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

The Britten-Norman Islander has been in the skies for more than 50 years. We talk to CEO William Hynett OBE about why after all this time this hard-wearing British bird is so popular

ALL THE WAY AROUND CLOUDBASEGA REVIEW AOPA COMMUNITY David Hastings tells all about Henry Simpson looks at one Find out what the his epic adventure flying of the newest tools for schools organisation is doing for you around the USA in a Cessna and explains how it can help and how it's keeping us flying

MAGAZINE 10.2019 FREE TO MEMBERS WWW.AOPA.CO.UK

03 CHAIRMAN'S MESSAGE IT'S TIME FOR EDITOR David Rawlings A CHANGE [email protected] ET'S START with a quote: “There is nothing permanent except change.” – Heraclitus of Ephesus. ART EDITOR Dan Payne By the time you are reading this the AOPA AGM will have come and gone [email protected] L for another year. I remark upon it, not only because it will have been my first as Chairman but also because the AGM presents an opportunity for change. SUB EDITOR This year we will have marked George Done’s nineteen years as Chairman of the Lucy Debenham Board with the honorary title of Life Vice President, nineteen years that have seen a lot of change. I’m certain that most of you will remember the turn of the century, and CONTRIBUTORS the worry that computers would crash to a halt when we entered the noughties. Pauline Vahey, John Walker, David During this time dictators have come and gone, there have been natural disasters Hastings, Malcolm Bird, George and we seem to have weathered a financial crash, after a fashion. Through this time Done, Nick Wilcock George has steered the path of AOPA such that we’re still here and still working for the membership. George will continue to chair the Maintenance Working Group PUBLISHED BY so members need not worry that we are losing his experience and expertise in AOPA UK engineering matters, and he’ll still be on hand to help members with their engineering 50a Cambridge Street, and maintenance issues. London, SW1V 4QQ We hope to welcome, if elected at the AGM, Philip Church to the AOPA Board and +44 (0)20 7834 5631 Executive Committee. Please read Phil’s achievements in the Aviation industry at http://bit.ly/2kezDKY. I hope you’ll agree that he will be an asset to AOPA. He has ADVERTISING & SUBSCRIPTIONS already made a significant contribution to the suite of projects that AOPA is now involved in for the benefit of our members. These include projects on conspicuity, AOPA UK GPS navigation approaches, and the next generation of ELTs. British Light Aviation Centre Demonstrating that the aviation world we fly in is not constant, improvements in 50a Cambridge Street London, SW1V 4QQ technology are going to change the airspace we fly in, the way it is managed for +44 (0)20 7834 5631 us and other participants in the space, as well as the technology of the aircraft we will fly. To continue to participate in these discussions and influence the change for HEAD OF ADVERTISING everyone’s benefit, AOPA also has to change to meet the new challenges. We expect David Impey this will include a new post-Brexit world where we’ll be re-establishing UK GA in a +44 (0)7742 605338 global industry. To this end, I mentioned last time that the Board has decided to move the AOPA PRINTING HQ away from 50a Cambridge Street. This will secure the financial future of the Ruddocks association and give AOPA the opportunity to realign its resources and invest in new 56 Great Northern Terrace, endeavours for the benefit of our membership. Lincoln LN5 8HL In moving our AOPA HQ the Board continues to show its commitment to keeping +44 (0)1522 529591 overheads low and as a consequence membership fees unchanged, whilst still www.ruddocks.co.uk ensuring the association has the resources to continue its work. We’ll be keeping

you all informed with regular updates. © British Light Aviation Centre Ltd In the words of Martin, our CEO, “The work AOPA carries out on your behalf AOPA is a member of the International doesn’t change, there’s just more of it.” AOPA doesn’t intend to step down from Council of Aircraft Owners and protecting the rights and privileges of its members to fly in the UK and beyond. • Pilots Association. IAOPA

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 Pauline Vahey October issue should be recieved no later Chairman, AOPA UK than 01 November 2019 [email protected]

October 2019 AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot 04 INSIDE THIS MONTH CONTENTS OCTOBER 2019

07AOPA AFFAIRS This month AOPA's CEO 16NEWS The latest happenings from the world discusses the laws that need to be changed so of General Aviation. This issue includes the airspace remains safe for everyone – including newest aircraft from Extra, the Red Bull Air drone users. Race's final round and more.

09AOPA COMMUNITY The latest from inside 24FLYING FEATURE David Hastings MBE tells us AOPA, including the Members Working Group, the story of the time he flew all the way around the Maintenance Working Group and much the United States in his friend's beloved C-337 more. Cessna Skymaster twin.

10AOPA AWARDS This month we have a special 28COVER STORY Once upon a time Britain led feature on the recent AOPA Awards – the the world in aircraft manufacturing. Those days biannual event that celebrates those who have passed but Britten-Norman is still holding improve GA for everyone. the torch. We look at how it is still fighting on.

12PPL CORNER An AOPA member explains 36TRAINING FEATURE Pilot Medical what happens if you get caught infringing on Declarations can be a minefield. Luckily Nick restricted airspace – it's easily done, so read Wilcock is on hand to explain how to ensure this and take note. your licence remains current.

13AIRFIELDS UPDATE John Walker reports 40TECH & BOOK REVIEWS Henry Simpson on the UK's airfields that are currently under reviews CloudBaseGA, a planning tool threat from property developers as well as local for schools and fleet owners, to see if it's councils across the UK. something worth purchasing.

14HELP AND ADVICE George Done and the 43CLASSIFIEDS Find pages packed with aviation- AOPA Maintenance Working Group explain related listings, as well as opportunities for how to prepare for the dreaded annual shares in aircraft, and reputable maintenance inspection. organisations.

AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot October 2019 05

EDITOR'S MOMENT It's been a fantastic summer for air sports. We've had the final Red Bull Air Race – 14 congratulations to Matt Hall and his team – and the French team dominated the World Aerobatics Championships. These events are a great way to attract the next generation and get them excited about becoming a pilot. It's a shame that the Red Bull Air Race has come to an end; it promoted great flying and competition that was thrilling. There are rumours that it might come back under a different title sponsor, but only time will tell. We also celebrate the people who are making a difference in the UK with the AOPA Awards. There are a lot of deserving people who have received these iconic awards and trophies. You can read all about that on page 10. Plus, in this issue, we look at one of the UK's last remaining aircraft manufacturers, Britten- Norman. If any company knows about keeping aviation alive, it's this one!

David Rawlings Editor, AOPA Magazine UK [email protected]

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October 2019 AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot

07 AOPA AFFAIRS PUBLIC CONFIDENCE IN UNMANNED AIRCRAFT IS NOT THERE YET LD ROADS were not designed regulation can be seen in the number of for cars and if you look at the "AOPA is accidents both serious and fatal – the very early cars they were little following these question then is one of appetite – and O more than horse carriages with how much appetite do regulators have an engine. Airspace and its rules were not developments closely to reduce the number of regulations, if designed for drones. Early requirements it increases the accident rate? The main for automobiles travelling on country roads and has been invited problem is the cost of regulation i.e. the at night included sending up a rocket every CAA administration and oversight. Can the mile, then waiting ten minutes for the road to take part in oversight be reduced without making big to clear. The driver could then proceed, changes to regulations? I suspect that this with caution, blowing his horn and various forums" will depend on the kind of legal opinion shooting off Roman candles, as before. the CAA receives, particularly in light of If the driver of an automobile saw a team the development of Urban Air Mobility the Shoreham 2015 air crash – businesses of horses approaching, he was to stop, (UAM) vehicles that Airbus, Boeing and tend to like a clear regulatory framework pulling over to one side of the road, and Uber are developing along with Amazon as it gives them a degree of comfort when cover his machine with a blanket or dust who are looking at drone deliveries in operating/providing a service. Individuals cover which was painted or coloured to urban/city areas. Some people think that will and do have a different risk appetite blend into the scenery, and thus render the this initiative is a long way off. I think the and we know that in current accidents machine less noticeable. matter is closer than people think and we it's often the individuals approach to In case a horse was unwilling to pass an need to make sure that the rules that are risk that is the problem, and, in fact, the automobile on the road, the driver of the under development do not further restrict regulation is not considered when the car was supposed to take the machine GA’s activities. action is taken. However most regulations apart as rapidly as possible and conceal are established to protect the third party the parts in the bushes. And most of us AOPA IS HELPING involved, and when there is an accidents will have heard of the man with a red flag We need to engage in the subject and there is a cost to the families that get left walking ahead of the car. that’s what AOPA is doing. This change will behind. When this is a commercial aircraft happen over time. There is no Big Bang but then the problem is multiplied and unlike BRINGING IT UP TO DATE governments and industry see this as the GA accidents they tend to stay in the Now we are being asked to consider a next area of growth in activity and jobs. news much longer. Fortunately aircraft new kind of airspace user and how their AOPA responded to the government's accidents are relatively rare – which gives requirements for access to all airspace Aviation 2050 Green Paper and we made the public confidence to use aeroplanes may be met. Currently drones can only be the point of not forgetting about GA, and to travel. Whether or not the public will used within visual line of sight. However, how the next stage of development can move to pilotless aircraft will take time the next stage of their development is to include GA's needs, particularly for the to emerge because the pilot is a safety go beyond the visual line of sight, including development of new technology, including device, and a well-trained pilot is the best launch and forget operations. Governments 5G and where geofencing may be of safety device. So, whilst some sectors around the globe are looking at the benefit to GA. move ahead in the development of AI and development of UAS (unmanned aerial AOPA is following these developments algorithms to replace humans, I think they systems) as a part of the fourth industrial closely and has been invited to take part have not considered public confidence revolution. There is work going on around in various forums, which in future will give and therefore it will be some time before the regulations that will underpin the us the ability to influence appropriate Bladerunner becomes reality. • development of operations. There was a outcomes. proposal for segregation, which would The DfT has initiated a review of reduce the access to airspace for existing regulation through Tony Rapson and users, but AOPA objected to this saying Geoffrey Podger. In the discussion it was that the way forward was for the safe clear that the government is thinking about integration of users and that there needs to the volume of regulation that impacts be more progress made on developing the on GA – AOPA has always made the Martin Robinson right technology. point that GA is safe, but it's not risk- CEO, AOPA UK Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAM) include free. A measure of the effectiveness of [email protected]

October 2019 AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot

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

AOPA Awards 10 The 2019 winners

PPL CORNER 12 Infringement special

AIRFIELDS UPDATE 13 Airfields under threat

ADVICE 14 Annual inspection time

October 2019 AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot 10 AOPA COMMUNITY AOPA Awards

WORDS Pauline Vahey IMAGES Mick Elborn THE WINNERS OF THE 2019 AOPA AWARDS The 2019 AOPA Awards were presented at AeroExpo UK, which was held at Wycombe Air Park – congratulations to all the winners!

AOPA'S BIANNUAL awards contributor to GA due to her "He now supports with vertical guidance. AOPA once again took place at media presence. has been privileged to have AeroExpo in Wycombe Air smaller airfields Ken working as the Project Park, in front of a packed Manager of Project GAGA tent. Congratulations to the in implementing for the last three years. well-deserving winners. Project GAGA is all about performance- the implementation of GNSS LENNOX-BOYD TROPHY based navigation approaches for General Awarded to a person, club, Aviation. group or organisation who operations" It is expected this will has contributed significantly contribute significantly to the to the furtherance of general Winner: Ken Ashton safety of General Aviation in aviation, flight training, club Ken has a lifetime career the decades to come. flying or piloting standards. in aeronautical navigation The trophy is a cup in a service provision. He led the BEST AERODROME special presentation box that project team that introduced Awarded to an aerodrome was originally given to the LPV approach procedures at that offers outstanding Association of British Aero Alderney Airport, one of the facilities and helpful service Clubs by the late Rt Hon Alan first to be approved by the to residents and visitors alike. Lennox-Boyd PC CH MP CAA. The trophy is a sword (see (subsequently Viscount Boyd He now supports smaller below left) donated to AOPA of Merton) in 1953. The last airfields in implementing by Airtour International winner of the Lennox-Boyd PBN (performance-based Ltd (now Pooley’s Flight Trophy was Carol Vorderman navigation) operations and Equipment Ltd) in 1982. who was seen as a fantastic in particular, approaches The sword was renovated by R Pooley in 2004. 2017's winner was Jersey Airport. Winner: Blackbushe Aiport Like many smaller airports in the UK, Blackbushe has had its ups and downs. Blackbushe is now definitely on an up, with its new management team in charge. The facilities at Blackbushe have improved as has the welcome for GA. The vision and strategy for the sustainable and viable future of the airport, as a centre of excellence for General Aviation and a key contributor to the local community, is outlined on their website. It is a model for other smaller airports to take a serious look at, if the UK is to keep its airfields for aviation and Blackbushe Airport was the winner of the best aerodrome not housing.

AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot October 2019 11

INSTRUCTOR OF THE YEAR Awarded to an instructor who has made a special contribution to the training of student pilots for the PPL or NPPL, or to private pilots for added qualifications. The trophy is an art deco cup donated in 2004 by Virgin Experience Days. Geoff Prout, the former CFI of GoFly, who has 12,000 hours in his logbooks, was the pervious winner. Winner: Simon Atkins Former Head of Training at Booker Aviation, Simon continues to work in General Aviation when a career in the airlines would have been an easy step for him. His outstanding knowledge of the GA sector and its rules and regulations, together with his continued support, Pauline Vahey, AOPA's Chairman, presents Simon Atkins with his Instructor of the Year trophy has earned him widespread respect throughout the UK GA FRIEND OF AOPA community including the CAA "His outstanding Awarded to a person or AOPA TROPHY FOR who values his knowledge. knowledge of persons who has or have THE BEST ARTWORK made a special contribution DEPICTING LIGHT CONTRIBUTION TO the GA sector towards the work of AOPA (a AIRCRAFT THE COMMUNITY half-pint tankard to keep, no This award will be Awarded to a person or and its rules permanent trophy). The winner presented for the first time organisation who has made an in 2017 was Matthew Bolshaw since 1983 – the AOPA outstanding contribution to and regulations, who has been keen to share Trophy for the best artwork the aviation community. The together with his knowledge of aviation depicting light aircraft from trophy is a cup donated in insurance. 1946 onwards – by a Full 1997 by Flyer magazine. his continued Member or Associate of the Guild of Aviation Artists, at support, has their Annual Exhibition. The Award was presented at earned him the AGM. Michael Latham widespread won with Martin Perman runner up. The Cup was respect." originally the BLAC Trophy so originates from the days Winners: Roger Kimbell, before BLAC Ltd started Winners: Luc and Edith Dufour Paul Layzell and Mike Smart trading as AOPA UK, For over thirty years Luc and Roger, Paul and Mike are pre-1966. Edith have run the restaurant at founder members of the AOPA Cherbourg Maupertus Airport Maintenance Working Group in Normandy, Le Coucou de from its earliest days in 2009, Forchette. They have provided and at that time, were owners an unfailing welcome and and operators of maintenance assistance to the Brits who organisations. make Cherbourg their first or Over the past 10 years, they last stop to clear Customs and have applied their specialist Immigration when flying to and knowledge in the provision from the Continent. Luc and of valuable advice on a wide Edith are retiring at the end variety of AOPA members’ of this year. We wish them the engineering problems, to very best for their retirement, the ultimate benefit of those they’ll be missed. members. •

October 2019 AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot 12 AOPA COMMUNITY PPL Corner and Airfields Update

WORDS Anonymous A LESSON IN INFRINGEMENTS In spring, an AOPA member was caught infringing on London CAS. To ensure no one goes through what he did, he explains what happened, but wishes to remain anonymous IN APRIL I managed "The course was age of the pilots ranged from interesting viewing. to infringe London CAS early twenties to seventies, After lunch we plotted south of Bury St Edmunds enlightening, and encompassed every type various routes on half million through carelessness – of GA pilot – microlight, SEP, charts, one being a direct nothing else – I have no providing me twin engine, rotary, a warbird track through controlled excuses. I was operating at pilot and two flight school airspace, the other around over 7,000ft photographing with a much instructors. it. We were then tasked when I managed to drop greater insight The course was enlightening, to explain our reasonings, a camera lens that rolled providing me with a much hazards en route and general under a seat. I took my into the work of greater insight into the work thinking. Various multiple- eye off position whilst I of Swanwick, NATS etc. and choice questions were fumbled around retrieving Swanwick, NATS costs that infringements add screened, with answering it. In doing so with a strong annually – around £50 million via a hand-held remote, and northerly wind I let myself etc." in wasted JET A1 to start results displayed once the drift south and just clipped with. Examples of serious small counter at the top right CAS. My infringement could infringing of both Stansted of the screen hit 27. The be likened to a chalk line and Heathrow were screened. presenters stated that those call at Wimbledon tennis, in SEPs managed to get right who got questions wrong or out…? inside CAS, at one point (myself included) knew who Regardless I was pretty (Heathrow) looking like they they were! certain I had clipped it were lining up to land! The I am not proud to have been and kicked myself, calling simulators showed commercial there, but infringe I did, and it Wattisham who confirmed I diverts hurriedly expedited as seems that anyone who does had bust airspace – they had the infringer wandered around so from now on will be invited received a call from NATS. inside CAS before realising to attend a similar course ... I spoke to both centres the and scarpering, and made so be warned. • following day and was told that no avoiding action or diverts had resulted (thank goodness) and I thought possibly I would be given the benefit of the doubt ... It was not the case: three weeks later a letter from the CAA landed with a thump on my door mat. I was invited to give my account, which I did, and was told they would reply once my response was received. Their reply was simple; having evaluated my response it was considered that “remedial” action was required. This took the form of attending an infringement awareness course which I participated in on Saturday 10 August with 26 others. The They're always watching, so be careful when you're flying close to restricted airspace

AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot October 2019 13

WORDS John Walker THE LATEST NEWS ON UK AIRFIELDS THERE ARE airfields subsequently withdrew their across the UK currently support for the proposal under the threat. Here are but the site is still listed in the latest developments, the Council’s Housing and updated 2 September Economic Land Availability 2019. Assessment. MANSTON REDHILL Examination period ended Tandridge District Council on 9 July 2019 into the public consultation on four application made by River potential Garden Village Oak Strategic Partners sites including Redhill (who have now purchased ended on 9 October 2017. the site) for a Development The definitive 2033 Local Consent Order (DCO) to Plan submitted for Public retain the aerodrome as Examination on 18 January a Nationally Significant 2019, with hearings starting Infrastructure Project. The on 8 October 2019, has Planning Inspectorate now ruled out the site for a has three months to make Garden Village and allocated a recommendation on the it protected status as an application. Thanet District Important Employment Site. Council definitive 2031 The current draft Tandridge Local Plan submitted for Local Plan earmarks the Public Examination on 30 aerodrome for employment October 2018 with hearings purposes and notes that commencing on 2 April 2019 the site is within the Green recognises the existing use Belt with a high risk of of Manston as an airport surface water flooding. and provides for the DCO Part of the site is within the process to continue. boundary of Reigate and Banstead Borough Council RAF WYTON 2019 whose Local Plan proposal Aerodrome being sold to safeguard the site for off – DIO has a Land housing has been rejected Sales Delivery Partnership by the Planning Inspector Agreement with property examining the plan. developer Crest Nicholson and proposed a 4,500 WYCOMBE AIR PARK home development on site, a Site lease holder (Helicopter scheme that is not included Aircraft Holdings Ltd) has in the Huntingdonshire agreed new leases with District Council adopted the land owner, Wycombe 2036 Local Plan. Marshall District Council. After Group is considering Public Examination, the relocating from Cambridge 2033 Local Plan was to the site. adopted by the Council in August 2019 and PETERBOROUGH/SIBSON provides for an industrial/ Huntingdonshire District warehousing complex on Council submitted an the southeastern part of the unsuccessful bid for a site, resulting in loss of a 2,500 home Garden Village runway and relocation of on site. The Council gliding activities. •

October 2019 AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot 14 AOPA COMMUNITY Advice

WORDS George Dunn BE PREPARED FOR THE ANNUAL INSPECTION It can be an unsettling experience when the annual inspection rolls around

MAINTENANCE TIME – some words from the AOPA Maintenance Working Group. This section is now a regular feature of the AOPA Magazine, bringing you up to date with issues surrounding maintenance of our aircraft. There can’t be many GA aircraft owners who face the next annual check without a degree of apprehension, as you can never rule out the possibility of unexpected and costly remedial maintenance or component replacement being required. The rationale behind scheduled maintenance is aimed at minimising the occurrence of unscheduled maintenance, and/or the degradation of operational You'll always have questions, forearmed, and it may be start flashing. A few cases safety. but it could stop little useful to be aware of some of in past years have come to unexpected surprises later the relatively rare situations AOPA’s attention where the QUESTIONS that have arisen in the past final invoice payment total So, once the aircraft goes where all has not run so was substantially more than into the maintainer’s hangar, smoothly on the maintenance the value of the aircraft. In the vital questions, following and engineering side, and that hindsight, these unfortunate the inspection, are: “What is what this article is about. situations could often have needs doing, how much is When it comes to “What been prevented by more it likely to cost, and how needs doing”, this should be frequent and constructive long will it take?” Whatever fairly straightforward once dialogue between owner the outcome, judging from the initial inspection has and maintainer. The article the fact that AOPA receives been carried out. An itemised in the June issue of AOPA no more than two or three work schedule will normally UK entitled “Helping to keep complaints from members be available, with associated owners flying” refers to the each year about maintenance man-hours and component AOPA Code of Practice for issues, and that over 1500 costs. Maintenance and Repair annual and other checks are "Equally, it may be (see also the AOPA website) performed on AOPA owners’ HOW MUCH? which, even if not adopted aeroplanes, a satisfactory that a particular This leads on to the second by the maintainer, can form a resolution is the general question: “How much will useful basis for establishing result. From this, it can be component it cost?” – not forgetting basic ground rules for a assumed that relationships that the inspection itself productive relationship. between aircraft owner/ needing requires man-hours to customer and maintainer are replacement is undertake. If this is not HOW LONG? mainly as they should be. forthcoming, or a list of The answer to the third not immediately work required is provided question, “How long will it WHAT NEEDS DOING? without associated costs, take?” this would normally However, forewarned is available" then an amber light should be readily forthcoming once

AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot October 2019 15

AOPA FLYING INSTRUCTORS REFRESHER SEMINARS

For revalidation of an FI certificate, the holder shall fulfil two of the following three requirements: It's more helpful if you know the organisation you're taking your aircraft to 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 Assessment 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 If a component is difficult to get hold of, expect to be waiting renewal you should, within 12 months longer than you first anticipated before renewal, attend a Flight Instructor Refresher Seminar and pass the work involved is known. other owners using the same an assessment of competence. However, the time taken to maintainer to check if it is a release the aircraft to service common problem. It needs to does depend on a couple of be borne in mind, however, factors. Your aircraft may that maintainers themselves NEXT DATES be just one of many that are can have their own problems The next dates for the seminars are undergoing maintenance which impact on their 3-4 December 2019, 10-11 March 2020, by the same organisation, business. and when a lot of flying is 7-8 July 2020, 24-25 November 2020. happening, as during long WHAT ABOUT GROUPS? All seminars are now run at the AOPA offices spells of fine weather, the For group-owned aeroplanes, at 50a Cambridge Street, London SW1V 4QQ various regulatory checks when it comes to maintenance come around more frequently. and engineering, much – only 5 minutes' walk from Victoria Station. Equally, it may be that responsibility rests with a particular component the group’s nominated needing replacement is not engineering coordinator. immediately available; in this Needless to say, it is case, it can aid progress for important for him or her to the owner to chase up the keep the other members of the missing part independently. group fully apprised regarding Even so, it does happen on decisions and progress To register for a place on any of the rare occasions that an aircraft on engineering matters; it seminars please call the AOPA office remains grounded for long is not unknown for large on 020 7834 5631 or join online at periods, a year or so being bills to be run up without not unknown, for seemingly proper explanation, or even WWW.AOPA.CO.UK. inexplicable reasons. The unnecessarily. What you need The seminars start at 1100 and end owner has no option but to to ensure is that everyone is at 1800 each day to facilitate travel. do some research as to why kept informed, and remember, this should be – maybe talk to communication is key! •

October 2019 AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot General Aviation news from around the world

Yaks now come under the LAA's register

YAKS' AIRWORTHINESS NOW LAA'S AUTHORITY The much-loved aircraft has had its Permit to Fly moved to the Light Aircraft Association’s responsibility by AOPA News Team kit-built and vintage aircraft, Bob Davy, who owns a share including other types similar to "The LAA has in a Nanchang, believes it will be THE EVER-POPULAR Russian the Yak. the technical an easy transition. “Initially there Yaks and the Chinese-built The move follows cooperation will be hardly any difference from Nanchang CJ-6A will now between the LAA and the CAA’s knowledge and the viewpoint of owners. These receive a Permit To Fly from the General Aviation Unit to ensure aircraft are maintenance-heavy. Light Aircraft Association (LAA). there is continuity of relevant experience to That will not, and must not, alter, At the recent LAA Rally, which technical requirements. The but I welcome the reduction was held at Sywell, Rachel agreement was formalised at this incorporate Yaks" in administration fees and the Gardner-Poole of the CAA year’s LAA Rally. opportunity to work under General Aviation Unit confirmed There are around 50 Yaks and has the technical knowledge supervision on the more menial that the continued airworthiness Nanchangs of various types on and experience to incorporate tasks, which can nevertheless of UK-registed Yaks and the UK aircraft register that are Yaks into their existing areas of soak up a lot of cash for example Nanchang CJ6As with Permits potentially covered, including oversight and we are delighted changing 18 spark plugs! Longer to Fly has been delegated to the several display teams. to be able to once again term it will allow us to look at LAA. The owners of these aircraft will delegate authority to frontline minor modifications already in The aircraft have, until now, be kept informed with full details organisations like the LAA. This wide circulation and perhaps been regulated directly by of the changeover. is in line with our principles of different engine and propeller the Civil Aviation Authority Commenting on the only regulating where necessary, options. From my perspective; (CAA). The LAA already has announcement at the LAA Rally, deregulating where we can and deregulation yes, but a reduction airworthiness oversight of Gardner-Poole said: “The LAA delegating where appropriate.” in safety, definitely not.”•

AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot October 2019 17

EMILY COLLETT 1983-2019 LOOK BACK... THIS MONTH by Pauline Vahey their passion for all things 87 YEARS AGO flying and aviation. A lot has PAULINE VAHEY knew been said elsewhere about Emily Collett well and shares Emily’s talent as a pilot, and her thoughts on her tragic the respect and affection and untimely death: “It was she was held in. She was an a sunny afternoon and I was inspiration to others and gardening at home in Henley- always generous with help for on-Thames when I heard the those who wanted to fly and emergency services sirens share her passion. DE HAVILLAND – lots of them, continuing Long-time members of DRAGON'S MAIDEN for some time, suggesting AOPA, both Mike and Emily FLIGHT that there must have been taught the AOPA Aerobatics On 12 November 1932 a nasty accident close by, Emily Collett was a popular Certificate syllabus. Whilst de Havilland’s Dragon perhaps a car accident up member at White Waltham AOPA has lost a supporter, took to the skies for the on the Fair Mile. It wasn’t our thoughts are with Mike, first time. until the following day, when went to BBC Caversham very her family and friends. Following the called by a mutual friend, early one morning to feature It’s inevitable that in commercial success of that I learnt of the tragic on the local BBC Radio participation in flying you its single-engined de death of Emily. I’ve known Berkshire early morning show are more likely to lose a Havilland Fox Moth that Emily personally for nearly about why there were still so friend, but when it’s personal had first flown in March ten years. I remember her few female pilots. I’ll never it becomes even more real. I 1932, that aircraft’s aerobatics display at the forget her performing that have no doubt that there will original commercial BWPA 60th Jubilee held at strange dancing, outside the be safety lessons to be learnt operator Hillman’s White Waltham in 2015. She clubhouse, that all aerobatics from this tragic accident that Airways requested that was one of four female pilots pilots do. Emily and Mike will help keep others safe in a larger twin-engined from White Waltham who were always together sharing the future.” • version be built. It was a simple, light design with a plywood box fuselage using the same type VOLCOPTER FLIES AT HELSINKI of engine and similar outer wing sections by David Rawlings (SESAR) programme this flight trial demonstrated how of the earlier single- demonstration is the final ATM and UTM can act in engined aircraft. THE 18-ROTOR electric leg of the Gulf of Finland combination to enable safe It was originally Volcopter recently (GOF) u-space project and efficient air taxi operation designated the DH.84 performed a flight at Helsinki showing how ATM and in urban environments, 'Dragon Moth' but International Airport and UTM systems enable Urban including airports. marketed as the successfully integrated Air Mobility (UAM). Urban “As air traffic continues to 'Dragon”'. into both the Air Traffic environments require reliable rise in number and kinds – The prototype first flew Management (ATM) and solutions to enable safe especially with the arrival at Stag Lane Aerodrome Unmanned Aircraft System airspace operations given of unmanned aircrafts and (located in Edgeware, Traffic Management (UTM) the increasing number of air taxis, the technology and North London) on 12 system. Within the Single drones and manned aircraft rules for using VVL airspace November 1932; it and European Sky ATM Research over cities. The GOF U-space needs updating, “ said project the next four aircraft coordinator Maria Tamm were delivered to from Estonian Air Navigation Hillman’s which started Services (EANS). a commercial service Volcopter performed in April 1933. It could a series of tests with carry six passengers, three different leading each with 45lb (20kg) UTM service providers, of luggage on the namely AirMap, Altitude London-Paris route on Angel and Unifly, a fuel consumption of participating in the project for just 13gal (49litres) per UTM systems and services hour. The wing panels for the VLL airspace. The outboard of the engines providers were tested for could be folded for compatibility, functionality storage. The Volcopter flies at Helsinki Airport and usability. •

October 2019 AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot 18 AOPA NEWS GA News that matters

The Extra NG –a fully-carbon airframe

EXTRA UNVEILS NEW CARBON NG AIRCRAFT The manufacturer is launching a successor to its world-beating aerobatic aircraft by Lucy Field “There’s no steel structure— to provide the same level of allow us to lower our building and all the ergonomics safety as a steel frame. Extra costs,” Walter Extra said. EXTRA AIRCRAFT, which has are improved,” said has applied for a patent for that "The lack of a steel structure a long and distinguished history Walter Extra, the German method. allows more curves and a more in building world-beating designer who founded the Extra is seeking European aesthetic appearance. There’s aerobatic aircraft, recently international aerobatic aircraft Union Aviation Safety Agency also more internal volume. announced the latest edition to manufacturing company regulatory approval for the “It’s a really elegant design,” its stable: the Extra NG. in the 1980s. “It’s the most NG. Airplanes imported to Extra said. “We’ll also offer a The new aircraft, on show comfortable cockpit I’ve ever the United States will be single-seat canopy – and you at EAA’s AirVenture in July, been in.” flown under the experimental/ have got to see it to believe it.” will feature an all-carbon rigid That comfort, he said, extends exhibition category. Extra is facing stiff base frame – another first in to the front passenger seat The NG will carry a retail competition from other all- aerobatic aviation history. The (the pilot in command typically price of $450,000 – less than composite aerobatic airplanes Extra NG truly represents sits in the rear seat in Extra the current top-of-the-line LX such as GameBird and MX. a quantum leap forward by aircraft). model. GameBird is led by Philipp offering its owner not just a Extra said he has been “The NG has some Steinbach, a former Extra stunningly beautiful silhouette, contemplating an all-composite manufacturing efficiencies that employee. • but also an ergonomically aircraft design for five years, advanced cockpit. It is and he started building parts designed for maximum pilot three years ago. He kept the comfort and equipped with project completely secret state-of-the-art avionics. and stored physical parts Improved aerodynamics permit in a separate part of the an even higher degree of manufacturing plant. manoeuvrability and precise The turning point came when handling while also making the Extra developed a method Extra NG a “really fast” aircraft. of using composite materials The NG was unveiled at this year's Oshkosh

AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot October 2019 19 FRANCE DESTROYS OPPOSITION AT WORLD AEROBATIC CHAMPIONSHIPS by Robert Care performance. “Rob is an the competition has attracted entertainment programme, extraordinarily good pilot spectators from a wide area, highlights of which included THE FRENCH Aerobatics who knows just how to make so it’s great to see the French demonstrations of other air team was unstoppable at the the best use of his plane,” he team putting in a fantastic sports, test flights and, on 30th FAI World Aerobatic said. performance once again.” the final day, an air show Championships as its pilots Held at the Châteauroux- Local organisers – the including a wing-walking claimed victory in both the Déols airport in central Fédération Française display and a superb team event and three of the France, this 30th edition of the Aéronautique (FFA) and performance by the Patrouille four other programmes. competition involved some Châteauroux Métropole de France national aerobatic French pilot Louis Vanel won 11 teams and 17 countries also – put on a spectacular team. • the Mixed and Men’s events, including Australia, Russia, with Aude Lemordant – also and the USA. on the French team – taking Split into five categories – first place in the Women’s Team, Men, Women, Mixed, competition. and Freestyle – the event In the Freestyle programme, was blessed with dry, and Robert Holland (USA) once often very hot, conditions and again climbed to the top of attracted tens of thousands of the podium to continue his spectators. years-long run as FAI World “This year’s event has Champion in that category. been a huge affair involving President of the FAI more than 240 individual Aerobatic Commission performances,” Buckenham (CIVA) Nick Buckenham was said. “Sports aviation has a there to witness his winning strong presence in France, and The French team dominated the World Championships

P2012 ACHIEVES FAA CERTIFICATION by David Rawlings The first few P2012 design and state-of-the- to lead one of the most Travellers, already art equipment, allowing innovative and growing TECNAM ANNOUNCED produced and ready to go, single-pilot operations, global aviation companies. that the FAA has awarded will fly from Capua to the depending on individual We dedicate this important full Type Certification to Cape Air base in Hyannis, country regulations. The achievement to Luigi and the P2012 Traveller with the MA in the upcoming weeks. aircraft’s simple and easily Giovanni Pascale – the two number A00076CE for Part Powered by two 375 HP accessed airframe and brothers, my grandfather 23 of the FAA Regulations. turbo-charged Lycoming systems, fixed landing gear, and my great-uncle – who Tecnam is now on track to engines, the Tecnam P2012 robust interiors and easy- started all this in 1948,” commence deliveries. Traveller features a modern to-replace parts, result in said Tecnam’s Managing high efficiency and low Director, Giovanni Pascale. maintenance costs. These The arrival into service attributes, and many more, of the next-generation make it the ideal aircraft for 11-seat, twin-engine regional airlines. P2012 Traveller is much “The FAA certification of anticipated by a large the P2012 Traveller marks number of airlines, who a significant milestone have been demanding a for the Tecnam team, replacement for the many our very first commuter hundreds of ‘heritage’ airline aircraft. We have aeroplanes in the FAR23/ embraced new challenges CS23 category currently in and developed new skills. service around the world, I am very proud, together that are proving difficult to The P2012 Traveller now has FAA certification with my father Paolo, keep airworthy. •

October 2019 AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot 20 AOPA NEWS GA News that matters

AOPA NEWS Matt Hall and his team HIGHLIGHTS celebrate after the final COFFEE DIVERSION A coffee spill on an A330 caused a mid- Atlantic diversion. The inconvenient chain of events damaged the aeroplane, and disrupted the travel plans of hundreds of travellers, heading to Cancun for some winter sun, from Frankfurt last February. Although the pilots did their best to mop up the spill, some coffee seeped into the communications gear in the console. It immediately took out the PA system and the radio. NASA MOON MISSION HALL TAKES RBAR The hardware for NASA’s Artemis 1 lunar mission is beginning to come together. According to CHAMPIONSHIP NASA, the engine section Australian team claims the title and Britain’s Ben Murphy of the Space Launch finishes fourth overall as the series comes to an end System (SLS) rocket is now assembled and ready to by David Rawlings repeat crown. be joined to the rest of the "I didn't even care Miraculously, when the Round SLS core stage. Assuming AFTER FOUR Red Bull Air Race where I came in of 8 took off, Muroya was still Artemis 1 is a success, the World Championship podiums in the fight, having advanced second mission, planned including three near misses in the race – I just as the fastest loser. The battle for 2022, will test Orion’s second place, Australia’s Matt Hall was between the Japanese critical systems. The finally achieved the holy grail at knew I had to superstar, who was determined programme’s goal is to the season finale in Chiba, Japan, to win his second career World land astronauts on the defeating Yoshihide Muroya by make the podium" Championship, and Australia’s Hall, Moon in 2024. a single point. To the delight of focused on his last-chance mission. the weekend’s 98,000 passionate moment too soon. After 12 World Both made it through to the Final SHANNON CELEBRATES fans, Muroya had his own Championship seasons and 94 4 – where they would face each Shannon Airport is moments in the spotlight as he races, the Red Bull Air Race will not other as well as the USA’s Kirby celebrating 80 years as won the race and took second in be continued past 2019, making Chambliss and Canada’s Pete a commercial airport. In the World Championship. Martin the race in Chiba his last chance McLeod. July it was eight decades Šonka of the Czech Republic for the iconic trophy. The crowds In the climactic round, McLeod since the first landing of a claimed third place overall. were on their feet even before the crumbled with penalties. Muroya passenger aircraft way back “I didn’t even care where I came race started, and the first shock of played it safe for a conservative in 1939. A Belgian airliner – in the race – I just knew I had the day came in the initial head-to- 58.630s and Chambliss was a tri-motor Sabena Davoia to make the podium, and then head, when Muroya, hoping to fly 0.971s behind him. Hall needed Marchetti S-73 – landed on I heard about Pete’s pylon hit. to the title from third place overall, only to finish third to take the the newly opened and then The conditions were tricky, and I lost to Great Britain’s Ben Murphy title, and with the world on his named Rineanna airfield. thought that I could hate myself by just 0.015s. The second shoulders, the Australian coolly did “We are hugely proud of for the rest of my life if I made a stunner happened minutes later, just what he needed to do, flying history here at Shannon, penalty, so I tried to play it safe when overall leader Martin Šonka a 1:00.052 for his long-awaited and our pioneering without letting up too much. Now slipped in his own opening round honour. reputation is recognised I need to go and absorb this, faceoff against Nicolas Ivanoff While he did not win the World and respected across the but when I’m 90 I’m going to be of France, pulling too hard for an Championship title, Muroya’s world of aviation." said CEO telling everyone I’m the World Over G. The one-second penalty season was still remarkable, Mary Considine Champion.” Hall exclaimed. suddenly took the 2018 World winning three races to Hall's one, Hall’s achievement came not a Champion out of the running for a and clinching his third home win. •

AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot October 2019 21 START PAC'S GREEN GROUND UNIT! by David Rawlings units, whilst providing airports worldwide are going “green” by replacing a greener working requiring diesel- and diesel- and gas-powered START PAC has designed environment as it is battery gas-powered units to be units with electric units. and launched its Start Pack powered and does not replaced with battery Airports account for 10% Green GPU, a battery- require an engine for powered electric models. of emissions in some urban powered ground power power. Start Pac claim this is the areas and conventional fuel unit to replace older Currently, most GPUs first of its kind and has ground support equipment diesel- and gas-powered are powered with loud, been specifically designed is the main source, even ones. environment polluting, to replace these old, exceeding the emissions The new unit has been expensive to run and polluting GPUs. of aircraft. Start Pac also launched with the aim of maintain diesel engines. The Green has two claim its Green GPU offers replacing diesel-power To address this problem, battery banks, a larger emission-free operations battery bank for powering and consumes electricity up the aircraft systems for with an efficiency of extended periods of time approximately 80%, while and a smaller battery bank fuel-powered vehicles for engine starting, which are typically limited to can be removed from the efficiency below 20%. ground power unit when a The total cost of portable unit is required. operation for the new GPU Pollution and emission (including recharging the standards are becoming battery bank) is about half stricter on traditional the cost of operating an engines and therefore more equivalent diesel-powered airports worldwide are unit. •

October 2019 AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot 22 AOPA NEWS GA News that matters NEW AVIATION MINISTER TO CHAMPION GA by David Rawlings GA), in which they outlined “the benefits to young their priorities for General people of piloting unmanned THE NEW Aviation Aviation policy in the short aircraft”, pledging to look Minister, Paul Maynard MP, term. “closely” at policies to has said the Department In their letter, the APPG encourage the drone- and for transport (DfT) is highlighted a five-point model-flying communities. “committed to championing plan for General Aviation Sir Roger Gale MP, aviation, including GA”. A in the UK. The plan urged President of the APPG- shot in the arm for General Government to take GA, said “as a group of Aviation, Maynard said: “This measures to improve airfield parliamentarians, we feel department is considering protection and to urgently urgent policy decisions need a wide range of policy undertake a programme of to be made in these five key options… which will support airspace reform. They also problem areas for General GA.” encouraged Government Paul Maynard MP is the Aviation if the industry is to He said he looked forward to to look at increasing the new Aviation Minister grow to its full potential. making “rapid progress” on regulatory flexibility for We look forward to this agenda. GA and lower the level of to expedite the process of working with the new His comments came in a taxation which GA is subject creating GNSS approaches Secretary of State and new response to the All-Party to, especially on pilot to GA airfields. Aviation Minister to make Parliamentary Group on training. Lastly, the APPG The new Aviation Minister these aspirations a reality in General Aviation (APPG- called on the Government also said that he recognised the coming months.” •

RAF PHOTO COMP by Lucy Field that supports the RAF family, said: “Every one MORE THAN 1,000 still of the hundreds of entries photos were entered reminds us of the skill, into this year’s RAF professionalism and Photographic Competition sacrifice of our serving and judging has just taken personnel, so we’re thrilled place. The best nine images to be supporting this were selected by industry competition.” professional judges and This year’s judges will now go head-to-head included freelance ANOTHER RECORD online to win the ‘Peoples’ photographer Edmond Choice’ category. Terakopian, Martin Keene Nick Bunting, secretary from the Press Association YEAR FOR OSHKOSH general of the RAF and Jim Hedge, picture by AOPA News Team cent of the city’s population. Association, the charity editor at The Guardian. • Throughout the rest of the IT HAS been another week, our efforts to create bumper year for EAA’s unique attractions and annual AirVenture with aviation highlights across attendance hitting 642,000 the grounds were incredibly – up 6.8 per cent on 2018. successful in creating only- “EAA members and aviation in-Oshkosh moments,” said enthusiasts attended in EAA's CEO and Chairman, large numbers, and stayed Jack Pelton. throughout the week. On Planning for 2020 has July 22, we thanked Oshkosh already begun – to take residents for 50 years of place on 20-26 July – Pelton support with free opening- said: “Planning is well day tickets, and more than underway for next year’s Simon Hall won the Amateur Military Category 8,700 of them attended, event, including discussions which equates to 13 per about possible features." •

AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot October 2019

24 FEATURE US record breaking

WORDS & IMAGES: David Hastings ALL THE WAY ROUND THE USA A short phone call and a quick question was all it took for David Hastings to change his plans, and stay on in the USA so he could go for the record of becoming one of the few pilots who have flown all the way round the USA

DAVID HASTINGS PPL HOLDER SINCE 1964 COMPLETED NATIONAL SERVICE IN THE RAF FLOWN OVER 29,000 MILES IN THE US

ACK WHEN I was I asked "why?". He replied the Bay area at 0600hrs, to find over San Francisco. We soon planning my that he had always wanted to Sarah (the Cessna’s nickname) settled into our usual routine annual visit to go for the record and fly all the had already been pulled out of of check and double check B the USA, David way around his great country, her hangar, cleaned, refuelled and by 0830hrs we can see the Patterson, my friend and but he had never done it, so and oil checked. We were foothills of the High Sierras. wartime B-24 pilot who had was I willing to try it with him! I airborne at 0715hrs climbing allowed me to fly his superb quickly said yes. north east, with the dawn INTO THE HIGH SIERRAS C-337 Cessna Skymaster twin In early September we arrived turning the haze around Mt. At this height we were close to for several years, asked if I at Pacific States Aviation on the Diablo into a glorious gold, the imposing mountain peaks, could extend my stay. regional airport of Concord in while to port the fog still lay but the air was still as smooth

What a view of Salt Lake! This is what our author saw on his way to Ogden

AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot October 2019 25

as silk and by 0930hrs we were further out was the massive to oxygen. After the Green We were airborne next day talking to Reno, passing the Salt Lake International airport. River we flew over the airport at 0910hrs, being cleared to Reno Stead airfield and home Ogden has an airport elevation at Rock Springs, with its single 5,500ft so we got a great view of the famous races on our of 4,470ft and I was cleared long runway where we had of the Platte River, before we port side. to land, looking ahead at the landed in previous years, but flew over barren scenery as Leaving Reno, we entered 12,000ft peaks we would have with three-quarter full tanks we crossed into the state of the wild part of the Rockies to cross on our next leg. and a 60kt tailwind we just kept Iowa. Next we passed over in Nevada, passing the VOR We landed safely and taxied going. We were then handed Lincoln just south of Omaha, beacons at Battle Mountain, to the tower to be met by a over to Denver Center, who with its huge military airfield, Lovelock and Wells on airway great Flight Line service, who cleared us to 13,500ft and at and then the Missouri River Victor 6, but this was not the were waiting with the refueller, last at 1800hrs local we saw the at Shenendoah; and we had place for a forced landing. as well as a lunch ready for us end of the Sierras in sight at another perfect day for flying Then as we cleared the last in their crew room. This was Laramie and the difficult part with a very happy crew. Then at ridge we entered Utah and service indeed. At 1330hrs we was behind us. 1140hrs we got our first sight of enjoyed our first coffee of the were taxying out. We were We landed at North Platte in the huge Mississippi River. day, as we then got a glimpse cleared to 9,500ft, which is the Nebraska and taxied up to the By 1430hrs we were talking to of the beautiful Salt Lake – its minimum height for entering FBO, who refuelled us and had the tower at the huge Dayton colours were amazing. this superb canyon on our booked us rooms at the nearby International Airport and back Somewhere in the haze way to the highest and most Holiday Inn. Within a few to mixing it with the big jets. ahead lay the airport at difficult part of our route, but minutes the minibus arrived Radar vectors slotted me easily Ogden, where we were due to what views to both port and and we paused to admire the on to the ILS with a Boeing refuel, and a great causeway starboard. The autumn is surely sunset, after a really superb full 737 as our number two and across the lake gave us a good one of the prettiest times to day’s flying, across some of the this time David decided that heading to steer. 1050hrs and fly in these great mountains. world’s most fantastic scenery. he ought to do a landing, so I Salt Lake Center cleared us to Leaving the canyon Salt Lake What a great day it had been. just relaxed and watched how start our descent, with Ogden cleared us up to 11,500ft, We had our usual thorough the expert does a real greaser. on our nose and the Hill AFB the rough air began with a debrief over supper and then At 1505hrs we were down out to starboard, and even vengeance and we went on we turned in exhausted. and one third of the way. That

October 2019 AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot 26 FEATURE US record breaking evening we were lucky as the was given at 1200hrs, and to our "At 1200hrs, not picking up any ice as we 453rd Bomb Group of the 2nd joy, our flight plan is approved suddenly broke out of the tops Air Division USAAF, who were despite the awful weather. We and to our joy, of the cloud high above Virginia. based at Old Buckenham, were wer airborne at 1210hrs and our At last the lovely Blue Ridge holding a convention and we radar vectors took us straight our flight plan Mountains were below as we were invited to join them for towards the blackest cloud in is approved cleared the clouds exactly as dinner. General Andy Low and the sky, so we tightened our forecast, with a clear blue sky the famous “Moose” Allen made harness and turned up the despite the awful ahead, which made it a perfect some great jokes after the meal, cockpit lighting, hoping that the afternoon for flying. about the exploits of “these two Met was right about there being weather" We soon flew over the massive old pilots who have just flown in no embedded cu-nims. Dayton Robins AFB just outside Macon from California”, but as always Center cleared us to 9,500ft and and then Atlanta cleared us it was really great to be with we had over two hours of solid down to 3,000ft and we could our 2nd Air Division friends and instrument flying, occasionally see the tiny little airport at we enjoyed a very memorable breaking out into gaps in the Moultrie in the Deep South. evening. clouds with a brief glimpse of Moultrie is the home of Jim the ground, before plunging Reeves, one at the senior THE SECOND LEG back into the murk. Sarah officers at the 2nd Air Division The next morning the weather was running well and we were headquarters at Ketteringham was awful. Start-up clearance Hall in the war, who had kindly offered to look after us. After our landing, Jim is waiting to greet us. Instead of a hotel we were going to stay with Jim and his wife Edna at their home, and the southern hospitality was out of this world. Next morning we were airborne at 0900hrs. Soon we were passing the Chattahoochee River at Eufaula and next we had the large city of Meridian; and then at 1100hrs we crossed the huge Mississippi River, glinting in the morning sunshine. At 1230hrs we were under the FROM TOP control of Fort Worth Center, ANITCLOCKWISE: being cleared down to 4,500ft Leaving California; and talking to the huge US Air landing at Tucson; Force base at Barksdale. We the Rockies and passed through their zone coming back to and began our descent to Concord Shreveport, which has two

AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot October 2019 27 airports and we had chosen "They insisted they insisted that we remain at over. We were now under the the Downtown one beside the that height, so we enjoyed an control of Los Angeles Center Red River, as it was close to our we remain at that hour of playing in the cloud tops. and confirmed that we would be nightstop at the Hilton. By 1145hrs the cloud had landing at Palm Springs. For a few days we had become height, so we gone and we were over the Next day we wanted to get worried about hurricane Emily enjoyed an hour Texas oilfields, heading towards away before the heat of the which was moving in from the the Mexican border. Now we desert made flying unbearable. Gulf, so we were back out to playing in the could see El Paso, and the most Soon airborne, we were the airport very early the next southern part of our route. climbing at full power. We morning and the Met assured cloud tops" Clearing the town and its huge called Edwards Air Force Base us that if we left immediately airport, we passed the famous for clearance to overfly the we would get clear. So we filed Twin Peaks before turning 18-mile-long shuttle runway our flight plan all the way to northwest on airway Victor 16. and it was given. Finally we left Tucson, do our preflight checks As we approached the High the High Sierras at Bakersfield and then started up. Climbing Sierras we admired the lovely and were back once more in the out we were cleared by Fort cloud patterns being traced fertile plains of California, flying Worth Center to 6,500ft in really on the barren ground with dry just above the broken cumulus smooth air, as we looked down lakes below, but we could see for clouds. What a way to end this on the quiet town of Shreveport; miles and miles. At 1500hrs as wonderful journey. and we were now on the third we passed over the last ridge, we We could then see Mt. Diablo and last leg of our trip round the saw Tucson in the distance, with ahead and realised we had just USA, heading southwest across the huge Davis-Monthan aircraft 200 miles to go. Texas to the Mexican border. boneyard over to starboard, Oakland asked for a high- Hurricane Emily was letting us quite an amazing sight. speed descent at 200mph go and we both just relaxed on to 4,500ft, for sequencing in another perfect morning. THE FINAL LEG HOME with the busy Bay area traffic As we approached Dallas we BELOW ANTICLOCKWISE: Start-up and taxi clearance were and we slid past Mt. Diablo to are cleared to 10,500ft and held XB70 at the Wright Patterson at 1715hrs. The weather was starboard, changing to Concord there, despite informing the USAF museum; Dayton just unbelievable, the air was Tower, who gave us a very warm center that this put us in and out International Airport and silky smooth and we could see welcome and congratulations, of the tops of the cumulus. Still Palm Springs for miles, so we just sat back, as well as a straight-in approach. relaxed and enjoyed At 1130hrs I landed smoothly the stunning mountain and we were both very sad to scenery in this “other think that our great adventure world” while Sarah did all of flying “All the Way Round the the work. USA” was over. Back on the We crossed the mighty chocks, and neither of us could Colorado River and believe that we had completed realised we were back 9,500 miles in just over a week; in California. Below us it was 42 hours flying in some was some of the most of the most stunning scenery I breathtaking mountain have ever seen – certainly a trip scenery I have ever flown I will never forget. •

October 2019 AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot 28 COVER STORY Britten-Norman Islander Aworld- conquering

BritishWORDS David Rawlings IMAGES Britten-Norman classic

AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot October 2019 29

The Britten-Norman Islander has been in the skies for more than 50 years. Here CEO William Hynett OBE talks to AOPA UK about why the aircraft is the quintessential British success story

RITTEN- hard over the years to spraying equipment using flights. This brief developed NORMAN is a ensure production has been Tiger Moths that they had into the BN-2 Islander, which British success continuous and the Islander, modified. began life in 1965 and still B story. It began which first flew in 1965, is a Britten and Norman made flies today. life in 1954 surrounded prime example of 'if it ain’t a detailed analysis of the “British Aircraft by other aircraft broke, don’t fix it'. aviation market and decided manufacturing is a pretty manufacturers. It went up there was demand for a empty field, but we’re happy against the big boys and A BRIEF HISTORY twin-engined utility aircraft to play our part in trying to now prevails, as the sole The company was started with the minimum of fill it,” said William Hynett independent commercial by John Britten and complex systems that could OBE and CEO of Britten- aircraft producer in the Desmond Norman, both operate from short, rough Norman. UK. de Havilland trained, who airstrips and also be used Britten-Norman has survived The company has worked started developing crop- for high-density commuter because it’s been very wise

October 2019 AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot 30 COVER STORY Britten-Norman Islander in its manufacturing and its single prototype of the BN-3 and it seems as if there is no business model. “We’re now Nymph was built and flown "By British slowing down soon. So why 54 years in [production of in 1969, but failed to attract standards we is this 50-year-old aircraft the Islander] and we’ve built significant orders. still so popular? “It’s the a number in that time – not Following the failure of have a very simplicity of design,” said lots by American standards, the Nymph, Britten-Norman Hynett. “It was originally built but by British standards continued to develop and successful as a rugged utility vehicle. It we have a very successful improve the Islander design, product. We was intended for the African product. We’ve built just which was enjoying great bush, and had to be easily coming up to 1,300 aircraft. success. This culminated in have built just maintainable. It was designed And I think what makes 1970 with the Trislander, a to be simple to manufacture us unique is that we have trimotor version with greater coming up to and simple to maintain. Our continued to manufacture range and capacity. In 1975 1,300 aircraft" operators tend to be in very throughout that period,” he Britten-Norman won the remote, challenging locations explains. Queen's Award to Industry so having a workhorse The company purposely for technological innovation that you can effectively fix manufactures low volumes. for the Trislander. There was yourself, makes sense." Its target output is one also a point in the 1960s The Islander is at its best aircraft per quarter, but when the company was operating out of places with should the need arise the involved in the development hard landing terrain, and company is able to gear up of hovercraft; its machine, strong winds. “It’s built like production rates.. the CC1, was the world's the proverbial outhouse Between the first flight second ever hovercraft. and as a result it copes with of the Islander and today, However, the Islander is those conditions amazingly Britten-Norman had where Britten-Norman has well.” several other designs made had the most success. Hynett is also aware of including the Nymph, a where the Islander is not so four-seater touring aircraft WHY SO POPULAR? competitive. “Where we don’t to compete with established The company is close to fare so well is in, what I’d call, types such as the Cessna having its 1,300th Islander first world operations – big 172 and Piper Cherokee. A roll off the production line airports with long runways

In the 54 years the Islander has been flying, almost 1,300 have been built – small numbers by American manufacturing standards, but a huge number for a British manufacturer

AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot October 2019 31

The Islander is instantly recognisable and much-loved around the world

October 2019 AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot 32 COVER STORY Britten-Norman Islander

The Channel Islands Air Search takes delivery of its brand new Islander

AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot October 2019 33 aren’t so relevant to us, applications. It is based on The Islander’s safe and low- but put us into a beach or "The most the Islander, but benefits speed handling, coupled a dirt strip in the middle of from a larger airframe with with its capacity to hold nowhere and we’re in our requested version four underwing hardpoints equipment, make it a great element,” he explained. is the commuter/ for pylons to attach 2,500lbs flight profile for search and of fuel tanks, bombs, rescue operations. MOST COMMON USAGE cargo interior. missiles, 0.3-inch machine- The aircraft needed to meet The Islander is a utility This is the bedrock gun pods, rocket pods, the exact needs of the 24- aircraft that is available flares, sensors and other hour rapid response service. in many forms including of our operations" stores. “The customer wanted to search and rescue, and The BN-2B (piston version) have the latest search and as an air ambulance, but and BN-2T (turbine version) rescue equipment installed despite those capabilities, are used in military, but whilst sticking to a it’s not the most common coastguard, and police tight budget, as they are a use. “The most requested operations in several charity. The challenge for version is the commuter/ countries. Britten-Norman was to be cargo interior. This is the as sensitive as we could be bedrock of our operations. SEARCH AND RESCUE when we were mission-fitting But the attributes that make The latest version to roll off the aircraft.” the aircraft successful for the Britten-Norman’s production The new aircraft is fitted commuter/cargo role also line is a bespoke search with the latest role- make it successful for several and rescue aircraft for specific equipment to other mission roles, including the volunteer-led Channel enhance CIAS’ capability. search and rescue,” added Islands Air Search (CIAS). A new modification has Hynett. Under Britten-Norman’s incorporated both an Aside from the Islander EASA Part 21 Approval, the electro-optical/infrared there is also the Defender. company partnered with sensor and a marine radar The Defender is another CIAS to create a bespoke in the nose of the aircraft. classic as it has been flying aircraft design to meet the The multisensor Wescam for close to 50 years. The exact needs of the 24-hour MX-10 feeds live information Defender has military rapid response service. to two operator consoles to

The Islander is the quintessential British aircraft. It's hard working, resilient, robust and can be flown into anywhere – testament to the design of the aircraft is that it's still in production

October 2019 AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot 34 COVER STORY Britten-Norman Islander display data in real time. As Lara Harrison, Britten- integrated to keep the charity with all new Britten-Norman "We take Norman’s Head of Business at the forefront of search and Islanders, the aircraft is also whatever Development, who has been rescue capability. The reason equipped with a Garmin working closely with CIAS. the Islander is so popular in G600 TXi touchscreen technology the that sort of role is that it’s foundation flight cockpit HOW BRITTEN-NORMAN IS unpressurised and therefore, which incorporates electronic customer has DIFFERENT easy to modify.” instrument displays and the identified and Britten-Norman prides itself Testament to the Islander multifunction GTN series nav/ on the fact that the point of is that there are still a lot of com/GPS. integrate it with sale is only the beginning of older Islanders flying. Back in The equipment is perfect the relationship. “Britten- the 1970s, Britten-Norman for searches. The team can the aircraft" Norman try to do what was building around 100 achieve daytime, low-light another OEM might not; we aircraft a year and many of thermal imaging and can take whatever technology the the aircraft are still operating help identify stricken vessels, customer has identified and today. but when coupled with the integrate it with the aircraft. “Most other manufacturers mission management system We guide customers and outsource the relationship they can use CarteNav offer advice about how to get to a third-party provider, mapping. That allows the the most out of our aircraft. whereas we have an opposite team to locate any vessel We then have a dedicated model; we want to stay in the sea and overlay the Customer Support team to in direct contact with the mapping over the top, which support our operators around customer. We do this through considerably increases their the world,” said Harrison. “We the range of services we capability. are an aircraft manufacturer, offer, including pilot training, CIAS is also looking at adding but a considerable amount of maintenance training and more functions with a piece our business is also around mission-type operation of equipment that will allow designing, modifying and training.” them to do a lot more with upgrading older aircraft. We After 54 years of constant mobile phone tracking. “Even offer new capabilities to a manufacturing and around if the phone dies or doesn’t client’s existing aircraft. For 160 employees in four have coverage, the team example, with CIAS we will countries, operating in more will still be able to track it, continue to partner with than 100 countries, the which is very useful if there them by exploring different Islander doesn’t look to be is an incident,” explained technology that could be leaving our skies soon. • TECH SPEC BRITTEN-NORMAN ISLANDER

GENERAL Empty weight: 3,675 lb (1,667 kg) Stall speed: 40 mph (35 knots) Crew: 1 or 2 Loaded weight: Up to 6,600 lb Minimum controllable speed: 45 mph Capacity: up to 9 passengers Max. take-off weight: 6,600 lb (39 knots) Length: 35 ft 8 in (10.86 m) Powerplant: 2 × Lycoming O-540-E4C5 Range: 874 miles (756 nm, 1,400 km) Wingspan: 49 ft (14.94 m) Service ceiling: 13,200 ft (4,024 m) Height: 13 ft 9 in (4.18 m) PERFORMANCE Rate of climb: 970 ft/min (295 m/min) Wing area: 325 ft² (30.2 m²) Maximum speed: 170 mph (147 knots) Take-off run: 215 m Aspect ratio: 7.39 Cruise speed: 160 mph (139 knots) Consumption: 90 litres per hour at 133kt

AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot October 2019 35

The Islander has moved with the times. It now has state-of-the-art instruments

October 2019 AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot 36 FEATURE Pilot Medical Declarations

AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot October 2019 37

IMAGES Various KEEPING YOUR LICENCE CURRENT Nick Wilcock guides you around the latest issues involving your PPL and how to ensure that you stay within the law. You don't want to get caught out

NICK WILCOCK BOARD DIRECTOR IAOPA FCL REPRESENTATIVE AT EASA FORMER RAF PILOT

ICK WILCOCK emanating from EASA. PILOT MEDICAL is the Vice Having held instrument DECLARATIONS Chairman of the flying qualifications The introduction of the Pilot N AOPA Training continuously since 1971, Medical Declaration scheme Committee, a Master Air he is a staunch advocate has, it seems, taken some Pilot and Liveryman of of the UK IMC rating and pilots by surprise as they The Honourable Company works with other aviation are amazed that our friends of Air Pilots, formerly the organisations, as well as the at Gatwick have come up Guild of Air Pilots and CAA, in attempting to ensure with such a straightforward Air Navigators (GAPAN), that current levels of safety system. and has for many years enjoyed by UK pilots will If you are content to use been a member of the continue to be available into your UK-issued Part-FCL or Guild’s Education and the future. ‘old style’ national UK pilot Training Committee. He These qualifications make licence purely for private is also Chairman of the Nick the perfect author to flights in G-registered NPPL Policy and Steering tell you about the latest aircraft under VFR in UK Committee and represents changes from CAA and EASA airspace with no more IAOPA at the EASA FCL and to ensure that you than four PoB, then you Partnership Group. remain in the sky legally. If may do so if you make a After leaving the RAF in you need more information straightforward declaration 2003, Nick became a part- it can always be found on to the CAA. But you are time self-employed aviation AOPA's website ... declaring that you have consultant, working primarily as an air-to-air refuelling subject matter expert on the Airbus A310MRTT mission computer system and associated ground training systems. After 40 years and almost 10,000 hours of flying, in 2008 Nick decided to take a rest from flight instruction and instead to devote his efforts towards guiding AOPA members through the stultifying and often bewildering legislation The medical declaration is essential if you wish to keep flying

October 2019 AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot 38 FEATURE Pilot Medical Declarations determined that you are member of the flight crew of So how do you make a sufficiently fit to meet an aircraft registered in the "the CAA is a PMD? It’s very simple – first, normal DVLA driving UK if they know or suspect little out of date view the CAA web page standards for a private car, their physical or mental 'medical requirements for so it is up to you to ensure condition renders them with regard to private pilots' and read that you don’t put yourself temporarily or permanently the section titled ‘Self- or any passengers at risk. unfit to perform such the use of a PMD declaring your medical You don’t need to have one functions or to act in when flying an fitness using the Pilot of those “You’re overweight, such capacity, including Medical Declaration’. Then drink too much, smoke unfitness’. EASA aircraft" follow the link at https:// too much and your blood At the time of writing, the apply.caa.co.uk/CAAPortal/ pressure is too high – now CAA website is a little out terms-and-conditions. fill this little bottle” sessions of date with regard to the htm?formCode=PMD . with a doctor and prove that use of a PMD when flying You will get an automatic you can read AECONHTL an EASA aircraft, such as response from the CAA; off row 6 of the eye chart; a PA-28. The document print out a copy and keep the ball is firmly in your which extends use of PMDs it with your licence, so that court, but remember that for this purpose is ORS4 if necessary you can prove penalties may apply for false No. 1283 which is valid that you have made your statements! until 8 Apr 2020 unless declaration. If you are Can you submit a PMD ‘varied, suspended or under 70, the PMD is valid if you’ve lost your Class 2 revoked’. Please note that, until your 70th birthday; or LAPL medical? Yes you where the document states thereafter it is valid for three can, believe it or not. There ‘Licence holders must have years. are some more restrictions previously made a medical The CAA is quite happy if you wish to fly aircraft declaration in accordance with the PMD system, which of 2,000-5,700kg MTOM, with Article 163(3) of the has been working well for but below 2,000kg MTOM Order which remains quite some time now. So if the only restriction is that valid and has not been you thought that your flying you must not be taking withdrawn’, that is simply had come to a halt after prescribed medication legalese which means that losing your medical, take a for any psychiatric illness. you must have made a PMD There's no reason to think look at ORS4 No.1283 and That’s it! But remember: ‘A before you actually fly within you're flying has come to a perhaps think about making person must not act as the the terms of the document. halt after losing your medical a declaration? •

AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot October 2019 39 PPL SEP/TMG CLASS RATING REVALIDATION IT SEEMS that there are still a number of PPL holders who do not understand the requirements for revalidating their Class Rating privileges. So perhaps a reminder might be in order. Firstly, ‘revalidation’ is the process by which the validity of existing privileges is extended, whereas ‘renewal’ is the process by which lapsed privileges are regained, which may only be achieved through a Proficiency Check with an examiner. A Proficiency Check may also be used for revalidation, but most pilots prefer to revalidate through ‘experience’ and refresher flying. Originally EASA required that the dual refresher training for revalidation by experience required a training flight of at least including: It's easy to forget the Revalidation, if revalidation has an hour. IAOPA lobbied for this to • 6 hours as PIC, requirements to keep your been achieved by experience. be changed to a total of one hour, • 12 take-offs and 12 landings, Class Rating privileges valid Alternatively, a UK Flight Examiner completed over as many flights and may sign if revalidation has as required, as we considered • refresher training of at least been achieved by Proficiency that spreading the refresher one hour of total flight time with Check, provided that the specfic training throughout the second a flight instructor (FI) or a class requirements of the State of year of validity might help many rating instructor (CRI). Applicants Licence Issue as described in pilots to maintain proficiency, shall be exempted from this the EASA Examiner Differences particularly at clubs with restrictive refresher training if they have Document are also met. recency requirements. EASA passed a class or type rating But what should be included accepted this and took it forward; proficiency check, skill test or in the scope of the refresher meanwhile the UK adopted an assessment of competence in any training? Remember that this is Alternative Means of Compliance, other class or type of aeroplane.' NOT a ‘pass/fail’ test, it is intended which permitted the training to If you hold both SEP and TMG to help you maintain or improve be conducted within three flights, Class Ratings, you may complete your flying skills. The content of all of which had to be with the the revalidation requirements any refresher flight should be same instructor. However, EASA’s in either class or a combination discussed with the instructor regulatory change eventually thereof and achieve revalidation beforehand, so that the flight will appeared in European Union of both ratings. The instructor(s) include any items which you feel Law and is rather more flexible with whom you receive refresher will be of particular help. To help than the UK AltMoC. So the training is obliged under the you to decide, the AOPA Training AltMoC was revoked in July 2018 terms of AMC1 FCL.050(i)(10) to and Education Committee has – see http://bit.ly/2masb3Y. This sign the ‘remarks’ column of your "The AOPA written a paper on the subject, means that the old ‘three flights log book accordingly; if you have Training and which has been forwarded with the same instructor’ is no completed all other revalidation to the CAA for comment. We longer mandatory. The wording requirements and the instructor Education anticipate that it may appear in of FCL.740.A(b)(1)(ii) of the Aircrew holds FCL.945 privileges, he/she a future edition of Training Com, Regulation states: is required to sign your Certificate Committee has as well as in a future edition of 'For revalidation of single-pilot of Revalidation upon completion written a paper this magazine. Meanwhile, think single-engine piston aeroplane of refresher training. Otherwise an about the items which would give class ratings or TMG class ratings authorised Flight Examiner may on the subject, you the most benefit, ask your the applicant shall: sign. However, if you hold a Part- friendly instructor(s) to discuss (ii) within the 12 months FCL licence issued by another which has been and include any CAA ‘flavours of preceding the expiry date of the EASA Member State then only a forwarded to the month’, but above all enjoy rating, complete 12 hours of Flight Examiner of that Member the opportunities that refresher flight time in the relevant class, State may sign your Certificate of the CAA" training should provide for you. •

October 2019 AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot 40 TECH AND BOOKS The latest products

KEEPING CONTROL OF YOUR OPERATIONS It can be hard keeping track of aircraft if you run a school or own a fleet. Henry Simpson has a look at CouldBase GA to see if it can help

Product CloudBaseGA the master power is such as alternator recycling schools, clubs and groups. It Maker CloudBaseGA switched off. The AutoLog are ignored. contains an invoice system automatically establishes a The installation of the that generates invoices for HAVE YOU ever returned GPS fix and connects to a box and its GPS/GSM a particular flight, with the from a cross-country to find mobile network once master antenna are covered by option of charging from the clubhouse deserted and power has been switched EASA CS-STAN regulations brakes off to brakes on or the aircraft log misplaced? on, with no pilot interaction relating to the installation of from take-off to landing. Or perhaps there have been required. Once master “Lightweight Flight Logging The system will also track discrepancies in the times? power is switched off, Equipment” and “Antennas”, an individual aircraft’s These circumstances may the recorded information with CloudBaseGA flight hours meaning that be familiar to many pilots is transmitted by mobile providing all the necessary in-system warnings can but become even more network to CloudBaseGA's paperwork to customers. be generated for when a complex when dealing with base station. A returning For those with non-EASA service will soon be due. the operations of a flying signal confirms receipt aircraft the installation is the In terms of maintenance school. CloudBase GA is of data, automatically same and covered by the the system also generates an online application for switching off the AutoLog. relevant body. an online tech log, again usage by flying schools, If a mobile connection is Once the information automatically filled out clubs and groups to record not available, the flight from the flight has for each aircraft (aside and manage data for aircraft data is retained by the been transmitted to the from the pilot’s details). operations. AutoLog until a connection server, it is uploaded to The system comes in two The system is based is available when the aircraft CloudBaseGA’s online forms: a simpler version for around an AutoLog – a is next powered up. The portal. Here the total flight flying clubs and groups, small box that is installed in system also accounts for log is available to access and a more complex system an aircraft and connected flights with multiple take- using the customer’s unique for flying schools that to the master power bus. offs and landings (circuits), log-in details. It is on includes the generation of The system uses GPS ensuring that it produces the online portal that the training logs for student data to record the times a single flight record from system's value becomes records. The ability to for brakes off, take-off first take-off to the last clear – the software generate online student and landing whilst brakes landing. In addition, short- contains a variety of records makes tracking a on is determined as when term power interruptions built-in functions for flying student’s progress simple

AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot October 2019 41

HEROES THAT GOT US HERE Book Test Pilots of the Jet Age Author C. Higgs & B. Vigar

When we fly to far-flung places in the (largely) comfortable jets, we as well as acting to guide done from home or remote members can post items rarely think about those future training plans and locations. for everybody to see, such people who made it all monitor overall student Having an online copy of as a planned fly-out. In possible. Seventy years achievement. In the flying- the data also removes the addition, reported faults ago a select band of club version there is a potential issue of missing are visible in the tech log, British test pilots were handy aircraft booking paperwork, although CAA where pilots who are about prepared to risk all in system whilst for flying surveyor approval of to fly the aircraft can view the quest to fly further, schools the system is electronic records is on a deferred defects. There is faster and higher than expanded to include the case by case basis. Where also a mass and balance ever before. Their quest booking of instructors. hard-copy tech logs are calculator included in the was fraught with danger; The system administrators maintained, the system system that can be set for disaster and death were at the school or club aims to provide relevant each registered aircraft. never far away. provide log-in details parties with the information Overall this system has This book captures to other pilots and can to reproduce their records a lot to offer in making eleven of those stories set privilege levels so with greater accuracy, the GA community as told by the pilots only certain parts of the reducing administrative more organised whilst themselves. system can be accessed work and in a form that is simultaneously saving in The stories were by members. As Chris accessible. administration. collected over a number Waldron, who is behind the The system was Currently the system is of years and form a system, states: “Everybody developed in conjunction available at two levels of unique perspective who needs access to the with flying schools and this subscription. The first “low on such a pivotal era data, for an aircraft can design approach is clear activity” is a fixed monthly in aviation. Most were be given it in a controlled with a comprehensive set- fee of £12.50 and a cost of veterans of WWII. They way.” This aspect of the up that enables schools to £1.50 per flight. faced new battles as they system even extends to the tailor the system to their The second “high activity” flew new airframes and ability to share an aircraft’s needs. is £25.00 per month and a engines to the limit and data such as airframe, When I trialled the charge of £0.75 per flight. sometimes beyond. First, engine and propeller system, I found the If an aircraft flies over they had to conquer the maintenance records, booking system very 200 flights per annum the sound barrier. Having with third parties – for intuitive and well laid out. second option is cheaper. done that, they were example – engineering Similarly for maintenance Typically a flying group soon flying at twice the organisations or an planning, the number of would choose the low- speed of sound, such aircraft’s owner (for leased hours to an aircraft’s next activity option and a flying was the rate of progress. aircraft). check and the type of school the high-activity Their stories are often The immediate advantage check required – 50 hours one. Users with multiple insightful, always modest of the system is the for example – is clearly aircraft can choose the and tinged with humour. removal of human errors in displayed, with a red flag appropriate option for each records and calculations. for an aircraft close to, or aircraft. • In addition, it also removes due, a service. Where pen-and-sword.co.uk the need for paperwork Another useful function Where cloudbasega.com Price £25.00 at the club as it can be is the noticeboard where Price Various

October 2019 AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot

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October 2019 AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot