AirPilot AUG 2017 ISSUE 22 Diary

AUGUST 2017 19th Master’s Annual Garden Party Charlton Park

AI R PILOT SEPTEMBER 2017 THE HONOURABLE 13th Instructors’ Working Group Cobham House COMPANY OF 14th GP&F Committee Cobham House Court Cutlers’ Hall AIR PILOTS 19th ACEC Cobham House incorporating 20th AST/APT Cobham House Air Navigators 21st New Members’ Briefing Cobham House 27th Luncheon Club (Liveryman Andrew Brookes) RAF Club PATRON : Tymms Lecture RAeS His Royal Highness 29th Election of Lord Mayor Guildhall The Prince Philip Duke of Edinburgh KG KT OCTOBER 2017

GRAND MASTER : 11th Pilot Aptitude Testing RAF Cranwell His Royal Highness 26th Trophies and Awards Banquet Guildhall The Prince Andrew Duke of York KG GCVO

MASTER : Captain C J Spurrier

CLERK : Paul J Tacon BA FCIS

Incorporated by Royal Charter. A Livery Company of the City of London.

PUBLISHED BY : The Honourable Company of Air Pilots, Cobham House, 9 Warwick Court, Gray’s Inn, London WC1R 5DJ. VISITS PROGRAMME EDITOR : Please see the flyers accompanying this issue of Air Pilot or contact Liveryman David Paul Smiddy BA (Econ), FCA Curgenven at [email protected]. EMAIL: [email protected] These flyers can also be downloaded from the Company's website. Please check on the Company website for visits that are to be confirmed. FUNCTION PHOTOGRAPHY : Gerald Sharp Photography View images and order prints on-line. TELEPHONE: 020 8599 5070 EMAIL: [email protected] GOLF CLUB EVENTS WEBSITE: www.sharpphoto.co.uk Please check on Company website for latest information

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 October 2017 edition of Air Pilot is 1 September 2017 and should be sent to: The Editor, Air Pilot, Cobham House, 9 Warwick Court, Gray’s Inn, London WC1R 5DJ. TELEPHONE : 020 7404 4032 EMAIL : [email protected] WEBSITE : www.airpilots.org Cover photo: A Merlin from RNAS Culdrose performs the first deck landing on HMS Queen Elizabeth II (photo courtesy of RNAS Yeovilton) A message from your Editor...

As I flew down to AeroExpo at Booker in June, I bypassed the Stansted zone, and was listening out on the Approach frequency. The controller gave a zone transit clearance to some GA aircraft from Stapleford. She might have come to regret that decision by the end of her shift. He failed to respond to calls; his readbacks were strewn with errors; all in all he took up far too much of her time, and clogged the frequency.

Once approaching Booker, there were of course promulgated procedures (and slot number callsigns) for the high number of GA arrivals. I was following the approved routing to a downwind join, when a CAP 10 from Sussex flew past me 100 yards away in the opposite direction (for an unapproved deadside join). Moreover, as I followed a microlight (who had an affinity for fast jet-sized circuits) round base leg, and received landing clearance, the same CAP 10 descended and cut onto final in front of me. Dangerous and extremely poor airmanship.

Then, a few minutes ago, my esteemed predecessor in this role phoned me with news from Flying Legends at Duxford, where he is a member of the Flying Display Committee – a microlight pilot busted the Duxford zone when the Reds were mid-display.

Perhaps it is the hot and steamy weather which has caused me to feel giddy, or perhaps I am mildly traumatised by this series of errors from the GA fraternity, but I am beginning to feel sympathy with the CAA as they strive for higher standards in the lighter end of the civil world. We GA pilots really must do better! Paul Smiddy - Editor

Contents

News Round Up ...... 4

The Master’s Message ...... 6

From the desk of the DAA ...... 7

The Livery Dinner ...... 8

Gazette ...... 9

Visit to Bentley Priory ...... 10

‘What a Wonderful World’ ...... 13

Visit to RCAF Comox ...... 14

Visit to RN Submarine Museum ...... 18

Book Review ...... 20

Brooklands Museum visit ...... 21

National Memorial proposed for Mt. Erebus Air Accident ...... 23

Visit to RAF Marham ...... 24

Echoes across the century ...... 27

3 News Round Up

AMELIA - WHERE ART THOU? The guide includes illustrations The headline "Dogs' mission to sniff out throughout and has been limited to key aviator bones" rather caught my eye, useful info, says the CAA. having previously been unaware that our bones smelt any different from those of BWPA SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS 2017 ground-bound earthlings. But it Assistant Marion Wooldridge reports: concealed a welcome article. Another “The British Women Pilots' Association expedition has been despatched to try to has as one of its main aims the support of find the remains of Amelia Earhart and practical schemes to support women in Fred Noonan, this time on the Pacific aviation, and as a part of this awards island of Nikumaroro. They of course Claire Birch various annual Scholarships. It is now disappeared on July 2 1937 (80 years ago, very pleased to announce that the planned project of undertaking a 'round to the day, as I write this) on a flight from winners of its seven 2017 Scholarships as Britain' flight visiting many new airfields New Guinea to Howland Island. Some follows; bones were found there in 1940, but lost as a part of building hours towards a in transit to Fiji. A photo has recently Abbigale Austin , for the BWPA Flying commercial licence. She also plans to emerged from US archives showing a Start Scholarship 2017, worth £1000 spend time en route to meet with schools figure with her back to the camera, towards a first flying qualification. and girls groups to raise awareness of the alleged to be Earhart, at a dockside Abbigale is an artist and animator who, opportunities in aviation. (controlled by the Japanese). It would be since her first flight, has become Sue Tuddenham , for the BWPA Saul- terrific to be able to close this, one of passionate about aviation, travels a long Pooley Renewal or Revalidation aviation's greatest mysteries – and distance for her lessons whenever she can Scholarship 2017, an award of £500 opportune for the Japanese Government afford them, and will be using this award kindly donated by Past Master Dorothy to release any files it has. towards completing her PPL in fixed Saul-Pooley towards the renewal or wing flying. revalidation of a licence or rating Zoe Mallam , for the BWPA Flying previously held in fixed wing or SkyWAy CODE High Scholarship 2017, also worth helicopter flying. Sue, a commercial pilot Apposite in the context of the poor £1000 for those who already have a currently working in the corporate flying mentioned in my editorial, on June flying qualification in any field, to be sector as a First Officer flying the 1 the CAA launched a one-stop source used towards further qualifications in the Citation C560XL/XLS, plans to use the of information for GA pilots – Skyway same or different types of flying, or award towards renewal of her recently Code. It can be found at further training or experience. Zoe, who expired SEP rating, aiming in future to www.caa.co.uk/skywaycode at only 17 is already an experienced provide experience flights to young It is designed to provide private pilots glider pilot and a Caroline Trust people as a part of the BWPA supported with easy, quick access to key Ambassador raising funds for young Aviatrix Project. information. The new online guide people's gliding, plans to use the award Sam Cundey , for the BWPA CATS condenses the key information on UK towards obtaining a powered aircraft CPL/ATPL (A or H) Scholarship 2017, GA flying into 150 pages of information licence with the longer term aim of worth £1599 and kindly donated by and graphics in an easy to navigate PDF. operating sea planes and vintage aircraft. CATS to cover their ground school Areas covered include: Claire Birch , for the BWPA Air Total element for a CPL or ATPL (A) or (H). • Pilot responsibilities UK Flying Futures Scholarship 2017, an Sam has managed her own livery yard, is • Pre flight checks and flight planning award of £1000 kindly donated by Air a qualified Horse Riding Instructor, and • Airspace rules and regulations Total UK to a qualified pilot for a project worked as an Ops Manager at Redhill which is realistic, feasible, and well Airfield, where she completed her PPL • Using aerodromes planned as well as being individual, and developed her love of flying. She is • Risks and Emergencies interesting and 'different'. Claire, currently undertaking her MEP training • Flying outside the UK previously an RAF officer and Tornado and, as she very much enjoys teaching, • Links to useful safety and regulatory F3 fast jet navigator, will use the award now plans to complete her commercial resources towards her detailed and very well licence to become a flying instructor.

4 Sarah Reed , for one of the two BWPA encourage those who did not receive an expressions of interest should be sent to BGS ATPL (A or H) Scholarships 2017, award this year to look out for the him at [email protected] . kindly donated by BGS, each to cover BWPA Scholarship 2018 announcements, the cost of half their ground school COLIN HALES and consider applying again.” element for an ATPL (A) or (H) (the full I was very sorry to read recently that course being £2,350). Sarah is a marine AIRFIELDS UNDER THREAT Colin Hales had crashed in Japan after an biologist currently working for the engine failure in his KR2. His round- The list currently includes: Andrewsfield, British Antarctic Survey at Rothera the-world trip was self-funded and Research station and has diving and Blackpool, Bourn, Chalgrove, intrepid, with some interesting tales yachting qualifications. She also has Deenesthorpe Dunsfold, Elvington, related in the GA magazines. gliding and fixed wing qualifications, has Fairoaks, Halfpenny Green, Unfortunately bureaucracy held him up raced gliders, and now plans to obtain a Hullavington, Kemble, Long Marston, in Japan, and it is thought that the commercial licence to enable her to fly Manston, North Deenes, Nottingham, months of inactivity (with an uninhibited professionally in remote regions. Old Sarum, Panshanger, Peterborough engine) may have contributed to the accident. He has broken his back and Amelie Windel , for one of the two /Sibson, Plymouth, Redhill, faces heavy medical bills. A crowdfunding BWPA BGS ATPL (A or H) Scholarships Wellesbourne, Wycombe Air Park, campaign has been started on Justgiving. 2017, kindly donated by BGS, each to together with a raft of RAF & MOD cover the cost of half their ground school sites. Some of these are done deals, some element for an ATPL (A) or (H). Amelie of them are ‘only’ subject to the loss of a obtained her PPL in Morocco, and runway. Nonetheless the list only seems converted to a British PPL in 2011. to increase. Please subscribe to any Aerobatics is her passion, and she has petition that comes to your attention. I already flown in various competitions. am grateful to AOPA UK for this list, and She plans to obtain a commercial licence indeed for their work in safeguarding our to enable her to instruct professionally, fields. especially in aerobatics, with a focus on being a role model for women in SkI TEAM aviation. The dates for the 2018 Inter Livery Ski With a total of 86 applications this year, Championships are now available: 25-26 many of which were of an outstanding January 2018, at Morzine, organised by quality, selectors had some very difficult the Ironmongers, as usual. Sam decisions to make. They would very Rutherford, as captain, is keen to present DA4a by Associate Peter Hartshorne much like to thank all applicants, and as strong a team as possible, and

ADRIAN NICHOLAS AWARD his son, a former RAF officer who was PRESENTATION, RAFC CRANWELL tragically killed in a skydiving incident. It Royal Air Force College Cranwell’s was decided that the trophy be awarded recent Dining-In Night on 5th May was annually to the cadet judged by College the occasion of the presentation of the staff to have shown outstanding qualities annual Initial Officer Training (IOT) of courage and fortitude in completing awards. IOT. Mr Nicholas was pleased to present Liveryman Paul Nicholas had dedicated the award to 2016’s recipient, Fg Off the Adrian Nicholas Award in memory of Fiona McWilliam.

FLyING CLUB The Flying Club had a very well attended lunch at Oaksey Park, organised by Assistant Dacre Watson.

5 initially with leaflet drops on Madagascar. The Master ’s Message When it was suspected that the Vichy French occupying the island might allow Captain Chris Spurrier the Japanese to take over, it was decided Yesterday evening from laser pointers. Upper Freeman Air to occupy their principal garrison but the Paula and I were Cdre Dai Whittingham has been French put up a stiff resistance. A “para sitting in our addressing this problem, and he tells me drop” of “reinforcements” consisting of garden with a that the anti-laser measures that were boiler suits stuffed with sand and other glass of wine going through Parliament prior to the material was mounted from the when a group of General Election were lost as unfinished Swordfish bomb racks, six “paratroops” to young wrens business when Parliament was formally each aeroplane. The timely arrival of decided to leave prorogued. Those measures - which these new troops convinced the French their nest. It was an absolute joy to would have made it an offence to use a to withdraw. Bertie continued through watch as four or five fledglings rushed laser against the person at the controls of the war, serving in all theatres and is from trees to flower heads in those first any form of transport - were not proud to say that he fought all the King’s moments of freedom. We couldn’t tell included in the Queen's Speech covering enemies. (See the Editor’s profile of exactly how many they were because the next two years of proposed Bertie in Guild News October 2013, on wrens move very quickly. We did ask legislation. This has come as a profound which the speech was based). After many them to line up on the edge of the lawn disappointment to all those concerned years with the Fleet Air Arm on a variety to be counted but they were most with trying to tackle a threat that has of aircraft he finally retired and took over disobliging, so we can only guess. It was, now spilled over from aviation into other though, a reminder that in these times modes of travel. I understand that the the running of the Fleet Air Arm Officers when opening the newspaper can bring UK Laser Working Group has Association gliding scheme, which he ran on an instant attack of grumpiness, one approached several Government with aplomb until last year. Our should enjoy the small delights which Departments seeking to have the laser Benevolent Fund is proud to have come our way. Carpe, as they say, the measures included in other legislative supported him in these scholarships and, diem. OK, enough philosophy and proposals that have a place in the current indeed, we continue to support his nature notes, and back to aviation. Parliamentary programme. You, the successor. Once again, drones have featured members, could help by writing to your Finally, I have been in discussion with regularly in our newspapers. Firstly, for MP recommending they apply for a Dame Fiona Woolf, a former Lord Mayor interfering with flights into Gatwick, and Private Member's Bill, based on the work of the City of London and Trustee of the that has already been done, for the then for delivering presents to prisoners Science Museum, investigating the measures included in the failed Vehicle in our jails. There is also anecdotal possibility of a collaboration with them Technology and Aviation Bill. In the evidence that an aeroplane recently in their work promoting STEM subjects returned to Brisbane following a meantime, it remains crucially important in schools throughout the country and presumed birdstrike. On examination, that pilots subjected to laser attacks also to assist, where possible, with their damage to the fan blades indicated that continue to report them. aviation exhibits and events. It is very the “bird” had been very solidly Another topic of which I spoke at the constructed. I have touched on this topic Livery Dinner was the importance of early days yet but if this initiative does get before. The DAA assures me that this has increased passenger capacity in the South off the ground (sorry) it could hold great at last been recognised as a problem, at East, which, of course, includes the need benefits for both organisations. least within Europe. EASA have for new runways. I was heartened to As a footnote, Paula and I were talking to produced a Notice of Proposed read in today’s newspaper that London a chap at a recent livery function. His Amendment (NPA) which is intended to business leaders are calling on the Prime hobby is collecting flintlock pistols, the cover the introduction of European Minister to instigate a “pro growth” interest being that an ancestor had fought Regulations for unmanned aircraft. aviation policy, including a third runway in a duel. It seems that the ancestor had These are very detailed and far-reaching at Heathrow, and expansion at both fancied another chap’s wife, so our man proposals which are open for Gatwick and Stansted. The need for engineered a quarrel which, in the mores consultation until 17th August, although airport expansion near London was first of the day, required the husband to that date may be extended. The proposal recognised in the late 1940s but the first challenge our man to a duel. Duel duly will cover all unmanned aircraft, enquiry was not set up until 1968. There including models. The documents are have been many since then and seven, fought, our chap shot and killed the lengthy and complex, and can be found including the most recent, have husband, only to discover that the wife at https://www.easa.europa.eu/ recommended expansion at Heathrow. It didn’t really fancy him at all. The document-library/notices-of-proposed- really is time for the government to grasp ancestor was disowned by the family and amendment/npa-2017-05 . There is, this nettle. cast into the outer darkness, but the chap though, a statement which recognises Earlier this month I was privileged to to whom we were talking still has the that current model aircraft operations are attend a lunch in honour of Commander duelling pistols. The moral for us aviators safe and these proposals do not seem to Bertie Vigrass. Bertie is now well into his (and, indeed, for anyone who does a bit seek change for them. nineties and is still sprightly and sharp as of wife coveting) is that one should never My February message and my Livery a tack. He began his operational flying in embark on a course of action unless one Dinner speech both included the threats the Swordfish in the Indian Ocean, is pretty sure of the probable outcome.

6 only failed to achieve the result our From the Desk of the government had expected; unfortunately it also stopped the highly anticipated Director Aviation Affairs important Vehicle Technology and Aviation Bill 2016-17 (that improved Liveryman John Turner protection for all forms of transport from The UK government presented its watching a dramatic sunrise, I was struck laser attacks) from becoming law. The Transport Investment Strategy to (once again) by the enormous disparity Bill had been progressing well through Parliament on 5 July 2017; the word between the global nature of today’s the committee stages with cross-party ‘aviation’ occurs 15 times and the commercial aviation activities and the support, so we were dismayed that it was document includes the following local nature of their regulation. The FAA not re-introduced for the new statements: and EASA have significant regulatory parliamentary session. We are now coverage, but there are many other seeking the support of as many Members “We are also … developing a new of Parliament as possible to have the Bill’s Aviation Strategy that will set out the authorities across the world that operate at purely national level. ICAO provides existing draft wording added to other Government’s vision for the wider legislation scheduled for this session. It is aviation sector, including surface access. some harmonisation but national deviations remain extensive. While the illogical to abandon legislation that This will replace the 2013 Aviation affords immediate safety benefits when it Boeing 787 I was inside was not aware Policy Framework and will be subject to has already been written and debated and which regulations applied to it at any a separate consultation process. supported by all parties. Our UK Exec Summary Page 9 particular time, the flight crew must members should have received details of understand and be prepared for all the “… while we currently have the third how they can assist in this by the time differences that might arise on their largest aviation network in the world, this article is published. planned route, or on any unplanned London’s airports are filling up fast and diversion and landing at a different Returning to the topic of aviation will all be full by 2040 unless we take country than originally intended. In the regulators, some appear to be operating action now, limiting the new interests of rationalisation, a single global with a shortage of people with practical international connections we can make. regulatory framework is surely overdue. experience in and understanding of the Para 1.22 specialist areas they are required to The same trip also left me suffering the “Improvements in connectivity and oversee So much is obvious by looking at effects of an 8-hour time-zone change reliability – especially on routes their staff, and by the extent to which plus the challenge of presenting at an connecting major industrial hubs to they are forced to correct their important technical conference, which international gateways – can reduce costs regulations. London suffered a recent was a salutary reminder of the realities of and increase trade flows. This is crucial in human tragedy with large loss of life working long-haul; it also demonstrated a world of global supply chains, and given where modern cladding applied to an how wise I had been to arrange to be the export value of our world leading older 27-storey concrete building (a type driven home from Heathrow on my professional services, which rely on the that previously had an impressive fire return! Flight crew fatigue and its reach and quality of our aviation safety record) has been deemed degradation on in-flight performance is network. Para 1.24 responsible for allowing and assisting an one of our top concerns and a regular isolated fire on the fourth floor to engulf “With airports offering direct flights to feature of these articles. Even so, we the entire building with dreadful loss of over 370 international destinations, and should not forget the risks that fatigued life. Building and fire regulations have over 100 commercial ports, the UK is airline flight crew members face each been found lacking, either in their well-placed to meet these needs, but we time they drive home after a rotation. substance or in their implementation, and are in constant competition with other The Air Pilots’ Fatigue Working Group is similar cladding is now being removed countries to attract global business. The exploring some new avenues for from many tower blocks across UK. This UK's aviation hub status is already being effectively informing government and tragedy was all the worse when it was challenged by major European and the regulators on the risks associated with reported that the residents had warned Middle Eastern airports which are using flight crew fatigue, and the potentially the authorities repeatedly that their their spare capacity to attract new catastrophic implications of inadequate Para 1.36 building was unsafe, but these warnings connections. legislation and poor practice. This may been ignored. Whether or not these statements were perhaps lead to an academic paper in Professional flight crew and their prompted by our submission to the UK support of our present findings and crew representative bodies and professional Airports Commission in May 2013, reports, and we are already looking to groups such as the Air Pilots have been when we emphasised the importance of analyse traffic accidents suffered by flight warning repeatedly about the dangers increased runway capacity and a fully crews with a potential partner to assist in posed by flight crew fatigue, errant integrated transport policy, it is gratifying data gathering for the future. An operation of drones, and by laser attacks that the government now shares our academic/scientific challenge should on aircraft: we will continue to do so. We views on the strategic and economic circumvent any suggestions that we are can but hope that aviation regulators importance of improved air and promoting employment issues, and establish effective safety barriers to avoid integrated land connectivity. reinforce that we are speaking out on the potential catastrophes that concern us On a recent business trip to the Far East, grounds of safety. before a serious accident forces them to whilst at 41,000 feet over China and The UK’s recent General Election not take action.

7 as OC 4 Sqn on the Harrier. More The Livery Dinner recently, he served as the Air Attaché in Washington DC. He was accompanied By the Editor by Acting Pilot Officer Lucy Conder, senior student and winner of the Air The 59th Livery Dinner was held, as clients have included Boeing, Pilots' Kyle Tolley award, and who is usual, at the magnificent Drapers' Hall. Continental and Northwest Airlines, relinquishing a career in medicine to join Prior to the dinner, six new Liverymen establishing her credentials in both the the RAF this October. had been clothed: Captain David transport industry and with aviation. She In introducing our principal guest, Bramwell, Elizabeth Walkinshaw, has also served on the board of the Crispin Orr, Chief Accident Investigator Christine Milner, Wing Commander Baz Variety Club of Great Britain. of the Air Accident Investigation Branch, Dale, Wing Commander Steven Dean, Representing the Furniture Makers was our Master outlined the stresses which and Howard Wheeldon. In addition its Master, Dr Tony Guy Smart, who had will be imposed on the profession as a seven Master Air Pilot (and Navigator) enjoyed a long career in the electronics consequence of Brexit. Supremely certificates were presented. Master Chris industry. qualified for his role, Crispin had been a Spurrier also presented a new certificate Air Marshal Sean Reynolds represented rotary test pilot at ETPS, before heading of affiliation to the Commanding Officer the Chief of the Air Staff. Sean is up the Military Air Accident of HMS Ocean, Capt Rob Pedre. currently Deputy Commander, Investigation Branch. Once he had replaced his overlooked Capability, and Air Member for In his address Crispin pointed out that badge of office, our new Warden, Nick Personnel. By trade he has been a the very first holder of his current role Goodwyn, introduced our guests for the support helicopter pilot and QHI. Nick (Capt George Cockburn RFC) had evening. In the context of recent noted that, as President of the RAF come from a military background such as comments by the Duke of Cambridge, Sailing Association, Sean is unique in his own. He pointed out the increasing (and the findings of the GermanWings being the only Admiral in the Air Force! complexity of the aerial environment tragedy) he urged more work on, and We were pleased to welcome a number with the proliferation of drones, the support for, the mental health of the of guests from our affiliated units. Star of development of solar powered air pilot community. the recent TV documentary series on his vehicles that will operate for days above Our guests numbered: Sir Roger Bone, vessel, Captain Robert Pedre commands the jet-stream, the resurgence of vast President of the Air League. He is also a HMS Ocean. Apart from at least 10 of airships, and the prospect of non-stop trustee at the National Centre for Her Majesty’s warships, (which Nick commercial flights from London to "the Universities and business, nurturing reckoned must account for most of the land of kangaroos", and so on. talent into the workplace. After a long Navy), he has also served on the USS Whilst an increasing pain for the piloting career in the Diplomatic service, he was Dwight D Eisenhower. After that community, drones are a new weapon in President of Boeing UK for 9 years. comment I doubt Nick will receive his the AAIB arsenal. Crispin described how His Excellency, Air Chief Marshal Sir rum ration on his next visit to one of they have been pioneering the use of Stephen Dalton, although a Liveryman Her Majesty's vessels! small drones to capture high resolution and an Assistant to the Court, was in Richard Green is Colonel of the Army 3D imagery of complex and sometimes attendance as a guest in his capacity of Air Corps. Originally commissioned into inaccessible accident sites swiftly and President of the Royal Aeronautical 1st Battalion The Royal Green Jackets, safely. Society, and also as the Lieutenant he trained on the Gazelle, later In investigating drone/RPAS accidents, Governor of Jersey. commanding 672 Sqn AAC. He was our guest pointed out the absence of Master of the Worshipful Company of appointed Colonel, Army Recruiting, in pilot testimony, and "it is extremely Fan Makers, Marshall Blaker, was one of 2012, and assumed command of the AAC difficult to get the designers of these three guests from other livery companies. in May 2015. RPAS to disclose what the computers Mrs Marsha Rae Ratcliff is the Master The University of London Air Squadron have been programmed to do, and they Carman. Raised in Montana, she was represented by Flt Lt (formerly Air don’t always know how the system will founded “Motto and Motiff” a creative Commodore) Ken McCann, who had react in any given set of circumstances. graphic and design company whose previously been our guest when serving So it can require extensive analysis of the

The newly clothed Liverymen Recipients of the Master Air Pilot/Navigator certificates

8 data to determine what went wrong and training, education, the sharing of He clearly loves his job, and the audience what needs to be fixed. We should not be knowledge and experience. And was left in little doubt that the crucial seduced by the manufacturer’s claims of critically by perpetuating a just and role of the AAIB is in safe hands. As he reliability, nor those who argue that engaged safety culture throughout the unmanned systems don’t pose any risk to industry that enables us all to identify and proposed the traditional toast to the life." learn from the mistakes others have Company, he wished us all "Happy He concluded that "the demise of the made, so that we don’t have to make the Landings" - "it makes my life easier"! human pilot is greatly exaggerated and same ones ourselves." somewhat premature!" Crispin led us Crispin's final point was a lament that Judging by the verve with which the through the painstaking process of lawyers were seeking to obtain sensitive stirrup cup was attacked, and at the after- establishing how and why human error information provided confidentially to party at the RAF Club, one may occurred in piloted accidents. He the AAIB by pilots and others. He drew conclude that there were very few endorsed the Company's position in comfort from a judgement given last year "setting the conditions for success for the by the Lord Chief Justice that ring- landings in the following 24 hours by this next generation of aviators, through fenced such information. particular aviation community!

The Master welcomes Col Purbrick The Master presents the new Certificate of The assembled diners Affiliation to the Captain of HMS Ocean

GAZETTE APPROVED By THE COURT 20 July 2017

ADMISSIONS REINSTATEMENTS RESIGNATIONS As Upper Freeman As Upper Freeman David DABBS Nivedita Jain BHASIN (OS) Michael BRUCE Wolfgang Manfred FEHLHABER (OS) Grant DAVIES Nicholas James HEARD Nominated Admission Joshua FARLEIGH John Crispin Morison ORR Raymond Wilfred OSBORNE Emmett Lee WINGFIELD Alastair GREENWAY Michael Roger PAUL (NA) Garth GUNSTON Hilary Constance SURMAN (AUS) Douglas John WHITFIELD (AUS) ACKNOWLEDGED BY THE COURT Paul HEILBRON Tilmann GABRIEL 20 July 2017 Daniel HENDRY Danny RAE Chetan Julius TAKALKAR (AUS) Iain LAURIE Peter Gerald WELLS REGRADING Cyril LOGAN (OS)

As Freeman To Livery Rogan LUMSDEN (HK) Keith Robert CHANDLER Captain Michael David BEECH Richard THOMAS As Associate Daniel Charles FRANCIS Jonathon WHALEY Nicholas Paolo ARMAN (AUS) Samuel CAVE (AUS) To Freeman Adrian Peter OLIVER Anthony James SCHIEMER (AUS) Sherrill Jane SEMPLE FORFEIT ALL BENEFITS Adam SWALLOW (AUS) DECEASED John HOYTE Vladislav Zoran ZHELEZAROV (AUS) Matthew James BATEMAN Esq (AUS) Graham RICE (AUS) Paul HURST Annabelle DOCKETT Benjamin Mark TYLER (AUS)

9 Visit to Bentley Priory - 6th June By Freeman Sam Waller

On 6th June I finally managed to visit Our group of Air Pilots assembled in the one of the historically significant places I delightful tea room and was split into two have wanted to visit for quite some time, groups to be shown around the museum Bentley Priory Museum which is by Sharon and Pauline, our guides. We situated in Stanmore to the North West were first taken to the entrance hall of London. It tells the story of the which presents the theme of the Battle of location, focussing on the building’s Britain through several elaborate stained pivotal role as Headquarters Fighter glass windows. These depict scenes from Command during the Battle of Britain. the battle including a Hurricane with Following eight years of fundraising and aircrew and early radar, a Spitfire with 11 planning by the Bentley Priory Battle of Group and its sectors, the Fighter Britain Trust, the museum was officially Control Association, the ‘Dowding opened in 2013 to ensure that the System’ and The Royal Observer Corps. 15th September 1940. important history of both the Priory and The magnificent vaulted ceiling was There is an incredibly well-presented the Battle of Britain were not forgotten. discovered in 1979 during restoration audio-visual film which brings During the period between 10th July work at RAF Bentley Priory. Dowding’s office to life. It focuses on the and 31st October 1940, nearly 3000 We were then taken through the grand impact of his leadership and the use of British and Allied aircrew of 15 different hall to Dowding’s office. There is a large leading edge technology during the nationalities flew and fought together. lace panel on the wall in the hall which Battle of Britain. As Commander-in- The museum concentrates on the depicts the highlights of London Chief of Fighter Command, he argued inspiring stories of ‘The One’, including Guildhall and St Clement that Fighter Command’s role was to Commander-in-Chief of Fighter Danes church. It represents the poor and protect the nation, opposing the accepted Command, Air Chief Marshal Sir Hugh rich coming together to fight the enemy, view that these valuable resources should Dowding; ‘The Few’, the Battle of and includes the emblems of our allies be used to protect France. His famous Britain aircrew; and ‘The Many’ who including Australia, Canada, and New letter to the Air Ministry on this topic is worked tirelessly on the ground to allow Zealand, along with ears of wheat on the wall next to his portrait outside Britain’s darkest hour also to be her finest representing the harvest and the most his office. hour. decisive day of the Battle of Britain - The next part of the tour took us to the

The beautiful stained glass windows commemorating the elements that together made the defence successful

10 Plotters’ tools of the trade

Plotters at work

A mocked up Observer Corps station

Rotunda, which represents the Few – the immediately an ace and shot down eight Our group were then taken to the Filter Battle of Britain aircrew. Incredible enemy aircraft in one week. He was Room. This room represents the Many courage was shown by these men along awarded his DFC in October 1940 and and was created on the lower ground with mighty stamina. They were up three weeks later, having destroyed a total floor, before one was built in the ‘Ladies before dawn and prepared before first of 21 Luftwaffe aircraft, he was awarded a Room’ adjacent to the Operations light to scramble to meet enemy raids. bar to his DFC. Having shot down a Room. Dowding oversaw the They spent their time between sorties further two ME109s, Lock was attacked development and use of the world’s first near their aircraft, ready to fly at a by another ME109 and was seriously integrated system of air defence, which moment’s notice. Individual stories are wounded. He remained in hospital for became known as the ‘Dowding’ system. told through portraits and medals on the several months under the care of famous The Filter Room was where information was received about incoming enemy walls. One such individual is Flight surgeon Archibald McIndoe. Recalled to aircraft from a chain of radar stations. This Lieutenant E.S. “Sawn-off Lockie” Lock, duty in 1941, Lock shot down a further information from the coast of Britain was DSO DFC and Bar. He first flew as a three ME109’s, raising his score to 26. then assessed to identify the formations schoolboy when he went on a five- However, on 3rd August 1941, he was of enemy aircraft and their track and shilling trip with Sir Alan Cobham’s air posted missing after a sortie to France. passed on to the Operations Room. The circus. He joined the Royal Air Force The wreckage of his Spitfire was never Plotter followed the progress of the Volunteer Reserve in 1939, qualified as a discovered, and Lock was never seen detections from the radar stations. They fighter pilot and was posted to 41 again. He was the highest scoring ace of placed coloured counters on the map Squadron in early August 1940. He was the Battle of Britain. table according to the information An aerial view of the national plot received. Plots could change frequently as more information arrived. It was a highly skilled job as they had to distinguish whether information from the various radar stations related to the same plot or an entirely different formation of aircraft. The Filterer had the most difficult job. Radar stations would often send in different information about the same plot of aircraft. The Filterer had to try and find a pattern using their detailed knowledge of the performance, limitations and field of view over the sea. They had to deduce a pattern and assess the most likely scenario as to whether

11 11 Gp’s area of operations (the brown ‘shell’ symbols are radar stations)

A plotting table showing a raid, with the radius of effectiveness of the radar stations

information related to one plot or more filled in. our tour. I could go on for hours about than one as well as the height, range and We then proceeded back to the tea room this subject, and the stories told in the heading it was flying. The Controller, for a lovely afternoon tea and to take various rooms in the museum but I will usually a Squadron Leader, ensured the stock of what we had just explored and leave that for you to discover. It was a overall picture compiled by the Filter experienced. Luckily there was extra superb experience and I would Room was as accurate as possible and the time at the end of the visit to go and encourage everyone to visit this museum Teller reported the filtered information walk around by myself, taking in more that focuses on one of the most decisive to the Operations Room by telephone. detail, information about the wider battles in modern British and world history. The Operations Room was constructed history of the location and visiting a in Bentley Priory’s ballroom, and also couple of extra rooms that were not on received information from Observer The beautifully restored interior Corps units which tracked raids as they passed over the coast. This room was the only Ops Room in Fighter Command to Hallowed ground track the movement of aircraft over the whole of Britain and therefore had a complete picture of the state of our forces. It was also informed about the availability of all squadrons. As Headquarters Fighter Command, RAF Bentley Priory had strategic command over the Air Raid Warning system, anti- aircraft guns, searchlights and barrage balloons, which were all essential in the country’s defence. The Filter and Operations Rooms were both moved to a bunker in the grounds of Bentley Priory in 1940 to protect them, just before the start of the Battle. The 1940s bunker was replaced by a Cold War bunker in the 1980s, and has since been

12 ‘What A Wonderful World’ A Visit to 101 Sqn, RAF Brize Norton By Liveryman Peter Moxham

Friday, 23rd June 2017 will, I suspect, Departure Lounge, where we were certainly be a day to remember for the 18 welcomed by the OC of 101 Sqn who representatives of the Honourable made it very clear that the day was a Company who assembled at Brize normal one for 101 Sqn, but that they Norton to enjoy the hospitality of 101 were very pleased to welcome us to see In flight explanations Sqn and witness their exploits on a flight them in action. Shutie as Commander and his number 2, refuelling exercise over various parts of We boarded the aircraft, and were handed Flt Lt Bartram, gave us a commentary the North Sea. It really was the stuff of this mission’s briefing sheet. It looked a and advised where to look for the next dreams! A brilliant day enjoyed by all. busy day and was scheduled to include fuel recipients. It was an early start, to assemble at RAF many refuelling tasks of Typhoons, as well Brize Norton car park by 0645 did mean as Tornado and C130 aircraft. In the On landing we returned to the Squadron a very early start for some, but it was well event there were more tasks than offices, and could see the history of 101 worth the effort. I should add our host originally scheduled, and sitting at the Sqn and Jon produced a certificate signed escort, Flt Lt Jon Hill, also had a long day very rear of the aircraft we could witness by all those involved in the exercise – a - meeting us all at the car park and at very close quarters the actual refuelling fitting end to an extraordinary day! staying with us until we had all left, some process between tanker and receiving Our thanks to all involved, in particular 10 hours later having spent the whole aircraft. Unlike modern commercial Flt Lt Jon Hill who made the day such a day keeping us very much in the picture operations we were able to visit the flight success, and to all those involved in the on every aspect of the operation. deck and talk with the flight deck crew sortie, not least the crew of the receiving and witness things from their perspective, On arrival we were given a briefing on aircraft who became the stars of the the planned refuelling exercise which and also view the procedures carried out video and photographs taken by was expected to begin with an 0915 start by MSO Clifford Cook ensuring Company members. of our mount for the day, Voyager satisfactory fuel transfers. ZZ332, a multi role version of the Airbus Throughout the flight we were looked I should not forget all the effort put in by A330 used by the RAF in replacement of after by Jon who kept us fully up to speed David Curgenven who ensured the day the popular VC10, which can now only on the action, and were given excellent was such a great success – without his be seen at the RAF Museum Cosford. service by the cabin crew led by Flt Sgt efforts this would have been a very The briefing took place in Brize’s Lorraine McMillan. In addition, Flt Lt different event.

Typhoons in echelon port arrive at the filling station (note the nearest is a 2 seat trainer) A Herc trundles up to prod

Thirsty beasts these Typhoons

13 Visit to RCAF Comox, April 13th By Liveryman Alistair T Beaton

The West Coast of Canada is often RAF's Red Arrows.) displays that take place across Canada and referred to as the 'Wet' Coast of Canada Each year around mid-April, the RCAF the USA. and certainly coastal British Columbia Snowbirds leave their nest and migrate Unfortunately Col. Atkins was out of has lived up to its reputation over the past from their home base at RCAF town on business during our visit, several months. This foul weather has Moosejaw, Saskatchewan, and fly their however, Captain Ryan Carnahan, an Air impacted all things aviation, including, venerable CT-114 Tudor aircraft to CFB Combat Systems Officer, was detailed to unfortunately, our visit to CFB Comox. Comox, located on the eastern shoreline look after our every need, and I must At the kind invitation of the of Vancouver Island, about 80 miles confess to having very much enjoyed the Commander of 19 Wing, Royal WNW of the City of Vancouver. For most welcoming and informative visit Canadian Air Force, Col. Michael Atkins, several weeks following their arrival at that I have ever had to any military (an Upper Freeman in our North Comox, the Snowbirds practice their establishment. America region), members of this routines for the upcoming summer Attendees met Capt Ryan Carnahan at Company and our affiliate, the College of airshow season. Our group were not only the Guard House promptly at 07.40 hrs, Professional Pilots of Canada, were honoured to meet the members of the where we were given our passes. (Sadly, invited to Canadian Forces Base, Comox, Snowbird Air Demonstration team but most of our members who had planned April 13th, to meet members of our also to sit in on their Pre-Flight Briefing to attend this event and arrive at Comox affiliated military squadron, the Royal and later watch them practice. Whilst one by light aircraft, were grounded at Abbotsford Airport (100 or so miles to Canadian Air Force Air Demonstration might consider the practice a warm-up the ESE). This was due to very poor Team - otherwise known as the world airshow, airshows in Canada require weather associated with a passing cold famous RCAF Snowbirds. (The RCAF ministerial approval, thus the term front. Those of us who travelled by road Snowbirds is Canada's equivalent to the ‘airshow’ is restricted to the summer air and ferry the previous day, were thankful Vampire with First Nations art work that we had done so! Our group included Capt Jim Spentzas and his wife Susanna and son Victor. Jim is a captain on the Boeing 737 for Sunwing and previously a F4 Phantom pilot in the Greek Airforce. Susanna is a Flight Attendant with Jazz and they were accompanied by my wife Diane and myself. The Snowbirds briefing began on time at 0755, and Lt Michele Tremblay of the Royal Canadian Navy did the introductions. Lt Tremblay has been seconded to the Snowbirds as their Public Relations Officer. After the introductions the Briefing Room was declared sterile! Officer Greg Hume-Powell gave a weather briefing and also briefed on the applicable NOTAMs. The Snowbirds had protected airspace from the surface to 8000' MSL within 10 miles of Comox (CYQQ), except SW of Highway 19. 'Show Centre' was N49.43.06 W124.53.76. The 'Showline' was the Eastern edge of Runway 12/30, which

14 Possibly the only female RCAF pilot on the Cormorant Sqn’s Area of Operations – about the size of England! runs parallel to the shoreline. This alternate airport. the Twizzle and the Maple Split etc. Each runway is 10,000' x 200' (concrete) with Major Patrick Gobell (The Boss) covered pilot has all of these manoeuvres grass overruns in excess of 2000'. The the two emergency briefings of the day. memorized, not only in great detail but Control Tower is 90' AGL. The TAF The first emergency was a missing fuel in the sequence required. The tension in forecast winds of 100/8 at the surface, cap from the No1 aircraft, discovered the Briefing room could be cut with a and 160/12 at 3000'; cloud overcast at during the take-off roll. The action knife, as each pilot requires absolute 4000' with patchy mist and low ceilings required was for all aircraft to abort the concentration to visualize his control to the west of the airfield. Gusty winds take-off. The second emergency was the inputs and call responses with exact were forecast behind the cold front. observation of a Drone (SADA timing, in coordination with other team Campbell River was designated as the Intrusion) at 400' over the Airforce beach members. chalets located just to the north of After the said Briefing, our group was Somewhat dated cockpit of the Tutor airport. The action required was to advise escorted to the hanger to await the the Tower, cancel the show, make a public Snowbird aircraft being towed out to the announcement over the loud speaker apron. During the wait we were system, and order the operator to land introduced to Capt Jennifer Halliwall. the drone immediately, thereafter She is the Public Relations Officer for securing the drone. the CF-18 Hornet solo demonstration At the Briefing it was also noted that aircraft. We were kindly invited to have a each of the 9 aircraft had 2012 lbs of fuel close up viewing of this amazing aircraft on board and 300 lbs of smoke. It was later, after the Snowbird practice. The also decided that in view of the weather CF-18 Hornet Demonstrator has been and stronger winds than forecast, it given a unique Maple Leaf paint colour would be a low, flat display. The aircraft scheme to celebrate Canada's 150th were to depart on runway 12 in a 5/4 Vic Birthday on July 1, 2017. The diamond formation. This air demonstration would shaped segments of the Maple Leaf on include inverted passes down the display the tail fins of this CF-18 aircraft are line at 500', the Double Diamond Wedge, called gems and represent in colour code,

15 The author by an Aurora

Lt(RCN) Michele Tremblay, PR Officer, RCAF Air Demonstration Team, The Snowbirds The Aurora

not only the four founding Provinces in taking lots of photographs, Lt Carson Magnetic Detection MAD - for Canadian Confederation, but also all of Choy from 407 Sqn escorted us to the Submarine Detection, radar, IR the other Provinces and Territories of Aurora long range patrol aircraft and Cameras, acoustic sensors, sonobuoys, Canada. associated training facilities, at the flares, smokes etc. Comox Air Base. After a spectacular smoke check, which During peacetime this aircraft is used for shrouded the CT-114 Tutor aircraft in an 407 Sqn was formed at RAF Thorney sovereignty patrols, counter-narcotic instant fog for a few seconds, the Island in 1941 and was credited with work, , drift net enforcement, and patrols Snowbirds taxied out and were soon sinking 150,000 tons of shipping during to check for illegal immigration. (Editor’s airborne and doing their warm-up, out wartime service. In 1943 this ASW note - It is noteworthy that the UK of sight, to the south of Comox. The Squadron also sank 4 enemy submarines. currently lacks any such assets!) One weather was very cold and quite windy as Wartime casualties were 42 aircraft and aircraft based in Japan. the aircraft reappeared to begin their 240 crew. Types of aircraft flown included practice. As always the Snowbirds were Hudsons, Wellingtons, Lancasters and After lunch, it was time to visit our other on top of their game, even although this Beechcraft, as well as the CP 140M. affiliated military Squadron (442). This was just a so-called practice The Aurora is powered by 4 Allison squadron is responsible of search and demonstration! The most amazing turbo-prop engines, generating 4591 rescue, covering an area that is probably 4 manoeuvre, in my opinion, was when shaft HP (25 greater than say a Cessna times the size of the UK. Major Kirk two aircraft, turning 360 degrees in 172). The aircraft’s cruise speed is 405 Bennet was our escort and we were opposite directions, passed each other knots with a range of 4000 nm at given a very detailed briefing on all within a few feet, without using any 34,000'. The aircraft is manned by 2 aspects of SAR using both the fixed wing ground references, just the Mk1 eyeball! pilots, 1 engineer, 3 combat techs and 5 DH Buffalo and the Augusta Westland After viewing the CF-18 Hornet and electronics techs. It carries 8 torpedoes, Cormorant Helicopter.

16 The 150th Birthday CF-18 We were able to visit the hangar, where both the Cormorants and the Buffalos are serviced and kept ready for duty. I The Aurora cockpit believe that these aircraft are on an all year round 30 minute stand-by for operations in some of the remotest and wildest terrain to be found anywhere in the world. These aircraft are also operated on a regular basis out over the stormy waters of the northern Pacific. In addition we had a full briefing on packing appropriate medical supplies for parachute drops, dropping survival gear, and recovery of injured persons requiring the services of 442 Squadron. On behalf of the Honourable Company, and the College of Professional Pilots of Canada, I would like to thank Col. Michael Atkins, Wing Commander 19th Wing RCAF, Capt Ryan Carnahan, Lt(N) Michele Trembley, Capt Jennifer Halliwell, Lt Carson Choy and Major Kirk Bennet for their most warm welcome, time and effort, in putting together this most informative visit.

17 Company Visit to the RN Submarine Museum and the ‘Explosion’ Museum of Naval Firepower at Gosport

By Upper Freeman Mike Craft

We were met in the reception area by below the main deck. The propellers Rob Camp who was to be our guide for were driven by two electric motors the tour of the HMS Alliance submarine. which were driven either by the batteries Rob had spent his whole career as a or directly by power from the engine Navy submariner, and made all of us feel generators. When the submarine was extremely welcome. So, after a short submerged below periscope depth, the introduction and safety briefing, Rob led entire submarine was powered by the us out to the submarine. batteries alone. When at periscope HMS Alliance was built at the Vickers depth, a long snorkel was raised which Shipyard in Barrow-in-Furness and was allowed the engines to be run to keep the originally intended for the Pacific batteries charged. However, when conflict of WW2, but by the time she snorkelling the noise level in the engine entered service in 1947, WW2 was over room was so high that it was only and the Cold War was just beginning. possible for the crew to communicate by Over the next three decades, HMS hand signals. Preserving power was a Alliance operated on covert Cold War major concern for the Captain. When missions all over the world, until in 1973 underwater, the submarine could run at a when she was “paid off” at HMS maximum speed of 10kts, but with a range of only 16 miles. If the speed was Dolphin in Gosport. For the next 5 reduced to 3kts, then the range went up years, HMS Alliance was used as a to 90 miles. HMS Alliance holds an training boat in Gosport, until finally in unbeaten record for this class of 1978, she was set up as a museum. submarine for remaining submerged for a Rob took us first into the forward total of three weeks!! torpedo room and explained that when In the control room, Rob gave us an in service, this would have been excellent demonstration of how he The Submarine Escape Tower completely full of food as well as would have operated the controls to torpedoes. Up to 70 crew could be on simulated escape from a submarine every make the submarine dive or surface. board at any one time and as the four four years and swim up through 100 feet Finally, Rob showed us how submariners main messes were not large enough to of water to the top of the tower. Once would have escaped from a damaged accommodate all of the crew, extra bunks again, Rob’s experience and expertise submarine. An escape hatch was located were fitted in the main passageway as made this an extremely informative and in both the forward and aft torpedo well as on top of the stored torpedoes in interesting visit which was very much stowage compartments together with the torpedo rooms. enjoyed by everyone who attended. I emergency breathing masks. A canvas think my favourite quote of the day from Rob’s knowledge of submarines was trunk was lowered beneath each escape Rob was that “in a submarine, you have extensive and he was easily able to answer hatch and the compartment was then to remember that you need to go up any questions that we put to him, often flooded. In turn, each sailor then took a when you want to land”. A good expanding his answers by giving real last breath from the mask and swam reminder that submarines are a very world examples from his own under the canvas trunk and up out of the experiences at sea. escape hatch. That one breath had to last different world from that in which we HMS Alliance was powered by two up to 4 minutes during which time they normally operate, but my sincere thanks supercharged diesel engines, each had to swim up through about 100 feet to Rob for a most interesting morning. generating 2000 hp and weighing 30 of water. Rob also pointed out the We then went to the “Explosion” tons. These were used to charge the 226 escape tower building which was still Museum of Naval Firepower where we lead acid batteries, each of which visible at Gosport, where every had lunch and then met up with Brian weighed half a ton and were located submariner had to demonstrate a Russell, our guide for the afternoon.

18 This museum was located in a giant At the Ordnance Museum gunpowder store (Priddy’s Hard) which was built between 1756 and 1805. It was vital that the gunpowder was kept dry and cool at all times and so the walls were a massive 8 feet (2.5M) thick and had to be left to dry out for 3 years after construction before any gunpowder could be stored in the magazine. Gunpowder was transported to the the magazine was put to use to store magazine by sea from factories in Essex. boxes of cordite and shells, rather than three of them in the museum – disarmed The barrels were all made of wood and barrels of gunpowder. During WW2, of course). Once again, Brian was copper to eliminate any risk of an Priddy’s Hard supplied most of the extremely knowledgeable in all aspects of explosion and when full, the magazine ordnance that was used during the D- the displays in the museum and we all held a massive 4500 barrels of Day Landings. The Falklands campaign really enjoyed his informative and gunpowder (about 200 tons). As Brian in 1982 was the last time that Priddy’s interesting presentation. pointed out to us, HMS Victory alone Hard supplied weapons to the Royal carried 35 tons of gunpowder plus 120 Navy and it was closed in 1986. It was tons of shot, and the Naval fleet at the then turned into a museum in 2001. time had nearly 5000 guns in total. The rest of the museum showed the Once cordite was introduced during development of guns from early 1893, the Navy stopped using flintlocks and canons, right up to cruise gunpowder as its main propellant, and missiles and atom bombs (there were HMS Alliance

19 Book Review Canberra Boys - Andrew Brookes Grub Street (£20.00) By Liveryman Tom Eeles

The rich vein of ‘Boys’ tales being mined were used in the tactical nuclear strike by the Grub Street publishing house role, they were modified to undertake shows no sign of being exhausted. The ground attack, close air support and latest offering from this prolific aviation interdiction, they provided air sampling, publisher is ‘Canberra Boys, fascinating target facilities and airborne radar accounts from the operators of an training platforms, they were used to English Electric classic’. Starting with a foreword by the current Chief of calibrate navigation aids and to carry out Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir electronic warfare training. Their long Stuart Peach, a former Canberra PR7 range and capacious bomb bays made Canberras on Boxing Day 1964 was ‘the navigator, the book covers early design them ideal aircraft for overseas flights to last live offensive sortie to be flown by an work and test flying at English Electric exotic locations, bringing home items RAF Canberra.’ This is not correct. That (now BAE Systems), then describes not readily available. The Canberra PR9, virtually every aspect of the Canberra’s honour goes to 16 Squadron, detached to fitted with secret state of the art service with the RAF, RN, USAF, RAAF, Kuantan in Malaya in 1965. In March, 16 reconnaissance equipment, was only RNZAF, the Indian and Pakistan Air Squadron was tasked to provide three retired from service in 2006, 55 years Forces, the Fuerza Aerea Venezolana and Canberras loaded with full gunpacks of the Fuerza Aerea Argentina. after the aircraft first entered service, an HE 20mm ammunition to undertake an astonishing record. There seems to be nothing the Canberra offensive strafing operation over the same Andrew Brookes has collected a wide could not do. After being displayed in area of jungle infiltrated by Indonesian mix of recollections from Canberra dramatic style by Wg Cdr ‘Bee’ aircrew, covering all the diverse roles marines in southern Malaya, with Beaumont at the 1949 Farnborough Air undertaken by the aircraft, supported by Forward Air Control being provided by a Display the Canberra began its service many black and white and colour Pioneer from Tengah. I know this is true career as a light bomber in RAF Bomber photographs. The quality of the stories as I was there! Command. It soon branched out into varies somewhat, unsurprisingly given As the CDS says in his foreword, ‘this the wide range of contributors and their other roles, the first being photographic book reflects the worldwide sense of literary skills. There are many fascinating reconnaissance. It collected a number of insights into what is very much a bygone spirit, leadership, and adventure by the world records for high speed long era. I hesitate to find fault; the only men who flew them and I commend it distance flights and was the first British factual error I detected was in Chapter to the general and specialist reader alike.’ aircraft to be built under licence in the 18, Confrontation, when Jeff Jefford I can do no better than to endorse this USA since the DH9 in 1918. Canberras states that a rocket attack by 45 Squadron statement.

20 Brooklands Museum Visit - 19th May By Liveryman Dr. John McAdam

Brooklands was the cradle of British was completed without the aid of aviation and our embryonic motor sport mechanical diggers in only nine months. industry. Its museum holds a fine This banked oval track, 2.75 miles long collection of vintage aircraft, motor cars by 100 feet wide and banking 30 feet and motor cycles, which stands compare high in places, was the inspiration behind with the best. the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in the Concorde USA, which held its inaugural race in Expertly organised by Past Master Chris Captain Mike Bannister then divided our August 1909. Ford, we were received at 1000hrs and party into two manageable groups and called to attention by Past Master Mike Prior to World War One, Brooklands my group was taken around by an Bannister who gave us all a most attracted many now famous aviation extremely knowledgeable volunteer hospitable welcome and spoke of the pioneers such as Lord Brabazon and A.V. guide, Tim Newman. The second group history of the site. He explained how Roe (granted pilots’ licences #1 and #2 was taken around by Ms Jenny Tye, Brooklands, a couple of miles to the respectively. More recently, a significant whose father was also a Concorde pilot. south of Weybridge, was the birth place aviation anniversary was celebrated on We first visited the vintage Motor Bikes, of British aviation and motor sport. It 29th June 2012 when 50 years of Vickers where to my joy I discovered a brother to attracted many aviation pioneers before aviation was remembered in the my very first motor-bike – a 1936, 350cc the World War One, and went on to company of Angela Newton, the Triumph side-valve, ridged frame. The become a leading aircraft design and daughter of the late Sir George Edwards. early records on display just amazed me, manufacturing centre throughout the It was half a century since the remarkable as in 1912, George E. Stanley broke the 20th century. A remarkable total of VC10 was first flown from the airfield by one-hour record at Brooklands race track 18,600 new aircraft of nearly 260 aircraft Captains ‘Jock’ Bryce, Bill Cairns and on his 350cc Stanley motorcycle types were manufactured there in its Brian Trubshaw. Three months later, becoming the first ever rider to cover eighty years’ life. The genesis of these with the expert help of museum over 60 miles in one hour. The following two industries was created by the local volunteers, contractors moved the retired year in 1913, Percy E. Lambert set a land owner Mr Hugh F. Locke King as British Airways Concorde 40% scale world record at Brooklands covering just early as 1907, who created the first model G-CONC from its home base at yards short of 104 miles in one hour, purpose built racing circuit in the world. Heathrow to its new home as the driving his 4.5 litre side-valve Talbot. It is indeed hard to imagine with today’s museum’s gate guard. Other memorable Tim Newman then gave us a highly bureaucratic interference that it was aircraft associated with here are of course professional tour of the magnificent built without planning permission, and the Wellington designed by Barnes Wallis. motor cars. Historical motoring names such as Count Zborowski with ‘Chitty Concorde in its new position Chitty Bang Bang’ vintage 1921, (Monoposto) Bentley Blower Tourer, and Sunbeam Tigress and a Napier-Railton, both driven at 138 mph, are all on display to enjoy. As we toured past a commercial van, we were reminded that it was built by the coach builders Gurney-Notting of which family the now famous actress Penelope Keith is not only a scion, but now also a popular trustee of the Museum. After lunch our day promised to become more active: we were escorted to a small theatre where unusually we were securely strapped into our very comfortable theatre seats, and prepared for a simulated formation flight with the Red Arrows display team. This

21 simulated experience is certainly the and Air France issued a joint statement Filton to the museum. It was here that closest I will ever get to flying with this that all Concordes would make their last she was re-assembled following a two famous team. passenger flights, and on 24th October year restoration project by local In the same theatre one can sit in relative three of the British Airways fleet landed volunteers to her former glory. On 26th comfort, and experience driving in the one after the other at London’s July 2006, Concorde G-BBDG was 8-cylinder Napier Railton circa pre- Heathrow Airport. Captain Bannister officially opened to the public by HRH World War One, with its gleaming then explained the history of Prince Michael of Kent. aluminium bonnet stretching 10 feet Brooklands Museum’s very own Finally, the highlight or our day was before one’s eyes; also driving with Mike Concorde G-BBDG, and how it came experiencing the museum’s own unique Hawthorne around the Le Mans circuit from Filton (Nr. Bristol) to its final Concorde simulator (ex-BA); there was in his D type Jaguar. Another racing resting place within the Weybridge. huge pleasure in being invited to sit, simulator featured the McLaren MP4-22 G-BBDG was always known as a strapped into the captain’s left-hand seat, of 2007 with a top speed of 215 mph. production aircraft as she was developed and taking the controls for a simulated Mike Bannister then gave us a history of from the prototype, and used to complete flight around Weybridge. With Captain Concorde’s development from inception the majority of certification work Mike Bannister sitting firmly in the to operation on its many routes specified for airline service. She was right-hand seat as my mentor, I took off worldwide. This supersonic airliner was a never used commercially, but was still and flew a couple of circuits which was joint venture between Great Britain and flown around the world on marketing quite a challenge, and a little different France and the first UK meeting took missions. After her final landing on from the Cessna 152 I usually pilot. place in 1961 here at the site of the Christmas Eve in 1981 she was hangared Mike very kindly gave us all a certificate museum. It took all the resources of both at Filton, until in 1984 she was bought by to commemorate our 15 minute flight – nations to design, build and eventually fly BA. In 2003, Delta Golf was offered to but I suspect my report would read this supersonic passenger jet. In all her Brooklands, and, with financial grants something like “Can do better.” twenty seven years of service, nearly three from the lottery commission and private I must thank Chris Ford, Mike Bannister million passengers were able to fly on sources, she was divided into various and all the museum staff for a most her. On 10th April 2003, British Airways sections for transportation by road from entertaining and welcoming.

Concorde Simulator flying Sim flight deck

Flight ticket office Vickers Viscount

22 National Memorial Proposed for Mount Erebus Air Accident By Rev. Richard Waugh (Regional Chaplain) and Liveryman Captain Allan Boyce

Important initiatives are being taken by New Zealand Region members to plan for a national memorial for the 257 people who died in the 1979 Mt. Erebus air accident of Air New Zealand McDonnell Douglas DC-10 ZK-NZP (Flight TE901). At present there is no public memorial to the Erebus accident where all 257 names are gathered together. A voluntary advisory group, with Lady June Hillary as Patron (widow of Sir Edmund), is advocating such a national memorial. We believe that the 40th anniversary in 2019 will be an appropriate time for its opening. Rev. Dr Richard Waugh during the Erebus 25th anniversary service at Auckland’s Waikumete New Zealand as a nation continues to be Cemetery, sprinkling water, brought from Mt Erebus, over flowers in front of the memorial to 44 affected by the tragedy and it is a public victims of the accident, November 2004. (FOTOPRESS/Sandra Teddy via Air New Zealand) and pastoral oversight that nothing has yet been done to establish a national and 25th anniversaries of the accident. As accident to one side, and focus on a memorial for the Mt. Erebus accident part of their Masters Tour of the Region, national memorial to those who died; a victims, especially for the many families Past Masters Captain John Hutchinson special place for families and all New involved. The Mt Erebus accident with and Captain Dick Felix both played a Zealanders to gather and remember.” 257 fatalities - 237 passengers and 20 prominent role during those memorial Dr Waugh and the advisory group are in crew - is New Zealand’s worst civil ceremonies. discussion with many Erebus families, the disaster and still the worst aviation It is perhaps worth underlining that no Ministry for Culture & Heritage, and accident in the Southern Hemisphere – advisory group members, including other organisations planning for a 18 more souls than the number of people ourselves, have any intention to refer to memorial on a similar scale and who perished on MH370. or discuss the cause(s) of the accident, architectural appeal as the recently This tragic accident on Mt. Erebus and that the location for the national opened Canterbury Earthquake Victims generated an air accident report, a Royal memorial and its funding plan has yet to Memorial. Commission of Inquiry, countless be confirmed. Meanwhile extensive See: www.erebusnationalmemorial.nz newspapers stories and articles, many consultations are taking place, especially books, and television documentaries. The with the national government. The Rev Dr Richard Waugh can be contacted New Zealand Region previously helped advisory group comments, “It is now at [email protected] organise memorial services for the 20th time to put the controversy of the

23 Visit to RAF Marham - 6 July By the Editor (Photos by the Editor and Alan Jackson)

It has been a little while since our last dependents, Marham is a sizeable visit to this Norfolk station. Marham has community; its wage bill of £105m last risen further in importance within the year makes it one of Norfolk's biggest RAF since it was announced it would employers. Mo also briefed us on the role become the home of the F35B of 138 Expeditionary Air Wing, and both Lightning. We were greeted by our host the Formed and non-Formed Unit for the day, WO Mo Howard, the Station personnel that make up its core. He Engagement Officer. He gave a brief pointed out that No 1 ISR Wing has overview of the units currently on the recently moved to RAF Wyton, leaving base, and the programme of behind No 2 ISR Sqn and a HQ infrastructure upgrades for the arrival of Support Unit. Additionally the base hosts the F35B summer next year. He had to 3 Force Protection Wing HQ of the bite his enthusiastic tongue to avoid RAF Regt, 93 Expeditionary Armament stealing the thunder of colleagues whom Squadron, and 2620 (County of Norfolk) we were to meet later in the day! The RAuxAF Regt Sqn, engaged in equipment, but the latest weaponry station's crest features a blue bull, operational support. The vanguard from makes it a most potent asset. The Raptor deriving, we were told, from the Cold the RN (the Lightning squadrons being pod gives very high definition image War era when Marham squadrons used jointly manned) has arrived in the shape collection. The Tornado Force has been our series of nuclear weapons which all of a Met flight - described by Mo as "a at a very high tempo of operations for had 'blue' names. He recalled the bundle of fun" - the Met matelots that is. the last decade or more and has recently handover ceremony when the incoming All three Tornado squadrons have a proud been supporting operations in Iraq and Station Commander, one Greg Bagwell, heritage, IX(B) being one of the pioneers Syria. decided the handshake photo of night flying, for example. The airframe With a current end of service date of opportunity would be best done in front has been in service a staggering 35 years March 2019 for the Tornado, the pressure of a live bull, instead of the more at RAF Marham used mostly in the is on for the Typhoon squadrons to gain traditional silver bull trophy. Suffice to ground reconnaissance, ground attack qualifications to launch the same suite of say, it did not go according to plan! role. The GR4 was described by Mo as weapons. We were given a briefing about The 3 Tornado squadrons (IX(B), 12(B), "without doubt our most versatile the capabilities of the new F35B and its and 31) have now been concentrated on aircraft". Like the old girl that she is, likely initial weaponry fit, as well as the the SE side of the airfield, leaving the SW performance has slipped somewhat already planned changes and upgrades to quadrant for the construction of the new below what the salesman might have these. 617 Sqn will arrive at Marham in F35B facilities. With 3600 military and originally claimed in the showroom, the summer of 2018 (squadron pilots will civilian staff, 1220 contractors, and 5,000 with its mid-life upgrades and additional likely deliver their own machines from

A nuclear bomb (inert) - the WE177 In the Museum

24 The key venerated Black Buck Victor GR4 on the pan the US). To the consternation of some the very hard work being done by his all (twin-stick) trainers. The Flt Lt traditionalists 48% of aircrew will be dark Tornado squadrons, in support of explained how the back seater (a WSO) blue. The inverse will apply to the second operations in Iraq and Syria. The Tornado was invaluable in high-intensity ground Lightning squadron - 809 Sqn (a Royal could be said to be in Rich's blood - attack, and can enable very fast response Navy ‘number plate’). with all his 27 year operational flying times when called from standing patrols. The STOVL nature of the F35B means career being on or around the type! His He also mentioned how during the that the secondary runway is being (re-) time was at an understandable premium, Tornado's c. 40 year life most of the commissioned on the airfield. Alongside given he had hosted a visit by the CAS evolution in avionics had occurred in the are being constructed three vertical and First Sea Lord the day before our rear cockpit, with the pilot still having landing pads which will ensure that no visit and indeed was in the middle of largely analogue displays. There was a precious runway surface is incinerated by hosting another visit while taking a break useful exposition of the type’s strengths the aircraft's lift engine - every landing to pop in and introduce himself to us. and weaknesses. Marham has often been will be vertical, as the station's role will We were then bussed to 12 Squadron quiet when I have flown through its MATZ of late, so it was heart-warming be to train the pilots to fly off (and where one of the aircrew showed us over to have our chats frequently broken up indeed land on!) the QE class carriers. several airframes, and introduced members to the hazards and fun of by the sounds of Tornados starting up, Our first port of call was the Heritage expeditionary air warfare. The first taxing, and taking off, with some Centre: this was one of the best base airframe was "Pinkie", so-called because Typhoons also in the circuit. RAF museums I have seen, and our it is still in its pink desert camouflage We then decamped to 93 Expeditionary guide, Steve Roberts, was one of the scheme (from Op Granby). Such named Armament Squadron, for a thorough most knowledgeable. This was less and non-standard coloured airframes are tour of the weaponry by a Sergeant and surprising when he later admitted that in a previous incarnation he had been station WO at Marham! He covered the full gamut of the station's more than a century's history, from its birth as RFC Station Marham, a Home Defence Aerodrome sitting alongside RFC Narborough, to its current status as the largest fast jet base in the UK. There were some fascinating artefacts: from a RFC leather flying coat, through a piece of the Black Buck Victor's cockpit, to a Tornado elevon with 7.62mm bullet hole (courtesy of some lucky Libyan idiot). At lunch we had a welcome from the station commander, Gp Capt Rich Davies. He was understandably proud of Marham can look uncannily like some of our former RAF Germany airfields 25 The RAF’s sole (European) F35b in action at the 2016 RIAT

Ready for action a very knowledgeable female SAC. The grass”). But the Tornado Force is in the flexibility offered by fusings for the vanguard of our offensive effort, and the Paveway IV, and the precision of the noise of the (surprisingly small) Turbo- Brimstone (with a small blast radius Union RB199 engines is indeed the guaranteeing little collateral damage), was sound of freedom. The advent of the notable – these are truly 21st century F35B Lightning will mean that Marham weapons for 21st century intra-urban remains one of our most important conflicts.. On the assumption that most defence assets for some while. Company members pay UK taxes (!), Thank you as ever to David Curgenven there was a healthy interest in the cost of for organising this fascinating day. these weapons, and in their shelf (& air) life. See also Tom Eeles’ article “A Short Visit to As our bus trundled round the Southern the Front Line” (in his case IX Sqn) in our April 2017 issue. perimeter track, we had a good view of The Tornado has a proud history on ops the construction of the Lightning facilities. I was amused to note this is titled Project Anvil (Operation Anvil was firstly the invasion of Southern France in 1944, and more recently the nuclear tests in Nevada in 1981-2). After a gander at the two gate guardians opposite station HQ (a Victor and of course a Tornado), and an obligatory group photo, we gave our very grateful thanks to WO Howard for a most interesting visit. For young airmen and aircrew Marham remains well removed from any pulsating nightlife (not for nothing was it known as “El Adem with The Air Pilots group at the end of the visit 26 Echoes across the Century By Warden John Towell Echoes across the Century is a from different Livery companies at each commemoration by London school. The Air Pilots teamed up with the schoolchildren of the 100th anniversary Coachmakers’ company, Hampstead of WW1. Livery Companies organised by School and the RAF Museum at Livery Schools Link have been Hendon. On the first day I gave a supporting students to gain a greater presentation giving an insight into the insight into the human and social effects role of aircraft in the war including of conflict. Tapping into the experience aspects of their operation, the human side of Livery companies, and using art as a of the battles, and how the technology medium, history has been brought and industry developed. I also gave a brief vividly to life. Each livery company overview of the aviation industry today, added a different perspective of how the opportunities available and the role of the conflict introduced major changes to Air Pilots. Liveryman John Blauth of the society and the rapid development of Coachmakers’ company explained how technologies. The learning has particular the aircraft manufacturing industry Artist Jane Churchill meets the Lord Mayor relevance for today, especially in the areas developed, and how a massive change in by different Livery companies. All of the of arbitration and conflict resolution. society enabled the industry to artwork was then combined by Jane The project grew from an idea by Alison manufacture aircraft. The RAF Museum Churchill into a major installation to Truphet, which was developed with artist hosted us on the second day with a create the highlight of the project with Jane Churchill and Livery Schools Link. superb tour of the WW1 exhibition The Air Pilots were influential right from guided by Vernon Creek. The the exhibition in the Guildhall Art the beginning some years ago with schoolchildren had access to a wide range Gallery. This was officially opened by the Assistant Rick Thomas and Warden John of artefacts and facilities to work on Lord Mayor who spoke very warmly Towell on the team that decided to make drawings. Jane Churchill coached the about the project and the positive role of an ambitious bid to the Heritage Lottery students on capturing drawings, images London Livery companies supporting Fund for funding. We were all delighted and memories in their sketch books for others. The Master and his Lady also and somewhat surprised when the use when developing their art work over attended the presentation ceremony funding was agreed! the rest of the week. By Friday the where the students were each awarded Over the last year eleven different Livery output, learning, and understanding certificates. This incredible exhibition Companies have been working with 14 achieved was very impressive. The group was the first time that art work created by schools and around 240 students. Artist of artists then presented their work to the children had been displayed in the Jane Churchill spent a week at each whole school and created an exhibition. gallery. It is a testament to the power of school working with groups of students. Week by week a similar pattern was Livery Companies working together to She was supported by representatives followed at different schools supported support young people in London that

Alison Truphet guiding the Lord Mayor around the exhibition Hampstead School exhibit

27 Echoes across the Century has been declared such an outstanding success. The set design was based around a First World War trench and the walk-through exhibition explored the stories of soldiers, ordinary people supporting the war effort ‘behind the scenes’, and the grief-stricken families, friends and lovers that were left behind. It provided an Hampstead School guided tour immersive ‘behind the scenes’ experience of RAF Museum that gave a fascinating glimpse into what was a very difficult and harsh reality for many. Interwoven throughout the exhibition was the artwork of the schoolchildren aged between six and seventeen. The exhibition featured over Jane Churchill and student 600 objects through which real and at RAF Museum imagined tales were told via heritage artefacts and reactive ‘response’ artworks. The project benefited from a grant of £99,800 from the Heritage Lottery Fund, and was the gallery’s first exhibition to operate as a large-scale installation. Jane Churchill, Curator of Echoes Across the Century said: “This has been a very personal experience for me as I have always had a connection to WW1. My inspiration for the project came from the terribly sad story of my own great great- uncle, and the affect his death had on those he left behind. Working with such wonderful and talented students has been deeply rewarding as they all embraced the The Master and the Master Coachmaker project and understood how art could be beside the Hampstead exhibit used to express both history and emotion. They developed independent thinking and confidence, as they worked with me to explore different skills and techniques to bring these stories to life.”

The Hampstead exhibit 28