AIR PILOT FEBRUARY 2017:AIR PILOT MASTER 24/1/17 10:10 Page 1 AirPilot FEBRUARY 2017 ISSUE 19 AIR PILOT FEBRUARY 2017:AIR PILOT MASTER 24/1/17 10:10 Page 2

Diary FEBRUARY 2017 9th General Purposes & Finance Committee Cobham House 15th Pilot Aptitude Testing RAFC Cranwell AIR PILOT 23rd Lunch Club RAF Club THE HONOURABLE MARCH 2017 COMPANY OF 1st AST/APT Meeting Cobham House AIR PILOTS 16th General Purposes & Finance Committee Cobham House incorporating 16th Court and Election Dinner Cutler's Hall Air Navigators 25th Young Aviators' Dinner RAF Club 27th Annual Service St. Michael's, Cornhill PATRON: 27th AGM & Installation Supper Merchant Taylors' Hall His Royal Highness 30th Lord Mayor's Annual Dinner for Masters Mansion House The Prince Philip 31st United Guilds' Service St. Paul's Cathedral Duke of Edinburgh KG KT

GRAND MASTER: APRIL 2017 His Royal Highness 4th Senior Flight Instructors' Forum RAFC Cranwell The Prince Andrew 13th General Purposes & Finance Committee Cobham House Duke of York KG GCVO 20th New Members' Briefing Cobham House 26th Lunch Club RAF Club MASTER: 26th Cobham Lecture 4 Hamilton Place Captain Peter Benn

CLERK: Paul J Tacon BA FCIS VISITS PROGRAMME Please see the flyers accompanying this issue of Air Pilot or contact Liveryman David Incorporated by Royal Charter. Curgenven at [email protected]. A Livery Company of the City of London. These flyers can also be downloaded from the Company's website.

PUBLISHEDBY : Please check on the Company website for visits that are to be confirmed. The Honourable Company of Air Pilots, Cobham House, 9 Warwick Court, Gray’s Inn, London WC1R 5DJ.

EDITOR: GOLF CLUB EVENTS Paul Smiddy BA (Econ), FCA Please check on Company website for latest information EMAIL: [email protected]

FUNCTION PHOTOGRAPHY: Gerald Sharp Photography 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 April 2017 edition of Air Pilot is 1 March 2017 and should be sent to: The Editor,Air Pilot, Cobham House, 9 Warwick Court, Gray’s Inn, London WC1R 5DJ. Cover photo: The South-African “Flying Lions" Team,during an airshow at Blue TELEPHONE: 020 7404 4032 Mountains Valley airstrip near Hartebeespoort Dam in South Africa at the FAX NO: 020 7404 4035 EMAIL: [email protected] conclusion of the Crete2Cape expedition reported in this issue.The DH82a ZS- WEBSITE: www.airpilots.org DNP was entered by Mark and Lauren Oostingh. Photo by Prepare2Go/Beatrice de Smet AIR PILOT FEBRUARY 2017:AIR PILOT MASTER 24/1/17 10:10 Page 3

A message from your Editor... In the UK in December and into January we were blessed with an unusually prolonged period of stable high pressure, leading to some wonderful flying opportunities. Sadly I have been cursed with a u/s aircraft.This has served just to heighten my anticipation for the coming season.

Since our last issue two aeronautical ventures left the UK winter and concluded successfully; both in their own way underlined British skills.The RAF Aerobatic Team returned from a very ambitious tour to Asia via the Gulf, and waved the flag in their unique style.The goodwill generated by such soft aviation power for Great Britain must be immeasurable - and is a perfect riposte to the occasional naysayers who allege the Reds are a 'luxury' we can ill afford.

The UK GA fraternity has been agog at another expedition, initiated and organised by our own Sam Rutherford - the 'Crete2Cape'. This involved shepherding a fleet of aircraft even more vintage than the Hawk T Mk1 down the length of Africa. Although the participants were a truly international bunch, there was a goodly sprinkling of Moths, and British engineering expertise kept many machines in the air.Another good advertisment for our aviation heritage and current skills. Moreover it is clear that the crews stimulated a lot of interest for aviation in general, and flying as a career, as they made their way down Africa.

It is that time of year when the recipients of our many scholarships report back on their achievements.A reader of these joyous records will be left in no doubt of the worth of our scholarship programme. I trust you will enjoy all these reports in this issue.

Paul Smiddy - Editor

Contents

NewsRoundUp ...... 4

TheMastersMessage ...... 5

TheMastersTour2016...... 6

Gazette ...... 13

FromtheDeskoftheDAA...... 14

TheReds’TourofAsia...... 15

The Vintage Air Rally Crete2Cape ...... 17

Historical Aircraft Association ...... 22

Scholarships and Bursaries ...... 23

BookReviews...... 35

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News Round Up RAF MUSEUM BENEVOLENT FUND VACANCY PREPARE TO CHANGE YOUR The RAF Museum has secured £1.8m The Benevolent Fund will have a REGISTRATION... of funding from the Heritage Lottery vacancy for a new trustee in April. The As Upper Freeman Sam Rutherford trustees meet four times per year and are Fund for Phase 2b (Historic Hendon) of points out in his article on his recent responsible for ensuring that the fund is its RAF Centenary Programme. This governed in accordance with the Trust expedition from Crete to the Cape, his phase focuses on sharing the historical Deed and the requirements of the next project is from Ushaia to the US. significance of the Museum’s London site Charity Commission. This involves This reminds me of a certain BBC as the London Aerodrome in the early oversight of investments, setting an motoring programme which 20th century and later as RAF Hendon. annual budget, evaluating applicants for encountered some rather hostile natives benevolent assistance and assigning funds This award brings the Museum even in that region - they took umbrage at the closer to its overall fundraising target, to other deserving aviation charities. The successful applicant would preferably registrations of some of the team's cars. with under £7m now left to raise. (The have some interest in financial and For this next Prepare2Go venture the Museum had already been granted £3m governance matters although this is not owners of G-ARGI (an Auster) and G- from the Government's diversion of essential. It is hoped that he or she may ARGY (a PA22 Tripacer) had better LIBOR fines). be interested in taking the role of think about a swift change of registration treasurer in 2018. Please apply to the if they are intent on entering. I note that Chairman at the Company's offices by GARDEN VILLAGES & TOWNS post or email, enclosing a brief cv. G-FLKL and G-FLKI have yet to be At the beginning of the new year the allocated.... Government took advantage of the fallow news period to launch what it obviously considered was a "good news" INTERLIVERY SKI story - the creation of 14 so-called In January the Company entered the biggest team in this annual competition garden villages (and three towns). The for some years. Captained by a very enthusiastic, not to say very competitive, Sam Rutherford, the team benefited from another ex-Army Air Corps Ski good news being that these would create Team member Will Fanshawe together with another newly-joined member 48,000 new homes. One should not be Paul Fermor. Ballast, experience, but certainly not speed, came in the form of surprised that of the fourteen, two are Assistant Paul Smiddy. Caroline Gough-Cooper and Beatrice De Smet active airfields (Deenethorpe and Long performed well in the Ladies' Competition. Caroline won Fastest Lady (age- Marston), and one a former airfield - adjusted), and Will was second in the category of 30-60 year-old men.As usual, Spitalgate, where generations of RAF it was held in Morzine, which was looking rather more green and brown than recruits were licked into shape. One one would have wished. Paul Fermor leaves the start hopes that the owners of the microlight Sam and I hope that this invigorated team will (& his skis) flying schools at those two airfields can provide a platform for even greater success next find a suitable new location. year.The event, brilliantly organised each year by the Ironmongers, is highly recommended, and The news around Britain's GA airfields deserves our support. remains unremittingly bleak. Those in The full team favour of re-opening Plymouth Airport are fighting an active rearguard action. The owners of Rochester Airport have had to withdraw their application for Editor, Caroline and Paul Fermor planning consent for a hard runway simply in an attempt to speed up the process of obtaining approval for the rebuilding of the hangars. These are of WW2 vintage and have not been fit for purpose for some time. This particular planning saga has now been running for five years.

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The Master’s Message Peter Benn It has been a privilege to represent our Honourable Company and the aviation industry within the City and beyond during this year as your Master. A busy and challenging year, that ends with the Company closer to a new and more formal arrangement for the occupation of the building obtained by the forethought and benevolence of Sir Michael Cobham and those who contributed to its acquisition. We have been sustained and maintained there by the continuing support of the Cobham family, to whom we owe a great debt of gratitude, and to those who have done so much to enable us to remain there, also deserve our thanks. We are undertaking a Strategic Review under the Chairmanship of Warden John Prescott’s tenure in government Regions, and I am indebted to the MalcolmWhite, and we are all grateful to must be reversed, and a national strategy members there for their support and him for leading this vital task for, whilst for General Aviation implemented if insight on the Master’s Tour, a report on we already do so many things so well, we those airfields, and others, are to be saved which follows. have many challenges to face, and must and the true value of General Aviation prioritise those which we undertake, and recognised, supported and sustained. I have enjoyed great support from my how we do so. colleagues on the General Purposes and VAT must be lifted from flight I have said throughout the year that as instruction to enable our superb flight Finance Committee, from the Regional soon as something is taken for granted, or training industry to succeed and enjoy its Chairmen, from individual members of worse yet neglected, there is a danger of share of the burgeoning flight training the Court, and from our permanent staff. losing it. Aviation in the UK has an market ahead. Air Passenger Duty must My sincere thanks go to them, and to our illustrious past, sustained by generations be scrapped to recognise the global Learned Clerk for his support of air-minded youth, generated in great settlement on aviation emissions that has part by the Air Cadet and University Air throughout the year. My thanks also go now been agreed, and so give our airlines Squadron system, who went on to enjoy to Paul Smiddy for producing Air Pilot, the chance to compete on a fair basis the fulfilling and exciting careers that so our magazine. many of us in our turn have enjoyed.And with the massive international I wish my successor as Master, Captain yet the future looks much less certain in competition they face. Familiar themes so many areas. Vital access to the from throughout the year, ones which Chris Spurrier, and his wife Paula, every possibility of going solo in a glider at have yet to be resolved, and which success. Christina and I will extend to aged sixteen must be sustained and remain for successive Masters and for our them the same constant support that my expanded to ignite and encourage that Company to address. predecessor, Squadron Leader Chris Ford same lifelong enthusiasm that has driven In conversations with other air minded and his partner Sue, have offered to us all on in our careers, and generated the organisations – the Air League, the Christina and I, and for which they have climate of understanding that has RAeS, and others - it is clear that the my sincere thanks. hitherto cloaked UK aviation with the strategy of ‘many voices, same message’ is insight and support such experiences more effective than creating one voice In conclusion, I would like to thank the provide. Airfields such as Redhill, that says the same thing. I hope that we Master’s Lady, Christina, for her constant Fairoaks and Panshanger are under threat will therefore co-ordinate more closely support and understanding throughout of housing development and closure and in future the messages we send to the year, and to send our best wishes to so, seemingly inexorably, access to national and local government with the every member of the Honourable General Aviation within the Greater other the air organisations, to achieve London area and nearby is being denied. Company of Air Pilots for the challenges effective input on behalf of our members in the year ahead, wherever in the world The disastrous decision to designate and their concerns, such that these they may be. airfields as ‘brownfield sites’, and so messages are heard, understood and acted available for housing development under upon. We have much to learn from our

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vector and flight director target is The Master’s Tour 2016 provided on the HUD, and the aim is to fly the vector into the target and so Peter Benn achieve the profile, a descending spiral, as The Master is shown generous hospitality Regional Trophy for Hong Kong at the the machine plummets from the sky and great kindness on the tour, and it is excellent racing evening, in recognition twice as fast and six times as steeply as a my pleasant duty to record the very of all of the work he has done on the commercial airliner - reminiscent of sincere thanks of both Christina and social side of the Region, for which he flying the good old Slingsby T31 Tandem myself to everyone involved. It has been has all our gratitude. Tutor glider in the Air Training Corps a tremendous privilege to meet so many I would reiterate my thanks to the Hong really! people and to be able to talk with the Kong Civil Aviation Department for Gear is taken at the last possible minute, many civil and military aviation their hospitality, the Government Flying and thwacks down with a satisfyingly departmental heads in each of our Service for the superb helicopter flight audible thump as you cross the threshold. Regions. across the New Territories and very The machine itself has a strong tendency I have covered the official side of my tour enjoyable lunch at their headquarters, to oscillate in pitch and it is very in Hong Kong in my last Master’s and the Hong Kong Observatory for a tempting to chase that and try to damp it Message, but I should mention the fascinating tour, and another very good out: wrong! The aim is to leave it to excellent social program, for which my lunch afterwards! damp itself out. After three attempts I made the runway consistently,if less than sincere thanks go to Regional Chairman Fast forward to the day after the day after perfectly.I was then told that those doing Captain Tin Lam and his wife Veronica, the Trophies and Awards Dinner (!) and I it for real did more than a thousand Deputy Chairman Captain ‘Locky’ found myself in the ever-excellent care of simulated approaches in a Gulfstream jet Lawford and his wife Becky, Regional British Airways on the daylight that replicates the performance of the Administrator Ian Fogerty, and key Washington service, a flight I had the Space Shuttle on approach and landing, member of the social committee there, pleasure of operating myself in days gone presumably by filling it with concrete! Captain Gary Lui, whose recent by, sleeping away much of the trip now command upgrade at Cathay Pacific I am operated by the B777 as opposed to the Thence to Washington DC. I had the sure the whole Company will join me in B747, to resume theTour by heading first privilege of meetings with the Chairman congratulating him upon. to North America. of the National Transportation Safety Board, (NTSB), Chris Hart, and with the A superb evening at the Hong Kong We were met next day by Captain Bill FAA. Chairman Hart knows Liveryman Jockey Club with excellent food and Pinney, former USAF pilot and now Captain Jim Passmore well, and it was a exciting flat racing; a highly enjoyable business jet Captain, and visited the pleasure to talk about aviation safety wine tasting event at the Aviation Club Udvar-Hazy Centre, or National Air and issues with such an enthusiastic and organised by ‘The Wine Brothers’, (two Space Museum. Organised thematically, knowledgeable aviator and lawyer. We enterprising members of the Region I could literally have spent a week there discussed the Colgan Air accident, and its with a side-line in importing Australian browsing the Aerobatic Flight, America profound effect on the US Air Transport wine), by what was once Kai Tak airport, by Air and Commercial Aviation sections sector, and went over the list the NTSB (unrecognisable now beneath a sea of to name but three, and then moving to maintains of ‘Most Wanted’ high rise apartments); and the Regional the Cold War Aviation section to look at transportations safety concerns, covering Dinner held at the Bankers Club by kind the SR-71 Blackbird to gaze at a Mach the whole spectrum of Air, Maritime, assistance of Lilly Fen made for a packed 3+ aircraft and imagine what it was like Rail and Road issues. At the top of the and highly agreeable week, as also a visit to fly her… list is the aim to reduce fatigue-related to Captain Lawford and his wife Becky’s And so to the Space Shuttle simulator! accidents.This was to be a theme of my home in the New Territories, which we Bill, a volunteer guide at the museum, further visits to transportation safety greatly enjoyed. operates this fiendish device – a landing oversight bodies throughout the I presented Gary Lui with the Master’s had to be attempted. A total energy Regions.

The Hangar, Harbour Air.

The Master flying the Space Shuttle simulator, Floatplane Firebomber, Conair,Abbotsford, BC. Udvar-Hazy centre Washington DC.

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On to the FAA.We discussed drones and Their air show oversight programme is of the North America region. We the FAA preference for ‘geo-fencing’ extremely well organised, and is based on discussed the Canadian Air Cadet within the device to protect aviation regional aviation events specialists. In training program, which I will be critical areas from unmanned aerial total, the FAA has over 4000 safety privileged to see in action later this vehicles. Their main policy is based on inspectors. The Agency responds to coming year, and Brexit’s impact on the legal requirement as follows: aviation safety recommendations from defence. I was able to thank the General “Over the last year, the Federal Aviation the NTSB, and works with the US for the presence of Brigadier General Administration (FAA) has made great airline industry and its Airlines for Howden to represent him as our strides toward integrating unmanned America Program, which has as a policy principal guest at our Trophies and aircraft – popularly called “drones” – into priority, unsurprisingly, (and perhaps Awards Banquet, and for his excellent the nation’s airspace. The first big step usefully for the UK industry as well), a and witty speech. took place last December 21, when a call to reduce the number of taxes levied I then went on to meet the new,web-based drone registration system against commercial aviation: Transportation Safety Board (TSB) of went online. “Taxes on passengers and airlines have Canada, which, like the NTSB, oversees During the last year, the system has skyrocketed by 400 percent over the past transportation safety across multiple registered more than 616,000 owners two decades. Since 1990, the number of domains – rail, maritime, pipeline and air and individual drones. As part of the aviation taxes has increased from six to 17 safety in their case. It too maintains a process, applicants receive and must and the amount paid went from $3.7 watch list of significant concerns, and acknowledge some basic safety billion in 1990 to over $20 billion in their top three aviation ones are: unstable information. That means more than 2014.”Why does this sound familiar? approaches, runway overruns, and risks of 600,000 drone operators now have the All in all a very useful visit - my thanks collision on runways. We discussed a basic aviation knowledge to keep go to Bill Pinney for organising it.Time variety of issues including fatigue, which themselves and their friends and for a quick visit to the Smithsonian they say will be on their next list. A full neighbours safe when they fly. before it shut to see LM2, the Lunar record of all of my meetings during the The FAA developed the automated Module, perhaps man’s greatest aerospace Master’s Tour 2016 will be lodged with registration system in response to a rule achievement, and stand in wonder before the Director of Aviation Affairs (DAA). requiring owners of small unmanned it for a brief moment before returning to I also had the chance to visit the Canada aircraft weighing more than 0.55 pounds the hotel to pack for the next leg – to Aviation and Space Museum in Ottawa, (250 grams) and less than 55 pounds Ottawa. and see the real aircraft that built the (approx. 25 kilograms) to register their A brief CRJ flight across the plains of Canadian North, which is of course the drones. Pennsylvania and then the hills of upstate Noorduyn Norseman: The rule and the registration system were New York, and the aircraft swept across http://casmuseum.techno- primarily aimed at the thousands of the Ottawa river into the City airport science.ca/en/collection-research/artifact- drone hobbyists who had little or no and a sceptical Canadian Customs, who noorduyn-norseman-vi.php experience with the US aviation system. detained me, and several others, for over I enjoyed a very convivial dinner at the The agency saw registration as an two hours of ‘enhanced questioning’, a Rideau Club in Ottawa hosted by Jeremy excellent way to give them a sense of novel, not to say disconcerting, Tracey, with Peter Allen who I am responsibility and accountability for their experience.Why had I come to Canada? delighted to say is joining the North actions.The agency wanted them to feel To meet Test Pilot and long-standing America region and bringing with him they are part of the aviation community, North America Region member Jeremy years of experience in aviation finance, to see themselves as pilots….” Tracey of course! Jeremy was a charming air displays and historic aviation, as well The UK is clearly some way behind the host, and our immediate destination was as with Mike Daniels, a founder of the FAA, but catching up, as this consultation Vintage Wings of Canada at Gatineau truly remarkable institution which we paper on drone registration shows: airport in the province of Quebec. were proud to honour, CASARA https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/sy http://www.vintagewings.ca/en- Canada, Civil Air Search and Rescue stem/uploads/attachment_data/file/579511 ca/home.aspx Canada, and President of CASARA /drones-registration-ia.pdf Met by CEO Peter Allen, another Ontario. (http://www.casara.ca) It would be fair to say that the FAA view fascinating tour began of an outstanding CASARA has saved many lives, is funded ICAO SARPS (Standards and facility. To say the hangar was spotless by the Canadian Department of Defence, Recommended Practices) as would be an understatement. The and represents the best of the GA sector rudimentary and in need of museum has an excellent outreach working with Defence and Government modernisation, and are highly supportive program to involve children in Canada’s to achieve a common goal. I congratulate of the US Commercial Aviation Safety extraordinary aviation heritage, Mike, a charming expat Englishman of Team (CAST) initiative, whose work can represented best perhaps by the Fleet many years standing in Canada, on be reviewed in SKYBRARY here, and is Finch, a rare bird indeed amongst a quite creating such a superb institution in his a thoroughly useful read for anyone in superb collection. adopted land. My thanks go to Jeremy for the airline safety management business: In Ottawa I was privileged to meet arranging my visit to Ottawa and for http://www.skybrary.aero/index.php/Categ General Mike Hood, Commander of the being a charming host. ory:CAST_SE_Plan Royal Canadian Air Force, and a member Early next morning, off to Vancouver.

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The lengthy Air Canada A320 flight Meeting in the Harbour Air boardroom, remarkably realistic, and so I kept clear of reminded me of just how big a nation at which Dr Steve Stewart was elected his boat as well. Canada is, and the variety of aviation Chairman, to whom my congratulations Tony and Meg hosted an excellent party operations it supports. Touchdown at and best wishes go for a successful term at their home attended by Peter Raven Vancouver International airport, perhaps of office. I was also privileged to present and his wife Jill, and John Howie and his one of the most scenic in the world to fly a Master Air Pilot Certificate at the wife Gael. In the days following I had the into on a nice day, and one I have meeting to John McCullagh. privilege of visits to the Queensland enjoyed the privilege of operating into Harbour Air have an outstanding Royal Flying Doctor Service, (RFDS), myself in the past. Met by captain Mike engineering facility which I toured, and and to Boeing’s simulator facility in Zaytsoff, we drove into town and, after which is capable of just about any Brisbane. The RFDS is a truly I’d checked into the hotel, to Conair at operation needed to keep a Beaver remarkable institution for which Tony nearby Abbotsford airport. My thanks go floatplane going – they are able to had flown for some years after retiring to Mike, now Captaining a Canadair manufacture or refurbish any part of the from Cathay Pacific, and so he was Dash 300 in New Zealand, for driving aircraft in house, in a hangar dating back among friends when we visited their me around Vancouver and for being an before the war. This theme of headquarters for a tour of the facility and excellent host. outstanding engineering skill supporting a look at their aircraft, the mainstay of Conair is a truly extraordinary operation operations was to be a feature of my trip. which is the Beechcraft King Air. in the burgeoning aerial firefighting We had lunch at the excellent Harbour What a fascinating, challenging, industry and operates a variety of aircraft, Air restaurant, adjacent to their South worthwhile job to fly an aircraft like that, including those for team leaders to plan Vancouver Terminal by the Fraser River, single pilot, into remote areas and austere the attack against a fire, amphibious next to Vancouver International airport, strips and link the vast Aussie hinterland aircraft for high sortie rates, and land- watching their floatplanes come and go, to that vital need, healthcare. My thanks based ones for high volume drops, and my thanks go to Harbour Air go to Captain Shane Lawrey, Head of including the mighty Lockheed Electra President Peter Evans and Chief Pilot Flying Operations, for my visit, as also to and ‘our’ very own Avro RJ85, modified Eric Scott for their hospitality. Tony. On to Boeing Brisbane who have in-house to carry a saddle tank supported It was interesting to note that a Chinese simulators for B737, and B717 (Qantas on the aircraft’s floor beams. It was a investor co-owns the large flight school Link), in the building, but also have a privilege to present a Master Air Pilot at Abbotsford Airport, and that the highly innovative research unit that is certificate to their Director of Flight Chinese are involved with Harbour Air developing astounding new technology. Operations, Claude Marchand, and I too. The Chinese understand clearly the A key element was a virtual reality thank him and Chairman and CEO vital importance of aviation in creating cockpit procedures trainer developed Barry Marsden for my visit. prosperity and knitting a large and from commercially available gaming Back into the City for a dinner with diverse nation together, and see the software and hardware, hence at members of the Region, and the chance utility of floatplane operations in creating reasonable cost. It is highly disconcerting to present the Regional Affiliation links to remote areas as well. They are to sit at a blank desk, put on the goggles Certificate between CASARA and the making strategic investments to increase and be immediately immersed in the North America Region to CASARA their knowledge and capacity, and I flight deck. Holding out one’s hands in National President Frank Schuurmans would that our own government would front of the goggles creates a holographic who had flown in from Regina, see the vital utility of aviation as clearly as hand that shadows the movements of Saskatchewan with colleagues. I also was the Chinese obviously do. your own, such that you can ‘touch’ and able to present the Saskatchewan Air Peter Evans dropped me off back atYVR ‘move’ individual switches and controls, Ambulance Service representatives who for my flight to Los Angeles. Qantas have and so run drills and procedures in the had flown in to join us with the Master’s an excellent lounge at LAX, and it was a virtual environment. Regional Trophy for North America, and pleasure to regroup there before I predict that this will be widely available to congratulate them on their life-saving boarding my lengthy direct flight to soon, and make an enormous work in often hostile weather. Melbourne, enlivened by watching Top contribution to the effectiveness of, and We dined on the waterfront overlooking Gun again after many years. Qantas are the pace at which, trainees are able to the inner harbour area, accompanied by an excellent airline, and it was a absorb a type conversion course. I am Dr Steve Stewart and his wife, Regional comfortable flight. grateful to Ed Field, Manager Boeing Administrator Donna Farquhar, Captain Touchdown of the other side of the Flight Training Brisbane, for arranging Mike Zaytsoff, Harbour Air President world in 30 deg. C heat after a cool seven such a fascinating visit and for an Peter Evans and other Regional degrees or so in autumnal Vancouver. excellent lunch. members. My thanks go to Frank and his Queensland Working Group Chairman The Queensland Working Group Dinner colleagues from Saskatchewan for flying Tony Alder kindly met me at the airport, was held at the Queensland Club, where in to join us, as to everyone who and I was driven to his and his wife Meg’s it was my privilege to present the organised the evening. beautiful home by the water to re- Australian Bicentennial Award to Wing Early start next day to pack and head out orientate.The water looked nice, but the Commander Matt Hall RAAF, (ret), a to Harbour Air to tour their main bull sharks in it are not, and so I did not former F18 pilot and F15 exchange pilot workshops and to attend the North swim.The very large plastic snake on the with the USAF, who is now a leading America Region Annual General dock put there to scare away birds looked contender in the Red Bull Air Race

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The Master, Christina,Temora Mk VIII Spitfire and its real pilot, Temora Airfield!

Canberra War Memorial Wreath Laying Ceremony

series, as well as being a highly innovative meant a lot. It’s the closest I have been at AM. aerobatic display pilot. such an event to Rabaul, Papua New There was also a formal dinner held at Members of the working group that Guinea, where my Grandfather Peter and the museum on behalf of the Australian evening included Captain Sandy five hundred and eighty-two of his six Aviation Hall of Fame, and which I Howard, Australian Regional Chairman, hundred men died at the hands of the attended. Japanese in prisoner of war camps. His who gave the Chairman’s address, My thanks go to Mike Cleaver for his troopship arrived in Singapore but ten Queensland Working Group Chairman part in organising this, as to those we days before it fell. Captain Tony Alder, who presided, stayed with at Temora, and to Sandy Captain Shane Lawrey RFDS, who also I attended an excellent lunch in Sydney Howard and his wife Marge for their spoke, Area Organiser Captain Peter with members of the Region, including very kind hospitality in Sydney, and for Brooke, Honorary Chaplain The Right Past Master Frank Dell, whom it was driving through the vast expanse of Reverend Tony Hall-Matthews, Captains such a privilege to meet. He and his team rolling grassland hills to get there. Peter Brooke, John Howie, Keith Griffin, at BEA worked on the original draft of We departed Temora for Canberra, David Wilson, Alf Gloster, Ron CAP371, the original UK fatigue limits driving through small country towns Wyldebore, Peter Raven and Doug Scott, for pilots, which, he told me, were whose architectural homogeneity would Dr Kerrie de Voss, (Royal Flying considerably watered down in the final leave English Heritage green with envy: Doctor), and Professor Srini Srinivasan version after they had handed their beautiful Late Victorian/early Edwardian with their wives and guests. findings over to the Bader Commission. period buildings with no modern Those attending included John & Sue I left the next day, and my sincere thanks structures to blight the whole. Canberra Colwell, Doug Nancarrow, Paul Scully- go to Tony and Meg Alder, and all of the is a truly stunning city where the Power,Cathy Hobson, Bill McCabe, Queensland Working Group, for their juxtaposition of a working capital with Phillip Reiss, Peter Holstein, Carol hospitality. rolling grassland hills is perhaps unique Cronly, Senja Robey, (Senja taught most Sydney beckoned, and a short flight by among capital cities. So too the many of Qantas’s senior cohort to fly in her Virgin Australia B737 with Captain kangaroos grazing in the nearby hills! many decades instructing at the Sydney Sandy Howard later through cloudy The place has an enduring appeal: at least Flying Club), Dick Hodder, John & Jane skies, we arrived at Kingsford Smith three recent UK Defence Attachés to Pickhaver, Phillip Dulhunty. airport to retire to Sandy and his wife Australia have retired back there, I was Marge’s home in Frenches Forest. Sandy and Marge then very kindly set off told. with us to drive to Temora, home of the We collected Christina from the airport Meetings were held with the Chief of Temora Aircraft Museum . the next day, work commitments having the Australian Air Force Air Marshal kept her in the UK until that point. (http://www.aviationmuseum.com.au) Gavin Davies, Greg Hood, Chief Walking around the pleasant community This was to present to the Museum the Commissioner of the Australian in which Sandy and Marge live I was Grand Masters’Australian Medal, which I Transport Safety Bureau, and struck by the astonishing bird life – duly did on the morning after a very Commissioner Chris Manning. I also Kookaburras, Rainbow Lorikeets, enjoyable cocktail reception and short met with Shane Carmody, Acting Chief Cockatoos, and the constant sound of display by the museums’ CA-13 Executive and Director of Aviation Safety birdsong – less and less audible in ever- Boomerang: a privilege to see the only at the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, more urbanised UK. fully Australian designed and built fighter (who plans to initiate a major study into I was able to attend a Remembrance in action. The award was accepted by aircrew fatigue next year), Pip Spence, Sunday Service with Sandy at the local Murray Kear, the Museum Director, on Executive Director Aviation and Airports Returned and Services League, which behalf of museum’s founder, David Lowy Policy of the Department of

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Infrastructure and Regional world is it when I find that my mate from Fleet Air Arm of the Royal Navy, and he Development, as well as meeting the University of London Air Squadron, thereafter developed an outstanding Director of Air Cadets, Air Commodore (ULAS), days, Dave Morris, who I knew helicopter business in Australia – he has Terry Delahunty and his Deputy, Group did an exchange tour with the RAAF double the number of hours I do, all in Captain Tim Sloane. during his own time in the RAF as a helicopters. My weak joke that he should The RAAF are making a major navigator, served on the F111 Squadron get the award for that alone belies the investment into Air Cadet flying and re- that Kym commanded?! Kym owns a magnitude of his aviation and business equipping with top end self-launching mint condition Pontiac Firebird Trans achievements. It was a most enjoyable gliders such as the DG1001M, the cost of Am, a by-product of his posting to occasion, and I thank the whole Region which, it must be said, is but a fraction of Washington, and clearly still feels ‘The for organising it. My thanks also go to new defence equipment such as the Joint Need for Speed’! Group Captain Norford and his wife for driving us around the City. Strike Fighter. It would be fair to say that We enjoyed a very agreeable dinner party their view is that if the Air Cadet at Pete Norford and his wife Janie’s On arriving in Adelaide we were met by movement in Australia generates but one home, with Sandy and Marge Howard, Roger Lang and his partner Jan and JSF pilot then it has paid for itself, and Kym and Debs Osley and Christina and Regional Chairman Robert Moore, and that is one I absolutely endorse. So many myself. Many aviation jokes were told, driven to Roger and Jan’s stunning of us owe our careers to the start that the and perhaps some wine drunk. beachside home. Roger and Jan were the kindest of hosts, and we enjoyed visiting worldwide Air Cadet movement gave us. I also attended a ceremony at the the South Australia Air Museum, It is a privilege that we must ensure is National War Memorial in Canberra (www.saam.org.au), and the world’s accessible to as many of our young where Sandy Howard laid a wreath in oldest clipper ship,City of Adelaide. people here in the UK as are motivated behalf of his former regiment in the to seek out the experience of flight. Australian Army,which wreath laying is a The South Australia Working Group I also saw the Air Traffic Planning System nightly event at the memorial that also Dinner provided the opportunity at work at the National Operations houses an excellent aviation museum that beforehand to hold a ceremony in full Centre of ‘airservices’, a government I was able to see just before we left the Court robes at which Mike Cleaver was organisation who run Australia’s air traffic city. invested with the Livery of the Company, and on which I congratulate network, for which my thanks go to My and Christina’s sincere thanks go to him most warmly.Attendees included Air Armando de Olin, Air Traffic Flow Kym and Debs Osley for their kind Commodore Lyall Klaffer RAAF (ret) Management Systems Manager at their hospitality to us both, to Pete and Janie AFC, OAM, MID, Air Medal(US), who National Operations Centre. Norford, Marge and Sandy Howard, and flew in both the Korean and Vietnam We stayed with Air Vice-Marshal Kym Mike Cleaver for all of their support in wars and whom it was a great privilege to Osley RAAF (ret) and his wife Debs in Canberra. meet; Roger Lang and his partner Jan; their beautiful home in the nearby hills Thence to Melbourne where we flew in Robert Moore, (Regional Working around the city, and were accompanied for one night by Virgin Australia B737, Group Chairman), and his partner to the many official meetings by Captain attended a very convivial lunch at the Colleen; David Long,Thelma Pye, (a new Sandy Howard, Australian Region RACV Club the next morning, then left joiner to the Region after decades of Chairman, Group Captain Pete Norford for Adelaide on another Virgin Australia extensive private flying), and many RAAF (ret), who also lives in Canberra, B737 that afternoon. It was a great others, and was a wonderful evening held and, (now), Liveryman Mike Cleaver, pleasure to meet so many members of in superb surroundings at the Naval, who himself worked at the Civil Aviation the Region at the lunch and to present Military and Air Force Club. My thanks Safety Authority in the past. John Eacott with the Masters’ Regional go to everyone who organised the Kym is a former RAAF F111 navigator Trophy for Australia. John’s career began Dinner, and particularly to Robert and Squadron Commander. How small a in the UK flying helicopters with the Moore and his partner Colleen and to

Christina,The Master, Sue Ball , Regional Chairman Memorial plaque to the crew at the Vickers Vimy memorial. Robert Moore, Mike Cleaver, and David Long at the South Australia Working Group Dinner before Mike Cleaver’s clothing with the Livery of the Honourable Company.

Christina by the Memorial Statue to the aircrew of the first ever aircraft to fly to Australia in 1919: Brothers Sir Ross Smith and Sir Keith Smith and Lieutenants Wally Shiers and Jim Bennett.

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Roger Lang and Jan. flew it, with mechanics Jim Bennett and There is, I came to see, a deep and affinity Prior to the dinner, I went to visit Flight Wally Shears, so becoming the first ever and empathy for engineering in general, Training Adelaide with Robert Moore people to fly to Australia. On arrival it and aircraft engineering in particular, in and Roger Lang, where Business flew to Adelaide, that being the Smith New Zealand - both impressive and Development Manager, Michael Wallis, Brothers’ home town. Comparing that to humbling. showed us around the superb facility.It is the A380 on which we ultimately flew Interestingly, the German WW1 aircraft telling to see that an extra Aus$25m had home is testament to the sheer ingenuity used steel tube fuselages formed with been invested by the School’s Hong of mankind, and the grit those men early welding techniques, whereas British Kong based owner into the superb displayed in making such a flight in an aircraft drew on our long use of wood facilities to enable a rise in student open biplane. Ross and Keith Smith were and usually consisted of wood longerons numbers from 230 to 280 a year. The knighted and the mechanics promoted to and frame members held together at numbers of pilots that Boeing estimate to Lieutenant from Sergeant to mark their junctions by metal brackets, and be required in the next twenty years is achievement. internally and externally braced with now in the region of 600,000, meaning, We then boarded the jet back to Sydney wire. A cutaway Bristol Fighter showed by my calculation, that 82 fully qualified and thence on to Wellington, New the exquisite workmanship of which the new commercial pilots must emerge Zealand. company is capable.The aircraft was built every single day of every single year Wellington had just had what Kiwis largely from scratch. Others they have worldwide between now and then. A euphemistically call ‘a shake’, and so made are airworthy and perform at the profound shortage is looming, and there some government buildings were closed many air shows in the country. is an equally profound under-estimation in the aftermath of the earthquake that That evening, a drinks party was held at of the dedication, human talent, had just hit Kaikoura, further down the theWellington Club, attended by AirVice experience and sheer capital investment Coast on the South Island.And so it was Marshal Davies, and the Air Component needed to create safe, professional that my first meeting the day after being Commander, Air Commodore Darren aircrew. All of these qualities were met by Regional Chairman Bill Bennett Webb RNZAF, Regional chairman Bill displayed at Flight Training Adelaide, and at Wellington airport was not at the Bennet, John Lanham, and other their large roster of international airline Ministry of Defence, but at the members of the region. clients is testament to their skill and Wellington Club, where we stayed. success. The next day we flew to Christchurch Air Vice Marshal Tony Davies RNZAF with Bill Bennett. The latest quake at Aldinga Flying Club held the by–now came to discuss matters of mutual Kaikoura was evidenced by the landslips traditional, and much enjoyed, lunch, interest, and he and the RNZAF are both around the town of Kaikoura, visible preceded by the spot landing stalwart supporters of the Region and of from our A320, 32,000 feet up on a gin competition, which I did not win! The the Company, as the visit was to prove. clear day, as we flew southwards. worthy winner touched down millemetrically perfectly adjacent to the I also had meetings with Ed Sims, Chief We were, I have to say, stunned by the aiming point, and I conceded defeat Executive of ‘airways’, the NZ air traffic impact of the 2011 earthquake on the with, I hope, grace. Thank you then to control service provider, and Steve city Christina and I had last visited in Club President David Ellis for sending Moore and Mark Hughes, Deputy 2002. Christchurch Cathedral tells the me a runners-up prize of a book which I Directors of the Civil Aviation Authority story of the devastating 2011 quake all by will enjoy reading, as also to Vice of New Zealand. itself, now a shattered shell. Evidence of President Evan John and Club Secretary The following day we went to the rebuilding is all around, and the City is, Steve McGuiness. WellingtonAero Club, where it had been by its own declaration, a ‘City in The lunch was set in the surroundings of kindly arranged for me to fly a Piper Transition’, and yet walking around the the club, adjacent to an airfield whose Warrior out across the city and over the town that evening was a faintly surreal location just inland from the coast nearby hills. The wind was quite experience, as so many buildings remain amongst grassland and wineries could sporting, producing some notable bumps, abandoned and condemned, and so little hardly be more perfect. I very much endured stoically by Christina in the of the architecture we remembered enjoyed a flight in a Rans RV7A-360, back of the aircraft. remains. VH-COG, thanks to Captain Stephen I then went to visit the Vintage Aviator We visited the control tower at Nelson. This is an absolutely superb and Gene DeMarco, their Production Christchurch Airport that afternoon, and machine with stunning performance, and Manager, who gave us a tour of a truly saw the daily Emirates A380 flight arrive, we flew off down the beautiful coastline astonishing facility. They are capable of seemingly miniscule that far below us, for some aerobatics and then on as far as making replica engines, exact working and then visited the main ATC Centre Cape Jervis, abeam Kangaroo Island, and copies, of engines from World War One for the whole country, situated in a back to Aldinga. vintage German aircraft; to recreate a business park near the airport. Differing Before leaving Adelaide the next day, Bristol Fighter in every respect, and have desks used differing types of technology, Roger and Jan took us to see the original assembled a team of the craftsmen in and this was due to be altered as new Vickers Vimy that flew in the 1919 wood, metal leather, fabric and even the upgrades came in. My thanks go to Ed England to Australia Air Race, which machinery and craftsmen needed to Sims for this privilege. resides in its own enclosure at Adelaide manufacture wiring looms for dynamos The following day we visited the Air airport. Brothers Ross and Keith Smith and other early electrical components. New Zealand engineering training

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Bristol Fighter, The Vintage Aviator’, Wellington, NZ

Partially completed Mosquito aircraft, Glyn Powell’s workshop, near Auckland

facility and their main engineering Auckland in the NZ summer and living and represent both years of work and the hangar. Once again, the self-sufficiency in Lymington in the UK one, and it was only way to remanufacture these iconic of the Kiwis was clear.A320 maintenance a privilege to represent the Livery aircraft. is done here up to and including ‘heavy’ movement as a Master there. On a wall at the back of the workshop checks. The engineering school was Next day I visited RNZAF Auckland, was perhaps the most striking sight – a fascinating – the average years of also known as Whenuapai and met massive length of laminated timber, experience among the instructor cadre Group Captain Tim Walshe, RNZAF, elegant in form and accurate again to was thirty-two or more. We watched Base Commander, and Wing within thousandths of an inch; the main trainees who had hitherto had no Commander Rob Shearer RNZAF. spar for the wing. The dedication, the engineering experience starting the VW Wing Commander Shearer and his utter commitment, the persistent, engines they had stripped, checked for colleagues gave me a presentation on the relentless, skill needed to manufacture tolerances and rebuilt. It struck me, as it RNZAF’s approach to risk and safety the components of the aircraft from had at Flight Training Adelaide, that the management, which seemed to me to be drawings, and to assemble and refurbish creation of aircrew and engineering eminently practical in a world where the the many metal parts required, and then cadres to man the increase in the world word ‘risk’ can be elevated to a totemic assemble them all into a working aircraft air fleet that will be needed in their tens status and inhibit common sense. We is breath-taking. of thousands take years to create and looked over a P3K2 Orion that had been There have been several Mosquito require dedication and investment of the delivered to the RNZAF when I was a aircraft built by Glyn Powell which are highest order to achieve. I have yet to be very small child, (1963 to be exact), and now flying, however this will be the last convinced that available global capacity is is delivering the same operational service – there are not enough metal anything like up to the task ahead of it. now,(with many enhancements to its on- components remaining to remanufacture New Zealand however, will be well board capability), over fifty years later; a anymore. Glyn is confident that this can prepared! My thanks go to Air New testament to the skills of the maintainers be finished, but it needs a sponsor to Zealand for allowing us the privilege of of 5 Squadron who operate them, and complete the aircraft, fly it in NZ for a seeing their operation. who I was privileged to be able to few weeks, and then take it to wherever We then met the President of Flying present the Master’s Regional Trophy to it may be kept worldwide. He is perhaps New Zealand, Rob George, who had at the superb Regional Dinner, hosted by the most remarkable man in aviation I succinct and highly pertinent advice for RNZAF Auckland, the following have met in all my aviation career. He can the General Aviation Community as to evening. be contacted at [email protected] and I how to drive interest in the leisure Later that day Bill and I visited perhaps wish him well for the completion of a aviation sector, and then sustain it, which the most astonishing aviation third example of these magnificent he has kindly summarised and I have engineering feat of all those that I saw in aircraft, whose wartime pilots included provided to the DAA. New Zealand - Mosquito Aircraft my relative, Michael Wedgwood Benn, We then flew to Auckland, and Bill Restoration Limited, run by Glyn killed flying one from RAF Hayling Bennet drove us to the the Northern Powell. Some 25 years ago, Glyn decided Island, but a few miles from where I now Club, where we were to stay for the to build a Mosquito –a task beyond live, and the reason that one of my remainder of our time on ‘The Tour’.A awesome in scope and detail. Glyn’s first Master’s Charities is The People’s superb London Livery themed dinner task was to build, to tolerances within a Mosquito, a project to bring such an was organised by thousandth of an inch, a mould on which iconic machine back to British skies and Paul Kennerly and his wife Gillie, herself to make the two fuselage halves that are remember the bravery of the men who from New Zealand, who have adopted fixed together to form the machine.The flew them. the sensible approach of wintering in moulds themselves are things of beauty, The final event of our tour was the

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Regional Dinner held at RNZAF do so is quite outstanding, including a four countries spanning autumn and Auckland, and my sincere thanks go to rescue far out to sea where his own life spring and back to winter. Innumerable the RNZAF,to Air-Vice Marshal Davies was at great risk to do so. The citation acts of kindness and generosity from and Air Commodore Webb, who flew up was read by Wing Commander Wragg, members of our Honourable Company from Wellington to attend, as to the Base and was truly humbling to hear. I also around the world, access to the leading Commander, Group Captain Tim had the honour to present The Masters’ figures in aviation in each country, and Walshe, and to the President of the Mess Regional trophy to 5 Squadron memories that will last a lifetime for Committee, for hosting and supporting Maintenance Flight, whose record of Christina and for me. A Most Sincere the event at the splendid Officers Mess. serviceability for the P3 Orion on Thank You from us both to absolutely Thanks also to Regional Chairman Bill deployment to coalition operations in everyone involved. Bennett and Wing Commander Gordon the Middle East was outstanding. The The Regions rely on Air Transport and Wragg RNZAF (ret) for organising such RNZAF also presented an award to one on aviation to unify and sustain countries a superb evening. of their Navigators for the innovation that span vast distances and hostile It was very good to see Lyn and Allan and determination he showed in terrain. Aviation is axiomatic to the Boyce there, who have supported our introducing night vison goggle capability success of their economies, to the Company and the Region with such to the Hercules transport fleet security of their defence and to the way dedication for years, and to talk to a We returned to the Northern club and of life and future of their peoples. It is not retired Air New Zealand Captain who had the chance for a final morning under taken for granted, nor relegated to the had flown the Shorts Sunderland Flying spring sunshine in Auckland before category of reluctant acceptance, but Boat with the RNZAF prior to his leaving for the airport with Bill Bennet, embraced, sustained and celebrated. Our airline career. I presented the Jean Batten who so kindly drove us there and to our national and local governments could Memorial Award to Bill Funnell, who has flight to Melbourne, thence to Dubai and learn many lessons from our overseas a quite superb career in rotary and fixed on home to England. colleagues, and if we too are to thrive in wing aviation, and whose determination The Tour: fifteen commercial flights in this new era ahead of us, it is my earnest to rescue others using his helicopter to thirty or so days to two continents and hope that they will.

GAZETTE APPROVED BYTHE COURT 19 JANUARY 2017

ADMISSIONS ACKNOWLEDGED BY THE COURT Thomas LANGE (NA) As Upper Freeman 19 JANUARY 2017 Khotso MARUMO (OS) Glenn MORRIS (AUS) Peter ALLEN (NA) REGRADE Paul MYERS Andrew Hadyn BLOOM To Livery Bogdan NASTASE (OS) Brian Ridley BRAID Wing Commander Barry Edward DALE Keith WALSH (NZ) Mark Edward CHAPMAN (NA) Christopher Howard WHEELDON Andrew WYATT Chetwyn Winston CLARKE (NA) To Upper Freeman Shaun WILDEY (OS) Christopher Curtis Lee DODWELL (OS) Nick WEST

DECEASED As Freeman Stanley EUSTACE FORFEIT ALL BENEFITS David John GODWIN (AUS) Peter KELLEY Peter AMOO John SWEETMAN Michael Damer HANNELL (AUS) David MARSHALL Keith WARBURTON Antony MARTIN (AUS)

RESIGNATIONS Neil BARR (NZ) ACKNOWLEDGED BY THE COURT As Associate John BARNES 8 SEPTEMBER 2016 Abbigale Elizabeth AUSTIN Stuart DOYLE (NA) Krassi FRAMPTON Chantelle CRESPAN (AUS) REGRADING Christopher GOULD Ellen FRANKLIN (AUS) Ceryl JOHNS (NA) To Freeman Joshua Christopher MASON-ALLEN Henry LABOUCHERE Andrew MUTTITT (OS)

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• been in discussion with CAA and a From the desk of the UK university on a proposal to test a low cost ‘pilot skill retention device, Director Aviation Affairs contacted the Royal Institute of Liveryman John Turner • Navigation, as well asTransport Canada This time last year I was writing about on FDD time has resulted in the usual and other regulators, in a bid to move the RAeS’ Human Factors conference two-day UK Pre-Season Display forward the transition global aviation Predicting the Fatal Flaws and Liveryman Symposium, that includes Air Pilot away from Magnetic to aTRUE North Dr Kathy Abbott’s concluding emphasis sponsorship of a fork supper, being reference system; the alignment of that “aviation is a continually evolving compressed into a single day on 23 poles at present makes this an excellent organism in which there are many forces March 2017 with a fork ‘lunch’ available time to do so (and ironically,we would at work. There are rarely optimum to keep the delegates together through be catching up with the Master solutions and finding a reasonable the lunch-break. Mariners who made the transition balance between the forces is hard but It was exceptionally good to hear that the many years ago), absolutely necessary; otherwise, the 2016 commercial air transport world was imbalance can generate fatal flaws.” • provided suggestions to UK safer than ever, with figures quoted of Department for Transport for a post- For many of us, 2016 went on to only seven fatal accidents (271 deaths) Brexit strategy, demonstrate well the impacts of a and 64 non-fatal accidents indicating an continually evolving organism, not just in ever-lower accident rate. Even so, we in • provided a joint (with British Air aviation but in many other areas too. aviation have yet to eradicate the Display Association) rebuttal of CAA Flight crew fatigue continues to make traditional fatal flaws of controlled flight suggestions in defence of the air display the headlines, as do lasers, un-manned into terrain (C-FIT), loss of control in- community, ‘drones’, display flying rules and display flight (LOC-I), safe control of an engine • carried examples of our views on a flying charges in UK. The global number failure after take-off. Instances of crews variety of topics around the word as of display flying accidents and fatalities is inputting the wrong data into their part of Master Peter Benn’s tour in still being established (as not everyone aircraft systems then attempting to take 2016, practices ‘open and honest’ reporting) but off using the wrong thrust (or wrong research to date suggests something like runway) continue to occur; automation • continued to input into the UK Laser display-related 27 accidents; fatalities will is really helpful in many areas but never Working Group, take longer to establish. In the eradicates the safety risk. In times of change, a strategy review meantime, review of display flying We have been busy making connections. becomes essential. Aside from a review regulation appears to be ongoing in The committee structure is embedding - being conducted on behalf of the Court, several parts of the world. The UK are although the first Technical Committee the TC is reviewing how best to introducing a formal training (TC) meeting for 2017 has been delayed prosecute the important stuff and make requirement for Flying Display Directors by striking train drivers - we have: (FDD) - in the form of a new, two-day sure we are not over-extended and worn course that will be mandatory for any • completed a draft report of flight crew down by the non-essential. Perhaps the FDD at all UK displays (military of fatigue, greatest challenge in all of this is to civilian) that are not classified as ‘minor’. • joined Aberdeen University in a understand precisely how we ensure the {I’m being deliberately vague because I programme to investigate the status of pilots - both commercial and am writing before everything is set.} nutritional impact on flight crew,some leisure (the latter comprise some 30% of With release of the AAIB final report of our experienced Captains have our membership) is raised to and into the Shoreham Hunter accident now established really effective mechanisms maintained at a level that will help us expected in February, the first FDD of their own so this work will help (and our future members) to influence those with less experience develop course is scheduled for 21-22 March at effectively the world stage of aviation. Shrivenham Military Academy; another similar coping mechanism quickly and two-day course is expected elsewhere fine tune what the experienced already Safe and Happy Flying in 2017. later in the year. This additional demand do.

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’ Globemaster, and A400M Atlas transport The Reds tour of Asia,Winter 2016 aircraft. There were 20 or so displays, all but one The Editor, All photos MOD/Crown Copyright in the full 9-ship format. The engineers must have had a sweat on! Eastern Venture also included the deployment of Typhoons. They participated in a Five Powers’ Defence Arrangements (FPDA) exercise alongside Australian, Malaysian, Singaporean and New Zealand forces. They subsequently made history with the first ever joint exercises in Japan and the Republic of Korea, between the RAF, Japanese Air Force and Republic of Korea Air Force, as well as flying alongside USAF assets in both countries. The tour, as well as providing photo opportunities unlikely to be repeated for some while, is a credit to all involved.

II(AC) Sqn leads Ex Invincible Shield

Our affiliated unit, the RAF Aerobatic audience, in person or through media Team,aka the Red Arrows, completed at channels, of up to one billion people.The the beginning of December a stunningly tour was part of a wider RAF successful two month tour to the Asia- deployment, known as Exercise Eastern Pacific and Middle East regions – the Venture, which also saw Typhoons largest and most wide-ranging tour visiting other parts of Asia. undertaken by the team in a decade. A The team visited China for the first time fuel stop in Vietnam was also the first in its history, having travelled more than time British military aircraft had landed 11,000 miles through 14 countries before in the country. reaching Zhuhai, which is the home of The deployment was in tandem with the Airshow China - the largest of its type in Government’s GREAT campaign (see the country.There they performed nine http://www.greatbritaincampaign.com/), displays in six days. an initiative supporting UK interests Clearly taking 11 vintage airframes across business, trade and education, and around the world is a great achivement, promoting the best of British innovation, and one which required a host of support technology and creativity. staff - eighty in all. In addition to the The 20,000 miles tour took the Reds to normal Red's C130J support craft, the seventeen countries. It is estimated the whole deployment was supported by team’s activities were seen by a global Voyagers for tanking, a C-17

The Kuwait display Overflying the Petronas Tower in KL The team that made it happen

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RAFAT attracted some of their biggest crowds

Kuwait again

Displaying in Abu Dhabi

The Reds arrive at Mussanah AB, Oman

Hero Worship!

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The Vintage Air Rally Crete2Cape – Non Otium Est! Upper Freeman Sam Rutherford. All photos Prepare2Go/Beatrice de Smet After 48 hours of hiding my phone in my Hall – everyone in 1920s attire. A day sock, things were getting increasingly (and night) to remember. desperate. The other major concern for we Rally We had been detained on arrival in organisers was finding sponsors and Gambella, Ethiopia, because we didn’t partners. The participation for the have the required permits. Not only vintage biplanes had already been that, but we had an Egyptian team with reduced by 90% - but this left a very us (and our route took us within 40nm large hole in the budget. Planned, but of the extremely inflammatory large! We solved this issue by working in ‘Renaissance’ dam), and just that two different directions. The first, to Heathrow's influence extends far! morning the military had started a door- negotiate the best possible rates (even to-door search in Gambella for so-called gratis) for all the costs normally incurred insurgents. Unwittingly we had aligned on such an event, everything from hotels all the wrong holes perfectly! and food, to landing and parking fees. We But, let’s run back awhile… must make a public thank you to all The VintageAirRally’s first project, the those (both commercial and Crete2Cape, was to be the first ever rally governmental) who reduced our costs for vintage biplanes along the entire substantially (their details are on our length of Africa. With 20 teams, from 18 website). The other angle was finding countries, it would be a celebration of financial sponsorship – clearly much both vintage and African aviation – it harder. In the end we raised a little over A special parking place would be, but it would also be difficult $500k in cash sponsorship – a figure of and tough. A rally, in fact. Several which we are extremely proud for a first months of frenetic activity preceded the event. It just goes to show that it is start – including a number of route possible, you just need to keep refusing to recces by both small aeroplane and accept no for an answer and never, ever, commercial flights. We were keen to get give up! each government involved, particularly Whilst on the subject of raising money, the Ministers of Tourism and the Civil our other big push was for our charities. Aviation Authorities. As our status and We chose Birdlife (in particular the confidence grew,so did the support from African vulture), as our main charity – these and other organisations. We had and found them to be both pro-active our formal launch on Horse Guards and energetic in using the opportunity of Arriving at 6th October, Cairo Parade in London one month before the the Rally to raise awareness and funds for start, and a dinner that night at Drapers this endangered species. Our partnership with them was a huge success (indeed, The seed 'bombs' we created and launched National Vulture Day in a few of the countries we passed!) – and we look forward to taking that partnership forward over the coming years. Our other charity was with a small NGO, based in Kenya and Tanzania – 'seed bombing' (or, rather less exciting, aerial reforestation). We were given a few Avgas tanker,African style thousand seed bombs (golfball-sized lumps of acacia seeds and fertiliser) and maps showing locations that had suffered serious deforestation, but that were extremely difficult to access by land (either for geographical or political reasons). Open cockpit aeroplanes are ideally suited to this work, and the crews became enthusiastic bombers! Of course, whilst November and December are great for flying across Not so Jung Mann - Ingo & Bob in D-EEEK

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Africa, they are terrible for flying across find out where he was) then talk him Europe – simply getting to the Cretan into the airport – all as his fuel levels start posed its challenges. Some teams were getting dangerously low. On decided to travel much earlier, enjoy the arrival, we discovered that his compass good weather and then hangar their was inoperative, his main GPS steeds near Athens – others left with just inoperative and he didn’t know how to days to spare and lots of optimism. In the use the backup. We advised him to make end, all the competitors arrived on the necessary repairs in Khartoum and schedule – there were just two aircraft then assess his options. This advice was missing on the start line (one of which ignored! being Maurice Kirk, more of him later). Our arrival in Ethiopia was on schedule We had 2 days of scrutineering (and a (apart from Maurice who got lost again quick airshow, the first of five), a gala resulting in an Ethiopian SAR alert), but dinner to air the black ties, – and then apparently caught some elements of the we were ready to go. Ethiopian administration off guard! Leaving Crete on the 12th November, Despite assurances from the ECAA, and the Rally was off to a great start with our the airport manager at Gambella “we’re low level, formation clearances in Egypt looking forward to seeing you, your fuel (first time ever) – thanks to our FAI has been here a few days now” – it partnership with the Aero Club of Egypt. appeared that neither the Foreign Their other great achievement was our Ministry nor the Military were aware. permission to land one of the aircraft at The lack of permits (the permit for our the base of the Giza pyramids – not done last aircraft only came through about an STEM inspiration in action in 80 years. We had drawn lots hour after the first had already landed!), beforehand for this honour, and the and the situation on the ground in French-Belgian team, in a Stampe SV4, Gambella made for a less than warm made this historic flight and landing on reception. Confiscation of all phones, the 13th November. computers and cameras. Held in the Egypt passed by quickly, following the airport terminal building. All contact Nile southwards, until we reached Sudan. with the outside world prohibited – we I have always loved Sudan for the were in total lockdown. warmth of welcome and relatively easy At least, that was one plan. administration – many of the teams were Our plan was slightly different. Whilst it hugely worried about Sudan, they all was not in question that we had landed Yes, that is a strip came away having enjoyed a completely without permits, it was equally positive experience. By Khartoum, a understood that we believed we had rhythm had been found, and the band of them (and indeed, had several indicators brothers (& sisters) began to bond. The supporting this belief). After it became VintageAirRally cannot function as a clear that quiet diplomacy was achieving group of individuals – it very much nothing, we needed to move things needs a team spirit, with everyone forward more ‘effectively’ – and so, by helping everyone else along the way. We various covert means and well-connected didn’t know at this stage how much that friends, we alerted 18 embassies and the team spirit would be needed over the world’s press to our plight. Shortly coming days. afterwards the ‘problem’ was resolved and It was also in Khartoum that Maurice we were permitted to continue. The caught up with the Rally, having made “Jambo, welcome to Kenya” as we The apron at Mersah his own, somewhat imaginative way, arrived in Lokichogio was music to across Egypt. He had already had two everyone’s ears! engine failures, as well as two diversions My relief was shortlived when we due lack of fuel and radio failure. He discovered that, again, Maurice was off repaired everything in Khartoum, and we the grid. After making an overdue all left together for Damazin (the last aircraft notification to the KCAA, we Sudanese airport before Ethiopia). tried to find out where he was and what Damazin was all going smoothly, apart had happened. Apparently he had cut the from the non-arrival of Maurice who corner, overflying South Sudan, but had was lost. After getting hold of him on the made a precautionary landing following radio, I spent 40 minutes (using my local engine problems. On landing, he’d had a knowledge of the physical features to puncture. The next few days were spent Blue sky + throbbing Gipsy = paradise

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inking him up with the British Embassy the first ever landing in the Nairobi in Juba and watching as he took off National Park – completed by South again, only to have an engine failure and Africa/USA Team Bushcat. Britain's crash just a little while later (still inside Army Air Corps came down from their South Sudan). The Cub was badly BATUS base at Mt. Kenya with a Lynx damaged, and at the time of writing has 9A as part of the UK government’s been trucked out to Kenya where repairs GREAT initiative (and Rally partner). are under way… Maurice’s participation The clock was, however, ticking – and it in the VintageAirRally Crete2Cape was was time to move on. Our next stop was onl the apron at Sitia well and truly over. a dirt strip on the rim of the Ngorongoro Flying the length of Africa in vintage crater – at a piffling 8000ft AMSL (plus aeroplanes is, of course, a relatively risky density altitude!). After careful endeavour. Indeed, even before the start calculations (and dropping off passengers) we had experienced two engine failures the biplanes flew in there and made (one requiring a new engine to be flown successful landings – to the bemusement out from the US for a 1928 Travel Air). of the local Masai. A brief stay in this In Kenya we were to have our most most magical of locations and then we serious accident – the Boeing Stearman were onward to Zanzibar. from the Irish-Israeli team had a A brief look into the logistics of the complete engine failure 85nm north VintageAirRally is perhaps worthwhile. west of Nairobi. Whilst the descent and The two fundamentals are paperwork (of approach were done perfectly,there was a course) and AVGAS (plus oil). The first small fence at the end of the rollout – just is of epic proportions – but generally enough to tip the aircraft over the nose manageable (indeed, except for Ethiopia, and onto her back. Luckily the high all went exactly as planned). The second wing protected the crew from anything is of even greater complexity – and is more serious than cuts and bruises – but extremely vulnerable to a myriad of Avgas makes the world go round the aircraft was damaged beyond repair. potential problems. For many locations, We were able to get one of the rally we had small trucks driving all over the helicopters on the way to them almost continent delivering drums of the blue immediately and the crew were safely stuff and gallons of oil. Until Tanzania recovered to Nairobi. It is a great shame we managed this in house, with small about a beautiful aeroplane, but only the local partners – from Tanzania onwards, first of four machines on the Rally that however, life became much easier thanks would eventually be left in Africa. to our partnership with Puma Energy. It Nairobi was the psychological half-way is an enormous achievement that the point, and the first opportunity to do real Rally had fuel (and oil!) available at every Hurry up and wait - the mantra of maintenance work on the aircraft. It was single stop along the entire route. international GA - for Bob &Yulia also the moment for another airshow,and After our Zanzibar stop, we were off

Clearance - not above 500'!

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GA comes to Zimbabwe

again to Zambia (another airshow in in the Mashatu game reserve, and then it our arrival was on the BBC World news Lusaka), and then into Zimbabwe. Some was time for our 10th, and final, country tickertape between Trump and Brexit, crews were worried about safety in – South Africa. and a short video about us on the BBC Zimbabwe and elected to go straight to The last five days of the Rally passed in a Facebook page was getting towards one Botswana (if you ever have this choice, blur of small strips and joiners-in (several million views. don’t, Zimbabwe is a beautiful country other aircraft tagged along for these final The night following our arrival we had with great people) but the main Rally legs); everyone was excited, relieved, and our closing Gala dinner at the Castle of continued to Zimbabwe and some low- worried – about the fact that the end was Good Hope, in the shadow of Table flying over the Victoria Falls. We had nigh. We also had, for the first time since Mountain. Pedro Langton (CAN) was been given a special clearance of ‘not Europe, weather to worry about – so it awarded the RallyTrophy and a Bremont above 500’ AGL, you can imagine what was not all plain sailing. Plus, of course, chronometer, with Nick and Lita this produced! many of the aircraft were beginning to Oppegard (USA) winning the Puma- By now,though, the end was in sight, and complain vigorously (generally by sponsored ‘Spirit of the Rally’ award and so after a brief stop in Bulawayo we were throwing large amounts of oil free entry to the next VintageAirRally. off to Botswana (only added to the route everywhere) about the lack of TLC they Ah, there will be another? at the specific request of the President). had received over the previous weeks. 3 March 2018 sees the Ushuaia2USA It was also at this stage that we heard that On the 16th December, 30 minutes edition of the VintageAirRally leave the the Botswana team’s Tiger Moth had ahead of schedule, the VintageAirRally southernmost tip of South America for escaped her tie-downs at Maun during Crete2Cape arrived in Stellenbosch, the United States, by the original the night and been blown into the UK Cape Town. Ten African countries, Aeropostale routes, for another 6 week helicopter team’s R44 – potentially 6000nm, 35 days and 42 stops after epic! The recce for the route will happen writing off both aircraft. A salutary leaving Crete. There were thousands of in March 2017 (to have similar weather) lesson into the importance of securing people waiting for us, something of a and then we have one year to finalise the aircraft properly! surprise – it was only as we escaped our millions of small details! We had a tremendous welcome in bubble that we realised that we had had You can follow the preparations at Botswana, including a magical moment articles about us in over 160 countries, www.VintageAirRally.com.

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An engineer's perspective by Freeman Ron Gammons Editor's note: Ron is a legend in Britain's vintage aircraft movement, and a noted Moth specialist

We completed the southern end of the rally from Botswana down, without serious problems.Two of the Tigers on the full trip made it safely,sadly the Tiger of our good friend, Brett Warren (from Botswana) managed to pull its tie downs in a gale at Maun and collided with the skid of a helicopter, whose skid moved into the outer panels of the lower wing. Repairable but not in time. He completed the event in a Husky.The most trouble free had to be the Travelairs - they didn't seem to have missed a beat, and both the Stampe and Jungmann were just cruising along.

The Tiger I shared from Limpopo Valley also made it safely both to Cape Town and back up to Joburg. My wife Valery flew in a variety of aircraft - a Sling, a 172, and a Bush Baby,following the rally with a South African pilot, and thoroughly enjoyed the trip.

The scheduling of the event was at times a little tight for old aircraft crewed in some cases by even older people! But some credit to Sam - they did arrive in Stellenbosch on the due day and despite various problems everything was completed.The AN2 was late and didn't complete the course, which caused some baggage issues.

Other engineering issues? A Travelair required a new engine when enroute to the start and the AN2 put down in France with an engine problem. One Tiger also needed quite extensive engine repairs at Megara.

At the start there were three Tigers, one English, one from Botswana, and one South African, three Travelair 4000 from Canada,Alaska and California, a German Bucker Jungmann, a Stearman, and a beautiful new WacoYMF5D.

I helped prep the aircraft at Megara and hitched a ride to Sitia and then met up with the rally when it arrived in Botswana.

Very 'Out of Africa'...

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Historical Aircraft Association Chairman's presentation at the AGM Past Master Wally Epton Editor's Note: the CAA for almost everything to do Wally's Chairman's statement was well with safety. Regrettably that approach received elsewhere, and as he makes some has not been so successful; and we have interesting points regarding the continued fall- continued to have flying accidents out from Shoreham on the warbird and display involving historic aircraft year-on-year. Taken by Mrs Phil Shaw from Gipsy Moth communities, which are close to the hearts of Luckily since 1952 the accidents in this G-AAJT flying back from Goodwood to many Company members, I have published it country have seldom involved the crowds Lee-on-Solent. Husband, Liveryman Phil, is here (with Wally's permission!) attending airshows nor onlookers outside flying G-AFGZ, teaching formation flying In the past I have taken this opportunity the airfield show area, - until last year to his great friend and Airbus mentor, Jack to say a few brief words on events of the when Shoreham happened. year past and given you some indication Today big questions are being asked Lawson.Their collective ages are just shy of of the direction this Association is going. about whether the CAA got it right, and 140, collective hours well over 40,000 and Our membership numbers remain steady why wasn’t the historic aircraft types in excess of 60.Truly historical. but we still fail to reach out to the larger community doing better at preventing survive and thrive once more. We are community of historic aircraft owners, these accidents. These sorts of questions working with our colleagues in the operators and maintainers that make up are being put before the CAA and the British Air Display Association who are this historic aircraft community. Your community by the Air Accident Council have been deliberating over the Investigations Branch and Members of holding their conference in a week’s reasons why this is so and trying to Parliament. A month ago we made time. We continue to work the General analyse issues that concern our presentation to prominent parliamentary Aviation Safety Council and the Aircraft community and decide what we as an aviators including Grant Shapps, Byron Owners and Pilots Association to obtain Association can do for the community Davies and Sir Gerald Howarth. They conditions and sensible regulation that that would encourage others to take up have since presented the situation to the will encourage and allow owners and membership and support each other. You Secretary of State for Transport Chris operators to fly their historic aircraft. will see for example from the displays on Grayling who took immediate action to The current CAA rules are stifling our show today that we are reminding the appoint John Hayes to set up a review of community and have resulted in a community of why we have an the CAA and General Aviation. We reduction of airshows and historic flying association. To promote and protect the expect to hear more of that work in the activity except perhaps in one notable interests of those involved with historic NewYear. Last Monday we were invited area. We are pleased that the CAA stole aircraft whether they make a living out of by the AAIB to make our presentation our suggestions for passenger flights in it or are just trying to enjoy the on the Self-Administration proposal that historic aircraft under conditions of continuing flight of our heritage aircraft. is sitting on the CAA desk right now. safety and consent. Our Adventure We are also in the process of The AAIB wanted to know why it had Flight proposals were adapted by the modernizing our website to make it taken so long for the CAA to accept more interactive, and enable members SAM and grant a delegation since our CAA into their Safety Standards and the wider community to get more Risk-based safety management system Acknowledgement and Consent out of it. We will continue to organize was a proven system and accepted dispensations for Aircraft Operator “behind the scenes” visits for members elsewhere in the world. The answer we Certificate holders almost word for and we have a new Council member have been given by the CAA to this word. This means that a few 2 seat devoted to the task. Our Newsletter is question is that the outcome of the AAIB Spitfires are flying passengers under the being looked at carefully to see if we report on the Hunter accident at CAA scheme, and not only are the public cannot perhaps join forces with say the Shoreham and the Coroner’s findings at able to buy a ride in a Spitfire but AOPA magazine and thereby widen our the inquiry set to re-open next year will historic aircraft pilots are getting more readership. We are also looking at have a bearing on future regulation and flying practice to maintain currency. The schemes to enhance membership oversight, and they are reluctant to do latter is a safety plus! If our proposed through special offers, access to historic anything until after these processes are scheme for Adventure Flights had been aircraft centres and so on. complete. accepted by now then many more We recognize that for many years the Our task is to continue to work on SAM operators could benefit from flying HAA had become a moribund within our limited resources and do the passengers but the CAA want to organisation with low membership best we can to persuade the CAA and the maintain their control. numbers and little interest from those community that this system is for the We will continue to do what we can for wealthy philanthropic owners of warbirds benefit of all and can provide and exotic heritage aircraft to be improvements in efficiency, safety and the historic aircraft community not only members. Years ago the HAA had a reduced costs. within the context of existing conditions reason to exist through the push to At the same time we must continue to that we are having to deal with today,but improve airshow and historic aircraft work within the framework of regulation with the continuing ambition to achieve display safety. Since the eighties we all and administrative oversight that exists – better conditions through the delegated know that the responsibility for safety as provided by the CAA – to go on authority that we seek from the CAA to became the province of the CAA to the trying to improve the aviation run the administration and oversight extent that most aviators came to rely on environment and enable airshows to ourselves.

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Scholarships and Bursaries 2016 by the Editor

After the November 17th Court meeting at Cutlers' Hall, certificates were presented to the 2016 winners of the Company's scholarships and bursaries. Immediate Past Master Chris Ford stood in for the Master, who had just started his Tour of the Regions. After receiving their certificates the winners were greeted with acclaim by the Court. Afterwards there was a reception and dinner when the recipients and their families could meet Court members. As ever it is very rewarding to give so many deserving young people a leg onto or up the aviation ladder.You will gather from their reports below that their courses have universally been an enriching experience.

Alasdair Mackenzie did a good job of calming the nerves.The based on the east coast at Inverness interviewers were also very friendly, and Airport). This was a great challenge to Grayburn Scholarship I felt I could speak to them without land the plane on the short strip and it feeling like I was being interrogated. I left was excellent flying over the mountains London feeling apprehensive, however a and through the valleys on the way there. few weeks later I received the email Next were the cross country flights, dual saying ‘congratulations, you’ve won the then solo. The biggest issue here is the PPL scholarship’. I couldn’t quite believe Scottish weather, as the set route goes up it, and I don’t think I fully did until the the east coast stopping at Wick and then day I passed my skills test and the at Kirkwall, Orkney. Often it was a examiner congratulated me on passing. bluebird day at Inverness, and completely The idea that I was going to spend my fogged in at Kirkwall or vice-versa.After summer learning to fly at my local a few weeks we managed to complete airport was something that I could only the dual, and a few days later I was ready have dreamt of; but this was real! to do my solo. Again, I wasn’t worried I started in the last week of May and got about getting lost or flying the plane, but used to the aircraft fairly quickly, other the daunting thought of hearing an than engine management and using the unfamiliar question on the radio coming radio. Being a glider pilot already helped up was my main concern! Thankfully with some things, but not these two! nothing too eventful happened, and I Using the engine didn’t take too much completed the solo XC.That was the first longer, but I found the radio to be my time I properly felt like a powered pilot, biggest hurdle out of the whole syllabus. as I did everything myself: from getting I think I was setting my bar too high, as the plane out of the hangar in the I wanted to sound like the morning to putting it away at night. Loganair/British airways captains when they were coming in to land.Around the It was then on to practice flights for the 10 hour mark my instructor said, test. It was getting towards the end of ‘Tomorrow you can do your first solo’. August, and I still had some theory exams to do, my practical radio exam, and my When I found out I had made it through The next day I did a few practice circuits, practical flight test. I worked hard, to the interview for the PPL scholarship, and then went solo. I was most nervous finished the theory and radio exams by I was nervous and excited. ‘Should I about the radio calls, however ATC was the Thursday and so booked my test for book flights down to London, why very kind and broke all of the messages the following day.This was great to do it would I win one anyway?’. After some into short lines.The circuit went fine, and all in one week, however I was exhausted consideration I booked the flights, and I soon started to realise that the radio from all the studying and tests. The spent a lot of time preparing for the wasn’t too difficult. interview. Preparation is important It was then on to further manoeuvres and examiner gave me my XC route the before flying, and as with most skills navigation. I really enjoyed getting out previous night, giving plenty of time for learnt within aviation, they can be over the Highlands and flying from A to planning. I took my time to check for applied to real world problems too. B as to me this is what powered flying is gross errors, and thankfully I didn’t make Down in London I felt a bit out of place all about. I had plenty of spare time in any (on my first planned route with my coming from the quiet Highlands of our syllabus so we ended up taking a instructor I used a wind direction that Scotland to this busy city, however the flight to a short grass strip on the west was 180 degrees wrong!). staff at the Air Pilots were all friendly and coast of Scotland at Plockton (we were The morning of the test came and I was

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sufficiently nervous, but tried to remind approaches, go-arounds and emergency myself that he was just there to check procedures, I was ready for my first solo. that I could fly: he wasn’t there to try and This proved to be eventful though – I make me fail. The flight went well with had to go around on my first attempt at some minor hiccups with the dead landing as I didn’t have enough airspeed reckoning part, and so we came in to do to overcome wind shear! a final three circuits.The weather wasn’t Flying further solo consolidation hours the calmest of days, and so the circuits improved my handling of the aeroplane were quite sporty. I did one standard and in the circuit, while further practice with one flapless on the main runway,with the my instructor Glenn helped maintain my wind 10 degrees or so off the centre line. across how much I wanted to learn to fly accuracy of flying in the circuit. Moving The examiner then asked ‘do you feel up and explained my career plans, but before onto steep turns was the next stage, for a cross wind?’, enjoying a challenge, I I knew it, I was back on the train before practicing forced landings and accepted. The ATC told me to do a left returning to York. All I could do was precautionary landings. Learning and hand circuit for 29, and since the wind wait. On receiving the news that I had remembering the correct procedures to was coming from the west, I had a very been awarded the Cadogan Scholarship, I execute PFLs was initially a challenge, tight base/final turn to do.After a 2 hour was absolutely delighted and really but my technique improved after more flight, the blustery final approach was looked forward to studying hard and practice. quite difficult and I had to use a lot of flying for the whole summer! Navigation was definitely the most control input to keep the Tomahawk on I started my flying lessons at Sherburn exciting part of my PPL. Flying the centreline.The examiner kept telling Aero Club the day after my last A Level accurately is one of the most important me to ask for wind checks, however I exam. I was introduced to the Club’s skills as a pilot and it is important to continued to reply ‘no’ as I couldn’t take CFI,Alistair Breckon, who made me feel maintain safe flight. I learnt how to use in anymore information, so he had to very welcome. He had already prepared the CRP computer and create clear take care of the radio.With a slight bump all the equipment and materials for the we landed, and I apologised for ignoring PLOGs. I started with short trips to local course (also provided by the scholarship), his commands. At the time, I thought he areas such as Scarborough and the which enabled me to start studying for was asking for wind checks to see if we Humber Bridge, or disused airfields such the nine ground exams straight away. My were exceeding the limits for a student as Binbrook. Once I was accustomed to first lessons in the Aero AT-3 with my pilot, but it turned out he was checking using appropriate R/T, flying times and primary instructor, Glenn Moody, were to see if we were exceeding the limits of headings accurately I completed land- on the effects of controls, maintaining the aircraft! The examiner told me I aways at local airfields. These included straight and level flight and trimming. I passed, and gave me a compliment which Humberside and Durham Tees Valley also learned about the effects of power I’ll attribute to gliding which was ‘Your Airports, which were the two changes, and how to use these to make landings were very smooth, I don’t think intermediate airfields in my Qualifying coordinated climbs and descents. After I could have done them better myself’. Cross Country flight.After dual flights to this, I moved onto slow flying and stall Whether he meant that seriously or not both airfields and a solo flight to recovery (familiar from my gliding). is another matter, but I’ll say that he did. Humberside, I completed a low-level I really enjoyed the intensity of the navigation exercise and land away to So that was the summer over, and I had a Netherthorpe airfield. This is home to Pilot’s licence. Even writing this seems training.When I wasn’t flying, I spent my the shortest licenced runway in England, like I’m back in school and the teacher spare time studying for the exams. We although flying three circuits of the other has asked us to write about a fictional moved on to flying circuits and this runway was challenging in itself – it summer we would enjoy. I am very proved to be challenging as there was a definitely helped prepare me for short thankful for the scholarship which will lot more to think about and a greater field landings! Meanwhile, with my allow me to continue my passion of attention to detail was required. I liked secondary instructor, Peter Atkinson, I flying by supporting my local gliding the fact that Sherburn has noise started basic instrument flying, using club, and hope to encourage others into abatement procedures to adhere to, ‘foggles’ and maintaining appropriate the world of aviation. which makes the shape of some circuits slightly different. I think my judgement instrument scans. I particularly enjoyed was also improved by the fact that the basic radio navigation, such as using two Andrew Gladders aerodrome has 3 runways, so I had to VOR radials to obtain a position fix. Cadogan Scholarship learn the circuit pattern for each runway Since the weather over the summer was I felt very privileged to be interviewed at and direction fairly quickly. The consistently good, I was able to complete Cobham House in Central London for a experience of changing runways when my QXC in early August, after flying scholarship and wanted to make wind directions altered, also helped completing all nine of my ground school the most of the chance. On arrival I took prepare me for different standard examinations. I enjoyed operating a short aptitude test and was then assessed overhead join procedures on the way alongside commercial traffic at both by a welcoming and appreciative back from navigation exercises. After airfields, which made approaches and interview panel. I hoped that I had got practicing glide approaches, flapless departures from them more interesting!

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After doing further revision flights with Elliot Archer Cardiff Airport and Wolverhampton practice circuits and emergency Halfpenny Green. The Air Pilots Benevolent Fund procedures, my skills test was booked for I interspersed practical flying with the end of August. Happily I passed first studying and sitting for the 9 theory time, although my examiner did give me exams. I started with the intention of some good advice after the test! After only doing the ground school when bad completing my FRTOL, I am currently weather prevented me from flying. waiting for my licence to be issued. However, the weather was superb so in There are many people I would like to hindsight I wished I had completed all 9 thank that have made this experience so exams at the beginning of the course to gain the knowledge before using it in the memorable. Firstly, Glenn Moody, who practical lessons. was a fantastic instructor throughout my training and always sought the highest I worked steadily on towards flying solo standard of aeroplane operation. He under much encouragement from Steve continually encouraged me to be and Rupert, and I really enjoyed the freedom of handling the whole flight accurate and demonstrate sound from start to finish. I soon felt ready (but airmanship. Without this calibre of still waited for perfect weather tuition, I do not think it would have been conditions) to take my skills test with possible to progress as well through my examiner, Kevin Bignell. Thankfully, PPL. I would also like to thank my there was an opening in the weather, and secondary instructor, Peter Atkinson, after completing 6 sections of the test we who gave me a very clear theoretical and landed back safely at Gloucester and I practical instruction on circuit and basic was told I had passed my Private Pilot’s instrument flying. I would particularly License! like to thank the operations team, Due to lack of funds I would normally managed by Julia Lillywhite, and the I am lucky enough to have been involved have spent most of the summer watching ground crew, who enabled me to in aviation for the past seven years, but other people fly aircraft out of complete my training without any gaining the Air Pilots Benevolent Fund Gloucestershire Airport, but this PPL delays. Likewise, the other PPL students PPL Scholarship has been the highlight. Scholarship has enabled that person to be who were very supportive and interested It involved 45 hours of flight training, me - I am truly grateful. I could not have in how I was progressing. including 10 hours solo, 5 hours solo gained my licence otherwise. I would also like to thank Alistair cross country,a solo flight of 150 nautical Now, I am even more eager and inspired Breckon, Sherburn Aero Club’s CFI, who miles landing at 2 different aerodromes, to continue flying by doing the night always asked how I was doing and gave plus ground school study for 9 theory rating, and eventually go on to become a exceptionally clear lesson briefs. He exams and was the best way to spend my professional pilot. I am already passing on always found time despite having the post ‘A Levels’ summer, and by far my knowledge and skills I developed to very demanding jobs of running the club exceeded my expectations. teach the fundamentals of flying to cadets and being an active instructor. I would I was fortunate to do the course at Aeros from the Air Training Corps, so they have thoroughly recommend Sherburn Aero Flight Training (who I had previously benefitted from my experience too. For Club to anyone thinking of visiting or had work experience with) at my local me, HCAP’s PPL Scholarship has been learning to fly – the atmosphere and airfield, Gloucestershire Airport. I was the best. Thank you. learning experience there is unrivalled. under the superb guidance of two instructors, Steve Robinson and Rupert Sherburn Aero Club has been the best Hawkins, so I was able to do 2 flights a Bethany Robbins organised and most welcoming training day with lots of continuity and little Gliding Scholarship institution I have been part of. I have interruption. now begun night flying lessons there in order to obtain my Night Rating. I will The weather was on my side and I got continue to build the majority of my P1 plenty of practice and began to feel right flying hours based there, and I am at home in the PA28-161 Piper Warrior. looking forward to commencing my The airport has a complicated layout, ATPL ground school examinations once requiring complex radio calls which was my licence is issued by the CAA. useful to develop and refine my skills. It was the best feeling to have full control Most importantly,without the generosity over an aircraft and land it back safely; as of the Cadogan Charitable Trust and the soon as I returned, I couldn’t wait to take effort put in by the Honourable to the skies again. Each flight presented Company of Air Pilots, I would not have new challenges and experiences and been able to complete my PPL at such an This past summer I was fortunate enough gradually I flew further afield, and landed to complete a Gliding Scholarship at early stage.Thank you for giving me the at new and trickier airfields such as opportunity to do so! Portsmouth Naval Gliding Club, residing

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Callum Jagger As we hit 2500ft we released from the tug and I was surprised at how peaceful Gliding Scholarship it was. During the flight, I was allowed to experiment with the controls freely under the supervision from my instructor, Paul, whom I quickly gained trust in. It was a benefit staying in the gliding club, as it meant that I could help get the gliders out of the hanger each morning, clean them and put them back in the evenings.Whilst not flying I would work with other scholarship winners, by now good friends, to retrieve gliders, log flights, and set up the next aero-tow by in HMS Sultan for the duration of the attaching the tow rope to the nose of the course. Having applied for the scholarship with glider and by holding the wing for launch. After only a few days most of us Looked after by a naval officer, our small the Honourable Company of Air Pilots I were doing the majority of the flight group of students was escorted to the was distraught when my application was including the aero-tows and landings. airfield where we began the day by turned down, due to such fierce walking our gliders out of the hangar, competition. However, to my delight I TheWednesday was easily one of the best grouped in our syndicates onto the later received a phone call with news that days of my life. I knew I was getting close runways. Paired with our tasks of I was invited to attend an interview at to going solo as Paul, my instructor, cleaning and putting away the gliders at Cobham House in London.A panel of 2, disabled the IAS, the altimeter and the end of each day, our group were able whom were both former scholarship simulated hitting sink on my base leg by to learn more about the practical side of winners, interviewed me. Weeks later I opening the airbrakes, to which he said I gliding, and all the teamwork involved. was excited to learn that I had been responded correctly by instantly We were able to have many flights in our accepted onto the gliding course and dropping the nose, increasing speed and glider, practicing take offs, landings and could not wait to start. immediately turning towards the airfield. circuits and working as a team to both The course took place 19th – 26th Later that day Paul took me for some launch and retrieve Gliders for the other August 2016, at the Portsmouth Naval aerobatics in the K21 which included g- members in our syndicate. Our Gliding Centre in Lee-on-the-Solent. turns, loops and negative g. After the instructors taught us efficiently, offering Prior to this course I had very little blood pumping routine finished I was full us feedback at the end of each flight, experience in a glider. Unfortunately due of adrenaline and performed my best meaning that we progressed effectively. to the weather, we lost the first one and a landing so far on the course. Once the glider was recovered and ready for its Unfortunately I was not able to go solo half days of flying, but this time wasn’t wasted as we learned the basics, such as: next flight I was surprised when my due to bad weather on the last day. instructor asked whether or not I’d like However, both my instructors were the pre-flight checklist that must be performed before each flight, how to to go solo; which of course I was ecstatic extremely experienced, enabling them to climb in and out for the glider safety and about. After releasing from the tug at take me on two aerobatic flights during how to operate the retrieve vehicles. 2500ft it was unbelievably quiet in the the week to experience spinning and Once the weather had improved and we cockpit, and the realisation hit me that other manoeuvres I had previously never were able to go gliding, this instruction this truly was a solo flight. It was a seen done in a glider- both flights were proved vital as it meant that we could gorgeous day for gliding, I was soon able definitely the highlights of my week. ‘turn around’ the gliders effectively to find a thermal and gain some altitude. The course offered an invaluable insight resulting in more flights. However, shortly after my focus fell into into the inner workings of a successful setting up my approach. Once I had gliding club, whilst broadening my view My flights were carried out in an ASK 21 landed I was welcomed with a on a variety of potential careers in glider, which is designed primarily for congratulation from my course aviation; through the knowledge of both beginner instruction, but is also suitable colleagues and flying club members. I my sponsors and instructors I was able to for cross-country flying and aerobatic soon found out that I had broken the learn more about both commercial and lessons I was a little apprehensive about course record for the fewest number of military aviation. The expertise and my first flight, as this was the first time flights before going solo; I went solo on guidance of my instructors was a great that I had been airborne in an aero- my 12th flight, and the previous record advantage to my learning and I towed glider before.When the time came was 13. I thanked my instructor for all his benefitted from their support and advice. my nerves were forgotten and I had what work and allowing me to go solo. I was I am extremely grateful for both the I can only describe as the most still buzzing with energy from my solo, support of the instructors at Portsmouth exhilarating experience.As the tug/glider when I found out that I was able to have Naval Gliding Club and the sponsorship combination climbed to 2500ft, the an aerobatic flight in the Tiger Moth, it of the Honourable Company of Air ground quickly fell beneath us, and we was a fantastic once-in-a-lifetime Pilots for this unforgettable experience. were surrounded by incredible scenery. opportunity.

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Overall, it was a fantastic experience and just had one. Portsmouth Naval Gliding Club for the I thoroughly enjoyed my week. I am very I found, throughout the summer, that it Scholarship, flying out of Daedalus grateful to Portsmouth Naval Gliding was just as essential to put the work in on airfield each day. I arrived at HMS Centre for allowing me to use their the ground as it is in the air. Being Sultan, Portsmouth, which was to be my gliders and facilities, but also to the club prepared before each lesson and really home for the week; upon arrival I was members and instructors whom without understanding the flight topic and the made to feel very welcome and quickly I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to mechanics behind it. Another good idea made friends with others who were on go solo, and, of course, to the is to study the local area on Google the same course. Honourable Company of Air Pilots for Earth, and visualize potential in-flight My experience kicked off Sunday making this scholarship possible. Lastly, I scenarios in your head beforehand. This morning, as a group we were transported would like to thank Paul Nicholas for will help you progress faster and feel to and from the Gliding School; on that sponsoring me through the week and much more confident in your ability to first morning we were introduced to the enabling me to get on the first step of my handle situations when you fly solo. instructors who would be with us during aviation career. In addition to the flying, I had the the week. Everything was fully amazing opportunity to visit my explained, we had a full safety brief each Emily Smith sponsors, meet the CEO of TAG day, and were kitted out with the safety Farnborough airport during the Air equipment required.We were soon ready, TAG Farnborough Scholarship Show (pictured opposite) and meet I remember feeling a little apprehensive - professionals in the industry. this was to be my first experience of Gaining this PPL has been an incredible flying in a cockpit of a glider. My opportunity and led me to undertaking instructors showed me how the conversion training in the Diamond instruments work to control the glider Katana in Switzerland, where I am up and down, control its roll and yaw. I currently undertaking mountain training was also taught how to handle a stall.We with intent to continue towards a career flew up to 2000ft. I loved soaring as a Commercial Pilot. through the clouds, and made steady progress throughout the week. A few of the highlights from the week Anna Hulme were getting to do some aerobatics with Gliding Report my instructor Graham. On Wednesday Having applied for the scholarship in my tow rope snapped which meant the March, I was invited in May to attend an glider had to come down straight away. interview at the Honorable Company of As 200ft of rope was hanging off the nose Air Pilots in London. The relaxed of the glider this was unexpected, but I interview lasted around half an hour and was very proud of myself for staying calm covered discussions about my and managing to fly back safely.This was experience, career plan and future a valuable learning point but left me ambitions. This was then followed by a feeling a little under confident the next quick written test on my basic time I went back up in the air. Towards knowledge of the subject. the end of the week Commander Phil Shortly after, I received a letter Shaw flew me up in a Tiger Moth for a confirming I had been selected as the short flight in which I took control of recipient of the TAG Flying Scholarship. the aircraft before I was taken through Denham Aerodrome in North West I heard about the gliding scholarship some aerobatics. London was my chosen flight school and through my local air cadet squadron. I I didn't go solo due to weather and time, really helped in assisting me to complete was genuinely interested in the but hope to in the future and go on to a the course quickly and smoothly. The opportunity and decided I would apply. higher level. I have learnt such a lot and instructors were lovely and it was great The following month I heard that I had it has been the best start to a flying also to meet other students and pilots and been short-listed for an interview, I was career. At the end of the week we all discover how they started their careers. delighted. The interview took place in enjoyed a presentation and buffet. Some of the highlights of the training London in April, I made the journey by I would like to thank HMS Sultan for train which was enjoyable and gave me were my solo flights, especially my first making me welcome, the PNGC plenty of time to think as this was my solo which was really key in building my instructors who made sure our first real interview, previously I have just confidence. The PPL training was experience was the best it could be and been interviewed at school . It had been intensive but I got the added bonus of the HCAP for providing me with the a really good experience, I made the learning with a number of different opportunity - it's been fantastic and I journey home. A few weeks later I had instructors, which really helped me, as would recommend to anyone to try like wonderful news, I had a gliding each instructor has slightly different I did; I honestly did not expect to be scholarship, and was very excited. methods of teaching and tips to help you awarded it, so you never know it could learn that you might not have had if you In August I would be going to be you in the future.

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Nischal Rana the first day:“It felt as if we were fighting the centre and planned to be helpful the tug plane”, mainly due to constantly throughout the week as a gesture of my Gliding Scholarship tail gating the tug aircraft until we appreciation for allowing me to have this reached our release height.When landing amazing opportunity. after the first flight, I was slightly Once I arrived at Fareham station, I had confused as to what had happened. The contact with everyone who was on the fact that we were airborne for over scholarship with me – thanks to the eleven minutes with no power had left Honourable Company who gave us all me startled. the opportunity to message each other so As the week progressed, so did we. We we could share a taxi and relieve tensions. were taught more complicated controls We arrived at the west gate of and were allowed to fly more when we Portsmouth Naval Gliding Centre at were airborne. On the second day I 17:30 and waited half an hour for Mr experienced a winch launch. I was the Lloyd Brown to collect us.We then went first - and all I can say is that, when they to the clubhouse and met everyone on During the summer of 2016, I had been said the acceleration from 0-60mph was the previous Scholarship and were guests fortunate enough to successfully obtain a around 3 seconds… they weren’t at their presentation. After that, we asked week’s worth of gliding from The kidding! It was something that I had not them for tips and tricks to impress Honourable Company of Air Pilots, at expected. instructors and have some knowledge to London Gliding Club (Dunstable). The amount of things I learnt from the take into the week ahead. From an early age I have been captivated week’s course was amazing and Saturday 20th August was the day the by the world of aviation - my main goal invaluable. All the members which I had scholarship officially started. We were all to become a commercial airline pilot. got to know were happy,friendly and full up early and excited to get started. Before scouting for scholarships, I had of helpful advice. Even though there was However, the weather wasn’t suitable not thought about gliding, as only a a lot to learn, the instructors were really gliding. Nevertheless, we were taken into powered aircraft came to mind. So when patient which helped ease the learning the hangar and was showed around the I found out that gliders can also get you phase. I would like thank everyone atThe gliders, learning all the safety procedures airborne, it led me to my own research Honourable Company of Air Pilots for and how to handle them to make the rest and enabled me to find this scholarship. allowing me to experience something I of the days as efficient as we could. After The process of achieving the scholarship had not thought about and for guiding that, Lloyd kindly took us to the local was an exciting one, and receiving an me at each step. Secondly,I would like to shops to get our lunch for the week with email notifying that you were successful thank all of the members, instructors, and the £10 Ruth has given us. Once we placed a big smile on my face.A sense of CFI at the London Gliding Club, for the were finished, we came back to the achievement to say the least. amazing hospitality and for the clubhouse where we were shown the unforgettable opportunity. And last but cars, how to do the daily checks and were As the week of gliding approached, I did not least, a person who I can call a friend given the amazing opportunity to drive not really know what to expect - I had after a week’s worth of flying together, both the 4x4 and minibus. It was very minimal knowledge, apart from the Jack. It made the week easier being able interesting to learn about the iconic hundred plus YouTube videos that I had to do something that we both enjoyed place where we were learning. watched. London Gliding Club were and both had passion for. The kind enough to let me stay at their experience I received will truly be Sunday was exciting, it was the first time accommodation block, as travelling to treasured and hopefully one day, I can our training was put into action. Even and from home would equate to more return the favour. though like Saturday, the weather took a than six hours’ driving each day. turn for the worse and I only managed to On the first day, I met up with my get one flight under my belt, it gave me a Instructor who turned out to be one of Stuart Reece feel of how the glider flies and helped me the three I had during the course, and Gliding Scholarship bond with my instructor Mr Jerry Lee. another individual who had received the I woke up early and prepared, but was We filled our logbooks in carefully, put same scholarship as me.We were briefed sure to triple-check the kit list provided the gliders away, and went back into the on what we were going to do and all the by the Honourable Company Of Air clubhouse. safety precautions when operating on the Pilots to make sure I didn’t forget In the afternoon, Ruth had organised a airfield.Then, the fun part.We were taken anything. Once packed, checked, and guest speaker – Captain Phil Shaw- who to the gliders where we were shown how goodbyes said and done, I left to get to showed us a presentation on what he did to inspect the gliders before flight and Liverpool Lime Street Station to catch as a career when he was younger and where the controls were situated. We the 10:47 train down to Euston. I had what he does now (ferry piloting) and were going to be flying the K-21 glider had my hair cut the day before to make showed us videos of him flying. It was for the week. sure I looked smart and presentable for really interesting as it showed aviation My first flight consisted of us being aero the Scholarship. I wanted to give a good under a whole different light and towed instead of winch launched and as impression to Ruth (the Honourable definitely gave me more ideas. He also we got airborne, I cannot agree more to Company’s representative), the answered any queries we had about what my course friend mentioned after instructors, Mandy and everyone else at aviation.

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Monday's weather was much better.The thermals. In fact, in my first flight, we no flying at all. However, the day was clouds were low and it was a bit windy found a thermal and practised doing stalls highly productive as I essentially went but we still managed to a lot more flying. and other things that needed to be done through an in depth safety briefing, as We were still slow at retrieving the on my checklist. In addition, this was the well as learning about many important gliders and hooking them onto the tow, first day I did aerobatics in the glider, I areas of gliding. I learnt about the but were still learning and getting better followed through the controls - great extensive number of drills and exercises, every day.This was the first time we met fun.After my second flight I could check as well as how to assist in the running of Mandy – who along with Ruth would my results - the rest of the day was the airfield. be looking after us for the rest of the worry-free! After all of our jobs were Within the week, I learnt so much about week. Back in the clubhouse we done, we had our final guest speaker – myself, and I couldn’t wait to start my discussed our flights and also tested each Mr Ritchie Piper – who told us about first flight of each day. I was launched by other on CBSIFTCBE (the pre-flight his WW2 display flying, and showed aero-tow and with my initial flight, checks) to impress the instructors for the videos on this subject. following the tow was difficult, but I got next day. Friday was our last day - more good better after each flight. I experienced so The early morning was definitely weather. We enjoyed meeting the senior much in the air, including finding affecting us now.We were tired but still members of the Honourable Company thermals, stalls and aerobatics! My circuits showered, fed and with the correct kit for who arrived, and gave them heartfelt were gradually coming together and I the day ahead. However, the instructors thanks for this once in a lifetime was really starting to get a feel for the didn’t have to remind us about any of the opportunity they had given us. aircraft.Apart from gliding, I also was able equipment now as we all knew what to to experience a variety of roles, and this get.All they had to do was the checks on would keep ground operations running Joshua Ali the gliders and enjoy the early morning efficiently. As well as this, I got to take sun. Due to a change in wind direction, Gliding Scholarship part in quizzes, and was given interesting we took off on the opposite end of the talks by members who really had eye runway which was a good experience. opening stories to tell. I also got the By noon it was 33 degrees - lovely astounding chance to fly in a primary flying weather as there were some military trainer which I will never forget. thermals, and you could see for miles. I thoroughly loved my time gliding at In the evening, we had another guest Lee. I am so very thankful to my sponsor, speaker – Mr & Mrs John Denyer – who the Air Pilots, and the Portsmouth Naval told us how they started flying and what Gliding Centre for putting together an they did to get their PPL. amazing course. My plans now are to On Wednesday there were no clouds in continue to fly to achieve my solo, before the sky, we were now all quick with going on to achieve further sorting out the gliders and were ready qualifications! early. Gliding – although hot- was also great as we could clearly see the Emily Atherton landmarks and cities for miles and of course there were thermals. Also, we had Gliding Scholarship Over the Summer of 2016, I was given We arrived at HMS Sultan on Friday the the amazing opportunity to be taken up the opportunity to take up gliding under 12th August where we met all the other in a Tiger Moth by Captain Phil Shaw to a scholarship with the Honourable scholarship winners and also our gliding experience powered flight and Company of Air Pilots. After my instructors.We were then briefed on the aerobatics. We learned a lot: control of interview I was given the exciting news week and how it would be run. We the throttle, rudder pedals and control that I had been successful and would be started gliding trhe following day and stick to see the effect each one had on learning to glide on a residential course! quickly picked up the basics, which as the other and what to do to keep a My scholarship took place at Portsmouth the days went by became natural to us. straight and level flight. We also had Naval Gliding Centre, which I later All our launches were aerotow which I someone on our course do their first solo found out gave breath-taking views over found very exciting especially after just 12 flights which was truly Lee. Upon arrival, I met a number of considering it was my first time in a outstanding and inspirational. members of the club, all of whom were glider. I found the overall scholarship When we got back to the clubhouse after extremely welcoming. I managed to enlightening into the world of aviation a long but fun day flying, we all catch a group of other members who had ,and it really sparked my interest further celebrated and congratulated the person just completed their course and were at such that I have now applied for, and got, who went solo! However, I was nervous their ceremony. It was great finding out an interview for a PPL flying scholarship. for the next day as that’s when I got my how much they learnt in their time In addition to the gliding time in the GCSE results but everyone at the club – gliding, and I could not wait until I was evenings we also had a couple of sessions especially Ruth- was there to support in the air! with the instructors explaining the and comfort me. Part of gliding is that the weather needs theory of gliders and air power. All the On Thursday there were a lot of cumulus to be right, and on the first full day, the gliding instructors were friendly and clouds so we knew that there would be weather was against us, which resulted in helpful, and willing to push us further.

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On top of everything I learnt on the complete the course around a Monday- Ishaq Mullazada course, I also made some friends for life Friday office job.They also didn't have an and some really strong memories that I issue with my wanting to learn to teach Gliding Scholarship won't forget. on a tailwheel equipped aircraft. The plan was to fly every Saturday Andrew Hadfield throughout the summer taking advantage of whatever good weather came our way. Norman Motley FI Scholarship Starting on the spring bank holiday, we made good progress combining both flying and ground elements of the course. I quickly discovered that whilst flying wasn't a problem, and nor was talking, flying and talking simultaneously most certainly was. As with anything though, practice makes perfect – even if it does involve pattering the stall whilst driving to work, and before I knew it I was able to combine the two to a reasonable degree of proficiency! A week's annual leave at the beginning of Like many people, my fascination with July, and twice daily trips meant the bulk flight began as a child where I was of the flying course was largely complete fortunate enough to have parents who by mid-July. My summer evenings and indulged my hobby of reading about weekends were then spent studying the military flying through numerous visits finer elements of how to give briefings, to the local library and bookshops. A debriefs, as well as how to explain things career in military aviation was an obvious that I'd long since taken for granted (or choice, and having pursued my love of indeed forgotten). white-water canoeing for several years post-university, I applied and was The end of the course duly arrived and accepted into the Royal Air Force as a with it the assessment of competence. pilot. Subsequent political developments Compared to my PPL and CPL skills test meant my career was short-lived, this was an enjoyable experience, not however, and I had to pursue the civilian least because it mimicked the giving of a During my gap year after finishing my A- route in order to achieve my flying flying lesson and involved spinning and a levels, all I wanted was an opportunity to ambitions. few aerobatics for good measure. Having fly and gain more experience in aviation. I first heard about the gilding scholarship During my time in the RAF I had the completed the long briefing part of the assessment I then received the good news through my brother who has always good fortune of meeting Flight supported my passion of flying. Lieutenant Charlie Brown. Charlie that I'd passed and that I was now a quickly introduced me to the world of Flying Instructor – apart from my first Having looked at the scholarship aerobatics and the flying of classic solo, it was without doubt the most deadline I knew I had exactly two days to tailwheel aircraft, and it's fair to say I've satisfying moment of my flying career to send my application - I impatiently never looked back since. Whilst I enjoy date! waited for the outcome. The interview all forms of flying it quickly became Looking forward I'm now eagerly was a completely different challenge; a apparent where my interests lie, and so awaiting the chance to put theory into few weeks later I learnt the exciting news that I had succeeded in my application - having completed my CPL I decided to practice. I've always been fortunate in I could now see myself a step closer to apply for the Honourable Company of that all of the instructors I've ever flown flying. Air Pilots Flight Instructor scholarship with have loved what they were doing, with a view to teaching, and hopefully and as a result that passion and I was informed that my Gliding inspiring others to get involved in the enthusiasm has shone through. I hope Scholarship would be at Portsmouth flying of tailwheel aircraft. that as well as teaching people to fly,I can Naval Gliding Club. I was so excited to Having applied and been invited to follow in their footsteps and instill a fly in a place with a landscape as beautiful interview,I was overjoyed to discover the similar degree of enthusiasm, whilst as Portsmouth.To capture my experience following week that I had been awarded simultaneously encouraging my students I decided to buy a GoPro set, to record the Air Safety Trust Flight Instructor to pursue whichever avenue of flying all of my flights and so that I could look scholarship. The decision as to where I interests them the most. back, take on board instructors’ feedback and improve each flight. would undertake my scholarship was an Lastly, thank you to the Honourable easy one, with Central Flight Training Company of Air Pilots, and in particular During my time at PNGC, I had the based at Tatenhill Airfield offering high the Air Safety Trust for sponsoring the opportunity to meet incredible pilots and standards of instruction, and just as scholarship and for selecting me as its instructors - a great time to learn more importantly,the flexibility to allow me to very grateful recipient. about the aviation world. One of those

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pilots was Phil Shaw. I had the chance to Undertaking an instructor rating when What was harder to get used to was fly with Phil in a Tiger Moth and you’re also working is no easy task – so I allowing the ‘student’ (which the received great advice for my future career was lucky that Redhill Aviation could instructor pretended to be of course) to in the aviation industry. offer the course as it is 100 yards from my try what you’d demonstrated to them Throughout the course I have learnt a lot office at the aerodrome! Air Pilots’ without interfering unduly. People will - from pre-flight checks to maneuvering agreeing to pay meant I could finally do only learn if they get a chance to try and the glider, stalling, trimming the glider something I had wanted to do since see their mistakes. So everything must be for certain speeds and circuit for landing. getting back into flying at Fairoaks in clear-cut; if it’s a safety issue then quickly By the end of the week, I had gained the 2009, and certainly since passing the say “I have control” and take control (i.e. ability to take control of the whole flight ATPL theory in 2011. do the handover taught at the start of the including staying behind the tow-plane My instructor, Jill Develin, had just Effects of Controls lesson). But while keeping the same angle of bank, retired from British Airways where she otherwise, see how the student does, take releasing the rope, carrying smooth turns, was a captain on the Boeing 747-400. control afterwards and then (and only starting the circuit by looking at the Thus you probably would do well to find then) give feedback. reference point and landing. someone better qualified as she is an I have already attended the AOPA In conclusion, the experiences I have experienced examiner and ran Redair Instructor Refresher Seminar, in gained during a week in Portsmouth flight schools for around 30 years with November, as I was covering it for their have been undeniably unforgettable and her husband Islam, who is Redhill magazine. You have to do this in every invaluable. This unique opportunity, has Aviation’s CFI. three-year period but I found it useful given me a platform to start my aviation After a couple of flights with Jill, Redhill doing it so early and hearing what highly journey. I would like to thank the Aviation had to move offices into a experienced instructors (many of whom Honourable Company of Air Pilots for portacabin, because a fire a year or two were also airline or business jet pilots) giving me this once in a lifetime ago had destroyed most of the building had to say. One said that it was still good opportunity. I am grateful for the including the cafe, where it started. The to input the odd word while the student Portsmouth Naval Gliding Club and the portacabin is actually very functional and had control as a reminder but this has to volunteers who have guided our team right next to the aircraft, although it did be judged very carefully – give them a through the week. get rather warm on a couple of those good chance first and above all don’t really hot days last August! create dependence – because what you’re aiming to do is allow the student to go I started in mid-July and we juggled the Ian Sheppard solo and fly a circuit, and progress from timetable around holidays and airshows – The Norman Motley Scholarship there. Self-sufficiency is the key for them I write for aviation magazines, including and the instructor can do a lot of damage editing the AOPA magazine Aircraft or waste a lot of the student’s time and Owner & Pilot, so had to fit all that in as money if they’re not really learning. well, not to mention the occasional bad weather day. I found presenting fine but Jill had a lot of good tips on how to write on the However, with 125 hours of ground whiteboard, how to use the model school to complete there was plenty to aircraft as a prop, how to use colour pens, do when the weather was unsuitable. and how to allow questions and ask Redhill Aviation’s philosophy was not to questions to make sure the student was rush this and to give it the time it awake! And, above all, how not to ramble deserved – and I found this paid off in on and go over time; 15 minutes is fine the air as lessons and the background was for a pre-flight briefing and 45 minutes well understood. for a long brief. The photographer I often work with at But it has to be remembered, stressed airshows around the world, and on visits Islam, that you should not natter on – to GA airfields for AOPA, had completed especially in the aircraft, where he his instructor rating at Andrewsfield and recommended “Pigeon English.” found the early stages very tough, so I was well warned that ‘Effects of Controls’ Gradually I moved through the lesson (and all the building blocks that would be sheets, moving on to circuits, stalling, later applied in the circuit) were not that spinning – all very enjoyable and in all easy to grasp – in that you had to sit in cases I was learning an awful lot from Jill, the right hand seat, demonstrate and then remembering things I did in my PPL and allow the student to practice. Another polishing up both my flying and my fortunate thing for me was that I had understanding. I also enjoyed practice been doing a lot of flying as P1 from the forced landings, as again you have to right hand seat, as the 172 I was using think for two having to teach and then from Thurrock Airfield with the allow the student to try.Also keeping up photographer only had a window that with radio and navigation and situational opened on the left! awareness in general is essential, from it

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being entirely your responsibility to travelling, with some flying in the USA. Peter Hartshorne gradually sharing more and more of the So 2017 is when I am starting to instruct Swire FI Scholarship task with the student – until you are able and it will be all thanks to the to sit back and do less and less! Honourable Company of Air Pilots. As a freelance composer, I had convinced There was one other student instructor Long-term I would like to be able to myself by the mid to late 2000s that but he was busy flying for EasyJet as a instruct CPL, instrument and multi, but training to become a professional pilot in young captain, and doing another course first I will I need to do the 50 student whatever capacity that might have been, at CTC in order to teach ground school flight sign-offs under supervision, to be a was both financially and mentally there, so I moved ahead and we only had full FI rather than an FI Restricted – impossible – even though all I ever one chance to do ‘mutual flying’ – he FI(R), and then gradually build wanted to do was fly. taught me Effects of Controls. It was experience and other ratings. One step at I’m sure that many of you reading this are useful to see how he coped, how he was a time! more than aware of the near-prohibitive organized and how I felt being a student costs of flight training.And if you’ve told in that situation – all very worthwhile, yourself “I can’t do this”: whether you can’t afford the training, whether you and he did very well indeed (not a Jonathan Coles surprise, perhaps, but being an airline think you’re not capable, or even if you Sir Sefton Brancker Scholarship pilot doesn’t necessarily translate to being feel intimidated by the process of the In summary I had the time of my life training itself, then I sympathise with you a good instructor). learning to fly! It was hard but such great wholeheartedly. Moving on there was some pressure to fun. This scholarship has given me the Put simply,I wish I’d been made aware of complete the test as we were now into opportunity to fulfil the dream of the Honourable Company of Air Pilots September, Air Pilots required us to be becoming a pilot which otherwise I sooner. Don’t be put off by their grand- completed by 1st October and in any would never have been able to do/afford sounding title – Air Pilots are some of the case we all had trips or holidays looming before. I am so grateful that at the age of kindest people I’ve come across. The – but luckily I was deemed ready and Company is teeming with highly-skilled took the test with Islam. 20 I am able to say that I have gained my Private Pilots Licence. aviators and professionals of all He is an excellent instructor and backgrounds, who take an active interest examiner known by many in the At the start of the course the weather was in the next generation of pilots. They industry and it was a learning experience very poor which meant that flying was understand all of the ins and outs of in a huge way just to do a test with him restricted to just 1-2 days a week. This flying training; both the good points and – I was nervous and a bit under the was frustrating however it did give me the bad points. They treat you as a weather meaning my thinking wasn’t as time to start studying for my exams. human, not as a statistic. So if you think clear, but we went out and I taught him Although the syllabus was extensive, I you’re alone, you’re really not. everything he wanted me to demonstrate actually rather enjoyed it and found it My personal story was one of breaking teaching. It wasn’t the greatest flight I’d very interesting. down those mental “I can’t do this” ever done by a long shot but I got My first solo was a day I will never barriers with the completion of every stage of my licence. Ultimately, having through, and the briefing and long brief forget, I knew the day was on the way worked, begged and borrowed to finance went well. but I don't think you can ever fully my training, I achieved my frozen ATPL In such situations you are bound to feel prepare for that time when your in May 2014.As I progressed through the that you’re not doing that well but it’s a instructor gets out for the first time. It training, I became increasingly passionate lot to bring together and the test is was both scary and exhilarating, but once about the prospect of training aspiring somewhat artificial, testing bits and pieces I got up in the air I was surprisingly pilots. of the course. I comforted myself by relaxed and actually really enjoyed it. I love the idea of teaching someone to fly thinking at least in lessons they are clear- After this it wasn't long before I went on from scratch and I wanted to emulate the cut and hopefully straightforward, as long my solo cross-country which gave me a passion, enthusiasm and kindness of so as you brief properly, plan and follow the massive confidence boost. many of the instructors who taught me at usual procedures. Not long after my solo nav I was sitting Wycombe Air Park. The problem was Thankfully Redhill Aviation has good my test, and I have to say that I have that at this stage there was no way I could procedures and we spent a fair amount of fund the training myself, so it was the never felt so proud and so relieved when time going through paperwork, instructors at Wycombe Air Park who he told me that I had passed! It is my regulations etc as the instructor has suggested that I apply for a Flight biggest achievement of my life so far and considerable responsibility, not least of Instructor Scholarship with Air Pilots. I am so pleased to have the first step which is advising students on the training I applied as soon as applications opened completed on my journey towards they need in the first place. Not knowing in January 2016 and was thrilled to be the latest regulations could be costly,both becoming a commercial pilot. offered an interview in April. I actually to the student and to the business. Once Thank you so much to all of you at Air really enjoyed my interview; my I passed I actually only did one flight, Pilots who have given me the interviewers were very friendly and checking out someone on a Cessna 150, opportunity of a lifetime - I am eternally didn’t try to trip me up at all. I certainly before heading off on work trips and grateful. felt that they were on my side. I was

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therefore even more thrilled when, a few Will Moroney find out you’ve passed the skills test, but weeks later I was told that I had been really the best part is the whole journey awarded the Swire Flight Instructor APBF Scholarship to becoming a qualified pilot, a Scholarship! culmination of experiences. I can’t thank I chose to undertake my FI training with everyone at the Honourable Company of Booker Aviation at Wycombe Air Park, Air Pilots enough for their trust and the company with whom I’ve completed support of me in this process. I have all of my training thus far. The course gained so much from this experience but initially consists of a lot of ground in particular it has given me a massive school, and actually not that much flying, confidence boost, that I am a good pilot but it soon evens out. It sounds rather and that if I give all that I can, my passion daft to say so, but I didn’t realise quite will be recognised, and I will succeed in how much information I’d need to my ultimate goal of becoming a rapidly absorb and process. It’s one thing commercial pilot. being taught the theory and practical flying skill in order to be tested at the end of a course, but it’s another thing entirely Zoe Burnett to be taught information in order to then Air BPScholarship teach said information to someone who has never flown before in a coherent, intelligible and confident manner!! It’s a real skill that requires a lot of focus, but fortunately a skill that can be worked on and developed. I enjoyed the flying element of the This past summer has been the most course greatly (obviously!).The FI course amazing of my life as it has given me so follows the PPL (A) syllabus from effects many skills both in the aircraft and away of controls and flying straight and level from it. The scholarship allowed me to through to instrument flying and radio complete the licence at a steady and navigation. Personally, the most consistent rate which I would have challenging part of the course was otherwise been unable to do. teaching circuits. It’s so much As a result I picked up basic skills much information to deliver in such a short more quickly, giving me the opportunity space of time, whilst flying the aeroplane to focus on aspects like navigation and accurately and talking to ATC. I slept like radio later on, while still being able to a log that night, and have nothing but comfortably and confidently fly the respect for the instructors who taught me aircraft. My flying also brought with it to fly circuits! many amazing experiences and views, The most enjoyable element of the from flying wing to wing with a Spitfire course was spinning. It’s so much fun, and on finals into Duxford, or watching the nowhere near as scary as it’s made out to sun setting on the City of London. I started my training in the beginning of be.Those of you who have already spun Although at the end of a long day's flying June 2016 at Tayside Aviation in Dundee. in a Cessna will appreciate how funny I often felt incredibly tired, there was still My training was completed in a PA-28- the screaming stall-warner sounds... nowhere I would rather be than back in 161 aircraft and I was allocated my own the plane looking to improve in any way The Flight Instructor course has without instructor for the duration of my course. I could. It wasn’t just the physical flying a doubt honed and improved my flying I travelled down to Tayside for my first that really engrossed me, but the theory lesson, however poor weather did not skills and theoretical knowledge. I’d say as well. Gaining a really in-depth that it was the most informative and allow me to fly but I met my instructor understanding of the mechanics, physics and was given an Induction. Looking at enjoyable flying course that I’ve and psychology of flying has only my bag containing all the theory books, completed to date.The fact that I’m now intrigued me more. Having such a great and all the navigation and flying allowed to teach student pilots is a very support network of instructors at Flight equipment, I could already see my exciting prospect and I greatly look Training London meant that if I had any summer was going to be busy, but I forward to receiving my first students in issues or wanted to find out a little bit couldn’t wait to start. A few days later I January 2017! more on a certain area, the knowledge undertook my first flying lesson and It goes without saying that I’m incredibly was always present somewhere in the loved every minute. The first few flights grateful to the Honourable Company of office. involved climbing and descending, turns Air Pilots for this fantastic opportunity, When looking back on that summer and stalling. Due to still being at school, and I would like to say an enormous there is no single best part. A few I had to juggle attending and completing thank you to my sponsors. And to any highlights like my solo, first solo school work with flying and travelling to potential applicants...this is an amazing navigation and that moment when you Dundee and this continued for the opportunity.Apply for it!

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duration of my course. I quickly Cumbernauld Airport. I found the land test left to complete, however again the discovered that the weather was going to aways the most challenging part of the weather delayed this greatly. Every day I be a challenge with my slots and course as being based in Dundee I was was hoping for good weather allowing schedules for my flights often being used to a much longer and wider runway me to sit the test and gain my PPL. cancelled or delayed due to poor than at these other airports. However, I Finally, the day arrived and I was able to conditions. Tayside Aviation was always managed and I was able to do my solo carry out my skills test with an examiner busy and available for studying or support land away at Glenrothes Airport quickly from Tayside. I was given a route to plan if needed, and I enjoyed meeting more afterwards. By this stage I had completed and calculate mass and balance before young people with similar goals and all the theory exams and was thoroughly setting off. The route took me north interests. In addition to the practical enjoying every minute of the course.As I flying I also started to study and work was now doing a lot of solo exercises I towards Stonehaven and then I was given through the 9 theory exams on topics often stayed at Dundee for days without a diversion to plan and fly. Once I had such as Air Law, Navigation and Aircraft ever flying, as I needed very good landed I was over the moon when the General Knowledge. weather conditions.This was frustrating, examiner said that I had passed! In July, I completed my first solo flight. I however it allowed me to study and learn All my hard work and support from landed with my instructor who then told how to read the weather conditions. Tayside and my family has been worth it! me I was ready to go solo so he jumped Finally,the weather was good enough for I am still at school and I am grateful for out, went up the tower and watched me me to complete my solo cross country, its support too as I have missed so many as I completed my first solo circuit. consisting of landing at Fife (Glenrothes) classes whilst trying to complete the Flying solo for the first time was the most and Cumbernauld. This was another PPL. I am now looking forward to amazing feeling and experience ever, I monumental flight which I thoroughly continuing to learn and enhance my had a smile on my face for the whole enjoyed. Re-joining back into Dundee skills and continuing to fly. I think my day! I had flown solo before I had driven was challenging however very cool - the parents will be my first passengers! solo! airport was so busy due to a Golf Having my PPL means I can apply for competition in Angus meaning there I progressed to the navigation phase of the degree course at Tayside Aviation but were many private aircraft. Transiting the training. My instructor gave me the I am also applying for commercial airline navigation brief which taught me how to though the Edinburgh Zone was also cadetships as to fly commercially is my plan a route and use the flight computer. very exciting due to the commercial dream. I then undertook my first dual aircraft and flying over the Forth road navigation flight which went well, and I and rail bridges. I was delighted it went I am truly grateful to Air BP and the quickly progressed onto my first solo well. Honourable Company of Air Pilots for navigation flight.After this I moved onto By this time I had completed my mock giving me this opportunity and fulfil a landing away at Glenrothes Airport and skills test and only had my actual skills dream!

Gliding and CATS winners

Virgin Atlantic PPL scholarship winners winners Professional scholarships and bursaries

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well used to powerful piston engines the Meteor’s work as a day fighter, a with rapid throttle response. The sheer mount for the Auxiliaries, its Book Reviews... speed of the Meteor and its enormous employment as a night fighter and its use appetite for fuel caught many out.There as an advanced trainer. Lesser- known Meteor Boys were many casualties, especially as the aspects of its service in the roles of fighter by Steve Bond Meteor was not equipped with an ejector reconnaissance, high level photo Reviewed by Liveryman Tom Eeles seat until the F8 appeared in the early reconnaissance, target facilities and as a stop-gap trainer when the Gnat suffered Yet another title in the ‘Boys’ series 1950s.The Meteor held two traps for the availability problems in the 1960s, are also published by Grub Street, Meteor Boys unwary, its single engine handling at low well described. There are many contains vivid descriptions by forty speeds and the ‘Phantom Dive’. There contributors well-known to an RAF Meteor pilots of their experiences flying were many accidents, usually fatal, during pilot of my generation. It is quite Great Britain’s first operational jet practice single engine flying when an amazing to discover that our first ever fighter. Compared with its German engine was normally shut down leaving operational jet fighter is still doing contemporary the Me 262 Sturmvogel, little chance of recovery from a poorly valuable service today as a test vehicle for the Meteor was a fairly pedestrian design, handled or baulked approach. The Martin Baker Aircraft’s wonderful however, its centrifugal Derwent jet ‘Phantom Dive’ occurred if the airbrakes ejection seats. Dave Southwood (one of engines were more reliable than the were left out when the landing gear was my more successful students and noted German axial flow engines and the selected down. The main wheels came test pilot) gives an excellent description airframe was remarkably robust. down one at a time so a powerful rolling of how this vintage jet fighter is being My first recollection of the Meteor was dive developed from which there was no recovery possible from circuit height, flown today in the furtherance of when I was 6 years old: my father was ejection seat development; the operation Station Commander at RAF Thorney when this normally happened. Indeed, the RAF’s last flying Meteor was lost this of the sole single-seat F8 still flying in Island where 3 squadrons of Meteor 4s Australia is also well documented. were based. They made such a deep way in 1988 at the Coventry Air Show. impression on me that I decided on my Sometimes we never learn. future career at that early age. The The book begins with a thoughtful exploits of those pilots who flew the preface written by the Right Meteor in those far off days, when the jet Honourable Lord Tebbit, who flew age was in its infancy, make fascinating Meteors with 604 Squadron RAuxAF reading in our risk averse, health and until it was disbanded in 1957. It safety conscious era. Handling the continues by describing the Meteor’s primitive jet engines was very operational service in the last year of challenging for the pilots, who were all World War 2; subsequent chapters cover

activity, and night flying, had to be The CAT and the Hamsters moved to the likes of Bournemouth. The History of the College of Air Training The author makes frequent reference to by Stuart Logan - Legend Media the military edge to the authoritarianism with which the place was managed – Reviewed by The Editor perhaps inevitable in post-war Britain Stuart Logan has taken upon himself thread through the narrative, it is that of when the bulk of instructors were retired what was clearly a labour of love – to continuous political meddling, usually to RAF pilots. However the all stick and no record the history of the College of Air the detriment of those involved. The carrot approach shows well how flying Training at Hamble (of which he was a episodes when the College management training has evolved since. graduate).The CAT looms very large in was looking to replace the aircraft fleet Logan takes plenty of time to iterate each post-war British Civil Aviation, since it with British types (from Beagle at nearby training accident – of which there were produced the majority of civil entrants to Shoreham) are illuminating. many. This is probably because Logan our then two major airlines. I must have During the war Hamble had been a himself was the survivor of a particularly missed it if Logan spelled out quite what major hub for the ATA, and in the Fifties horrific incident in which his instructor proportion. It will therefore be close to this rural grass airfield must have seemed the hearts of a substantial proportion of a suitable nursery at which to grow a was killed.The book is clearly thoroughly Air Pilots. cadre of future airline pilots. But the researched, and written in a welcome In telling the tale of the CAT, Logan expansion of metropolitan Southampton sardonic style. Graduates will no doubt understandably also relates the evolution led to a proliferation of NIMBYs. The enjoy leafing through the appendices of civil aviation in the period, including main marked strip was only 940m, so which list the members of every intake - the influence of our earlier incarnation, when multi-engine training shifted to and which therefore include several Past and BALPA. If there is one underlying heavier types such as the Baron, that Masters and Liverymen.

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