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

ElectricThe days of fossil fuels are numbered. dreams It's a global issue that needs to be resolved. Thankfully there are companies in aviation looking for answers. We investigate what they're offering...

CERTIFIED DYNON AIRFIELDS UPDATE Dynon has big plans The latest on the for Certified aircraft UK airfields at risk

ACROSS THE US AIRSPACE WOWS David Hastings spots Nick Wilcock's insight UFOs on his adventure to penalty-free flying

MAGAZINE 10.2017 FREE TO MEMBERS WWW.AOPA.CO.UK

03 CHAIRMAN'S MESSAGE THE FUTURE OF EDITOR David Rawlings GA IS BRIGHT [email protected] OPA Chief Executive Martin Robinson and I visited RAF Syerston in August to present the Lennox-Boyd Trophy, AOPA’s oldest and ART EDITOR Dan Payne most prestigious award, to AOPA member Carol Vorderman MBE. As [email protected] A someone whose name is widely recognised in the UK, her support of young British cadets as well as her proposed solo flight around the world in a SUB EDITOR GA aircraft has raised – and continues to raise – the profile of General Aviation, Lucy Debenham especially for our younger generation. The presentation took place at a summer camp for air cadets, and a more appropriate venue could not have been found. CONTRIBUTORS The photograph on page 18 shows the enthusiasm and delight of the cadets. Adam Winter, Nick Wilcock, Prior to the presentation, Martin and I were given a whistle-stop tour of the Pauline Vahey, various training activities arranged for the cadets attending the camp. These John Walker, David Hastings, included winch-launched gliding and 20 minute flights in a Chinook helicopter Neil Monks (30 cadets at a time in this big and noisy beast) and, on the ground, hands-on courses on radio, air traffic control, drones, defence technology and piloting skills PUBLISHED BY using part-task training simulators. Also, as part of key community engagement, AOPA UK the Aviation Skills Partnership had arranged for a master class in aviation for 50a Cambridge Street, 50 non-cadet pupils. Overall, a wide variety of career opportunities in aviation London, SW1V 4QQ were presented. The enthusiasm conveyed by the cadets for all the activities +44 (0)20 7834 5631 was pleasing to see, and the visit brought back pleasant memories for Martin and I, who are both former air cadets. I was lucky enough to be awarded a flying ADVERTISING scholarship, enabling me to earn my PPL before starting work at the Handley Page & SUBSCRIPTIONS aircraft company. AOPA UK The event provided an upbeat counterbalance to the downward trend of the British Light Aviation Centre 50a Cambridge Street number of PPLs issued by the CAA over the past decade. Previously, the well- London, SW1V 4QQ being of GA has been a strong indicator of the level of activity in commercial +44 (0)20 7834 5631 pilot flight training. If this is still the case, then forecasts of growth in the CAT sector are worth studying. Aircraft manufacturer Boeing has analysed the future HEAD OF ADVERTISING market for airframes over the next 20 years, highlighting an ‘extraordinary David Impey demand’ for people to fly and maintain commercial aircraft. It forecasts that +44 (0)7742 605338 617,000 commercial airline pilots will be needed; 40% in the Asia Pacific region alone, and 18% (or just over 100,000) closer to home here in Europe. The PRINTING demand is global, and the promotion of flying as a career – for business, personal Fisherprint transport, or recreation – will be important. For AOPA, the focus needs to be on Padholme Road how to get people into flying, whatever the age group. Peterborough, PE1 5UL Those days as a student pilot may be long forgotten, but it is still the case +44 (0)1733 341444 that the initial training is undertaken in General Aviation aircraft at flying clubs www.fisherprint.co.uk and flight training organisations. A large proportion of these, in the UK, are AOPA Corporate Members. In support, the AOPA Training Committee provides a © British Light Aviation Centre Ltd valuable forum for constructive discussion and engagement with the regulators AOPA is a member of the International Council of Aircraft Owners and on licensing and training matters. It is through activities such as these that AOPA Pilots Association. IAOPA aims to ensure the future viability of general aviation, for which your continued support is welcomed. •

Articles, photographs and news items from AOPA members and other readers are welcome. Please send to the Editor. Inclusion of material in AOPA Magazine cannot be guaranteed, however, and remains at the discretion of the Editor. Material for consideration for the George Done December 2017 issue should be received Chairman, AOPA UK no later than 01 November 2017. [email protected]

October 2017 AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot 04 INSIDE THIS MONTH CONTENTS OCTOBER 2017

07CHIEF EXECUTIVE'S DIARY It's been a busy 18NEWS All the latest news from around month for Martin Robinson. Along with a trip the globe, including Carol Vorderman, the to Romania, he has also undertaken an AOPA European Gliding Championships, and much, fly-in to Iceland, amongst other things! much more.

09AOPA COMMUNITY The section of the 24FLYING FEATURE 3,000 miles from coast to magazine just for you. Everything you need to coast in the US. David Hastings MBE regales know about the world of AOPA and how it's us with his story about his trip across America helping GA pilots. – including a UFO sighting.

10WORKING FOR YOU The Members Working 28COVER STORY Electric dreams. We have to Group flew in to Gloucester Airport for their face the fact that Avgas won't be here forever. latest meeting. Read what they’ve been But there are alternatives, and these aircraft working on for the good of aviation. are at the forefront of technology.

13AIRFIELDS UPDATE John Walker collates all 36TRAINING FEATURE Not another airspace the latest news from airfields around the UK infringement story? Well yes, but Nick Wilcock to let us know which ones are under threat explains exactly how to ensure you don't drift from developers and local councils. off course.

14PPL CORNER Adam Winter invites us to learn 41TECH REVIEW Dynon Avionics has how to navigate one of the world's busiest announced that, after years in the parts of airspace, South East England, without experimental market, it is going to launch a getting pinged. range of products for Certified aircraft.

16HELP AND ADVICE What exactly is going on 42BOOK REVIEW Nick Wilcock reviews Tony with European Airspace? Neil Monks unravels Buttler's book detailing the Miles M.52 project. this complex issue to see how GA is benefiting The book goes into more detail than any other from the Single European Sky programme. about Britain's first supersonic aeroplane.

AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot October 2017 05

EDITOR'S MOMENT LOOKING AHEAD Firstly, thank you to everyone who sent emails, letters and comments about the last issue of AOPA UK. I have to hold my hands up and apologise for the mistakes that were made in the magazine. I can assure you that they were human error and not intentional. I try to ensure that all members have a magazine they enjoy picking up and want to read from cover-to-cover. I, along with my team, will make sure we are diligent to ensure your enjoyment isn't quelled by simple mistakes. Right, that said, there's still some good weather out there and still plenty of flying to be done before the nights really draw in and we have to sit there waiting for spring 2018. In this issue there are plenty of features to not only help you perfect your flying, but also get you into the cockpit and in search of your own aviation adventures. The next issue will help with some winter maintenance so your pride and joy will remain 28 well-kept over winter.

David Rawlings Editor, AOPA Magazine UK 41 [email protected]

22

Octbober 2017 AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot

07 CHIEF EXECUTIVE'S DIARY IT IS ALWAYS A PLEASURE MEETING OUR MEMBERS ne of the most rewarding Botta in his C182 from Bucharest to parts of my job is to fly and Tuzla. Julian said: "OK, I fly! You meet fellow aviators. And so navigate and do the radio!" Well it all O it was, when I paid a long worked out. I want to congratulate the overdue visit to the AOPA Iceland fly-in Romanian ATCOs who were able to deal in Mulakot and Tuzla in Romania. It is with switching between English and always a pleasure to meet members Romanian. who provide the financial backing and Whilst the primary purpose was to support to the association through speak in a conference organised by their membership. Even if we have not Pria about the GAGA work AOPA UK met in person, let me thank you for is doing, it coincided with a local fly-in your support, because without you GA which, to my utter amazement, was doesn't have an independent voice. packed with people. During the flying display three Diamonds flew in formation AUGUST and it was very well executed. I am sure As this is the month that most people it was exciting for the spectators. The take their annual holiday, it's usually lead pilot had a job with EasyJet, and the the least busiest month in the AOPA other two were club instructors. calendar. Back in the conference there was a discussion on professional flight training. 3RD AUGUST "I went with George The thought was that the UK must have I had one of my quarterly meetings with incentives that attract individuals into the Tony Rapson, the Head of the GAU. Tony to present the industry. Romania actually doesn’t apply deals with questions from me, which are any taxes to professional pilot training often outside his remit, because he is our Lennox-Boyd Trophy – including VAT! The Romanian schools CoA focal point. Tony is always helpful were very surprised when I explained and will always find an answer – it may to Carol Vorderman the UK situation. I also managed enough not be the one I want, but he will get an for her work in time to go for a dip in the Black Sea. answer, whatever the question. promoting flying" 22ND AUGUST 5TH-7TH AUGUST I went with George to present the Went to Mulakot, a small GA airfield in Lennox-Boyd Trophy to Carol Iceland – I had an enormously enjoyable Vorderman for her work in promoting weekend. In Iceland GA is a real family flying across all sectors of society. She affair. I want to thank Valur, his wife may be a celeb, but this award is well- and two sons who I can honestly say deserved in my honest opinion. are totally immersed in GA – thank you During the month of August I also had a for your kind hospitality. Mulakot is a number of members seeking help across camp site with GA aircraft that fly all a range of issues, including airspace day. Ray also took me for a flight in his infringements, insurance problems and new Cirrus. Iceland is a really rewarding medical issues. • flying experience and I can recommend it to any member. There are cheap flights and if you contact AOPA Iceland they will help find an aircraft to fly. 16TH-20TH AUGUST Paid a visit to Romania – whilst GA is Martin Robinson still developing there – it's an interesting CEO, AOPA UK place to fly. I recently flew with Julian [email protected]

October 2017 AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot

AOPA COMMUNITY 09 HELPING YOU STAY FLYING Welcome to the new AOPA Community section of the magazine, bringing you all the news and insight from the world of AOPA...

WORKING FOR YOU What AOPA is doing for you

AIRFIELDS UPDATE The latest from around the UK

PPL CORNER Help with threading airspace

AOPA ADVICE Why commercial is in charge

October 2017 AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot 10 AOPA COMMUNITY Working For You

WORDS Pauline Vahey GLOUCESTER AIRPORT HOSTS AOPA MWG The latest news from the Members Working Group

The AOPA Members of attendees had planned to to the local community. both. A suggestion from the Working Group (MWG) fly in, tempted by the offer of He mentioned some of the floor was to advertise them was held at Gloucestershire a free landing in exchange for other activities they put and the AOPA MWG more Airport at the generous fuel uplift and free parking. on to encourage the local further afield than the AOPA invitation of the Airport However the weather was not community, especially young magazine, perhaps as a ‘does management, and in to stay that way; towering people to come and use the your association come out to particular Operations cumulus were forecast for just airport, not just for flying. meet you?’ piece written by Director Darren Lewington the about the time we’d all be They also use social media Pat Malone in his associations whose team helped make going home, but some of the extensively to connect with page in Flyer Magazine. The all the arrangements run more intrepid of our members locals and those further afield. meeting also minuted a big smoothly. still flew. Did we know Gloucestershire thank you to Mick Elborn There had been a good Darren opened the meeting was the 11th busiest airport for all of his work, not only response from local members with an introduction to the in the country? An example in producing a new-look who wanted to come along airport, including some of others could learn from. website,but also undertaking and meet the AOPA team and its history. He talked about the move to a new and more hear what AOPA is working the business model of the DOWN TO BUSINESS secure technical platform. on to help keep them flying. airport which had enabled it First up was progress with Thanks were also recorded The AOPA team were also to become sustainable and the Wings and Mentoring for the help given to Mick and keen to hear what issues are viable. He also explained how Schemes. There are now two members David Chambers and affecting its membership so important the opening of the further airfields interested David Kriel on reviewing and they can inform the work that Jet Age Museum had been in in joining up, and Mick commenting on the content AOPA focuses on. A number making the airport accessible Elborn will be talking to of the site. If you take a look,

The Members Working Group managed to squeeze in a tour of Gloucester's Jet Age Museum – well worth a visit

AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot October 2017 11 you’ll see that wasn’t a trivial devices was going to be and task either. There are still a Bob Darby was able to help, few changes in the pipeline assuring everyone that 1090 to make some of the areas was the worldwide standard available to members only, and that was the one to use. and other ideas are also afoot He was also able to update for members, such as AOPA the meeting on work on Instructor Members being conspicuity at EAS level and able to advertise availability reported that EASA rules are and corporate members not changing for the present. advertising vacancies. DRONES AIRFIELDS Darby also stated that at John Walker talked about the next meeting he was his ever-lengthening list of attending, drones were to airfields at risk, although be discussed, reassuring there were a couple of good everyone that it was accepted new stories from Halfpenny that drones would be giving Green and Redhill. As Mike way to light aircraft not the from Andrewsfield was in other way around. He also attendance, the situation made the meeting aware that there was discussed in some now local councils were to detail, the conclusion of keep all of the business rates, which seemed to be that the increasingly airfields would financial case as proposed by become targets for revenue the local councils was suspect generation. when subjected to rigorous risk management stress MUSEUM FUN testing. An approach that The meeting then enjoyed might be useful for others in a a delicious lunch provided similar situation. by the Aviator Café and proceeded to visit the Jet ENGINE THEFT Age Museum. At one time During the open discussion Gloucestershire had the session, concerns about the most number of aviation rising numbers of thefts of manufacturing companies of Rotax engines was aired. any county in the UK. It was Various strategies were being where the first ever jet engine put in place, for example the flight took place, the Gloster BMAA now allow owners to E28/39. Other Gloster-built use their corporate address aircraft on display include on G-INFO so that it's less such legends as the Meteor, likely that the location of the the Javelin, and a replica of a engines can be gleaned from 1925 Gamecock. Restoration G-INFO, for others perhaps projects of a Gladiator bi- using PO box addresses plane and Hawker Typhoon (although this isn't cheap, are also under way. The but maybe cheaper than a Museum also benefits from new Rotax). The free use of its continuing connection the online GAR on the AOPA with local people, many of website was going to become whose relatives worked in a members only facility the factories. Their stories as it had been shown only are being recorded for 20% of the use had been by posterity as a resource for AOPA members. Mike Frost the significant history of explained how he had started aviation in Gloucestershire. using a conspicuity device We then all started on our on a recent trip and had way home. Having listened been delighted at the useful to the thunderstorms raging information he had been able overhead whilst we were to see. in the museum hangar, we People asked what the wished our intrepid aviators standard for conspicuity all the best for safe trips. •

October 2017 AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot TAKE YOUR PPL THEORY IN LONDON

Following the popularity of the first series of courses, AOPA is pleased to advise that it is running more evening Ground School courses for ab initio pilots. The PPL Ground School takes place at the AOPA offices at 50a Cambridge Street each Tuesday and Thursday evening, 7-9pm, on the dates shown below. The AOPA office is only five minutes’ walk from Victoria Station. All nine subjects required for the PPL (Aeroplanes) are taught over a period of approximately 70 hours. The lecturer is Adam Winter, a highly qualified and experienced flying instructor who works for the Flyers Flying School at Elstree. You can read more about the training and subject matter at WWW.FLIGHTGROUNDSCHOOL.CO.UK 2017 2018 AIR LAW OCT 3, 5, 10, 12 AIRCRAFT GENERAL KNOWLEDGE JAN 5, 9, 11, 16, 18 OPERATIONS AND PROCEDURES OCT 17, 19 PRINCIPLES OF FLIGHT JAN 21, 23, 25 HUMAN PERFORMANCE AND LIMITATIONS OCT 24, 26 REVISION JAN 30 REVISION OCT 31 EXAMS FEB 1 EXAMS NOV 2 PERFORMANCE & PLANNING FEB 6, 8, 13 NAVIGATION NOV 7, 9, 14, 16, 21, 23 COMMUNICATIONS FEB 15, 20 METEOROLOGY NOV 28, 30, DEC 5, 7, 12 REVISION FEB 22 REVISION DEC 14 EXAMS FEB 27 EXAMS DEC 19

It is not necessary to attend the full course and candidates can select the individual subjects they wish to study from the published dates. You do not have to be a member of AOPA to participate. Further details can be obtained from Mandy at the AOPA office on 0207 8345631 or [email protected] AOPA COMMUNITY Airfields Update 13

WORDS John Walker IMAGES jay-jerry LATEST NEWS ON OUR UK AIRFIELDS John Walker offers the latest news from the UK's aerodromes

There are airfields across Site Options consultation site near Cirencester. PANSHANGER the UK currently under document for a 3,000 Public consultation on the Site originally earmarked thre of closure. Here are home development. Public draft Local Plan has been for housing by Welwyn the latest developments, consultation on definitive completed. Hatfield Borough Council updated 29 August 2017. Local Plan expected to start but final draft Local Plan in October 2017. NOTTINGHAM CITY reduces housing element CHALGROVE With the support of the land and allows the opportunity Airfield occupied and KEMBLE owner, site earmarked for up for a realigned grass runway operated by Martin-Baker Commercial Estates Group to 4,000 homes in Local Plan on land to north of previous Aircraft has been transferred (CEG) proposal to build a Core Strategy adopted by runway 11/29. Final draft from the MoD to the Homes 2,000-home sustainable Rushcliffe Borough Council Local Plan submitted to and Communities Agency village on this ‘brownfield’ after approval from Planning Planning Inspector for Public (HCA). Site included in South site as an alternative to the Inspector. Public consultation Examination commencing on Oxfordshire District Draft draft Cotswold District Local on final draft Local Plan 21 September 2017. Local Local Plan Second Preferred Plan proposal for a greenfield expected later this year press report that a planning application to restore the aerodrome is expected shortly.

SHERWOOD FLYING CLUB Long-standing AOPA Corporate Member, the Sherwood Flying Club based at Nottingham City Airport, has been granted ATO status, enabling the club to extend its flying training activities to include Flight Instructor (FI) courses. The club's structure means it is able to offer FI courses at a competitive rate. The Club would welcome Panshanger, one of inquiries from qualified Flying the airfields on John Instructors willing to assist in Walker's list... the expanded training activity. sherwoodflyingclub.co.uk •

MOD SITES

MOD document A Better Defence Estate airfield 2031; RAF Halton airfield 2022; RAF RAF Wyton airfield is being sold off - issued on 7 November 2016 lists the Henlow 2020 – site earmarked for mixed Defence Infrastructure Organisation and following aerodrome sites for disposal in use development in Central Bedfordshire local property developer Crest Nicholson the years indicated: Council Draft Local Plan; Mildenhall 2022; proposal for up to 4,500 homes on site. Abingdon 2029; Alconbury 2023; Molesworth 2023; North Luffenham 2021; Due to road infrastructure issues, site Arbroath, RMB Condor airfield 2020; Woodbridge, Rock Barracks 2027. deleted from Huntingdonshire District Brawdy, Cawdor Barracks 2024; RMB The former RAF Wethersfield airfield site is Council definitive 2036 Local Plan for mixed Chivenor 2027; Colerne 2018; Dishforth being transferred to the HCA in 2020. use development including housing.

In addition to the above, RAF Wyton airfield is being sold off - Defence Infrastructure Organisation and local property developer Crest Nicholson has submitted a proposal for up to 4,500 homes on site. Site earmarked in draft Huntingdonshire District Council Local Plan for mixed use development including housing but road infrastructure issues expected to result in scheme being deferred beyond Local Plan period.

October 2017 AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot 14 AOPA COMMUNITY PPL Corner

WORDS Adam Winter MAKING SURE YOU STAY OUT OF TROUBLE Adam Winter is concerned about all the controlled airspace in South East England. Here, he explains how you can avoid it altogether...

Apart from in an emergency, (apps are useful tools – I There are some excellent there is never going to be a ADAM WINTER always check and compare ATSOCAS (Air Traffic Service decent excuse for infringing the weather and winds with Outside Controlled Air controlled airspace. There the met office directly when Space) such as LARS (Lower is only going to be a reason using them). Either way you Airspace Radar Service). I it has happened. have a reasonable calculation couldn’t resist that. These The airspace around South and assessment of winds and services have been provided East England can seem drift angles, so you are well for us in order to help keep us rather daunting with myriads prepared. out of controlled airspace and of restrictions; Control to keep controlled airspace Zones, TMAs, danger areas, FLYING THE ROUTE safe. A lot of people use military zones, temporary Adam is a commercial pilot You should be able to fly Farnborough LARS around restrictions such as the Red with more than 30 years' that route using time and the South East. Their best Arrows, memorial flights, experience. His career has heading as you have done product for the PPL navigator Airshows (found in the included bush flying in Africa the minimum but essential is the ‘Basic Service’. When NOTAMs) and so on. Whilst and island hopping in the preparation. Don’t forget you get that from them, they it might look congested on West indies, as well as a stint this is visual navigation. offer you a transponder code a 1:500000 map, there is in the airlines. He is also a Stay ahead of the aircraft by then monitor your progress as actually an enormous volume physics teacher with three literally looking ahead and best they can on radar. If they of uncontrolled airspace years' classroom experience. spotting the features you are not too busy they will tell to manoeuvre in and many circled (and other aircraft). you about traffic if it is going ways to get through. As a If you see the outline of to pass close by, but it is your general aviation pilot, there and note any distinguishing a town that you estimate job really to look out. If you are foolproof ways to either features along the it. Circle passing in four minutes, you do happen wander too close avoid controlled airspace or them and note the EET are four minutes ahead, and to controlled airspace and go through it. (estimated en-route time) to can think about that forest they see it, they will warn you those features. Good features you might be looking for and steer you away if they NAVIGATION IS THE KEY are towns, cities, roads, after twelve minutes. Of spot it in time. If you infringe, The key to avoiding infringing airfields, railways, forests and course life is not always alarm bells go off for them, is good navigation, and the so forth. I tend not to use this simple, but by making and they will steer you out key to that is simply knowing rivers, as they can be hard to these easy preparations you straight away. They will be where you are, and where spot, or dried out. So a typical will have more capacity to very calm and professional you are headed. Knowing navigation leg on my map will make corrections when that and will let you get on with where you are is a function of consist of a black line, with first town is off to the right, the rest of your flight. You keeping up with the aircraft, small circles along it around or work out why it took will probably be asked to and knowing where you are features, with a number five minutes longer than call them on your return and going is all about keeping representing the minutes expected. You are giving will be asked to fill in a form ahead of it. Then fly straight it will take to get there. I yourself more of a chance which details the infringement. and level. don’t believe in clogging up of navigating successfully, The reason they do this is Let us imagine a short the map with fan lines and and less of a chance of going to establish why it occurred, route. There is a minimum correction angles, not for a into controlled airspace. how it might be avoided in the safe amount of preparation PPL-holding pleasure pilot, Try always to prepare to future, and if you need any for the route you should or student navigator. Now, navigate this way primarily, further training before flying be doing. The first thing is in order to follow that line, and then you can add layers again. With my infringement draw a line on a 1:500 000 you have either calculated of assistance on top, such as a few years ago (I’ll tell map. The line avoids or goes the headings using your satnav or radio aids to help you later), and a recent one through or around controlled amazing and wonderful CRP you confirm you are following by a student of mine, they airspace, and note the upper circular slide rule, or you your line. There are still other have been very reasonable limits of the airspace for the have printed the headings tools at your disposal to and forgiving because were route. Now look at the route from some demonic website avoid controlled airspace. talking to them. Getting a

AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot October 2017 15

This map shows the area of coverage of the Farnborough Areas covered by Listening squawks and LARS across the South LARS sectors – the full LARS guide can be found online East of England basic service is very basic. airspace. Those are the cases We were at the holding point contacted Farnborough by Here is a typical call format: that don’t usually cause for runway 26 at Elstree, phone on our return. I filled in “Farnborough G-AOPA for commercial aviation any mid August. The blackberry the online form and I stated basic service” problems because although bushes a few feet off the wing that I had been distracted at “G-AOPA Farnborough pass the infringements occur, tips were heavy with huge the holding point and hadn’t your message” they are quickly diverted. berries and was imaginging a noticed the wrong altimeter “G-AOPA is a PA28 from The problems occur when juicy warm crumble dripping pressure setting. I stated that Elstree to Wellesbourne, the infringing aircraft aren’t with thick cool fresh cream. I it would never happen again South of Bovingdon 2000 talking to ATC. When you are was also vaguely aware of my and it hasn’t. I remember the feet, request basic service” using a service, you have to friend doing the pre take-off incident every time I set the “G-PA squawk 5024 London listen out and respond to the checks and I saw him adjust altimeter now. QNH 1005” controller if he calls. I am very the altimeter, set the DI, fuel Finally, don’t forget you “G-PA squawk 5024 QNH familiar with our local training pump, flaps and so on; only can go through controlled 1005." area and know visually where to be woken from my berry airspace. Luton seem more And that is about it. It is the all the controlled airspace is. reveries as he was given the than happy to let you fly over same basic RT format used Sometimes ATC are very busy discretion to line up. We took their thresholds. You just have for most situations and you and I don’t really need a basic off and climbed and turned to know where you are, sound should be fluent with it. It is service so I simply select the towards the north-east. The competent on the radio, use nice to get it all out in one frequency and monitor it. I top of uncontrolled airspace the correct phraseology and short professional-sounding can let the LARS provider around Elstree is altitude ask. It is a good experience. spurt of RT, but it is OK if know I am listening in by 2500 ft. At 2400 ft I warned If there is a jet on final, ATC you forget something or squawking what is called a my friend and he levelled off usually ask you to orbit north get it wrong. Often students ‘conspicuity code’(see map of and started to descend at just or south of the runway until say something completely areas covered). You can use under 2450 ft. But looking you see it. When you see random, or forget to state these codes for cross country out the local area, things it and report to them, they something. It doesn’t matter, routes as well. didn’t look right; we looked ask you to fly over the 26 the controller will ask. It too high. Checking the QNH threshold (if wind is westerly isn’t just Farnborough that EVEN THE BEST FALTER I’d written down earlier and - 08 if easterly) and pass offer this service. Most large Unfortunately, just like the altimeter confirmed my behind the jet. They also tell airports offer it such as Luton avoiding parking tickets in suspicion and we had been the jet pilot about you (look or Brize Radar (see map of central London, avoiding flying on QFE. So 2450 ft up ‘D’ controlled airspace). Farnborough LARS coverage). controlled airspace is height was in fact over 2750 It's a good way to build As an instructor I use this something that can trip up altitude. We descended confidence and is great fun! • service often, both to help me even the most experienced very rapidly and I contacted out and to get my students of us. About six years ago I Farnborough straight away for If you have any issues used to using it. I often hear was flying as safety pilot with a basic service and admitted regarding any flying, Adam controllers steering aircraft a friend who could still fly the error. We continued the can advise. Email him via: away from or out of controlled but no longer held a medical. flight without incident and [email protected]

October 2017 AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot 16 AOPA COMMUNITY AOPA Advice

WORDS Neil Monks IMAGES Courtesy of NASA WHAT'S HAPPENING TO OUR AIRSPACE? When we talk about airspace and what the political goals are, the entire system is geared around Commercial Air Transport

In 1999, Europe developed cost benefit studies showed, legislation known as 8.33 for GA was pure cost Single European Sky and no benefit. This kind of (SES) to try and sort out regulatory action deepens the inefficiencies of the GA’s mistrust of this system, airspace system. however there is still a high- By removing airspace level belief that in the long barriers associated with run, 8.33 will be needed. national borders it was thought that the fragmented IN CONCLUSION system could make the system The airspace across the UK much more efficient, leading and Europe is evolving and as to fuel saving, less emissions with all evolutions those that and less system delays. don’t change become extinct. Underpinning SES are a Clearly GA has to think number of regulations and It's a tough job in the Air Traffic Control tower about its activities and packages. There was a desire whether or not they have the to develop functional airspace success has there been? extension – the reason is potential to impact on the blocks which has, to a large Well it's hard to measure “capacity” and Eurocontrol “network”. If the airspace extent, not materialised even – certainly air transport has convinced the Commission planners focus on providing though work continues today not stopped and it's still a that if capacity was to be an integrated solution in the with their development. very safe mode of transport. improved, more frequencies future rather than continuing These blocks of airspace The programmes are still would be needed. So the with the segregated system were supposed to lead to a running, but maybe some of regulation was born. of today, it could be the borderless single sky, enabling the original timescales were Back when the changing case that more airspace is free routing airspace. too unrealistic? Nor had regulation was being available for all airspace users Aligned to this was the anyone foreseen some of the discussed, IAOPA/AOPA UK in the future. So if we start promise that no emission industrial problems such as managed to persuade the to address a known airspace charging scheme would ATC strikes. Another part of Commission to think in terms environment and known intent be adopted until the the objective was to reduce of system-wide benefits, environments we could see fragmentation issue was the number of ACCs across with a view to financially additional capacity gains for resolved. With Europe’s ATM Europe from the current supporting those parts of the all airspace users. system costing billions, there number (67). The US only has system that were not going to Safety has to be our main was also a commitment to 20 ACCs and Europe is only directly benefit, ie GA. It’s for priority for all airspace reduce the charges by 50%. 4% larger. The US also has this reason that the CAA was users, so if we can improve So back in 2004 when only one computer system able to apply CEF funding, situational awareness with the world was different, whereas Europe has 35 – which it was successful in low-cost portable solutions, everyone signed up to the so trying to rationalise the doing. But now all 18 EU we should do it. modernisation of Europe’s European system has led to Member States at the 11th GA needs to improve its ATM system. As the US had industrial action. hour are saying we don’t need flight efficiency in some cases. developed Next Gen ATM Whilst Phase 1 of SESAR to implement the regulation. Better fuel management and Systems, Europe began to has finished, we have seen They have no capacity issue more direct routes also means invest in ATM modernisation the introduction of an EC or frequency shortage! lower emissions – some of through SESAR (Single Regulation mandating the These are the same states the ATM tools in the future European Sky ATM Research) carriage of 8.33khz radios who have been attending the will be more connected – a research programme – although AOPA UK and Eurocontrol 8.33 meetings and SWIM (System Wide which is under a Public IAOPA agrees and has said and who accepted the Information Management) will Private Partnership. so since March 1995, the Regulation EC 1079. play a major role. Parts of GA Since the birth of SES mandate was issued in 2012 So 8.33 is an expensive will need to have access to 17 years ago, how much supporting the vertical upgrade for GA and as all the SWIM too. •

AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot October 2017

General Aviation news from around the world

Vorderman with the Lennox-Boyd Trophy VORDERMAN COLLECTS AOPA'S TOP AWARD TV star and aviator Carol Vorderman has been honoured once again for her sterling work in the world of aviation by Denise Parker Housby the furtherance of general by the air cadets who have The award was presented aviation, flight training, club completed the Qualified by AOPA Chairman George Carol Vorderman, an flying or piloting standards. Aerospace Instructors Done, and CEO Martin honorary Group Captain and Vorderman received Course. Honorary Group Robinson. Ambassador for the RAF the award for her work in Captain Vorderman said: Vorderman has a PPL and Air Cadets has received the furthering interest in aviation “As Ambassador of the RAF owns her own Diamond prestigious Lennox-Boyd with the RAF Air Cadets. Air Cadets I am delighted aircraft. She has been an Trophy aviation award Gp Capt Vorderman was to be receiving this award ambassador for the RAF from AOPA. The celebrity visiting the RAF Air Cadet from AOPA in front of the Air Cadets since 2014 and aviator was presented with Aerospace Camp at RAF next generation of aviators hopes to encourage more the Lennox-Boyd Trophy Syerston, where she also met at the Air Cadet Aerospace young people into science, whilst visiting young air 220 cadets who had travelled Camp. The Air Cadets is technology, engineering and cadets at RAF Syerston in across the country to take an inspiring organisation maths subjects. Nottinghamshire. part in a week of aviation and for 12 to 19-year-olds More about the RAF Air The trophy is awarded engineering themed activities. and with the help of adult Cadets, including how to to a person, club, group The majority of the volunteers delivers fantastic join as a cadet or as an adult or organisation that has camp's training and opportunities for young volunteer, can be found at contributed significantly to activities were delivered people across the country.” www.raf.mod.uk/aircadets. •

AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot October 2017 19

VOLOCOPTER COLLECTS LOOK BACK... THIS MONTH A HUGE FINANCIAL 18 YEARS AGO BOOST WORTH €25M by Robert Care This isn't the first time purely electrically driven Volocopter has been VTOLs, (eVTOL), speed up When setting out to develop recognised for the work it's the introduction process of a self-flying taxi, you want doing. This investment adds the Volocopter serial model the world to take notice. But to other funding received and conquer the market for when a company like Daimler from Dubai’s Roads and flying air taxis.” begins to show interest in Transport Authority; by "The safe, quiet and your project, you must know 2030 Dubai aims to carry environmentally friendly you're on the right path. out 25% of its passenger aircraft, suitable for Volocopter, the start-up transportation with the help transporting two passengers, company from Germany, of autonomous means of will revolutionise mobility FINAL FLIGHT FOR SR-71 recently received a huge transport. in metropolises. In order to The 09 October 1999 was shot in the arm with €25m Utilising this fresh capital, realise this vision Volocopter a day to mark down in of investment from Daimler Volocopter has said it will also invests in its team and history as it was the last and technology entrepreneur “further expand upon the plans to continuously develop flight of the Lockheed SR- Lukasz Gadowski. leading technology in its it further." • 71 Blackbird. In 1957 Lockheed's Skunk Works started developing a plane to take over from the U2. Lockheed’s goal was to create a plane that was untouchable by any fighter or missile in existence. The SR-71 served with the US Air Force from 1964 to 1998. A total of 32 aircraft were built; 12 were lost in accidents but none lost to enemy action. It has held the world record for the fastest air- breathing manned aircraft since 1976; this record was previously held by the The electric and self-flying Volocopter could be above the streets of Dubai soon related Lockheed YF-12. The SR-71 was well ahead of its time; it reached altitudes of ALAN CROXFORD 1930 – 2017 85,000ft and flew at M3.2. The SR-71 was originally by George Done of a Cessna 150 he toured at Cambridge Street, much retired in 1989, due to Europe ranging from Ireland prone to witty comments, costs, the development Alan Croxford, who died on to Vienna, and in the club entertaining the office staff. He of drones and satellites, 9 August 2017, was a long Cessna 172 reached Tangiers enjoyed posing mathematical but was brought back standing member of AOPA and the Barents Sea. Alan, teasers to anyone up for the into active service due becoming a Board member using his own programme challenge. Like many aviators, to increasing tensions in in 1991. He retired from writing skills, developed he was equally at home on a North Korea (some things the Board in 2013 and was and maintained the AOPA boat and regularly sailed the never change). It was appointed an Honorary Vice membership database which Mediterannean. He leaves his forced to finally retire from President. Much of his flying was extended to include label- wife, Helen, brother Roger, military service in 1998, was with the Civil Service printing and a completely daughters Katherine and but NASA was operating Flying Club, of which he had automated direct debit system, Lesley, and grandaughters two airworthy versions. been Chairman for many at a time when such systems Catriona, Jenny, Anna and The last flight took place years, based at Rochester were not widely available. He Louise. He will be sorely on 09 October. Airport. As the joint owner was a regular visitor to AOPA missed by us all at AOPA. •

October 2017 AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot 20 AOPA NEWS GA News that matters

AOPA NEWS Oshkosh was HIGHLIGHTS as popular as ever 54,000 FT FOR GLIDER The Perlan 2 has set a new altitude record for gliders by soaring to 54,000ft. The Airbus- supported glider, which is based in Argentina, set the record in early September. The two pilots on board set the record with some 'imaginative flying' whilst being fed information from the ground.

ELIXIR TAKES FLIGHT After five days of ground tests, the French-built Elixir took to the skies for its maiden flight in La Rochelle. In the first flight the Elixir climbed OSHKOSH HAS to 5000ft and then went on a 45 minute flight before returning. ANOTHER Reports say everything went very well. Ater the test it was flying again – this time to an air show! SUCCESFUL YEAR! The annual pilgrimage that is the annual EAA Airventure PORTER PC-6 NO MORE at Oshkosh proves that GA is alive and kicking Pilatus has announced that it will cease by David Rawlings filled with 'OnIy at Oshkosh' the 10-day period from July production of th much- moments. You could feel 21-30, which is an average of loved and versatile PTC- Once again EAA’s annual the energy as thousands approximately 123 takeoffs/ 6. Production will stop get-together proved what of aeroplanes arrived early landings per hour. in 2019, but support will an amazing industy General and stayed longer, pushing Never one to rest on the continue for the next 20 Aviation is, and why we live it aircraft camping to capacity success of the current year, years. Pilatus' Chairman and love it so much. for most of the event. The Pelton was asked about said it was time to "admit Almost 600,000 aviation aviators and enthusiasts plans for the 2018 EAA every product has a life fans turned up to what has who attended were engaged, Airventure and said: “We’re cycle which must come become known as the biggest eager, and passionate, already talking to people to an end." avivation gathering in in the demonstrating how Oshkosh about the possibilities world. is the best example of why for 2018 in all areas, from GERMAN WEATHER The week-long celebration GA is so vitally important to aircraft anniversaries to new Dacher now act as first of aviation, which was up the country. I believe it’s the technology and innovations. official distribution five per cent on entries on best AirVenture week that I’ve We saw new programmes, partner for the German 2016, a welcome boost for ever seen.” such as the Twilight Flight Metereological Service the industry. And the close Although many people Fest following the afternoon (DWD). It will also offer of the festival EAA Chairman arrive by road (the car parks air show, attract big crowds further extension Jack Pelton said: “What were full), it's also one of the and show a bright future. We’ll through API for well- an incredible year it was biggest fly-ins of the year. be announcing these features established cockpit at Oshkosh. From the U.S. This year, more than 10,000 and attractions as they are architectures, sparing Navy Blue Angels and Apollo aircraft arrived at Wittman finalised. We’re also going to pilots the hassle reunion, to new aviation Regional Airport in Oshkosh continue working hard on the of several weather innovations on display and and other supporting airports visitor experience to maintain contracts. two B-29s flying formation as in east-central Wisconsin. At EAA’s high standards. We’re www.skynavpro.aero part of 75 years of bombers Wittman alone, there were excited for the future and on parade, it was a week 17,223 aircraft operations in what’s ahead for next year!” •

AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot October 2017 21 HONDAJET IS BESTSELLER SO FAR IN 2017

by Robert Care in Greensboro, North Manufacturers Association). and I hope to see many more Carolina, has announced Honda delivered 24 aircraft HondaJets flying all over the It seems as if Honda has that the HondaJet saw more to customers in the the first world.” current bragging rights deliveries than any other jet six months of 2017. The The HondaJet is one of the over other companies in the in its category in the first company is steadily ramping world’s most advanced light HondaJet's class. half of 2017, as reported by up production to meet jets, and its distinctive design The company, based GAMA (General Aviation customer demand, and is incorporates advanced currently manufacturing the technologies and concepts aircraft at a rate of around including the unique Over- four per month at its world The-Wing Engine Mount headquarters. (OTWEM) configuration. “Our customers are The aircraft is the fastest, extremely pleased with the highest-flying, quietest, performance, comfort and the most fuel-efficient, and most superior fit and finish of the comfortable business jet in its HondaJet. The HondaJet is class. HondaJet also say its very high tech, sporty aircraft aircraft has "gained greater and it is like a flying, high acceptance in the market, precision sports car,” said especially by corporate Honda Aircraft President and executives, business owners, CEO Michimasa Fujino. corporate flight departments, “We want to create new charter companies, and The HondaJet, more popular than a Cessna 172... value in business aviation aviation enthusiasts." • GB SECOND IN GLIDING CHAMPIONSHIP by David Rawlings Although the UK team of their own companies, one finished second, they took of whom still finds time to be The UK gliding team enjoyed medals in all classes. The the volunteer BGA chairman huge success at the European pilots enjoyed great success (Peter Harvey). Gliding Championship at on the penultimate day "I'd like to pass on our Lasham Airfield earlier in the resulting in five of the six thanks to all other class G summer. pilots medalling with three airspace users who referred The UK team joined more silvers and two bronze. to the notification detail than 60 competitors from During the competition, the we published each day as 12 countries to enjoy ten foreign teams found it helpful well as perhaps the 'gliding competition flying days, to have their own allocated activity' AIC, and to any each of which involved the 8.33 frequencies. With many operators who modified their competitors completing pilots operating for the first operations. We hope you carefully briefed closed time in the UK's somewhat were not inconvenienced," circuit task distances of uniquely complex airspace said Stratten. between 150 and 600 kms. environment, the allocation Open class medal winners The latest design of 18m The competition in Lasham meant that all teams could at the championship glider the ‘New Ventus’, was held for the 15m, 18m and keep in touch with each other proved itself, taking the top open classes of glider. in their native languages. pilot that was resolved with three slots in its class. "The The 60-plus gliders Glider flights are among the the ATC unit. He'll learn from manufacturer's order book is launched each day by a most scrutinised and analysed that. already full, including quite small fleet of tow-planes out there, both during and Pete Stratten, the Chief a few from British pilots," (typically DR400 or PA25) after flight. Any infringement Executive Officer of the Stratten enthused. in a total time of 35 minutes. - even by a metre - is very British Gliding Association The UK Junior Gliding The gliders typically reached heavily penalised under FAI said: "The German team aced Championships also took average speeds of about and BGA rules. As with all it – they flew superbly and place recently, with the 110kph around the tasks. competitions, the pilots were consistently, which is what it title going to Jake Brattle, Germany took the top briefed in detail each day takes, of course." who works for a gliding spot in the championship, before flight by an appointed The British team medal maintenance/avionics with UK in second, and the airspace officer. There was winners included two BA supplier. Brattle beat 45 Netherlands taking the last one possible (mil) ATZ captains, a Virgin captain, other competitors, all aged step on the podium. infringement by a foreign and two managing directors under 25. •

October 2017 AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot 22 AOPA NEWS GA news that matters

Rachel (l) and Claire (r) are ready to go

UK TRIP TO PROMOTE WOMEN IN AVIATION Two Dundee-based pilots from Tayside Aviation are gearing up to circumnavigate the UK to entice women in to aviation

by Claire Grainger Grand Tour of Britain’ to fly began her PPL training at trip which is a key part of round the UK in G-EVIE. In Prestwick aged 16, flew solo her training. Ten years after Evie Saunders between flights, the girls will later that year and gained Claire commented: bestowed an aircraft to be documenting their trip by her PPL fixed wing licence “The trip is a fantastic Tayside Aviation, in which blogging, as well as keeping at 18. opportunity to enthuse, over 260 scholarships have people up to date on their Meanwhile, Claire (35) encourage and inform now been completed, Rachel adventures through social from Buckinghamshire, who women about the Foyle and Claire Birch are media channels. began flying at the age of opportunities within embarking on a special 10- Being awarded the British 14 following a gift voucher aviation. I am looking day trip in Evie’s honour to Women Pilots’ Association lesson from her Dad, is a forward to visiting new entice more women into all (BWPA) Air Total UK Total former RAF Navigator who airfields and embarking on aspects of aviation. Flying Future Scholarship spent 10 years in the back a trip of a much greater At present, only 12% of UK was a great contribution to seat of a Tornado fighter magnitude than anything I pilots are female, with the the funding and feasibility including a detachment in have done before.” worldwide figure even lower of the trip. The trip has been the Falkland Islands. Claire Pauline Vahey, BWPA at just 6%. met with overwhelming then qualified as a PPL Ambassador added: “The Throughout her life, Evie enthusiasm, support and fixed wing pilot at Tayside BWPA wishes Claire and had a great interest in kindness by Lorraine Aviation in Dundee, and Rachel the best in their aircraft and flying but did Richardson, and the various has also obtained her New trip and is delighted to not take to the air until 1959. airfields involved in the tour. Zealand PPL. Now Safety be helping them achieve In 1985, by then aged 64, Pooleys Flight Equipment Officer at Tayside Aviation, their flying ambitions she began her studies and has also made a generous Claire is working towards in an initiative we feel flying lessons, receiving her donation of the equipment for her Commercial Pilot’s sure Evie Saunders, PPL in 1989 at 68. necessary for the tour. Licence. Evie’s Grand Tour past BWPA member, Now, Rachel and Claire Rachel (23), a University will also allow her to tick off would have supported are preparing for ‘Evie’s of St Andrews graduate, the 450-mile cross country wholeheartedly.”•

AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot October 2017 23 CESSNA BEGIN DENALI TEST BUILD by Lucy Field equipped engine, which will make the Cessna Denali a One year after unveiling a best-in-class aircraft,” said cabin mockup of its all-new, Brad Thress, Senior Vice high-performance, single- President, Engineering. “We engine turboprop, Cessna has picked up great momentum made significant progress in when we debuted the Denali bringing the Denali to market. last year and now we’re Manufacturing of the first making excellent progress test article has begun, and in the aircraft’s development the team has started building programme.” tooling. The clean-sheet Thress said airframe design Denali is being designed for the Cessna Denali is to meet the needs of nearing completion and the customers and outperform engineering team has started its competition in capability, to release the drawings to cabin experience, ownership continue assembly of test costs and pilot interface. articles and prototypes, as “This will be the first plane well as detail tooling and in its class to offer a FADEC- assembly bond fixtures. •

Airframe design for the Denali is nearing completion TRAINER SALES UP

by David Rawlings products, sales for the twin- engine Seminole continue to Piper announced that sales be strong. With the current of their PA-28 trainers have demand and pace of sales, grown to their highest level Piper is on track to continue in 14 years. Piper has been to increase trainer delivery steadily regaining market volume for 2018. position since 2012. This year “Our complete line-up of Piper is on track to deliver training aircraft, along with 87 PA-28s – a combination their advanced avionics, of single-engine Archers offers flight schools the and single-engine complex ease of doing business with trainer Arrows. This increase a single vendor, as well as represents a 15% increase in the economies of scale that market share over the past come with a standardised five years. In addition to the fleet,” said a Piper success with Piper’s PA-28 spokesperson. •

October 2017 AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot 24 FEATURE Long Haul Part ll

WORDS AND IMAGES David Hastings MBE COAST TO COAST IN THE USA You may remember David Hastings' epic journey across the USA (AO&P Oct 16). Here, he tells another amazing tale about his second stint of flying from one side of the country to the other – including a flight interrupted by UFOs

AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot October 2017 25

fter my first long C-337 “Sarah”, made an initial breaks in the cloud already word and we were given flight haul flight in the pre-flight and loaded up, appearing. At 1535 hrs we level 5.0 on airway Victor 12 USA from San before retiring to the airport started our take-off run, and soon I found that flying A Francisco to New restaurant for lunch to watch leaving a huge queue of other without an ASI was not such York to attend the Annual the driving wind, rain and low aircraft behind us. The next a big deal. The evening was Convention of the 2nd Air cloud outside. thing that I noticed was that now perfect as we crossed the Division USAAF Association 1430 hrs and we were the Airspeed Indicator (ASI) Allegheny mountains, but as at the end of the week, it strapped in, the delays were suddenly dropped to zero. I we approached Pittsburgh and was time for my second still bad, but thank goodness told David “no airspeed my the wide Ohio river, the clouds flight all the way back to we had booked our departure side” to which he calmly relied began to build beneath us and San Francisco in the C-337 slot in the morning, as we “continue”. Gear and flaps we were cleared up to flight with my flying partner David were told that with luck, we up as we climbed away on level 8.0. Air Traffic advised us Patterson – a fantastic B-24 would get clearance by 1500 our instrument departure to of conflicting traffic as a BAC Liberator pilot. hrs. In the business aircraft the west. I did express my 1-11 in the descent to St. Louis The weather man did not park we were surrounded by surprise that we had not made passed ahead of us with a very hold out much hope for the big jets and our neighbour an immediate return. David’s friendly greeting and then at early departure, as the awful was a lovely Grumman response was to say that surely 1900 hrs we were talking once weather had caused a huge Gulfstream, whose captain I was used to flying on a limited more to Dayton International snarl-up of traffic in the entire tried to make us envious by panel, I knew my engine revs Airport and we were radar New York area. He advised us holding up a cup of coffee. for climb, cruise and approach, vectored onto the ILS for to file for a departure time of He called for taxi clearance, so what was the problem? And runway 24L. Now came my 1500hrs, so at least we would but we were delighted when ATC had enough difficulties test, as with no ASI I had to use be in the queue. Hearing my the tower informed him that on their hands without us the engine rpm to judge speed, accent, he also asked if we his clearance would be after demanding a return. but David reminded me that would like him to try and get ours. We gave him a cheery Air Traffic lived up to their we had a very good stall warner us a low-level clearance all the wave as we taxied down a very so not to worry. I eased Sarah way back to San Francisco, so wet perimeter track towards down to a smooth landing and I could enjoy the scenery. We the hold for runway 23. The we taxied back to the Business said yes, but never dreamt weather was improving at he would achieve it. We then last, with some walked out to our great Cessna

October 2017 AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot 26 FEATURE Long Haul Part ll

Sarah was a fantastic companion, here at her home base in Concord San Francisco

Executive Terminal. Someone from VOR to VOR with a “radar boxes and soft drink cartons. offered to look at the ASI as we "These early following service” was very easy Now in the plains of Kansas refuelled. The aircrew transport morning starts are and good old Sarah just purred and as we approach the city then arrived, full of airline along. By 1030 hrs when we of Wichita, we meet one of the captains and we joined the big great fun in the were thinking of making a forecast storms on route, so we league, as they took us to the fuel stop, our minds were get permission from the centre hotel – what a life. silky smooth air" made up as we approached to fly around the clouds and Next day we had an early Jefferson City and saw, to our remain VFR. At 1430 hrs we breakfast, as David wanted to amazement, a B-17 Flying have our next refuelling stop get all the way to Albuquerque Fortress in the circuit. We just in sight, the huge wartime B-24 in New Mexico in one day. could not miss seeing this piece training base of Liberal and the Strapped in, we obtained our of history, so called the tower tower clears us to descend. start-up and taxi clearance for permission to land. We Now refuelled we were offered at 0745 hrs and then joined landed, refuelled, then walked the usual coffee and cookies. the queue with all the big over to see the B-17 which was For a British pilot, the service jets heading for runway 24L. parked beside us and it turned we received at every airport, Airborne at 0800 hrs on a VFR out to be a Confederate Air large or small, was quite clearance to the west and Force aircraft with a great crew amazing – I just wish we had again the Air Traffic honoured who welcomed us. this in Europe. our low level request, as we We were airborne again and The last leg of the day was are given flight level 6.5 which given low level clearance, so going to be the very large offers us a great view of St. I could enjoy the rivers and international airport at Louis with the Mississippi River. lakes in this beautiful part of Albuquerque, over 5,000ft up These early morning starts are the USA. Our forecast weather in the Sierras and just under great fun in the silky smooth front is still there, the remains three hours away. Once more air. Just as we established of Hurricane Elaina, but our our call-sign brings us a special ourselves in the climb our ASI track keeps us just south of the low level clearance. Airborne vanished again, so back to the clouds. In the smooth air you at 1510hrs and the air is still limited panel, much to David’s could trim Sarah for hands-off delightfully smooth as we fly amusement. flying and we settled down to over many of the old wartime Flying the low level airways enjoy the great Dayton lunch training airfields. What a sight it

AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot October 2017 27

The still unexplained UFO that briefly joined David on his journey

must have been in the '40s with is teaching me so much about at Morristown? ASI problem the skies full of B-24’s, B-17s, "This is the flying and navigation and I am cured, we’re ready for take-off. Stearmans and Harvards but difference of flying really lucky to be flying with a 0820 hrs and we are airborne now we have it all to ourselves. wartime pilot of his experience. and can see a group of hot air 1630 hrs and we could see in the US; we are a Also there is no doubt that the balloons lifting off from the the majestic Sierras ahead. twin-engine Cessna-337 Super town. Back to the airway flying With building clouds we are small six-seat twin Skymaster is a real joy to fly and the white painted VOR cleared up to Flight Level 8.0 but we are treated in the wide open skies of the beacons are great landmarks over this totally barren part of United States. for low level navigation in the the USA. Once into the Sierras the just the same as US, as we pass the one at and the rough air begins, as we the big jets" UFO SPOTTING Zuni in this very barren and both look for the pass leading Early morning we run through wild part of the Sierras. At the to our destination. We start the our flight plan for the final Flagstaff VOR we turn north descent with a 757 ahead and leg of our 3,000 mile flight. off the airway and I get my a 737 behind, but again this is However, David has planned first sight of that awe-inspiring the big difference of flying in a surprise for me, as we are Grand Canyon, one of the the US; we are a small six-seat going to leave the airway at seven wonders of the world, twin but we are treated just the Flagstaff, so that I can fly up the where the Colorado River has same as the big jets. mighty Grand Canyon – what carved through ten million Here I tell David that I really a treat. When the controller years of the earth’s history. The have had enough of limited hears my voice, she says that colours are breathtaking and panel flying, so he gets Cutter she presumes I want to fly the the new camera that I have Aviation to deal with the ASI Canyon. I confirm that this is been using throughout the problem, but reminding them a hope, but she then advises trip works overtime. We cruise that we have an early start us to fly it before landing at along the rim, enjoying the booked for the next day. At Grand Canyon Airport, because stunning views, not realising supper we have with our usual otherwise, if we land first and that in just under a year, this de-brief and enjoy a stunning then ask, they will say no. She would be banned after a sunset, but we do wonder also confirms that yet again nasty accident. As always in what all those high clouds will we have a low level clearance, the Sierras, I am glad that we mean for us tomorrow. David how can we ever thank that guy have two powerful Continental

October 2017 AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot 28 FEATURE Long Haul Part ll

IO-360 fuel injection engines, aircraft beside us goes, but we were delighted, as there are two but what a view! Thousands of are still shaken and puzzled. "We suddenly UFO’s and they have ionised air holidaymakers pay a fortune to Now into the Majove Desert, see a dot on coming out of the bottom. All see this, yet here am I just flying where your airway flying has this means something to them, myself up the Canyon. David to be accurate, as you are the horizon but to me it is still a mystery. has really spoilt me today. surrounded on both sides by For a British pilot it was a 1100 hrs and we are talking military restricted areas, as we approaching us at dream. Six days, 3,000 miles of to Grand Canyon Airport with approach the famous Edwards very high speed unbelievable flying and I was its single 9,000 ft runway at Air Force Base. David suggests learning so much. The thrills an elevation of 6,000 ft and I that I try my best RAF accent in the opposite and fears of mountain flying, turn base leg, lowering gear and ask if they will allow us off the frightening rough air of the and flaps, as we go and getting the airway to have a close look direction" Sierras, the huge open space ready to cope with quite a at the huge eighteen mile-long of the US, the ability to land at strong cross-wind. Still safely space shuttle runway in the large or small airports and be down, the Air Traffic Controller desert. I have nothing to lose, treated just the same as a 747, asks if I intend to fly the Canyon. so we give them a call and ask the amazing service received With great politeness I say no, if an ex–RAF member might from all the FBOs, the kindness as I came on the way! We taxi be allowed into their zone. We of ATC when they heard an back out for the next leg of are told “wait one” and then to English voice, the excellence our journey across the Rockies our amazement back comes a of the Met service, to fly Grand to Bakersfield. We pass over clearance to overfly the base. Canyon, the kindness of the US beautiful Lake Mead, in still Then the end of the Sierras are Air Force to let me see Edwards perfect weather. Sarah is a in sight as we leave the testing AFB, the great fun of low level really delightful aircraft to fly airfield of Palmdale. airways flying from VOR to and we have no conflicting We then talk to Bakersfield VOR, the experience, kindness, traffic at our altitude, which was and are cleared for a straight tuition and skill of my co-pilot, all part of the radar service. in approach to land on runway Below from top: Grand the superb engineering service Then a few minutes later as we 30R. At 1500 hrs we get our Canyon Airport, after a from Pacific States Aviation who approach the Mojave Desert it last start-up clearance of the welcome break experiencing kept us safe, and finally the joy happens. We suddenly see a trip from the Bakersfield Tower. one of the seven wonders of being able to fly that great dot on the horizon approaching As we fly up the Californian from the sky; and the breath- C-337. Little did I know that this us at very high speed in the plain, it is just unbelievable. We taking view of the mile-long was just the start of my 29,000 opposite direction in our 12 can see the great landmark of Grand Canyon miles of flying in the US.• o’clock and same height, which Mt. Diablo in the distance and starts to grow rapidly. We both on being handed over by Los push hard down on the control Angeles Centre to Oakland, the columns and are convinced that hectic R/T chatter reminds us there will be an almighty bang, that we are back to civilisation. when a huge black shadow All too soon the airfield is in passes over us with no noise sight and I am sad to think that or turbulence. Then two very my 3,000 mile flight is nearly shaken pilots both slowly come over. We land smoothly and up from below the cockpit shut Sarah down for the last coaming, and ask each other: time. "what the hell was that?". We Driving back home, we discuss if we should report stopped to get the film that the incident, but after having I had taken of ‘our UFO’ only just been told we had no processed. To our utter conflicting traffic, we decide not amazement, we had the two to, in case they think the old pictures. The first showed our pilots are seeing things. Hardly port wing and the mountains had our pulse rate got back to below, but in the second picture normal, then we both felt that we had exactly the same view, we had something out to port but with a flat object with a heat but we could not see anything. efflux coming out of the bottom. The sensation was so strong, We took it to a great friend in that I suggested to David that the US Navy who asked if he I unstrap and go back aft to could keep it for a few days. collect my camera. Back to the When I collected it later, all we seat still with the sensation that could get from him was “no something is on our Port wing, comment”. Many years later the I take two photographs and film was computer analysed and eventually the feeling of another I gather the scientists involved

AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot October 2017 AOPA FLYING INSTRUCTOR REFRESHER SEMINARS

For revalidation of an FI certificate the holder shall fulfil two of the following three requirements:

1 At least 50 hours of flight instruction during certificate validity as FI, TRI, CTI, IRI, MI or Examiner; 2 Attend a Flight Instructor Refresher Seminar within the validity of the certificate; and 3 Pass an Assessement of Competence within the 12 months preceding the expiry of the certificate.

For at least each alternate subsequent revalidation, an assessment of competence must be undertaken. In the case of a renewal you should, within 12 months before renewal, attend a Flight Instructor Refresher Seminar and pass an assessment of competence.

The last Seminar in 2017 will be held on 7-8 NOVEMBER. The 2018 dates are 17-18 JANUARY, 2-3 MAY and 7-8 NOVEMBER. All Seminars are now run at the AOPA offices at 50a Cambridge Street, London SW1V 4QQ - only 5 minutes walk from Victoria Station.

To register for a place on any of the Seminars please call the AOPA office on 020 7834 5631 or join online at WWW.AOPA.CO.UK. The Seminars start at 1100 and end at 1800 each day to facilitate travel. 30 COVER STORY Electric aircraft

The Siemens-powered Extra, perhaps one of the most stylish electric aircraft

AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot October 2017 31

WORDS David Rawlings IMAGES Various Electric

There'sdreams no getting away from it – electric aircraft are here to stay. In this feature, we look at some of the models already out there, and what might be in the pipeline. Read on, it's shocking...

lectric aircraft that anything close to an Federation (FAI) officially are nothing new, airliner won’t be fully electric recognised the record flight but they are until around 2045. But for us in the category 'Electric E going to become in the GA world, things are aeroplanes with a take-off more prevalent in the near already ahead. Here are a few weight less than 1,000 kgs.' future. The way electric cars of the aircraft already making The Extra also set a new FAI are flooding the market, a difference… world record in the category GA can’t be far behind the 'above 1,000 kgs' in a slightly electric revolution. SIEMENS POWERED EXTRA modified configuration with The thing holding aviation Siemens has developed a new an overall weight exceeding back is battery weight. And type of electric motor that, one metric ton. Test pilot the technology is a few years with a weight of just 50 kg, Walter Kampsmann flew the behind the auto industry. delivers a continuous output electrically-powered plane at In a recent Wired magazine of about 260 kilowatts – five a speed of 342.86 km/h. interview, Richard Pat times more than comparable The Extra 330LE recently Anderson, who runs the Flight drive systems. gave another memorable Research Center at Embry- The Extra 330LE aerobatic performance by becoming the Riddle Aeronautical University, plane, powered by a world’s first electric aircraft to said: “I think everyone looked propulsion system from tow a glider into the sky. at electric cars and thought it Siemens, recently set two The nearly-silent aerotow would play out the same with new speed records. At the piloted by Walter Extra took electric airplanes, but they Dinslaken Schwarze Heide a type LS8-neo glider up to a have different requirements. airfield in Germany, the height of 600 meters in only Cars need batteries to be electric aircraft reached a 76 seconds. “This aerotow affordable and compact, but top speed of around 337.50 provides further highly visible with airplanes we don’t care km/h over a distance of evidence of our record- about cost as much, or even three kilometers. The speed setting motor’s performance volume. It’s weight that’s achieved by pilot, and Extra capabilities,” said Frank critical.” owner Walter Extra, was 13.48 Anton, head of eAircraft at Battery energy density is km/h faster than the previous the Siemens venture capital rising by two to three per record, which had been set unit next47. “Just six such cent each year. At this rate by U.S. pilot William M. Yates propulsion units would be of progress experts estimate in 2013. The World Air Sports sufficient to power a typical

October 2017 AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot 32 COVER STORY Electric aircraft

19-seat hybrid-electric its technology to its joint three electric jet engines. aeroplane.” project with Airbus, in the "Just six such Depending on the flight The new propulsion system area of electrically-powered propulsion mode, the flaps tilt from a from Siemens only completed flight. vertical into a horizontal its maiden flight, which took Electric propulsion systems units would be position. At take-off, all flaps place in July 2016. In addition, are scalable, and Siemens are tilted vertical, so that the the lightweight electric motor and Airbus intend to develop sufficient to power engines can lift the aircraft for aircraft already held a hybrid-electric regional a typical 19-seat vertically. Once airborne, world record for power- aircraft on the basis of this the flaps gradually tilt into a to-weight ratio; weighing record-setting motor. “By hybrid electrical horizontal position, leading just 50 kgs, it supplies a 2030, we expect to see the the aircraft to accelerate. constant electric output of first planes carrying up to aeroplane" When they have reached 260 kilowatts, which is five 100 passengers and having complete horizontal position, times more than comparable a range of about 1,000 all lift necessary to stay aloft propulsion systems. kilometers,” explained Anton. is provided by the wings as The Extra 330LE, which Siemens is determined to on a conventional airplane. weighs about 1,000 kgs, establish hybrid-electric According to Lilim, the serves as the flying testbed propulsion systems for beauty of this system is its for the new propulsion aircraft as a future area of simplicity. In comparison system. business. to existing concepts, Lilium As an aerobatic aeroplane, Jets require no gearboxes, it is particularly well suited THE LILIUM JET no foldable or variable pitch for taking the components The world’s first electric propellers, no water-cooling, to their stress limits and for vertical take-off and landing and no aerodynamic steering testing and enhancing them. jet has already had its maiden flaps. Just tiltable engines. Currently, Siemens state that flight and is causing ripples The Lilium Jet also has good there are no plans for series in aviation. The company say structural efficiency. "As production of this electric that it’s primary use will be as we can provide differential aircraft. an air taxi for five people. thrust from the engines in Having signed a The Lilium Jet consists of cruise flight, no stabilising collaboration agreement, a rigid winged body with tail is necessary," said a Siemens is also contributing 12 flaps. Each one carries spokesperson for Lilum.

Lilium claim that they will be the future of air taxis and will carry up to five passengers

AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot October 2017 33

Clockwise from above: The E-Fan before its record breaking flight; crossing the English Channel; the E-Fan can now be seen at many exhibitions across the globe as it continues to be operated by Airbus

The Lilium Jet uses an redundancy of the system years now. It made history and verification programme integrated high-lift system. allows large inspection in 2015 when it crossed the put together by French flight The objective is to increase intervals to keep costs lower English Channel. Travelling authorities, Airbus, and its the lift of the wings even at than for helicopters or in the opposite direction to partners. low speeds to save energy. reciprocating engines. the pioneering Frenchman “That is something While hovering is very energy- The large open rotors of a and powered by lithium-ion which may not have been consuming, as an aircraft helicopter induce vibrations batteries, the E-Fan took off necessary 100 years ago, must provide thrust equal to into the cabin. The whole from Lydd on the English when Blériot’s flight was just its own weight, dynamic lift of vehicle vibrates in the south coast, completing the a race to be first. But today, wings consumes much less frequency of the rotor blades 74 kilometre flight east to following rules and obtaining energy to stay aloft. So, it is passing. Lilium's electric Calais, France, in around 37 certifications is of crucial important to create as much jet engines, however, run minutes. Flown by test pilot importance for the future of dynamic lift from the wings as smoothly. This ensures a Didier Esteyne, the all-electric safe, reliable and certifiable possible, even at low speeds. quality passenger experience plane weighs around 600 electric flight,” explained The Lilium Jet engines have during the entire flight. kilogrammes and travelled Jean Botti, the former Airbus only one moving part – the Likewise, a big advantage at an altitude of about 1,000 Chief Technical Officer central shaft of the rotor of electric jet engines is metres [3,500 feet]. who launched the E-Fan holding both the fan in the their low noise signature for While the E-Fan had already programme. front and the magnets of the people on the ground. made more than 100 flights E-Fan is bringing more electric motor. This ensures prior to cross-channel flight, electric propulsion to the highest reliability in operation AIR BUS E-FAN preparations for this very aviation industry. Developed and low maintenance costs As a concept, the E-Fan has special trip were extensive in an Airbus-led European of the propulsion system. The been around for several and included a dedicated test programme, the E-Fan’s

October 2017 AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot 34 COVER STORY Electric aircraft

The instantly recognisable Solar Impulse on its epic adventure

history-making first version that allows the company to first began with Bertrand was designed specifically for make important advances on "The E-Fan could Piccard’s vision that clean electric power – an important its electric aircraft roadmap. be headed for full- technologies and energy stepping stone on Airbus’s Ken McKenzie, senior VP efficiency can reduce our electric aircraft roadmap and of strategy and corporate scale development emissions and improve our toward the future of electric development for Airbus, quality of life. and hybrid flight. said what started with a into a product line It ultimately led to the first In a second step, E-Fan quirky rear-engine ducted of electric aircraft" round-the-world solar flights was transformed into an fan demonstrator called the in July 2015, with Andre updated “Plus” version with E-Fan could be headed for Borschberg's 5-day, 5-night a hybrid configuration for full-scale development into record-breaking flight from longer flight endurance. a product line of electric Japan to Hawaii using only E-Fan Plus – which debuted aircraft. That, he said, the power of the sun. Not during the summer of 2016 depends on shareholder sci-fi, but eccentric enough – incorporates an internal support and regulators but to appeal to the people’s combustion engine as a he noted that “fossil fuels emotions and get their range extender in addition aren’t going to last forever.” adrenalin pumping. It would to the aircraft’s on-board have made a great Jules lithium-ion batteries. SOLAR IMPULSE Verne story a few decades These two propulsion Our penultimate aircraft back. system configurations – is the solar-powered Solar and ongoing innovation – Impulse. This aircraft has NASA’S X-57 highlight the aircraft’s role as gone from strength to With 14 electric motors a technology demonstrator strength since the project turning propellers and

AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot October 2017 35

Above: A rendering of the X-57; NASA's rather rustic-looking engine testbed for its aircraft's 14 engines. all of them integrated new era of aviation,” said in use by general aviation. into a uniquely-designed "The General NASA Administrator Charles Energy efficiency at wing, NASA will test new Aviation-sized Bolden, during his speech cruise altitude using X-57 propulsion technology using at the American Institute of technology could benefit an experimental aircraft, now x-57 will take Aeronautics and Astronautics travellers by reducing flight designated the X-57 and (AIAA) annual Aviation and times, fuel usage, as well as nicknamed “Maxwell.” An the first step in Aeronautics Forum and reducing overall operational artist’s concept of the X-57 opening a new era Exposition. costs for small aircraft by shows the plane’s specially NASA’s aeronautical as much as 40 per cent. designed wing and 14 electric of aviation" innovators hope to validate Typically, to get the best fuel motors. NASA Aeronautics the idea that distributing efficiency, an aeroplane has researchers will use the electric power across a to fly slower than it is able. Maxwell to demonstrate that number of motors integrated Electric propulsion essentially electric propulsion can make with an aircraft in this way will eliminates the penalty for planes quieter, more efficient, result in a five-time reduction cruising at higher speeds. and environmentally friendly. in the energy required for a Finally, as most drivers of “With the return of piloted plane to cruise at 175 mph. hybrid electric cars know, X-planes to NASA’s research Several other benefits would electric motors are quieter capabilities – which is a result as well. “Maxwell” will than conventional engines. key part of our 10-year- be powered only by batteries, The X-57’s electric propulsion long New Aviation Horizons eliminating carbon emissions technology is expected to initiative – the General and demonstrating how significantly decrease aircraft Aviation-sized X-57 will take demand would shrink for noise, making it less annoying the first step in opening a lead-based aviation fuel still to the public. •

October 2017 AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot 36 FEATURE Airspace

WORDS Nick Wilcock IMAGES MORS DEALING WITH AIRSPACE ISSUES Despite everything, airspace infringements are not dropping. Nick Wilcock is here to explain how we can reduce them

AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot October 2017 37

ot again, I hear the planned track and into CAS near major aerodromes and you cry! Well, unannounced. I suggest that "People are still are of considerable help to yes – according you shouldn’t normally plan to entering controlled ATCOs. All you have to do is to N to a NATS brief, route past CAS within 3 nm of set the squawk and listen out airspace infringement the boundary, unless you plan airspace without on the associated frequency – statistics aren’t improving. to request clearance to enter. you don’t even need to check People are still entering That’s a couple of minutes at clearance, causing in. So, for example, if you’re controlled airspace without 90KIAS in still air – plenty for huge disruption to near Birmingham and are not in clearance, causing huge you to be able to sort yourself contact with any other agency, disruption to other traffic and out and regain track. other traffic" squawking 0010 means that stress to the ATCOs trying to you’re monitoring 118.050, so if second-guess the intruder’s MAPS AND CHARTS the controller sees you getting intentions as it ambles Although the electronic close to CAS, he/she can call up uninvitedly across their screens. chart data overlaid on the with something like: “Unknown So here are some ideas to try background mapping used aircraft approaching (wherever), to reduce the likelihood of you in smart devices is generally you are approaching controlled becoming another statistic. very good, do remember that airspace, please state your the only real guarantee of intentions”. If you’ve got Mode PLANNING airspace boundaries is the C or Mode S, always use it – Most people will probably CAA aeronautical chart. If the and if you think that you’ve agree that smart devices that electronic chart database entered CAS inadvertently, display your route and current designer has made an never be tempted to switch off position are a wonderful thing. unfortunate error in stating the transponder thinking that Yet even some people who use the base level of an airway, for you won’t have been noticed them – often sniffily dismissed example, it’ll be your problem and can quietly slip away. by traditionalists as 'those if you infringe it. In flight you You will have been observed magenta line crawlers' – are also need to be very careful if andtracked to destination by entering CAS without clearance. relying on a GPS height-based other means! But why is this? Although you vertical profile display to show Lost? If you’re really uncertain are legally permitted to fly your cruising level proximity to of position, do remember that within one molecule of the CAS the base of CAS. So even if you squawking 0030 and going to boundary without speaking to don’t use the laminated CAA 121.5 will alert our good friends ATC, it is much wiser to give chart for any other purpose, at D&D, who are willing to help. yourself a safe margin for error. just drawing your route on Few light aircraft can couple it and carefully checking CLASS D VFR autopilots to a NAV mode, airspace limits is definitely to Please remember that in the UK allowing the aircraft to follow be encouraged. Make sure the and elsewhere in Europe, you the track with high precision, chart is in date! must not enter Class D airspace so it may only take a couple under VFR without positive of moments for a FREQUENCY MONITORING clearance to do so. Merely distracted pilot to Otherwise known as ‘listening checking in on frequency is wander off squawks’, these are established insufficient, you must receive

October 2017 AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot

FEATURE Airspace 39 a clearance before entering. or so ahead, minus a couple of likely to be seen in degraded One technique which I Remember that the controller millib… hectopascals. So if you visual environments. Garmin strongly recommend is the has to make a calculated risk fly on a nearby aerodrome’s systems can provide a ‘CTS’ ‘Standard Closing Angle’ assessment before deciding QNH, you are far more likely value, which they describe as technique – see boxout below. whether or not to let you into to be at the height you think ‘The recommended direction CAS, so a mumbled “Err, Golf you are than if you use RPS. to steer in order to reduce INSTRUCTORS Alfa…err…err” from someone Unfortunately the HTA plan is course error or stay on course. Regrettably, 15% of who can’t even remember now on the back burner, but Provides the most efficient infringements occur in aircraft their own call-sign is less likely until the revised ASRs come heading to get back to the which have instructors on to achieve an entry clearance into effect, it makes much more desired course and proceed board. In his article 'Sortie than a call from someone who sense when flying near CAS to along the flight plan.’ Which is Management for Instructors' knows what they’re doing. If you use an appropriate aerodrome fine, but where will it actually (AO&P June 2016), Matt Lane, can’t recall the exact CAP413 QNH rather than RPS. take you? After a lot of research, Head of Training for the phraseology, do what we used I discovered that CTS aims you Royal Air Force Flying Clubs’ to advise in the RAF – just say REGAINING TRACK at a point mid-way between Association, provided useful tips ‘who you are, where you are There are many navigation your next turning point and to help reduce airspace busts. and what you want’! Anything techniques taught to pilots the point on your planned Training organisations should else the ATCO can ask for after. during training. Some of track directly opposite your make it essential reading. these require difficult mental current position. As the aircraft Modern smart navigation ALTIMETRY arithmetic and aim to provide continues towards track, the systems are excellent, but Some years ago, the CAA you with the heading required CTS value will progressively always have a plan in case your proposed a Harmonised to fly direct to your next turning change until the aircraft device fails in flight. it’s probably Transition Altitude plan, which point, rather than back to the reaches the planned track, at being too clever for your own also included fewer but larger original track. But if you were which point CTS and DTK, the good with a smart navigation altimeter setting regions, based some way off your planned desired track angle, should system which will get you lost on actual pressure values track, such a technique might have become equal. Moreover, in CAS quicker than anything rather than the archaic Regional cause you to cut the corner as the GPS is doing all the else if you don’t learn to use it Pressure Setting. RPS is actually of the CAS you’d planned to computation, your ETA at the prudently! So yes, it is another the weather guessers’ most avoid and also means that your turning point will also have infringement article, but I hope pessimistic forecast for an hour pre-planned visual fixes are less been continuously revised. it has helped. •

HOW TO: STANDARD CLOSING ANGLE

IF YOU realise that you are a miles off either by reducing the SCA and increasing the correct direction, of course! track and wish to flyb miles back on to the correction time correspondingly, or by Let’s imagine that we’ve been accurately track, then you need to turn through an making an appropriate timing correction. flying the first leg of our route at 90 kts on angle φ whose sine is equal to a/b. Now In practice it is better to return to track a heading of 040° when we notice that we the 1 in 60 rule tells us that φ is more or as soon as possible, but only if a simple are 4 miles left of track with some 7° of less equal to (a/b)x60 and if you fly your method for correcting the timing error drift error as deduced from our single 10° distance b at v miles per minute for t can also be achieved. fan line. The first correction is to turn right minutes, then φ = (60/v)x(a/t). If a and t Considering an aircraft with a 90 kt onto a heading of 080° and then to time are made numerically the same, that is cruising speed, things now become quite for 4 minutes as we head back towards you fly for the same number of minutes simple. The SCA is 40° and cos 40° is 0.766 track. During this 4 minutes we can first as your number of miles off track, then which is as near as makes no odds 3/4, so reassess that it really was a 4 mile error a = t and a Standard Closing Angle φ of what should have taken 3 minutes along and then jot down on the log that our ETA (60/v) can be used where v is expressed the planned track will now take 4 minutes at the turning point will be 4/3 of a minute in miles per minute. Hence the SCA at 360 on a 40° SCA correction towards track, i.e. later than previously calculated and that kts is 10°, at 120 kts it is 30° and at 90 kts 1/3 longer. there’ll be a 7° drift correction to apply the SCA is 40°. It is also necessary to examine why the when we’re back on track. When our 4 This method is really only completely aircraft was off-track in the first place. minutes are up, we turn back onto our accurate when TAS equals G.The error Having regained track, due correction original heading plus our drift correction, will be greater at lower speeds, but is can also be made for the change in drift i.e. on to 047° in this example and recheck quite acceptable as the SCA technique which can best be deduced by reference that the DI is properly aligned with the assists pilots in reducing cross track error to a drift line drawn on the map )if a magnetic compass. With any luck and to a point from which readily identifiable paper map is being used). Because, if assuming that the wind doesn’t change pre-planned visual fixes can be observed the pilot flew the aircraft accurately and yet again, our navigation should now and overflown. Similarly, timing errors yet discovered a track angle error of ψ°, continue pretty well on track and we will be introduced with a large SCA as then when back on track and with the DI should only need to note the passing of the aircraft’s along track velocity is v cos re-aligned, the heading may be altered by visual fix points to revise the ETA at the φ rather than v. This can be overcome the same angle ψ to correct for drift. In next turning point.

October 2017 AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot

TECH REVIEW The latest purchases for the pilot 41

COMM ONLY AIR BAND TRANSCEIVER Product FTA-450L Maker Yeasu

Yeasu has just launched a new air band handheld transceiver – the FTA- 450L. The new model is a comm only version transceiver, providing DYNON 5W TX power output and has a Large 1.7in x 1.7in Full-Dot Matrix Display AIMING HIGHER featuring the Easy-to- Dynon sets its sights on the Certified market Operate icon driven menu system. Product SkyView HDX touch-screen avionics the GTN/GNS series, and The 800mW internal Maker Dynon Avionics platform, providing primary includes an independent audio speaker guarantees flight display with synthetic backup EFIS. the call will not be Amongst home-built and vision and angle of attack, Installations are expected missed. 8.33kHz narrow LSA fanatics the name autopilot, engine monitor to begin by year’s end in band compatible, and Dynon is synonymous with with all EGTs/CHTs, lean the US. Dynon Certified with a programmable high quality avionics, but assist, and fuel computer. products will be priced 200 channels up to 15 the brand is unfamiliar in The line also includes a identically to the LSA/ alphanumeric characters, the world of Certified GA flight-planning mapping experimental versions, with all channels can be easily aircraft. feature, ADS-B traffic and STCs priced separately. stored and retrieved with However, at Oshkosh this weather, an electronic flight To date, Dynon avionics just a few button presses. year the company announced bag, a Mode S transponder have been installed in more The 450L comes it is launching a certified line with 2020-compliant ADS-B than 20,000 such aircraft, with 110VAC and of integrated retrofit avionics “out,” and more. The touch representing hundreds of 12VDC chargers, systems for type-certificated screen can also be operated platform types, according headset adapter, USB GA aircraft. “For years, with ergonomic knobs and to the company. Dynon will programming cable, and thousands of light-sport and buttons, offering positive, continue developing and a rechargeable battery. amateur-built aircraft pilots intuitive controls for all flight supporting products for The company has have benefited from Dynon’s conditions. Additionally, the its experimental aircraft also launched the new intuitive, affordable, and system is compatible with customers, underscored by SEP-11A as one of the safety-enhancing integrated popular IFR navigators like the four employee-owned optional accessories avionics systems,” said the Avidyne IFD series and experimental aircraft. • for all Yaesu FTA Series John Torode, founder and air band transceivers. CEO of the Woodinville, The SEP-11A is a simple Washington-based company. NEED TO KNOW monaural earphone “We’re ready to bring the + Proven track record in the experimental market. which can be connected Dynon approach to the rest + Complete avionics pacakages at competitive prices. to the transceiver directly. of the GA fleet.” - Small list of STCs so far. The Dynon Certified line - Maybe a long wait for your aircraft. Where www.yaesu.co.uk features SkyView HDX, Where www.dynonavionics.com Price Various Price £219.95 +VAT Dynon’s flagship integrated

October 2017 AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot 42 BOOK REVIEW A look at the latest publications EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE M.52 Nick Wilcock discovers the story behind the secret M.52

Book The Miles M.52 used in later years) – the THE MOST Author Tony Buttler testbed 'Gillette' Miles Falcon, fitted with the same VERSATILE Many readers will already bi-convex aerofoil wing AIRCRAFT be familiar with the late as intended for the M.52, Book JUNKERS Ju 88: The Capt Eric ‘Winkle’ Brown’s as well as the Vickers test Luftwaffe’s Most Versatile earlier book about the M.52, model programme – are Aircraft, Blitzkrieg to which was intended to be fully described. Much of the Barbarossa Britain’s first supersonic information in this book has Author Chris Gross aeroplane. But Tony Buttler’s never been made available book provides even greater previously and it makes for Designed as a fast detail about the project. fascinating reading. It also bomber that could Conceived during World dispels the long-held myth out-run the fighters of War Two, largely as the that the Americans somehow the era, the twin-engine result of evidence gathered stole the M.52’s all-moving Junkers Ju 88 became concerning Germany’s tailplane design for the one of the most versatile development of jet and mentioned without any real famous Bell X-1. aircraft of the Second rocket powered aircraft in-depth explanation. But if it hadn’t been for the World War. Such was the including a proposed long Nevertheless, the dilatory behaviour of the success of the design range supersonic bomber, difficulties facing Miles in Supersonic Committee and that its production lines the Miles design was to have estimating the aircraft’s the RAE, perhaps ‘Winkle’ operated constantly been a supersonic research performance in the transonic Brown would have taken from 1936 to 1945. In aeroplane, intended to reach region and the difference Britain into the supersonic this selection of images no less than 1000 mph at of opinion between the age at the helm of the M.52, collected over many a time when contemporary designer’s and the Royal beating Chuck Yeager in the years, and now part fighters were nudging less Aircraft Establishment’s air-launched Bell X-1. That's of Frontline's new War than half that figure. (RAE) estimations of one to discuss another time in the Air series, the This book takes the reader transonic drag rise is well in the clubhouse. operations of this famous through the entire M.52 described. In the pre- I recommend that you read aircraft are portrayed story, although as with TSR- computer age and with very Tony Buttler’s book and and brought to life by 2 some 20 years later, the limited access to supersonic ponder at what might have Chris Gross, a former true story of the project’s wind tunnels, it is truly been, were it not for the lack RAF Wing Commander. cancellation will probably amazing that Miles was able of enthusiasm and courage Gross is a regular and never be known. to design this high-speed shown by politicians at the highly sought after Technical details of the aircraft in such a relatively Ministry of Supply and the contributor to major aeroplane are covered short period of time. RAE. aviation publications comprehensively, although In addition to the aeroplane Although you might in the UK, France and much of the detailed itself, the revolutionary perhaps find it useful to Germany, as well the description of the aircraft’s augmented jet engine with brush up on your principles author of fourteen aerodynamics is probably its afterburning system of flight knowledge before critically acclaimed rather deep for the average (quite unlike any system you do so! • books covering the air PPL holder. For example, the war between 1939 and effect of the transonic shift 1945. Chris completed of the centre of pressure NEED TO KNOW an MA with Merit in War on longitudinal stability, + Even greater detail about the project than in Eric 'Winkle' Studies in 2001. the estimation of optimum Brown's book. climbing speeds by partial + Takes the reader through the entire M.52 story. Where www.pen-and- climbs and the assessment - Some of the aerodynamic descriptions are rather in depth. sword.com of the static margin are Where www.crecy.co.uk Price £24.95 Price £14.99

AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot October 2017 CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENTS

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October 2017 AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot