Force, remiss is application to the Master’s two many others. That afternoon Liveryman Lieutenant General Al Meinzinger and charities this year. We have been quite John Cox joined us, having flown in from that meeting went very well. It was akin successful with promoting awareness of his home in Florida, to discuss meetings to meeting with an old friend, as I had Jill Robinson’s‘Animals Asia Foundation’ we were due to have next day. already been introduced to General and saving of the Moon Bears of China In the event, one of those meetings with Meinzinger at a reception at the and Vietnam from their fate, but there is the NBAA unfortunately had to be Canadian High Commission in London more to be done in that regard and I cancelled but we did have a very earlier in the year and I also bumped into hope to continue that particular productive meeting with the Chairman him again at Abbotsford. I did manage to promotion on my visit to Hong Kong.

The Mistress in Business Class. Denise and myself after landing in Victoria,Vancouver Island.

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For now,I would like to turn to my other support for the work of the Great Danes Church in London in charity for the year and I made no Ormond Street Hospital in helping fund commemoration. Once again, I was apology in my inauguration speech their pioneering work in developing new privileged to be invited to attend the earlier in the year for nominating Great and kinder treatm ents for difficult-to- service and the subsequent reception at Ormond Street Hospital and specifically treat childhood cancers will be greatly the RAF Club. children with cancer.Things are brought appreciated. It’s now time to put my ‘time traveller’ so much more clearly into focus when Turning to our colleagues in the RAF hat back on at this point and look one of our own finds themselves so sadly now, we continue to support them in forward to the Trophies & Awards in the thick of it. their 100th anniversary celebrations. In Banquet at Guild hall, with it being the It has recently been brought to my addition to the many and varied events I principal event of our social year. We attention that Assistant Dacre Watson’s 7- have attended on behalf of our Company, know that people are coming from far year-old grandson, William, requires last month, along with Past Master and wide for this spectacular annual extensive, and complicated, surgery and it Pooley,I was privileged to be invited to a celebration of ours, and Denise and I are will only be through the good offices of Battle of Britain Dinner by the Air Force really looking forward to meeting with as the surgeons at Great Ormond Street Board held at RAF Northolt. Home to many of our members and their guests as that effective correction to his condition the Hurricane, Northolt played a we can. Immediately after that we depart be accomplished. Dacre is a cancer significant role in the Battle of Britain on our tour of New Zealand, Australia survivor himself, along with others I can and was also home to No.303 Polish and Hong Kong and, from what I’ve seen think of, but it seems such an Fighter Squadron.This year also happens of the proposed programme so far, we are exceptionally cruel disease to have affect to be the Centenary of the Polish Air in for a spectacular, if very busy, trip. those so young as well. Please spare a Force, and a Service of Remembrance So, with that, I’m off to join my fellow thought for young William and any andThanksgiving was held at St Clement time lords………

Myself with Bill Pinney, NA Region Chairman Visit with Commander RCAF,Lt-Gen Al with Space Shuttle Discovery in the background Meinzinger, in his office at the National Defence (Udvar-Hazy Museum - Dulles),Washington, DC) HQ in Ottawa with UF Chris Brown of the NA Region.

Master Typhoon Salesman at Abbotsford Trade Abbotsford group photo. Myself with the Mistress Shoe Shine Guy – Toronto Airport. Exhibition and Donna Farquahar,The NA Region Administrator, and Alistair Beaton, NA Region Director, and his wife, Diane.

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alternative paper does hint at ‘having the cake and eating it.’ Now we must From the Desk of the persuade those in parliament not to Director Aviation Affairs precipitate an end to continuing UK Liveryman John Turner membership of EASA.

BREXIT & HEATHROW aviation acquis and committing to MAG2TRUE By coincidence as I was starting to write maintain that equivalence in the future” If you personally are not convinced this, the House of Commons Library and that the UK “will explore the already of the merits of this campaign, Briefing Paper (Number 08387, 28 grounds for continued UK participation please take some time to look August 2018) entitled “The Brexit in the European Aviation Safety Agency at the Nav Canada presentation at White Paper on future relations and (EASA)”, accepting that “this would http://www.ukfsc.co.uk/wp- alternative proposals” arrived in my mean abiding by the rules of the agency content/uploads/2016/11/CFIT-Magnetic- inbox. This Briefing Paper covers the and making an appropriate financial vs-True-North-NAV-CANADA-Sept- UK Government’s White Paper ‘The contribution”. It points out that 2017.pdf. Although this was written Future Relationship between the United legislation underpinning the EASA before their successful flight trial proved Kingdom and the European Union’ (Cm creates a framework for third country the concept, it provides a good summary 9593) published on 12 July 2018 and an participation (which has enabled Swiss of the safety issues as well as the on-going ‘alternative white paper’ drawn up by the participation in the Agency), and that the costs that arise from our moving Department f or Exiting the EU that was UK would aim to continue close reference system. published in 24 separate extracts on the cooperation with the EU on air traffic Conservative Home website in July; management through its continued UNMANNED AIR VEHICLES/SYSTERMS “The DexEU Alternative Brexit White membership of EUROCONTROL (a The UK is moving ahead with ‘drone’ Paper - Canada Plus Plus Plus 19) - non-EU body), and through ensuring legislation that will require every Transport” covers aviation. To continue equivalent legislative commitments to pilot/operator to register any UAVs my theme from last issue, the fact that it the Single European Sky (SES) with greater than 250gm and to hold a takes two different papers to cover the some additional detail on access, safety,air certificate of competency to operate same topic does little to suggest that UK traffic management and security. them. As part of the move in that has a single strategy for its future! Interestingly, it concludes on aviation direction the UK Department for However, on aviation there does appear with two statements: Transport (DfT) held a consultation, our to be a singular theme. “The future partnership on aviation should response to which included the following avoid the introduction of restrictions on From the White paper: “The UK’s points: proposals include an Air Transport ownershi p and control and ensure continued •Drones of up to 20 kg have the Agreement which seeks to maintain mutual recognition of relevant professional potential to damage property and to reciprocal liberalised aviation access qualifications and licences.The UK has a high cause injury or death. between and within the territory of the level of ambition for a future partnership in air UK and the EU, alongside UK transport between the UK and the EU,and in • Inappropriate drone flying has the participation in EASA” and “The guaranteeing the connectivity citizens and potential to cause large-scale death (100 Government would like an “Air businesses benefit from today.We start from an plus people) and destruction of Transport Agreement” which would unprecedented position, with the same rules property over a significant area (airliner “permit UK and EU carriers to operate and regulations as the EU, and the EU has crash, road or rail accident) through air services to, from and within the shown in the past that creative arrangements unsafe interaction with land and air territory of both the UK and the EU on can be agreed in other areas. transports. an equal basis” (Chapter 1, para 130). ln add ition to securing an ambitious agreement • To ensure all drone operators can be The Government wants the UK to stay with the EU on aviation, we will seek new expected apply a reasonable level of in the European Aviation Safety Agency arrangements with third countries with which care, they should be of a suitable age (EASA), and to cooperate closely on air the UK is currently party to EU-level (i.e. 18 years) to hold responsibility for traffic management and aviation security. agreements on air services. These agreements the appropriate exercise of that care. The EU-Canada Air Services Agreement include some very important markets for the We hope that such an age requirement would be a possible template for an UK including the US and Canada. ln 2016 will first ensure that Drone operations open-skies deal between the UK and EU North American residents travelling by air are considered separately from toy to keep air traffic flowing. spent £3.6 billion in the UK. Discussions playthings and second provide an From the ‘alternative white paper’: “UK are already underway with lneie (sic) countries assurance that the required level of care seeks fully liberalised access for UK to ensure a smooth and seamless transition to is taken during drone operations. carriers to the common aviation area new arrangements after the UK leaves the • The review in support of future drone (replicating current levels of market EU.” legislation should cover the equivalence access) … the basis of committing to So there appears to be consensus on the of drone and manned aircraft safety in domestic legislation equivalent to the aim to stay within EASA although the design and operation. Although drones

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are often seen as aviation new-comers, If we embrace the concept of equivalent demand for airspace, new rules must it is quite likely that they will, at least levels of safety, we face even more provide (only) the protection that is within certain locations, become the complexity because to sustain 1,000 ft necessary for a safe aerodrome flying separation between drones and majority user of some airspace environment rather than a 'one size fits aerodrome air traffic, the area of 'other segments. Therefore, it would be all' that prevents drone operation where sensible to apply (to the extent that it drone' prohibition would be required to include anywhere that aerodrome traffic it could have been conducted safety. is possible and appropriate) equivalent might fly at less than 1,400 ft ABOVE The expectation in the UK is that drone rule-sets to drones and to manned AERODROME ELEVATION, with aviation safety requirements. exclusion zones will be promulgated in drones operating within 1km of that the first instance through a web/APP- • The DfT proposal for a 1km restriction boundary being restricted to operating based Flight Information and zone around airfield boundaries (in no higher that 400 ft ABOVE THE which all drone flying would be ELEVATION OF THE ADJACENT Notification System (FINS) for drone prohibited, but outside of which 1km AERODROME. The height reference operators (and for other aviators to check drone flying up to 400 ft above ground becomes important because at present on intended drone activity). However, level would be allowed) would not (for ‘small’ civilian drones) the ‘not above with the rapid advances in provide adequate protection for aircraft 400 ft’ is considered by operators and the miniaturisation, we might expect police as referenced to the elevation of on final approach at many airfields. It universal ADS-B carriage to allow us all the point where the operator is standing. would be more appropriate for each to operate within a ‘known traffic Aerodromes would have to promulgate airport to promulgate the areas where environment’ that would finally unlock drone flying is not permitted so that their specific drone limitations dependent on approach a nd departure the ability to share airspace safely in real there is always a lateral and height safety (and visual circuit) procedures in use by time across all users. Drone exploitation buffer between manned and un- aerodrome traffic at the time.This would for leisure and for commercial reasons is manned aircraft using an aerodrome, be much more complicated than the developing rapidly, so it is important we and those that are operating outside of historic '2 nautical mile/2,000 ft Air establish from the start an environment or separate from the know n aerodrome Traffic Zone' that surrounds many that will work effectively and safely for aviation environment. This would smaller airfields but modern web- and everyone, rather than advantage some at maximise the available space for Drone app-based methods would ensure current operation while sustaining aerodrome’s information was readily available to the the expense of others. operational safety. drone operator. To satisfy ever-increasing

GAZETTE APPROVED BYTHE COURT 20 SEPTEMBER 2018

ADMISSIONS As Associate DECEASED As Upper Freeman Bruce BOEREE (HK) Roger MINARDS William CUMBERLIDGE Bradley DARE (AUS) Philip PORTER Christopher HARROLD (AUS) Wayne ZILCO (AUS) Sir Adrian SWIRE Simon HUREK (HK) RESIGNATIONS Billy McGEE (NA) ACKNOWLEDGED BY THE COURT Patrick MORDECAI Mark BAUGH (HK) 20 SEPTEMBER 2018 Wolfgang BERN (HK) Oliver PAYNE REGRADE Kathryn CHAPMAN Mark PONTING To Livery Terrence DUHIG (HK) Sabu SIVARAMAN (OS) David ALLISON Keith FILBEY Earle VANCE (HK) Clive ROSE Kieran TRASLER Jaki HOWES Christopher WRIGHT (HK) Trevor JARRETT (HK) As Upper Freeman Peter JOHN As Freeman Claudine MILES Gus LARARD (HK) Jennifer BAKER-CARR Ian METHUEN As Freeman Warren BERESFORD (AUS) Thomas RAEBURN Ian PALMER David CAMPBELL (HK) Rachelle ROGERS Matthew LITTLE REINSTATEMENT Philip RUSHTON Justin SHAVE (HK) As Upper Freeman Anthony SHEPHERD Ian SULLIVAN Karl SMYE Steven WYTHE

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The Heroes at Highclere By Past Master Chris Hodgkinson, Photos courtesy of John Denyer

Our Summer Garden party was held at ‘Downton Abbey’ in early September, with well over 100 members and guests, as part of Lady Carnarvon’s two day concept to support the charities, soldiers, airmen, veterans and nursing teams to mark the centenary of the closing stages of WWI. ThisVictorian pile is set amidst 1,000 acres on the Hampshire/Berkshire borders. During WW1 it was a hospital, and a home for evacuated children in WWII. Organised as efficiently as ever by our indomitable David Curgenven, we Smith, were still finding remnants of the enjoyed a mostly sunny day with the B17. benefit of a splendid marquee for our There were talks from several speakers picnic lunches and Pimms – the only including Robert Harris and Lor guests permitted to bring food and liquid (Julian) Fellowes who spoke of his refreshments. Some of the many concept for Downton Abbey. Many attractions for the two days may still be members availed themselves of the found at chance to walk through Highclere and https://www.highclerecastle.co.uk/hero es-highclere-2018. see where parts of the TV series were made. There was plenty of music and A highlight of the day, preceded by a entertainment including the (Reading) short service, was the unveiling of a Scottish Pipe Band, the Gatsby Girls and wooden sculpture entitled ‘Airmen’ in the Rockabellas. memory of the crews of the aircraft which crashed on the estate, namely a Past Master Spink gave us a spirited Lysander in February 1942; a Percival display in a P51 Mustang immediately Proctor in November 1942; a Whitley in after the unveiling and other highlights December 1942; Mosquitoes in included the Great War Display Team December 1943 and March 1944; a P38 from White Waltham (see photos); the de in May 1944, and a B17 Fort Worth Jail Havilland Nine Formation Team; the House in May 1945. Some of you may BBMF Spitfire and the B17 Flying have seen the programme earlier this year Fortress Sally B from Duxford. On the where Lady Carnarvon, with her band of ground was a Chinook and a Wasp. assistants, including Captain Steve Bohill-

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In 1909 Captain Sir Geoffrey de Havilland purchased the recently vacated testing ground, substantial sheds and hangers, built to house a flying machine designed by Mr Moore-Brabazon, and brought his aircraft from the factory in Fulham. Sadly it crashed on the first take-off. After substantial redesign, the No 2 aeroplane was brought to Highclere and this time flew successfully.

Past Master Brian Pickard FRCS FRAeS By Past Master Chris Hodgkinson

In early September, the Master and four ENT surgeon. He worked at King’s Past Masters attended a ‘Celebration of College Hospital, the National Hospital the Brian’s Life’ at the Regent Street for Nervous Diseases, and Great Ormond Cinema. An unusual location you might Street Hospital, before becoming think, but since Brian’s elder daughter Consultant at St George’s Hospital, Diane is Vice Chairman of Westminster London, where he had a long and very University which owns the Cinema, and distinguished career. We heard from some 7 speakers about his Brian was by his own admission an He learned to fly in the post-war RAF life – his upbringing in Blackheath; time atheist and occasional agnostic, it all and went on to gain his PPL/IR, owning as a doctor and leading consultant; made sense. Diane is the mother of a Chipmunk (G-APTS) which he flew voluntary work with the Dispensaire Jonathan Yeo, painter of an exceptional all over Europe. Well known for Francaise (a medical service for the portrait of his grandfather. introducing staff and colleagues to the French and Francophones) for which he Brian was Master in 1979, wh en we used joys of aviation via his infectious received the Legion d’Honneur; sailing Guildhall for the first time to celebrate enthusiasm, he used the Chipmunk and and his several boats; as a father from his our 50th. We didn’t use Guildhall again his PA28 as serious business tools.As well son Bill, a B747 Captain; as a pilot from until 1995, when Mansion House was as a passion for general aviation, Brian Prof. Mike Bagshaw with a splendid story closed for renovation. was a keen sailor and inspired many of flying in Brian’s PA28 to Poland for a He died in July after a short illness, aged medical students in his role as medical conference at the height of the 96. After qualifying at Guy’s Hospital in Commodore of the London Medical Cold War; and finally his grandchildren 1946, Brian became a highly-respected Schools’ Sailing Association. and great grandchildren.

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Sun, Lakes & Glaciers - The story of a summer holiday By Past Master Chris Ford

It is with a twinge of sadness that I sit in learn to fly a floatplane. Never one to an Air Canada Boeing Dreamliner, flying turn down a good offer I leapt at the from Vancouver to London, and opportunity to take 2 weeks this summer contemplate on an all too short 2 weeks’ to return and see more of the Territory. holiday in the Yukon. I went out to stay I arrived on July 20th to find the Yukon with my friends Craig & Donna bathed in very warm weather which, to Unterschute in Whitehorse, with the my delight, lasted through all but my last ultimate aim of being able to have a few day on the 4th Aug.A s with any business, Enjoying being at low level again hours of piloting a float-plane for the first and Great River Air is no exception, time. Sue and I first met Craig and there was more to do than just swan respected FI, who had just ferried the Donna at a dinner given by Britten around in a floatplane! Craig had just Stearman from Sault St. Marie, Ontario 3 Norman (BN), at Lee-on–Solent in the taken delivery of a Stearman built in to Whitehorse . summer of 2015, to celebrate the 50th 1942, which he is endeavoring to have To make matters more complicated, birthday of the Islander Aircraft. I transferred to a commercial operator’s there were issues with an Islander Craig presume I may have been invited as the licence to enable him to re-establish the is having rebuilt, and the 206s he operates Master of the Honourable Company, but original Klondike Airways. He will then in Dawson both needed 50hr servicing. perhaps the 3500 hours I have flown on relocate the aircraft to Dawson and We made a quick trip by road (just 5 ½ both piston and turbine Islanders may conduct sightseeing flights round the hours) to Dawson and took spare parts have helped. Craig owns his own charter gold fields and the Tombstone and food up to the pilots and their company1 based in Whitehorse and Mountains. families. Whilst there I was asked to Dawson City, and at the time owned 3 For the first few days I helped Cr aig set chaperone one of his younger staff on a Islanders. We had a common cause and out in detail the 100hr/12 month flight in the PA28 as she flew a enjoyed each other’s company that very servicing schedule to present toTransport sightseeing trip of her own. Armed with sunny evening whilst being well wined Canada for approval.This approval would a ¼ mil map and, very unused to the and dined by BN. On parting he did eventually set the wheels in motion to variation being 28E (!), I sat in the right make the rash offer for Sue and me to gain certification to do commercial hand seat and guided her as she flew the visit them both at some stage in the flights. During this time I was given the PA28 over Dawson and through the future. We did indeed take up the offer, chance to see the local area from a PA28, mountains for the first time.We had fun and in 2017 stayed with them for a short which I was allowed to fly for 40 mins and saw the wonderful peaks of the spell.When we parted Craig insisted that under the supervision of Kelly Collins2 . Tombstones and, despite her trepidation I ought to return to theYukon again and Kelly is one of Craig’s pilots and is a well of not having done any preflight

Feet wet in Little Braeburn The Tombstone Mountains

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The cold waters at Graham’s Inlet This does take some concentration you know

planning, I did manage to guide her kindly take me under his wing for the speed such that we were gently faultlessly back to Dawson on the 55 min next few hours. I had no intention of approaching and not stalling onto the trip. getting an endorsement to a licence - I water. That afternoon, and to save having to just wanted to enjoy the experience, get Happy that I could land safely Kyle suffer yet another 5½ hours’ drive on the my feet wet and see parts of the Yukon guided me to little Braeburn Lake7 return to Whitehorse, Craig suggested I and BC that others would die for. The where I did my first full stop and should fly south with Gordon Dunlop, son of a very well known Yukon aviator, beaching. I could now fully appreciate another of his pilots, who was returning Bob Cameron5 , Kyle started flying at a the joy of owning a floatplane and being for a few days’ rest. I was kindly given the young age and is a keen researcher of able to just get away from it all. After a left hand seat and we flew at 5,500ft from aircraft accidents within the Yukon and successful take off and more splashes and Dawson toWhitehorse. Leaving Dawson, BC. He was, with little fear and a bit of dashes on Fox Lake, we flew back to Lake the Yukon River and the Klondike gentle cajoling on his part, to chaperone Laberge to land and beach on Richtofen behind us we initially climbed out over me for m y next 6 flying hours. (!) Island for a wander round. the go ld fields of Grand Forks and set On meeting him at his dock on the With the afternoon coming to a close I heading for Whitehorse. An extensive shores of Schwatka Lake6 I was did the take off and return to Schwatka forest fire in the vicinity of Maisy May introduced to the finer points of pre- Lake to moor up at the dock. What an routed us to the west of track by some flight checks, including pumping out the introduction to floats, very enjoyable, miles but ensured we had marvelous float compartments and doing water hard work and taxing on the brain trying views of the rolling hills and mine drain checks, being very careful not to to remember what to do with differing workings as we crossed the Stewart spill the result into the lake! Now, my winds during taxying - but all amazing in River, then theYukon to the west of Fort light aircraft time is very limited and its own right. Selkirk, eventually arriving atWhitehorse push pull controls not a natural action so My next flight with Kyle was not for a after 2.30hrs. there was a bit of sitting in the seat few days. In the meantime Kelly was With some time on my hands the next making aircraft noises and flying control back down in Whitehors e and took me day I travelled, by road, south to Carcross actions without going anywhere. After a up for 20 mins in the Stearman. I have to and Fraser, to see the railway4 that makes b riefing on speeds, flap settings, and most admit to not doing the take off or the journey from Skagway in Alaska over importantly the ‘attitude’ to adopt for landing but did enjoy the wind in my the White Pass to Lake Bennett and both take off and landing, we were on hair and battling to keep level in steep thence Carcross where it terminates. Ever our way.It did take a while for me to get turns. I fully understand the ethos behind a sucker for a bit of quaint rail travel, I the hang of getting on the step and starting a sightseeing adventure in the was hoping to hitch a ride, BUT there checking both the attitude and speed to Gold Mining areas and the Tombstone were no return options! ensure one was correct and the other not Mountains. Nearly a week was now up and I was still decreasing or static, BUT we did get Determined that I would enjoy my next no closer to a floatplane and was airborne from the lake in the most trip with Kyle I had done a bit of beginning to imagine it may never satisfying way. We climbed out to the planning and come up with a pretty happen. Oh ye of little faith and north and set heading for Lake Laberge comprehensive sightseeing route that I obviously no patience! It would happen where we set up for the first of our splash hoped he would take me on. My next soon. and dash circuits. Huggin g the western flight did not quite go as I had planned, I was introduced to Kyle Cameron, an shore line to ensure there were reference BUT we did enjoy the most wonderful aircraft engineer and the owner of a points we conducted four circuits before day of flying and sightseeing that one C180 fitted with floats. Kyle would I was happy with the landing attitude and could imagine.

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Initially we flew south from Schwatka to who died in the incident back to see the As I sit at 36,000 ft. over Hudson Bay Wheaton River where we did an orbit totally undisturbed site. watching my last Canadian sunset for a around the sight of a crashed C119 The plan had been to land close to the while, my thanks have to go to Craig, BoxCar. There were still a few pieces of dock at Atlin, but by now the wind had Donna and all the team at Great River evidence. Then past Surprise Mountain picked up and though we got down to 5 Air, as well as Kyle and all who I met to do some splashes and dashes in feet above the water it was just a bit too around the area, each and everyone, for Millhaven Bay8 on Lake Bennett.At this rough to land. Instead we went to a very making this the most enjoyable and stage I learnt to roll slightly to lift one small lake (Como11) to the north of the memorable experience. Just over 10 float out of the water and decrease the town where I was able to practice a very hours’ flying of which 6 were on floats, drag enabling a shorter take off run.Then short landing using full flap and a bit of with many a splash and dash, and 7 full on to Nares Lake by Carcross for further luck. Due to the confined nature of this stop water landings, the mission had been practice before a landing and beaching by lake, we changed seats and Kyle did the accomplished. Perhaps, the next time I’m Carcross airfield. After lunch a 30 min take-off using the Alaska technique of in the Yukon, I’ll be able to hire a flight took us via a look at a forest fire in rolling on some flap to unstick from the floatplane so that Sue and I can explore Windy Arm to a landing on Tagish Lake water. The transit back to Whitehorse the further reaches of that remarkable at Graham’s Inlet9 . took us through some of the very thick wilderness! On arrival, Jim Brook, who lives with his smoke downwind of theWindy Arm fire, 89 year-old mother in this very remote which was enveloping the town ofTagish location, greeted us. Both are remarkably where we had hoped to land. As it was 1 http://greatriverair.com/ self-sufficient.There is no road access, just the lake was rough and the people we 2 http://www.kellycollinsaviation.ca/ a boat or light aircraft in the summer (he hoped to see were not in, it was onward 3 https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/kelly- has a very short airstrip next to the lake) and upward back to Schwatka where collins-biplane-cana da-flight-1.4736029 4 https://wpyr.com/ or ski plane and skidoos in the winter. Kyle kindly let me do a landing from the 5 https://www.num-ti-jah.com/bob-cameron/ After a visit to his hanger, workshop and right hand seat. Not an easy ask with no 6 https://map.what3words.com/warmth. hydro generator, and a very welcome cup airspeed indicator or ball close to hand to barrage.fangs of tea, we got airborne and flew south ensure some of the parameters were 7 https://map.what3words.com/ through the Southern Lakes to the correct. We walked away from the dock undermined.snug.procedure Llewellyn Glacier in the Atlin very satisfied. Earlier I said that t he trip 8 https://map.what3words.com/fable.clarity.rake 9 https://map.what3words.com/ Recreational Park.The wind had picked did not quite go to my plan. Well, Kyle fright.conclude.glistening up a bit, now a bit bumpier than before had decided upon almost a reverse route 10 https://newsinteractives.cbc.ca/longform/ the views were nevertheless spectacular. of the one I had so was surprised when I plane-crash-mystery-yukon-bc-alaska Turning north we then flew past the knew many of the land marks he was 11 https://map.what3words.com/ crash site of a US Coast Guard Albatross, trying to get me to find! It does go to riverbed.tilt ed.interference which happened back in 196710 . Kyle show that some planning is actually had recently taken relations of one those worthwhile! The Glacier

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The Morgan Motor Company By Liveryman Alan Jackson

On Wednesday 18th July a party of 44 from the shelves, and the deal done.The taking delivery of a new car just six members and guests descended upon the irony was that Peter did not then buy the weeks before his untimely death in May venerable Morgan Motor Company car! 1917. factory at Pickersleigh Road, Malvern After a buffet lunch, we met our guides, Today, the company produces five four- Link - the oldest continuously-in-use Kevin Jones and Kenneth Wright. With wheelers: the Aero 8 and the Plus 8, motor car factory in Britain. More than their help, and an introductory short which, we gathered, are soon to be one member had a history of Morgan film, we learnt something of the replaced with new models - this because ownership, and the day provided company’s history and present. The the BMW V8, by which they are fascinating contrasts and similarities with founder, H F S Morgan, ran a garage powered, is no longer available; the the Morgan factory of forty and fifty business in Malvern. For his own use, he Roadster, powered by a 3.7 litre FordV6; years ago. Peter Jennings recalled his first visit to the factory in the early seventies. built in 1909 the first three-wheeler, the Plus 4, powered by a 2 litre Ford He was consideri ng the purchase of a powered by a twin-cylinder engine and engine; and the 4/4, powe red by a 1.6 1932 four-wheeler ‘flat rad’ car, one of with the famous sliding pillar front litre Ford with a Mazda gearbox. Since the earliest Morgans with the extra suspension which remains in use on 2011, these have been joined by a new wheel; but the car lacked a magneto. some models today.The interest was such three-wheeler, powered by a two litre Seeking one, he was greeted at the that he started producing the cars for sale, American S&S motorcycle engine. An factory by Peter Morgan (son of the and in 1914 production began the move electric motor version of the three- founder), who took him straight to the to the current premises. We were wheeler is due to join the product line at parts store; there, an example of the exact particularly interested to hear that Albert some point (still hush-hush) in what we model of magneto, unused, was retrieved Ball VC was a keen Morgan owner, gathered might be the not-too-distant

A modern 3-wheeler An Aero build in progress

An early Morgan ‘Runabout’ in the museum Bodywork being added

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future. Annual production of all types is around 800 cars, produced by about 200 employees. Roughly 75% of production is exported, and the company is now back in the USA market after a 12 year hiatus. After this introduction the party divided in two groups, each having a detailed tour of the factory. Much is as it always was. Several models are still built on a steel ladder chassis, with an ash framework for the cabin and tail, and with the familiar sweeping wings and louvred bon net. The most powerful cars have their body parts mounted on a modern chassis, with the traditional 367 bhp of a 4.8l BMW grunt sliding pillar front suspension replaced by about to be shoe-horned into a chassis a more conventional arrangement. Construction of the ash frames uses Modern chassis identical methods to those used when A tour of the factory your author bought his first Morgan in 1967; indeed, the tools used to form the rear wheel arches are, for example, considerably older. By contrast, aluminium front wings are now produced, by an external supplier, by a modern moulding process. From its earliest days Morgan has a distinguished sporting history at many levels, from amateur sprints and production car trials to circuit racing, rallying, and the ultimate 24-hour Le Mans road race. In 1962, Chris Lawrence and Richard Shepherd-Barron won their class at Le Mans in the Plus 4 Super Sports TOK 258, prepared by Lawrence, covering 2,256 miles in the twenty-four hours. In 1975 a Morgan 4/4 won the One of the special edition last 50 Plus 8’s BRSCC Production Sports Car Championship outright, having won every race in the series in the up to 2.5 litre class. A generation later, using an Aero 8 GT, Morgan competed again at Le Mans in 2002 and 2004. After the tour, our party was able to look through the interesting Morgan Museum, and browse the shop. Many thanks are due both to our guides at Pickersleigh Road, and to Past Master Chris Ford for organising the visit. We had a fascinating view of both traditional and modern car manufacturing in the early twenty-first cen tury. It is easy to imagine that Morgan’s second century will be as exciting as its first.

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Visit to the DHFS, RAF Shawbury, 26 July By the Editor

A large group of members assembled aforesaid), for Harry’s overview of the Ascent as driver & Airbus Helicopters as outside the main gates of this rotary wing element of the current a sub-contractor) was two years from distinguished RAF airfield on a fine Military Flying Traini ng System (MFTS). planning to implementation, and now summer’s morning.We had initially been Harry had joined the RAF as a Jnr Tech boasts a cadre of 160 ins tructors – a mix refused permission to fly in due to ATC and left as CFI 33 years later! We felt we of tri-service military, and civil.The first issues, but Liveryman John Davy were in good hands. Shawbury’s motto is airframes arrived at Shawbury in April exercised his powers of persuasion, and “To Teach,To Lead,To Be Willing”, and 2017. had that decision reversed. But when the it is growing rapidly.(Company members The hardware is the Eurocopter H135 (as powers that be heard that Davy had been will no doubt endorse the DHFS motto seen buzzing over your house last night at it, the decision was reversed again. So of “To Rejoice in Flight”).As well as the looking for criminals), known in the it was that four aircraft owned by egg-beaters, it is the centre of training for RAF as Jupiter (29 off), and three Company members had RV’d at nearby air traffickers, who are to be joined by examples of the H145 (which has an Sleap, before taxiing over to Shawbu ry. the Fighter Controller school from RAF almost identical glass cockpit layout). For the likes of your Editor and Boulmer in the near future. Ascent QHIs were initially given a Liveryman James Alexander (who flies Current student throughput is intended standard civil conversion to type. There from Cark), an horrendous car journey to be 286 p.a., with potential further has been an interesting continuing had been averted. increases as a result of SDSR 2020. Many learning process between 22 Gp, Asce nt We were welcomed by Harry Palmer, Company members will already have and Airbus about the differences between former CFI of the Defence Helicopter seen the first impact of the MFTS civil and military use, and the different Flying School (DHFS), and now the site’s concept at RAF Valley where Hawk use of the aircraft’s flight envelope.The 3 general manager for Ascent Flying courses are now in the hands of Ascent, H145s will be used predominantly at Training. We walked over to Ascent’s BAE Systems & Rolls Royce and will be Valley for basic maritime training by 202 spanking new Duke of Cambridge aware of the initially severe operational Sqn. The 3xMFD glass cockpits are building (yet to be opened by the difficulties.The Shawbury element (with similar across the two types, and carry a

Fg Off Jones having a chat in the characterful crewroom A H135 preparing for a ‘hot’ refuel The components of DHFS have been given old squadron numbers A very joint operation

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Company members and hosts The H135 up close The office

useful training mode which allows a very because one of the issues of the H135 is (capable of being linked to the military realistic failure of a (single!) engine to be the low headroom for rear seaters – the simulator network); a winch tower with simulated in flight. The 4 Axis autopilot gearbox rather intrudes into the cabin. VR technology, and a trainer for Air can do is capable of doing an ILS to the Clearly there are glowing career Loadmasters. low hover. But there are no GNSS LPV prospects for diminutive winchmen! The syllabus now uses 55% live hours, approaches at Shawbury, as the military There is currently a protracted have yet to adopt these profiles, so these programme to clear the larger H145 and 45% in the sims. With the gear and are carried out at the likes of Staverton airframe at RAF Valley for winching the expertise Shawbury and Ascent are and Oxford. training duties. well placed to expand their training to As well as a 4 radio suite, there is a The component squadrons of DHFS are cater for police and helimed crews, and dummy DASS fit, and a threat emulator a jumble of Army, RN and Air Force the CAA are looking at potential future panel.There is also an IR ball, as in police squadrons; 75 % of the instructors are accreditation. machines. As the DHFS concep t is for currently serving military,on a full 3 year The aircraft are being used hard: 2-3 almost ab initio helicopter flying, initial tour; MoD simply contracts Ascent for rotors-running refuels per day,and 45-50 training sorties are map/watch/ground; the 25% not on its own books. Clearly a hours per week utilisation being the thereafter students move on to use significant driver of the cost savings that norm. electronic mission planning systems as on make the MFTS concept attractive is the a front line types. Night Vision Device extension of synthetic training. Overall it was a very interesting insight training is commonplace – students do Shawbury now has 7 Flight Training into these early days of a new approach very little traditional night flying. Devices (made by CAE Canada), with to military rotary training. Our very The Editor was amused to note that, excellent graphics, and “motion cueing” grateful thanks go to Harry Palmer, who despite the high degree of jointery these (shaky seats - but not full motion).With was most generous with his time, and to days, no more evident than in the world the 135 selling well around the world, David Curgenven, as ever the brains and CAE are apparently keen to invest of rotary training, the three main sweat behind our visits programme. branches of our armed forces all still have further in the underlying software different anthropometric criteria for model. In addition there is a Command aircrew selection. This is only of note and Tactics trainer with 4 positions

As I had a spare seat on this trip I took Fg Off Scott Jones with me. I had met him days earlier on my visit to ULAS at RAF Wittering (see August issue). He is currently on an extended hold at ULAS prior to starting his basic flying Sam Waller appears to find David Curgenven’s training. Given he favours a rotary career, he found the day fascinating. I would position amusing! urge all members to be aware of young air force officers who are currently in such a holding predicament, and might welcome (with their Boss’ permission of course) a flight.

Some of the difficulties of procuring civil types for military use are evident in the recently published report of the Service Inquiry into Griffin MK1 ZJ241, which crashed 2 years ago in Snowdonia. The Griffin is of course being superceded by the H135 mentioned above. As ever this Service Inquiry appears to my untrained eye to have been very thorough. It highlights the perils of taking an airframe which was initially designed and built for purely civil purposes, and then later laye ring it with military capability (in this case mountain flying, with greater slopes for landing, and winching capability). Much food for thought.

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Helicopter Museum Visit By Past Master Chris Spurrier

On 16th August a select group of (son unharmed but rotor blades intrepid travellers battled through heavy destroyed) was attributed to lack of rain to Weston super Mare to meet Elfan power, so they tried again. With father in ap Rees, founder and Chairman of “control” and behind a much more Trustees of the Helicopter Museum. Elfan is almost a legendary figure in the powerful speedboat, they achieved greater height before the subsequent helicopter world. He founded Venerable Dragonfly Helicopter International magazine, to crash (father unharmed but rotor blades which he still contributes. His personal destroyed), when mother became aware collection began with a Bristol Sycamore of wha t was going on and banned further in 1969 and a Belvedere in 1974. When investment. he realised no-one was collecting and preserving examples of o ur helicopter There are, of course, many more history and heritage he started the conventional aircraft and a few unlikely collection which led to this museum. ones too. There are examples of every The site itself is interesting, having been Lynx variant on display, including the originally set up by the Bristol Aircraft holder of the helicopter world speed Company as a shadow factory for Filton. The Bristol Beaufighter was produced record, highly polished and looking very there during WW2, and some of the smart. There is an enormous Russian Ap Rees with the record-breaking Lynx original buildings survive at Oldmixon, Mil bristling with weaponry and some adjacent to the airfield. At the end of the tiny - and unlikely - prototypes from the war Bristol set up a separate helicopter very early days. These rub rotors with a division at Weston, which was taken over Royal Flight Whirlwind (complete with by Westland in 1960. In the meantime the airfield had been used for armchairs, tantalus and set of glasses), experimental flying, testing torpedoes off some unusual drones and a Huey as used the local coast, and some development inViet Nam. Elfan is, without doubt, the work with the Avro Lincoln. fount of all knowledge on the subject. The current museum is a dream come His fascinating accounts of the various true for helicopter enthusiasts. Elfan is exhibits, what they could do and how without doubt an arch-blagger, having they were obtained held us spellbound successfully persuaded companies and Ap Rees receives his belated T&A certificate for a very enjoyable morning. individuals to part with some amazing machinery and then cajoled various Last year Elfan had been granted the Kamikaze autogyro transport companies to ship them to the Award for Aviation Journalism but had museum. His success has resulted in the been unable to attend the Trophies and need for a new building, which has been Awards Banquet. At the conclusion of granted planning permission and is over half-funded. It’s certainly true that the this visit the IPM was pleased to present current museum is full. There are over 80 Elfan with the certificate for this very helicopters and autogyros, including well deserved award, together with an machinery which seemed positively Honourable Company shield for the suicidal. I was particularly struck by the museum. And then, of course, we rowing boat autogyro. This unusual (I distinguished few went off to the pub for can’t think of an appropriate adjective) lunch. Anyone travelling to the West device was a wooden boat with a couple of outriggers and a two-bladed rotor. Country would be well advised to take The idea was that the victim (see my last the 5-minute diversion off the M5. For on adjectives) sat in the boat whilst it was anyone interested in aviation it’s a truly towed behind a speedboat. Elfan assured worthwhile experience. us that the first flight was made by the owner’s 14-year old son (without his mother’s knowledge). The resulting crash

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Company Visit to RAF Waddington – 12th September By Upper Freeman Andy Richardson Photos by the Editor and Liveryman Alan Jackson

One advantage being a member of the with minimal delay,it was onto the coach absolutely at the heart of what Defence Air Pilots Visits team is that you can and off to 8 Squadron to be met by a does in the world”. Group Captain pretty well choose where to go. Thus, great aircrew group led by the Squadron Burke also mentioned that with so much with fond memories of those long-ago Commander, Wing Commander Jez activity at Waddington it would be years and joining my first operational Batt. Coffee and biscuits went down a impossible for us to see everything in one squadron (Vulcans) at RAF Waddington treat as some of our group had been on day and he hoped that we would return way back in 1966, it seemed natural that the road since 0430. The volume and a gain next year. The Air Battlespace I should target Waddington for a pace of conversation grew rapidly with Training Centre was currently without a Company Visit. My task was made easy our hosts just as interested in us and our roof but will be fully functional in 2019. by the immediate enthusiasm shown by backgrounds as we were wit h them. The station also hosts the UK’s Shadow and Reaper activities, and next year will the station commander, Group Captain Group Captain Burke then formally become the base of the Defender fleet Tom Burke. Thus at 0830 on 12th welcomed us to RAF Waddington, also. September, just over eight months from briefly outlining its history going back the initial approach, some 36 members over 100 years to RFC days as a flying Flight Lieutenant Howard Leach, a very gathered at the base for a most enjoyable training unit. By March 1937, experienced Fighter Allocator, then briefed us on the E-3D commonly and enlightening visit. Waddington had been developed into a known as AWACS (Airborne Warning After such a long blue-sky summer, it was bomber base, and early aircraft to be And Control System) or simply Sentry,as perhaps typically British that that dawn based there included the Hawker Hind, operated by 8 Squadron. The Sentry on 12th saw the South and Eastern Handley Page Hampden and Bristol monitors airspace to provide threat England covered by thick low cloud thus Blenheim. 1940 saw the arrival of the detection of adversary aircraft and grounding 3 of our fly-in group. fated Avro Manchester, and in 1944 the situational awareness of friendly assets. Nevertheless 2 still made it by road and Avro Lancaster. The first of the iconic Information is gathered by the Northrop are now awaiting the arrival of speeding Vulcans arrived in 1957 and remained in Grumman APY-2 Radar (the massive tickets! service until their eventual retirement rotating radome above the rear fuselage) Our host and liaison officer, Flight following the Falklands campaign. and processed on board by the mission Lieutenant Adele Brown, a Fighter Waddington is now the hub of UK crew. Sentry can also detect ships and Controller with 8 Squadro n, met us at Intelligence, Surveillance, Target relay information to other allied vessels the Officers Mess car park, and had Acquisition and Reconnaissance or maritime aircraft. Sentry is an managed to have us all pre-booked in by (ISTAR) activities making it one of the evolution of the Boeing 707-320 airliner. security with our passes in hand. So, RAF’s busiest stations –“we are 8 Sqn took delivery of its first E-3D in

The party and our hosts

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July 1991, replacing the faithful but Brown and the other briefers. Lunch ancient Shackleton, and just over a year Raytheon Sentinel R Mk 1: itself was excellent – a hot buffet with 3 later, 8 Squadron E-3Ds were in action Powerplant: 2 X 14750 lb RR choices. over the Balkans and then over Northern BR710 turbofans After lunch we posed for a group photo Iraq in 1994. Length 99 ft 5 in outside the Mess before visiting the Today the Sentry is fully integrated into Heritage Centre. The Heritage Centre Height 27ft the ISTAR force and regularly shows its charts the history of Waddington from capabilities in the skies above Iraq and Wingspan 93ft 5.5 in 1916 to the present day, covering in Syria. The 2015 Strategic Defence Wing area 1022 sq. ft particular WorldWar 2, the Cold War and Review calls for Sentry to be in service Max speed 530 kts Black Buck. Immediately on entering the until 2035. Wing Commander Batt and Range in excess of 5000nm building are the very moving remains of Flight Lieutenant Leach fielded a variety a Lancaster which was recently recovered Max Alt in excess of 40,000 ft of questions. from a peat bog in the Scottish Hills (having crashed on a tra ining sortie). Another room includes artefacts and We were then taken out to the aircraft Boeing E-3D Sentry AEW.Mk 1: documents relating to the history of dispersal apron to board a Sentry. 2 were Powerplant: 4 X 24,000lb st, Waddington-based Squadrons. A third on deployment but 4 were sitting on the CFM56-2A3 turbofans room is dedicated to the V Force pan, albeit 2 of which in a mothballed featuring the Vulcan,Victor and Valliant. Length: 152ft 11in state. We were free to walk around, and Here were details of the 17 Vulcan losses Height: 41ft 4 in very helpful crew were on hand to - a high number for peacetime answer questions. We spilt into groups Wingspan 145ft 9 in operations. But it is worth mentioning and boarded the aircraft itself. With Wing Area 3050 sq. ft (and paying tribute to our predecessors), retired B707 Captains amongst our Empty weight 185,000lbs that Waddington alone lost 241 members, they not surprisingly turned Lancasters during WWII; in all the left at the top of the stairs and made station lost 1639 aircrew in the conflict – themselves very much at home in P1 and more than any other Bomber Command The Sentinel pro vides long-range, wide- P2 seats – one could image their base (Hampden losses were particularly area, battlefield surveillance over land. thoughts maybe reliving landing a similar severe). The aircraft has been operationally plane at Kai Tak on RW 13. It was a great way to end a most deployed in support of operations in Various crew members were on board enjoyable day which left us with a clear Afghanistan, Libya and Mali, and is with us and gave a detailed description of vision of the capability of, and challenges currently deployed in support of British their mission work stations, and the facing, the ISTAR Force. Most of us are and Coalition operations in Iraq and strengths and weaknesses of their kit, already anxious to know the date for Syria. Equipped with its powerful multi- allowing us to spend almost an hour on 2019 – watch this space! Thanks once mode radar, the Sentinel’s mission crew board. In spite of the lack of windows in again to Group Captain Burke and his identify, track, and image numerous the main cabin, it was surprisingly light, team including Wing Commander Batt, targets over great ranges. spacious and even comfortable – maybe Flight Lieutenants Brown, Leach, Russel, The need for such a platform was just as well with sorties often in excess of Bracewell, Lovell and Robertson. identified in the early 1980s. After 10 hours. The aircraft has an in-flight various industry competitive trials, refuelling capability using either the Raytheon was contracted in 1999 to RAF traditional way of probe chasing the 8 Sqn memorial develop a five aircraft ASTOR system basket, or the USAF method allowing using Bombardier’s Global Express as the the tanker boom operator to connect to airborne platform, and basing the mission you. All the RAF pilots we spoke with system on its ASARS-2 radar, having much preferred the latter. To receive a been developed for the USAF’s U-2. max fuel load, you remain con nected for Service trials began in 2007 and V(AC) 30 minutes which is a long time sitting a Squadron flew its first Sentinel R Mk 1 few feet below a 200-ton fuel bowser! mission in November 2008. Shortly after Lunch was then taken in the Officers it proved its worth over Afghanistan and Mess, the centre portion being much as I later in Operation Ellamy in 2011. remember it from almost 50 years ago The 2010 Strategic Defence Review but the ghastly prefabricated huts at the nominated Sentinel for withdrawal as back aka junior officer accommodation soon as the Op Herrick commitment have long since gone, replaced by ended, but such was the systems value to purpose-built extensions providing hotel British and Allied commanders that the standard accommodation. We were system was reprieved and its out of joined by Group Captain Burke, Wing service date has been extended to 2021. Commander Batt, Flight Lieutenant

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Gp Capt Burke introduces his station

A Sentinel awaiting the call to duty

Flt Lt Shaw describes Sentinel ops

Members hear about Sentry duty first hand

The Editor’s view on left base Once Upon A Time

The poignant remains of Lancaster J-OG

Snug Sentry Badge underlines NATO commitment

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North Weald, Saturday 4 August 2018 By Liveryman Sqn Ldr George Blundell-Pound

One of the enjoyable aspects of the restoration work notably hydraulic Company visits programme is how it systems and power plants, please point opens the door (often hangar doors!) to them in Steve and Allan’s direction. see aviation projects and some quite (www.savetheskymaster.org ).Take a look extraordinary centres of aviation at a short YouTube clip about the real excellence. David Curgenven had kindly Candy Bomber and its pilot set up this visit which incorporated both. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O The first of these was a visit to see the manS-4nc4Y C54 (DC-4) which the Northweald C- It would have been worth coming to 54 Skymaster Society are hoping to North Weald for that alone, but next was return to flying condition. This part of a visit to Weald Aviation who have the visit was hosted Company member another hangar full of aviation gems. Star Steve Bohill-Smith and his fellow of those in the middle of the hangar was C54 briefling by Allan Vogel collaborator Allan Vogel. This particular a Royal Navy Historic Flight Hawker C54 had a 30 year life with the US Navy Sea Fury T20 undergoing its annual including the tail end ofWorldWar II, the check. Speaking personally about annual Korean and Vietnam wars and checks they are often slightly nervous subsequent missions across the Pacific. It occasions, and in my case that’s for a was purchased and flown to the UK in shared ownership of a Chipmunk. What 2002 to take part in a Steven Spielberg might the annual on a Sea Fury cost? It film, The Candy Bomber, which sadly did not get past the funding stage. The seemed impolite to ask - ‘If you need to ask you cannot afford it’ etc. Our host aircraft has remained at NorthWeald ever Diana Green-Davy checking out the C54 since. In May 2017 Steve and Allan heard was Jeff Rushen, a positive mine of that the aircraft was about to be scrapped information on both the aircraft and the manual! Ray then took us next door to and se t about saving the aircraft and engine. Both aircraft and engine were in look at another engine - this time an turning it into a flying classroom to their day the pinnacle of piston earlier Centaurus Sabre engine. Both of commemorate the life of the aircraft, engine/aeroplane development. Each these engines have sleeve valves instead crews and passengers. As a result the cylinder of the engine is 3 litres and there the more usual sort. Ray demonstrated owner then donated the aircraft, and are 18 of them! Standing there you how these work by extending and whilst unsurprisingly there is a significant couldn’t fail to wonder what it would be retracting his forearm and twisting it amount of restoration work to be like to fly and whether your leg muscles whilst talking at the same time. I think I undertaken by the volunteer team, they might be able to keep it straight on take- grasped it but brain fade was setting in by are well on the way to establishing what off even with rudder trim! Looking then! needs to be done to get it flying again. quietly confident working on the aircraft After both visits were complete we Allan conducted an interesting briefing w as Ray Thomas, and I was pleased to retired outside to the very handy Wings to us all on board the aircraft, and there is hear from Ray that they have an café and a fine BBQ accompanied by our no doubt the team believe that, with apprentice George Saunders. You do hosts. Somebody mentioned that the ill- ongoing funding support, the project will wonder how these skills are going to be fated Brabazon flew with 8 Centaurus succeed. However, if Company members handed on. Manuals are one thing, but (Centauri?) driving contra-rotating know of possible sponsors, especially multiple radial engine rebuilds must propellers! All in all a grand day out and those who might be able to help with teach you some things that are not in the very thought provoking.

Group photo Hawker Sea Fury T10 Group photo

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Trophies and Awards 2017-2018 The following are the awards approved by the Court for the 2017-2018 year. Presentations will take place at the Company’s Trophies and Awards Banquet to be held at the Guildhall in the City of London on October 25th.

LIFETIME CONTRIBUTION TO THE AEROSPACE INDUSTRY FLIGHT TEST The Award of Honour The Derry and Richards The Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team Memorial Medal Frank Chapman MA FRAeS FOR OUTSTANDING COURAGE OR DEVOTION TO DUTY IN THE AIR The Eric ‘Winkle’ Brown The Grand Master’s Commendation Memorial Trophy 216 Flight 815 NAS – RFA Mounts Bay: Roger Bailey MRAeS MSETP Lieutenant Amy Gilmore RN

Chief Petty Officer Ian Toms SAFETY & SURVIVAL The Sir James Martin Award Doctor Donough Wilson MA PhD The Hugh Gordon-Burge Memorial Award Flight Lieutenant Ben Wallis AFC RAF The Cumberbatch Trophy Michael O’Donoghue CBE FRAeS The Prince Philip Helicopter Rescue Award Hong Kong Government Flying Service (GFS) TRAINING The Central Flying School Trophy FLIGHT OPERATIONS Squadron Leader John Benson-Cooper RNZAF The Sir Barnes Wallis Medal 653 Squadron Army Air Corps Air Vice-Marshal Simon ‘Rocky’ Rochelle OBE John Landymore Trophy DFC MA RAF Amy Palmer

The Grand Master's Medal Captain Alexander C Horrell, FOR SERVICES TO THE COMPANY US Air Force The Sir Alan Cobham Memorial Award The Master's Commendation Ms Donna M Farquhar Group Captain John Middleton The Sir Alan Cobham OBE RAF Memorial Awa rd The Master’s Commendation Captain Barry James Mitchell Squadron Leader Mike Ling MBE RAF

The Master’s Commendation REGIONAL AWARDS Major Dennis W Scharf CD1 The Grand Master’s Australian Medal The Johnston Memorial Trophy James Eric Thurstan 700X Naval Air Squadron The Australian Bi-Centennial Award The Sword of Honour Wing Commander (Ret’d) Ian Mallett DFC Gerry Hermer AFC AVIATION MEDIA The Hanna Trophy The Award for Aviation Journalism Lee Proudfoot David Learmount

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into a giant village fete, with a barbecue, Henstridge rides in an American police car or a kit- By Past Master Chris Spurrier car hot rod, endless ice creams, sweets, chips, drinks and cakes, hula hoops and It’s a well-known fact that I have many more games. The health police “Sucker” written indelibly on my would have hated it. And it’s all totally forehead, so when Liveryman Gerry free and gratis, organised by the Gerrard approached me asking to help incredible Anonymous Geoff. out on a day in Dorset, it was a fair bet I On to the present. Assistant John Denyer would agree. It’s usually best to start a asked me if I’d like to ride down in a story at the beginning so let’s journey PA28 from Farnborough, so early last back fourteen years to a day when a chap Friday I duly pitched up and looked called Geoff, who prefers to remain helpful. I tried very hard to climb in the anonymous (so I won’t tell you his back but John’s wife Kate claimed that name), was approached by a friend whose seat on the grounds that John wanted to child had cancer. The two of them laid use me as an autopilot, so we set off on a day fundraising for what was then approximately South West at Sargent Cancer Care for Children. It’s approximately 4,000 ft (remember, it was Luke and Ellie since amalgamated with another charity me being the autopil ot) until Henstridge and is now CLIC Sargent. The charity magical, cheerful child, always smiling hove into view and John took control for aims to help children and their families and waving. Pictured here with her the landing. It really was an through that most difficult of times, father, Luke, I wish her well for the when a young person develops this awful extraordinary sight. There were eleven future. Gerry flew a six year old girl, disease. Most of you know that I, too, aircraft present and we were expecting to who held his hand as they walked out to became involved with the charity some fly nearly two hundred people. Assistant the aircraft; she had been totally blind years ago. Anyway, Geoff and his chum Dacre Watson was there and, of course, since the age of four as a side effect of did a splendid job in raising funds but Gerry Gerrard. Throughout the day a chemotherapy. He, like everyone who Geoff thought hey, instead of just raising very slick operation matched passengers attends these events, never ceases to be money to help, let’s do the helping. The to seats as Henstridge began to resemble impressed by the stoicism, cheerfulness Gatwick on a busy day, everyone flying followi ng year he started an annual event and bravery of the children, particularly the same sightseeing route to Longleat which has brought joy to hundreds of the very young ones. For today,everyone and back – about twenty minutes. The people. The idea is that friendly pilots could forget about their problems, the local scout group was helping, as was the bring their aeroplanes down to prognosis, the next injection or dose of rotary club and many others of unknown Henstridge and take these young people radiation and just enjoy a day in the sun, provenance but all friends of Anonymous and their families for a flight. Meantime, with a trip in an aeroplane as a bonus. Geoff. Meantime, I was talking to some the clubhouse surrounds are transformed Dacre summed up the event neatly, of the customers. saying it was ‘Uplifting, harrowing and Let me introduce you to one; Ellie. humbling at the same time”. Shortly after she was born Ellie was 177 people flew during the day. John, diagnosed with a stage four malignant Gerry and Dacre each flew five sorties brain tumour. Aged seven months, a which, in that heat and with new surgeon managed to remove 97% of the passengers each time, all unfamiliar with tumour and there followed years of light aircraft, was quite sufficiently tiring. chemotherapy. Now aged three, last All the pilots who selflessly contributed week a lumbar puncture showed no signs their time and aircraft hours deserve A brave Casey flies the Tripacer with Dacre of cancero us cells. Ellie is the most thanks. Geoff (of course – he seems to think of everything) supplied free fuel for everyone. Every now and then I meet someone who just gets on with doing good things. They don’t seek recognition or reward, they just do it. Geoff is one such, and, though he doesn’t want it and shuns publicity, he deserves thanks more than most. A great day, and a great man. And later, John brought us safely back to Farnboro ugh just in time for us to climb out of the aeroplane as it started raining.

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