REPRESENTING SPORT & RECREATIONAL AVIATION IN THE SOUTHWEST www.devonstrut.co.uk

DEVON STRUT NEWS, AUGUST 2006.

CO-ORDINATOR’S COMMENTS by Christopher Howell

The very hot month of July is speeding by. It is amazing how many heads have been off this month. So many people I have spoken to have been headless. I am referring to cylinder heads! This has lead me to ponder again the merits or not of using mogas. With the price of avgas shooting through the stratosphere is there some money to be saved by using garage forecourt petrol?? Well yes, 20p per litre, but then the debate is about what those cunning dogs put in forecourt fuel. We know it changes from winter to summer but do they fiddle about with it during other parts of the year??

Many prefer to stick with avgas as the mixture and standard, in theory, should remain high!! Then there begs the question of oil. Many use the posh semi-synthetics whilst others use straight mineral oil, at a considerable saving, as much as half the price of semi-synthetic. There is much to ponder on for a pilot who has more than enough to worry about. I struggle to dodge and swerve past the domestic wasp with the usual cooing as I pretend to be out of earshot. I didn’t hear Tesco, Waitrose, make sure your back by 4pm and your cooking dinner tonight!! Hey ho, happy days!

There is a strong leaning towards the World Cup footy having affected some of our fly-ins as numbers were considerably down. The Hangar Dance went off very well, thanks to all the hard work of Pete White and many members of the Flying Club. Thanks also go to Richard and Ingrid Hulls for their event at Manstage. The Lundy Island fly-in was a stunning success this year with a record sixty nine visiting aircraft. Well done to Pete White and Reg McComish who headed up the organising group and flew out to Lundy on the Saturday to be ready first thing on Sunday. Thanks also to all the other Strut members who helped out.

The Strut membership continues to grow and we now have 160 members. I receive many more phone calls these days from all over the country as people seem to think we are the authority on what happens in the West of England. I have to say that this all comes from our website and my thanks must go to Mike Mold for all his hard work in this direction. He has totally transformed the website in the last year and The Devon Strut is beaming out all over the world. Jim Gale has been working really hard with PFA HQ and we all look forward to visiting Kemble this year and looking at the PFA 60th Anniversary Historical Homebuilt Aircraft Display.

Branscombe Air Day is this Sunday, 30th July. Joe Thomas is pulling all the stops out for this one. Aeronca UK kick off on Saturday 29th holding their Annual Branscombe Bash. They will then camp over for the Air Day on the Sunday. Full details can be found on www.sky4aviation.co.uk

Happy Flying, Chris Howell.

______1 Eggesford Fly-In, 17th June 2006

Photos by Maurice Wickstead

Despite wanting a low-profile fly-in because of complaints from a neighbour, Nigel Skinner hosted a well attended event on 17th June, attracting pilots who appreciate the welcoming, friendly environment at Eggesford. Ian Quinn escaped his commercial duties with Cathay Pacific to bring his Cessna 180 Skywagon from Franklin’s Field near Wells. ______

Halwell Fly-In, 25th June by Derek Boyce

The South Hams Microlight Club once again paid host to a Strut fly-in at their South Devon airstrip. Keith Wingate and the team worked hard all day to ensure everyone had a good time and were well looked after. Keith also took the time to fly his son, no doubt to make sure he has someone to fly him in the future as the years start to take their toll! Club members are in the process of building individual hangars at Halwell and we were able to see the progress being made.

As part of the Club’s fund raising efforts Mary Aston was busy selling raffle tickets for a flight in PIGI, the Eurostar. The draw was made at a subsequent Club meeting and Strut member Peter Gristwood was declared the winner.

A total of 43 aircraft flew in, with 9 of those arriving the day before to make a weekend of it. Amongst the visitors was a rarely seen Rans S4 from Torquay, Vans RV4 and RV6, whilst the longest distance travelled was a Banbi making a regular flight to one of our fly-ins from Derbyshire.

Strut Members flying in included Chris Pidler (Fournier RF4), Pete Gibbs (Kitfox), John Hope (Jodel 1050), Roy Young (Europa), Mike Mold & Russell Marshall (both Jodel D112s), Steve Waddy (Aeronca Chief) and new member Richard Skinner with his new Eurostar from Belle Vue.

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Thanks to Keith Wingate and fellow South Hams Microlight Club members for their hospitality and to Martin Pengelly for doing the marshalling. ______

Bodmin Hangar Dance, 1 July by Steve Robson

To celebrate the 60th Anniversary of the PFA Pete White and his team from the Strut and the Cornwall Flying Club organised a combined fly-in and 1940’s theme hangar dance at Bodmin on Sat 1 July.

Although the number of fly-in visitors was small, well over 100 people attended the hangar dance, most in 1940’s dress, which added to the flavour of the evening. A tremendous amount of preparation had gone into making the hangar into a suitable venue as well as preparing the amount of food to feed everyone. The band played a good selection of jazz and swing that soon had the dance floor crowded and an interlude of wartime sing-along favourites. Of particular note was the appearance of a small battle tank, specially designed by Geoff Dalton, on a chassis that resembled a bike! Interestingly, it attracted a large number of people who were keen to have a go. Driving a two wheeler tank in a state of ‘social confusion’ proved to be quite a challenge for some with hilarious results and photographs to prove it!

Evacuees Tug and Sandra Wilson Father Pete blesses Desert Rat Geoff Dalton

Many thanks to Pete and all his team for the time and effort they put in that helped to make the event so successful.

[On the continuing theme of recommending places to stay, for visitors wanting to overnight at Bodmin we have no hesitation in pointing them to Roger and Hester Dell’Erba, The Stables, Welltown, . 01208- 821316. They have two double rooms and it’s possibly one of the best B&Bs we’ve experienced. Whilst it’s only a couple of miles from the field it’s not walkable so they will also pick you up & return you to the club. – Ed].

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Alan (good ol’ boy) Crutcher Capturing the mood, 60 years back in time ______

Moth Rally Visit to Dunkeswell, 1st July 2006 by Maurice Wickstead

The de Havilland Moth Club Vintage Weekend Tour this year started from Henlow and routed to Badminton before proceeding to Dunkeswell, where, in a complete contrast to last year’s event, when only two arrived because of the atrocious weather, the sun was beaming with a light breeze and the occasional cloud – a perfect English summer’s day to go flying in a Moth. And on the lunchtime leg no less than thirty vintage gentlemen’s aerial carriages graced the skies over Dunkeswell, representing almost the entire range of deHavilland’s classic pre-war civil production – it could have been a scene from 1936!

At a little after 11.30 the first to arrive overhead was Tiger Moth G-EMSY and over the next few hours a steady stream of visitors kept the circuit, the radio man, fuel bowser and volunteer marshals busy; the tail-ender being another Tiger, G-AHIZ from Cambridge, at 14.50. In all, 17 Tigers were joined by a Puss Moth, Fox Moth, Leopard & Hornet Moths, a lone Chipmunk and a Moth Major. The oldest aircraft was Gipsy Moth, G-ABDA, first registered in July 1930 with the Redhill Flying Club.

If this were not enough, Australian-built Dragon G-ECAN, splendidly decked out in Railway Air Services livery, was partnered by newly restored ‘Scottish Airways’ Dragon Rapide, G-AGJG, once to be seen buzzing round the Heathrow circuit on joy-rides with Island Air Services in the mid-1950s. The trio of twin-engined biplanes was completed by 1936-build DH89, G-AEML, Proteus, the subject of several restorations, since its first at the 4 hands of Viv’ Bellamy at Lands End in the late 1970s. Also of traditional interest were Austers ‘GXV and ‘RUI, together with 18 other assorted visitors from far and wide. A large band of enthusiastic helpers, including a crew from the Devon Strut (including Maurice, Alan Faupel and John Havers - Ed), were on hand to ensure the smooth running of proceedings. John was delighted to become re-acquainted with Hornet Moth ‘DMT, which he and a group of friends had rescued as a wreck many years before.

Come the time to depart for afternoon tea at Netheravon (and subsequently Popham; thence to Wycombe Air Park and Oaksey Park on the Sunday) and the taxi-way resembled EGLL at peak time, with four Tigers, the two Austers, a Leopard Moth, Dragon and Rapide strung out along the taxiway, all patiently awaiting their departure ‘slots’.

All in all, on a perfect day, it was gratifying to those of us of a ‘certain age’ to behold the enthusiasm, loving care, many hours polishing and no doubt, ‘loadsa dough’ lavished on these venerable machines. Long may we continue to enjoy their sights and sounds and recall the carefree hours of our youth spent at peaceful fields on glorious summer days. ______

Farway Fly-in 8/9 July by Maurice Wickstead

Strengthening cross-winds and conflicting events conspired to keep numbers down at Terry Case's normally well-attended annual 2-day event. Nevertheless, on Saturday a total of 27 visitors flew in, early arrivals being Roy Young in Europa G-SRYY from Norton Morell, followed in quick succession by Ron and Lyn Perry in Rotax Falke G-CDSC from Halesland and the ex-Barry Bower 1953-built, classic trophy winner Piper Tri- Pacer, G- from Bourton-on-the-Water.

A steady trickle of familiar faces followed over the lunchtime period, including Keith Wingate in his new mount, Kitfox G-BTDC. From further afield came Cessna 150M G-BPAX out of Shoreham and Jodel DR315 G-BLHH from Tower Farm, Northampton. Having made the journey from Swanborough Farm near Lewes, Ken Manley's Jodel Mascaret G-OABB unfortunately suffered a main gear tyre deflation after touchdown, forcing Ken and his lady to spend most of their day labouring over the repair. After several hours of anticipation, at 14.00 the long-awaited Swedish EuroCub formation arrived overhead in company with the new Czech 5 Aerospool Dynamic WT-9 SE-VPB, following their delayed Channel crossing from Midden-Zeeland to Bembridge.

Chatting with the Swedish Ultraflyers Club contingent from Frölunde near Stockholm, headed by Ops Manager Einar Edland, revealed that a number of group members have joined together to equip two of their EuroCubs with floats. With a 75 meter take-off run and 72 kt cruise at 65%, they make an affordable and fun vehicle for water-hopping around Sweden’s numerous lakes. (see web links www.swedishultaflyers.com www.aerocompinc.com/swede-float.htm).

The final European arrival, no stranger to Farway, was Hans van den Linden who touched down in his Cessna 172H PH-LIN shortly after 19.00, for a somewhat wet and windy overnight stay under canvas. Having the crews of five overseas visiting aircraft at a Devon Strut event is probably unique!

Also overnighting was David Cottingham in Skyranger G-CCCY from nearby Branscombe. Sunday was marred by strong and gusty winds in the aftermath of Saturday night's 'low' passing through. Even so, Subaru-powered, VPM Tandem Gyrocopter G-YFLY rotored in from Cheddar to collect a spare prop' and Robin DR400 G-GAOM put in an appearance later in the morning. Mike Wells and Les Dray dropped in early afternoon with their Jodel and Condor respectively to help rescue the day. Otherwise Terry's well-manicured runways remained ominously quiet. Despite the variable weather, a good number of visitors by road were in evidence including the other Watchford Wanderers, Steve and Alison Robson. It was a pleasure to renew old acquaintances and make some new ones. John, Alan and Maurice, this year aided by Barry from Okehampton, formed the usual marshalling and greeting team, and not forgetting Betty, Thelma, Joy, Pam and for the first time, Maurice's wife Fran', who gave tireless attention to the excellent catering facilities. Not least, thanks as ever, to Terry for his hospitality. ______

In Search of the Ultimate Breakfast, Episode 3 – Lundy, 16th July by Steve Robson

The island of Lundy has always held a certain appeal to me and I’ve tried to make it to the fly-in there as often as I can. However, I’d never managed to spend a night on the island for various reasons, until now. The flight over from Watchford on Saturday evening was via Dunkeswell for fuel and with a nice tail wind, which was more or less straight down Lundy’s runway 06 at about 10 kts which made it almost ideal.

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After I pitched my tent it was down to the Marisco Inn for a meal and a pint. There was a number of other early arrivals and we all spent a pleasant evening together. After a good night’s sleep we awoke to another wonderful day with the promise of a good fly-in. However we’d heard some slight disturbance through the night and the morning revealed the Pete had spent the night with two birds!

In order to get the day off to a good start we again convened in the Marisco Inn for breakfast. A monster fry up it was too; well presented and served with a friendly smile, score 9.1.

Pete’s phone was on the go from very early on and as soon as we’d completed an inspection of the strip the first visitors of the day arrived in the shape of John and Trish Kempton. Thereafter, the sky darkened with aircraft as they converged on the island from most directions. Although the strip is not without its challenges and Pete exercises good judgement in “vetting” the suitability of pilots and their aircraft, the diversity of types (from flexwings, a motorfalke, through “traditional” permit a/c, a Europa to a Cessna 210R) demonstrated that with skill and discipline, this wonderful place is accessible. Most impressive with its STOL capability was the Aviat Husky; flap, tap and elevate!

Aviat Husky going ballistic! Much travelled classic Porterfield from White Waltham

The staff working on the island really pushed the boat out to make the event special and set up a BBQ on the airfield and a very efficient system of booking in, so much so that Alan Crutcher was asked for his passport. (for those who don’t know, Alan claims that Lundy is part of Wales!)

At the end of the day, 69 aircraft had arrived and departed without incident and a new record had been created in the process. On behalf of the Devon Strut we would like to pass on our sincere thanks to all the island staff who helped make the event so successful.

[Martin Day and his partner Jan keep their Cessna 170 G-MDAY at Bourne Park and have visited several of our fly-ins over the past couple of years. Jan chronicles their trips, including their Lundy visit, on their excellent website http://www.greathead.org/Martinwebsite/Lundy_island.htm - Ed.]

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Lundy Island’s BBQ Girls. Trevor checking for cones but staying out of the long grass! ______

Welcome to New Members • Paddy Johnson from Exmouth Paddy flies syndicated AA5A G-BGFG from Exeter.

• Roger Burge of Ilfracombe. Roger keeps his Kolb Twinstar G-CCRB “Woodstock” at Belle Vue

• David Linney of Langport flies Piper L4 Cub G-BGSJ and his SE5A Replica G-BDWJ. David is a PFA Inspector and manages the Pitney strip near Langport.

Members’ News

Keith Wingate has sold his Taylor Titch and bought Jabiru-powered Kitfox G-BTDC (seen at Lundy). This is also for sale (see Adverts section).

Not previously seen on these pages are Steve Cole’s Exeter-based Fuji 200-160; (four seats and aerobatic), Mark Collett’s Jodel D120 G-AZLF (also visiting Lundy) and the Eggesford Broussard in it’s new paint scheme.

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August Free Landings Pilot: Bagby, Brimpton, Chiltern Park, Huddersfield, Lundy and Old Sarum Flyer: Campbeltown, Enstone, Islay, Sherburn-In-Elmet Today’s Pilot: Wick, Manston, Fishburn and White Waltham ______

The Bristol / Cardiff airspace changes will be the subject of AIC 96/2006 (Yellow 217) being published on 20 July and active w.e.f. 31 August. The AIC will contain a chart showing the new airspace and is of a size that is easily carried. The revised map is downloadable from http://www.caa.co.uk/docs/14/PN3306.pdf A new Southern England half million chart 32a will be published to show the new airspace.

The CAA has recently published their review of GA in the UK and the report can be accessed at http://www.caa.co.uk/docs/224/strategreview06.pdf ______

Following another very successful Scout camp at Belle Vue on 10/11th June, one of the points raised by the organising committee at the event debriefing meeting was that it would be a good gesture at next year’s event to give all the participating Scouts each a copy of an old aviation map. Hence, if you can spare your used ½ mill Southern England, we’d be grateful. These can be donated to any of the committee during the coming year. Thanks, Mike ______

The Vulcan To The Sky Club is dedicated to returning what was the last flying example of the Avro Vulcan XH558 to an airworthy condition. This was the RAF’s display aircraft until it was retired to Bruntingthorpe in 1993 and has been lovingly maintained over subsequent years. The club has raised over £2.7M from Heritage Lottery funding but still needs to raise the percentage of matched funding from supporters and the public at large to achieve the aim of returning XH558 to flying status. Supporter Peter Chapman was canvassing at the Bodmin Hangar Dance and at Culdrose Air Day. New members can join the club, receive newsletters and associated information via http://www.tvoc.co.uk/index2.php ______

The Devon Strut’s entry for the PFA Rally Concors award was recently revealed at Belle Vue! 9