GUILD NEWS FEB09 28/1/09 12:10 Page 1

FEBRUARY 2009 No.173

THE GUILD OF AIR PILOTS AND AIR NAVIGATORS GUILD NEWS FEB09 28/1/09 12:11 Page 2 Guild Diary FEBRUARY 2009 3 Combined Courts’ Lunch Cutlers’ Hall 13 South African Henshaw Dinner AFB Ysterplaat, Cape Town 19 10th General Purposes and Finance Committee Cobham House 24 6th Technical and Air Safety Committee Cobham House 26 Pilot Aptitude Testing RAF Cranwell MARCH 2009 10 6th Education and Training Committee Cobham House 12 11 th General Purposes and Finance Committee Cobham House 12 6th Court Meeting Cutlers’ Hall 19 Annual Guild Service St Michael’s Cornhill 19 AGM, Installation and Supper Merchant Taylors’ Hall THE GUILD OF 26 Lord Mayor’s Dinner for Masters Mansion House AIR PILOTS AND 27 United Guilds Service St Paul’s Cathedral AIR NAVIGATORS 27 Lunch with Fan Makers’ Company Skinners’ Hall PATRON: APRIL 2009 71st Technical and Air Safety Committee Cobham House His Royal Highness 7 Benevolent Fund Board of Management Cobham House The Prince Philip 16 1st General Purposes and Finance Committee Cobham House Duke of Edinburgh KG KT 16 Pilot Aptitude Testing RAF Cranwell 25 Flyer Show Sofitel, Heathrow GRAND MASTER: 29 Guild Luncheon Club RAF Club His Royal Highness 29 Cobham Lecture Royal Aeronautical Society The Prince Andrew MAY 2009 Duke of York KG KCVO 12 1st Education and Training Committee Cobham House 14 2nd General Purposes and Finance Committee Cobham House MASTER: 14 1st Court Meeting Cutlers’ Hall Air Commodore 27 Livery Dinner Drapers’ Hall R S Peacock-Edwards CBE AFC FRAeS FCIM JUNE 2009 22nd Technical and Air Safety Committee Cobham House rd CLERK: 11 3 General Purposes and Finance Committee Cobham House Paul J Tacon BA FCIS 11 New Members’ Briefing Cobham House 11 Aptitude Assessment RAF Cranwell The Guild, founded in 1929, is a Livery 12-14 Aero Expo Wycombe Air Park Company of the City of London. 24 Election of Sheriffs Guildhall (Letters Patent 1956) Guild Visits Programme

PUBLISHED BY: 11 February Red Arrows, RAF Scampton The Guild of Air Pilots and Air Navigators, Cobham House, 9 Warwick 22 April DHFS, RAF Shawbury Court, Gray’s Inn, London WC1R 5DJ. 6 May Martin-Baker, Denham EDITOR: Linda Jones 18-19 May Airbus, Toulouse

FUNCTION PHOTOGRAPHY: Please see the Flyers accompanying this and previous editions of Guild News Gerald Sharp Photography or contact Assistant Michael Glover at [email protected] View images and order prints on-line. TELEPHONE: 020 8599 5070 Cover picture: the world in a spin for the Master, Air Commodore Rick EMAIL: [email protected] Peacock Edwards, who was captured on CCTV footage flying ETC’s WEBSITE: www.sharpphoto.co.uk centrifuge at the National AeroSpace Training and Research Center (NASTAR), Pennsylvania. The NASTAR Center, which is part of the PRINTED BY: Environmental Tectonics Corporation (ETC), offers training and research Printed Solutions Ltd 01494 478870 capabilities to military and civilian aviators. Pilots can safely “push the envelope” and learn to cope with sustained elevated G exposure, spatial Except where specifically stated, none of the material in this issue is to be taken as expressing the opinion disorientation, upset recovery, and other physiological stresses of flight of the Court of the Guild. through instruction and simulation technology. Small wonder that people such as Sir Richard Branson uses the Center’s facilities to train for his EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS: Virgin Galactic space flight (see Virgin Galactic is go! Guild News The copy deadline for the April 2009 December 2008). (Photo: ETC NASTAR Center ©) edition of Guild News is 1 March 2009 and should be sent to: The Editor, Guild News, Cobham House, 9 Warwick Court, Gray’s Inn, London WC1R 5DJ.

TELEPHONE: 020 7404 4032 FAX NO: 020 7404 4035 EMAIL: [email protected] 2 WEBSITE: www.gapan.org GUILD NEWS FEB09 28/1/09 12:11 Page 3

In this edition of Guild News 4 News round up 9 Obituary: PM Wheeler

10-11 Flights to freedom

… Fly Navy 100 launch

5 The Master writes … …in a crop sprayer? 6 Canada - new Region 12-18 Master’s tour of the overseas regions

7 Clerk’s column & Obituary: PM Brothers … to America, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, Hong Kong, Dubai... and all the way back again!

19 Technical briefing & Gazette

20 Benevolent Fund ... do we need it? 8 City University update

...well Carrie does! GUILD NEWS FEB09 28/1/09 12:11 Page 4

It’s a date! Members of the Guild’s career advice and pilot aptitude testing team will be manning the Guild’s exhibition stand at a number of key aviation events this year. Watch out for them at the Flyer International Training Show at the Sofitel Hotel, Terminal 5, Heathrow, on 25 April and 31 October; at the annual Aero Expo at Wycombe Air Park on 12,13 and 14 June; and at the Royal Aeronautical Society’s Ballantyne Lecture and Careers Days on 31 March and 6 November. Speed camera: Liveryman Peter Davis sent Christmas greetings to friends and colleagues using this memorable photograph of himself and his wife Christiane landing their Piper L4 Grasshopper (as it was known in the US Army) at Old Warden in August 2005 on the occasion of the Guild Garden Party. The aircraft, registered G-BILI, which Peter flies from the rear seat, is a veteran of the Second World War, having been in action after D-Day in the battles across the Rhine into . Peter is Chairman of the Guild Flying Club and Almoner of the Guild Benevolent Fund. (Photo: John Myers)

Hello, sailor! This development. From this small year’s centenary of beginning has evolved today’s Fleet naval aviation Air Arm, the Royal Navy’s air force, couldn’t be better with some 200 combat aircraft plus timed for Rear another 50 or so in support or training Fire and forget: Upper Freeman Squadron Admiral Colin roles. Guild Affiliated Unit HMS Leader Paul Crutchlow, Chief of Staff, 617 Cooke-Priest Illustrious will be the focal point for a Squadron, sends this revealing image of a (pictured as a birthday fly past at Greenwich on 7 ‘Dambusters’ RAF Lossiemouth-based Commander), May, the actual day of the centenary. Tornado GR4 fitted with Storm Shadow, the who is poised to The next day a Service of precision-guided long-range, stand-off, air-to- become Master of Thanksgiving will be held in St Paul’s ground cruise missile that carries a the Guild at the conventional warhead. The aircraft is shown annual general meeting on 19 March. Cathedral. On 2 July a special in the squadron’s current paint scheme, The Royal Navy is marking its exhibition will open at the Fleet Air following their return from operations in the anniversary with a series of Fly Navy Arm Museum at RNAS Yeovilton, with Middle East last October. A party from the 100 events. Back in 1909 the Admiralty their Air Day planned for 11 July. The Guild visited RAF Lossiemouth in June. placed an order for its first aircraft, His full list of the events celebrating the (Photo: Berry Vissers / Squadron Prints ©) Majesty’s Airship One, The Mayfly, centenary can be found on having set aside £35,000 for its www.royalnavy.mod.uk /flynavy100

Having a ball: Liveryman Peter Adams, Lord of Abbots Hay, presents Mike Miller-Smith, Chief Executive of British Disabled Flying Association, with a picture that helped raise £500 for the charity during an auction at the Christmas Aviators Ball at Hendon. The illustration, depicting Samuel Cody’s flight in Aeroplane No 1, had been signed by Cody’s great-grandsons and Baroness Thatcher as part of the UK’s centenary of flight celebrations in October. Seen here with Elizabeth and Peter Adams (left and right), are Elizabeth’s friend Mandy Lane and Mike Miller-Smith and his fiancée Katy Thompson. 4 GUILD NEWS FEB09 28/1/09 12:11 Page 5

The Master writes … RICK PEACOCK-EDWARDS

nd so I now find myself crown and this view was strongly outstanding job and fully deserves all reinforced on my recent tour. It is only writing my final Master’s the plaudits that have and will come when I, as Master, am able to visit the her way. Guild News is regarded in all AMessage at the end of what Regions that I get to know the circles as a journal of excellence, and I can honestly say has been the personalities and see at first hand how it is. Thank you, Linda, for the experience of a lifetime. It has the Regions function and what the considerable time and effort that you been interesting, it has been issues are. Several things struck me have given to make Guild News what during my travels; first, the strength of rewarding and it has been a deeply it is today, and we all wish your the links between us and, second, it successor, Assistant Tom Eeles, our fulfilling experience, and I will be was very apparent to me that all very best wishes for what will be a forever grateful for the opportunity Regions punch well above their hard act to follow. given to me to be Master of our weight. In all Regions there is a close great Guild. In this final message I relationship with the highest levels There is still much work to be done within the aviation community and before I hand over as Master. Work on would like to first reflect on my the Guild is held in the greatest the strategic review is nearing Master’s tour of the Regions and respect. I was hugely impressed. completion, and there are various then on my year as a whole. However, I also feel that there is much more that we can do together to other on-going activities to come further strengthen the links. To this including a banquet to be held in But first I am sad to report the death of end, after discussion with the Regions Capetown on 13 February (about the two of our distinguished Past Masters, while on tour, and the Immediate Past time that you will be reading this Air Commodore Peter Brothers and Air Master (IPM), the Master Elect, the message). However, I would like to Chief Marshal Sir Neil Wheeler. Both Wardens and the Clerk on my return, I take this opportunity, on behalf of were distinguished wartime pilots. have proposed that in future the IPM both Tina and I, to thank you all for Pete Brothers and my father had will oversee, from the UK position, the helping to make it a year to remember. served together during the Battle of further development of our Regional I would like to wish my successor, Britain. He was a popular and links, the rationale being that he will Colin Cooke-Priest and his wife, Sue, conscientious Master of the Guild and have the best knowledge for the task great success and enjoyment for their is remembered fondly by all those and, other than probably the Clerk, be year in office. who knew him. Sir Neil Wheeler, a the best known from the UK, delightful person, went on to complete following his recent Master’s tour. Finally, I turn to the emergency an illustrious peacetime career with landing of a US Airways Airbus 320 on the RAF, concluding his working life I said at the start of this message that the Hudson River, New York, on 15 in the defence industry. Their it has been a great year, and it has, January. The crew of US Airways obituaries are on pages 7 and 9 of this and I genuinely feel that we have Flight 1549, under the command of magazine. Another departure is that of made real progress. When I made my Captain Chesley B (Sully) Australian aviatrix Nancy Bird-Walton Installation Speech on 5 March last Sullenberger, ensured the safety of all AO OBE, who died on 13 January aged year, I set out what was effectively my 93. A one-time member of the Guild, 146 passengers after executing an manifesto for the year. My intention emergency ditching and evacuation of she learned to fly with Charles was to pro-actively take the Guild Kingsford-Smith and went on to set up their aircraft, following a catastrophic forward into the modern era, to bird strike and double engine failure. the Australian Women Pilots' consolidate and reorganise where Association. In recognition of this achievement, I necessary, and to introduce new am pleased to announce that I have initiatives where appropriate. It has awarded the Master’s Medal to the My tour of the Regions was a great been challenging but I feel that, with entire crew. The Medal is rarely experience and more than met my the help of the Guild Officers and staff, awarded and only for an outstanding expectations. It was a slightly longer the support of the Court and the tour this year as I fulfilled invitations involvement of you, the members, real aviation achievement, and at the to speak in the US and included progress has been made. Some of this discretion of the Master. The reactions Canada in my itinerary so that we is self-evident, as described above in of all members of the crew, the split could further progress the the case of Canada, or from what you second decision-making and the development of our newest Region. To have read in Guild News, but much handling of this emergency and this end, I am delighted that the Court will become more evident in the evacuation was `text book` and an approved the granting of Regional coming months when the outcome of example to us all. To have safely status to Canada at the November the strategic review is published. And executed this emergency ditching and Court Meeting. This is a major here, I would like to thank all those evacuation, with the loss of no lives, development for the Guild. We are who completed the questionnaire, was a heroic and unique aviation now working hard to achieve the same your input has been both welcomed achievement and deserved immediate for South Africa. and useful. recognition. It is hoped that the crew Our Regions make us unique amongst I cannot finish this message without will be at October’s Trophies and City Livery Companies and I have expressing my appreciation to Linda Awards Banquet to receive the award. mentioned before that we are the envy Jones, the editor of Guild News for the of many. I have always regarded the past seven years. This is Linda’s last j Regions very much as jewels in our edition as editor, she has done a quite 5 GUILD NEWS FEB09 28/1/09 12:11 Page 6

Bigelow. Ron Price, President of the Canadian Region Abbotsford International Airshow, offered office space, support and launched administrative assistance. John Burley accepted the role of Chairman and here has always been a strong Donna Farquhar was appointed and continuing aviation link Administrator. Captain Charles between Canada and Britain. The Simpson. a retired Air Canada T management pilot and former structure and geography of Canada is such that aviation and flying occupies Chairman of the Transportation Safety an essential role, touching almost Board, accepted an invitation to join every aspect of Canadian life, industry the Committee as Vice Chairman with specific responsibility for the and activity; and although in the Donna Farquhar is working hard to establishment of a Central Canadian 1930’s there was an unsuccessful complete all the registration Division within the Region. attempt to establish the Guild in formalities and to have the Canada, there has not until now been With the support and assistance of the infrastructure in place so that a Canadian Region. At the end of Master, the Clerk and his staff, a range operations can start immediately. She January this changed with the Court’s of Canadian airlines and institutions will be contacting potential members ratification of the Canadian Region across the spectrum of aviation are from private pilots and flight training and its registration and incorporation being approached. This includes schools, from bush and floatplane in Canada. It will join the existing international aviation organisations pilots, to airline, business, government regions of Hong Kong, Australia and based in Canada and foreign airlines and general aviation pilots, retired and New Zealand as the Guild’s newest with crews based in Canada. The active, to achieve the strong and rapid Region. support of key players, including growth projected by all the indicators. The Guild was brought to the attention Canadians who joined the Guild in of the Canadian Air Force when the London, has been sought and those j crew of Cormorant Helicopter Rescue identified as multipliers have accepted 901, 442 Squadron was nominated for an invitation to join. A Canadian and won the Prince Philip Helicopter Trophies and Awards Committee is Rescue Award for a particularly brave being formed under the interim rescue of a downed helicopter crew in chairmanship of John Hutchinson, to Knight Inlet, BC in November 2006. facilitate award nominations from The Canadian Air Force flew the entire Canada and to develop Canadian crew to London to receive the award awards and scholarships. There will at the 2007 Trophies and Awards be a Supervisory Board and an Banquet. The presentation was Executive Committee of the Board. witnessed by Colonel Doug Neill, Support for the Guild’s Canadian Canada’s Air Advisor in London. Region is developing rapidly. Following this event, Past Master John Beginning with the Canadian Air Force Hutchinson and John Burley, now it is spreading across the range of Canadian courage: the crew of Canadian Air Force Cormorant Helicopter Rescue 901, 442 Chairman of the Canadian Region, military and civil pilots. It is especially encouraging that the range of support Squadron, pictured with John Burley, when visited Colonel Fred Bigelow, includes many important and they received the Prince Philip Helicopter Commander 19 Wing, CDF Comox to influential people. Administrator Rescue Award in 2007. discuss the Guild and the potential opportunity for Canada. The prospect New horizons: potential Guild members were among the of a Canadian Region received the full crowds at Abbotsford Air Show. support of the Master, who was warmly welcomed by pilots, aviation and government authorities and institutions when he visited the Abbotsford International Airshow in August 2008. Both Colonels Neill and Bigelow accepted an invitation from the Master to join the Guild and a Steering Committee was formally established when the Master revisited Vancouver at the start of his world tour in November 2008. The Members of the Steering Committee, John Burley, Patrick Reid, Ron Price and Donna Farquhar, who like John Hutchinson, were all associated with Airshow Canada and its successor Aerospace North America, were joined by Colonel

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Clerk’s column PAUL TACON LONG SERVING MEMBERS Learned Clerk 60 years membership City briefings Evening City Briefings Captain C A Owens, Past Master are to be held on the following dates: 18 February, 5 May, 14 October and 11 November. These are evening courses 50 years membership about the Livery and City generally. If Mr M A Napier you are interested in attending on any of the dates, please contact the Course Co-ordinator, Gillie Kennerly, at the Congratulations from all following email: liverycourses @chandlers. ndonet.com or telephone Guild Members on a worthy achievement for further details on 020 7606 3591.

for which he was awarded a DFC. No Within the Guild Pete Brothers was 457 Squadron and command of No regarded with much affection and will OBITUARY 602 Squadron followed, and he was be remembered as a good and dutiful Past Master later promoted to Wing Commander to Master. His jocular personality, for Air Commodore P M Brothers lead the Tangmere Wing of three which he was renowned, was still very Spitfire squadrons. much in evidence in his latter days CBE DSO DFC* when Liveryman Ian Frow visited him Brothers left the RAF in 1947, but to gather narrative for the Guild’s uild members will be sad to rejoined two years later to command a impending history covering the years learn of the passing on 18 Lincoln bomber squadron, No. 57, 1965 onwards. Ian recalls: “I visited GDecember of Past Master Pete flying during the Malayan Emergency. him at his home to interview him, as a Brothers, aged 91. Air Commodore After a spell at Staff College he moved Past Master, for the Guild history Brothers had been a wartime fighter to RAF Marham flying the Valiant V- project. My notes were in front of me pilot, destroying at least 16 enemy bomber. He also served at SHAPE and my reading glasses were perched aircraft and earning him a DSO, DFC headquarters in Paris and the Military on the end of my nose. At some point and bar. As one of a diminishing Air Traffic Organisation. His RAF Pete wanted to consult some printed generation of pilots and air navigators career concluded in 1973 as the RAF’s document of his own and he quickly who had seen wartime active service director of public relations and he quoted the very small print without rising to become Master, his death went on to form his own consultancy. the aid of any glasses. When I brings to a close yet another chapter in remarked on this he tapped the corner the Guild’s illustrious history. Air Commodore Brothers was a keen of his right eye with his forefinger and Pete Brothers had joined the Guild in supporter of the Battle of Britain said: ‘Hah! Fighter boy!’ ” 1966, became a Liveryman two years Fighter Association and the Battle of later and was Master from 1974-75. He Britain Memorial Trust. He was patron The Master, Air Commodore Pete Brothers, was also a member of the Technical of the Spitfire Association of Australia presenting the Pike Trophy to Mr E Claxton, Committee. As Master he visited the and was a member of his local Air chief instructor of Oxford Air Training School Australian Region as part of the Crew Association. at the 1974 Trophies and Awards ceremony. Master’s overseas tour, notably chairing one of their committee meetings. With the Guild’s Regions multiplying today it is difficult to imagine that in 1974 there was only one Guild Region. As Master Elect, however, Pete Brothers would have played a key role during the deliberations regarding the establishment of a New Zealand Region.

Prestwich-born Pete Brothers had learned to fly at Lancashire Aero Club, joining the in 1936 when he flew the Gloster Gauntlet and Hurricane fighters with No 32 Squadron. On 15 September 1940, at the height of the Battle of Britain, he shot down two bombers over London,

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been endorsed and supported by the The Guild and City University, London Guild. Until a few years ago the Guild DR MICHAEL A FOPP provided a single bursary of £2,500 to assist a student who had no other Warden means of support. Obviously, many students on the courses are sponsored by either companies or national ore than ten years ago the will have a number of years of governments. However, many do not Guild’s Education and experience in their particular field of receive financial support in this way, MTraining Committee, and a aeronautical expertise. These courses and for them, the Guild is the funder distinguished group of Liverymen led have been tremendously successful of last resort. Therefore the by Captain John Mason, addressed both with UK nationals and, applications for the Guild bursaries concerns about the qualifications particularly, with foreign students. have been increasing and as a result of needed by professionals such as pilots Graduates have moved to positions of this we now provide a bursary for to improve their contribution to the responsibility in air safety and air each of the three MSc courses. transport management within the civil management of airlines. There was In recent years it has been obvious to felt to be a particular need in areas aviation national authorities, airlines, the military and other aircraft those of us involved in the selection such as Air Safety Management and process that there are a number of Air Transport Management. operators and defence forces throughout the world. Several have set committed individuals attempting to As a result of their initiative the City up their own airlines and other air improve their knowledge or University, in conjunction with the operations qualifications in order to significantly Guild, set up within the Engineering affect the air safety culture in their and Mathematical Sciences Faculty, a All this has been achieved as a result home country. This is particularly the Master of Science Degree in Air of the hard work of a relatively small case in some African countries and the selection panel has found it very difficult to deny help because some of the cases put to us are so worthy. However, we hope, following the Alex Henshaw celebrations this year that sufficient funds will allow us to add yet another bursary to the three already provided, but this one will be specifically for an overseas student from the continent of Africa. It is obvious to suggest that the Guild bursars are already ‘high flyers’ by the mere process they have been through in order to obtain financial support from the Guild. We can therefore proudly point to a number of successful professionals around the world in the field of air safety and air In the air: Liveryman Professor Roger Wootton (in red) with a number of graduating MSc transport management as a result of Air Transport Management and Air Safety Management students. the support they have received from the Guild bursaries. Two examples Transport Management. There then faculty of permanent staff based immediately spring to mind. followed a Degree in Air Safety within the City University, notably The Guild awarded a bursary to a pilot Management and, only last year, a Professor Roger Wootton and Dr Steve and engineer engaged in flying relief new Degree in Air Maintenance Bond who have, for many years, been operations for the Mission Aviation Management. All three of these degree the principal course managers. Fellowship in parts of Indonesia courses are for people working in the However, the courses would not have following the Tsunami and, more manufacturing, operating and been either possible, or as successful recently, in Afghanistan. This pilot maintenance sectors of the aviation as they have been, without the expert (and his wife) has immersed himself industry, both civilian and military, input of visiting lecturers from across in the culture and lifestyle of the plus the regulatory authorities. the spectrum of air safety and air country he is helping and spends his transport management disciplines. A working day flying (and maintaining) The objective is to maintain an fair number of these visiting lecturers acceptable level of safety with his aircraft while carrying out are members of the Guild and it is the humanitarian relief operations. In increased passengers and greater Guild’s endorsement of these courses order to improve the quality of service commercial competition. All three which make them world renowned. delivered by civilian humanitarian programmes also provide graduates Recent contracts placed with the City relief organisations such as the with a body of knowledge and University to provide training within personal research which will enhance these specialisms have been from Gulf Mission Aviation Fellowship this the commercial progress and safety Air and training centres have been set individual undertook, at his own management of air transport. Safety up in Dubai, Cologne and London in expense, the course leading to the MSc encompasses ground and flight staff of order that modular elements of the in Air Safety Management. His final airlines and airports plus other aircraft course can be delivered to the dissertation Assisting Air Transport in operators, maintenance organisations, customer’s ‘doorstep’. Developing Countries has been so well aircraft design and manufacturing. received by the examiners that they The typical student on these courses Since their inception the courses have are recommending that it be published

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Fighter or to custom. This unprecedented drama OBITUARY Bomber in Guild affairs was ably contained by Command - the Immediate Past Master, Tom Past Master Air Chief Marshal mainly due to Brooke-Smith, who continued to hold shore and the fort until the summer when Sir Sir Neil Wheeler ship based anti-aircraft Neil had recovered sufficiently to take GCB CBE DSO DFC* AFC FRAeS fire.” on his Guild duties. From his As Master, Sir Neil supported ir Neil Wheeler was Master for outstanding colleagues over the Guild’s move of the year 1986-87. He had joined wartime offices from Eccleston Street, Victoria, Sthe Guild following a service to the less expensive premises in recommendation from Pete Brothers, record, for Gray’s Inn Road. another Master whose obituary, which he was He also welcomed the opportunity to ironically, is also included in this decorated for resolve a simmering quandary over edition of Guild News (see page 7). bravery four While both men were of the same age, times, Sir Neil subscriptions with the Australian Sir Neil’s term of office was more than went on to Region during his visit to the country. a decade after Past Master Brothers enjoy an Fortunately for all concerned, Sir Neil and he turned 70 during his year. illustrious got on well with Australians, an Another contemporary of Sir Neil’s peacetime affinity some attribute to his Service was Air Commodore Bill Tacon, father career with the RAF. On retirement he days in the Far East. On visiting the of Paul Tacon, our Learned Clerk. As moved into the defence industry to Region as Master in September 1986 Wing Commanders they flew work for Rolls-Royce as a military he was able to swiftly resolve the Beaufighters together in Coastal specialist and also working for Flight slight difference of opinion to the Command Strike Wing based at North Refuelling. This link with the Cobham satisfaction of all. Coates in 1943/44. Both were to enterprise no doubt accounts for the become COs of 236 Squadron, one belief that it was Sir Neil who Sir Neil Wheeler joined the Guild as a taking over from the other. proposed naming the Guild offices Freeman in 1973, was clothed with the Livery in 1980 and became an Paul recounts: “The Wing flew Cobham House in memory of the Beaufighters and conducted very low- founder of Flight Refuelling and Guild Upper Freeman in 1985. He died on 9 level anti-shipping strikes all along the benefactor, Sir Alan Cobham. January aged 91. The photograph of French and Dutch North Sea Unusually, Sir Neil was declared Sir Neil as Master was taken at the coastlines. I understand they had the Master in absentia, when a serious AGM in 1987, just as he was about to highest casualty rate of the RAF at any heart operation prevented him from hand over office to Master Elect time of the war, more than either being installed at the AGM according Robert Pooley.

again, at his own expense, he felt that delighted that Liveryman Dr Diana in undertaking the City University MSc Green is soon to take over from me as in Air Safety Management he would the Guild’s interface with the City be able to influence decision-makers University. in his country. It is very easy for us all to concentrate All this would not have been possible on flying scholarships, particularly for without the financial support of the young people entering aviation. In Guild but, much more importantly, the doing so it may be that the importance liaison between the Guild and the of in-career study and qualifications University faculty; coupled with the for serving professionals is forgotten. Fit for purpose: the Master casts a sterling support of the courses given The Guild’s primary function is to professional eye over City University’s by Liverymen as visiting lecturers. promote air safety and nothing does ‘teaching simulator’, watched by (left) There has also been close liaison that more than these bursaries to Donald Stirling, Course Director, Air directly between the Court and the assist students, who would otherwise, Transport Operations and Air Transport University for more than the ten years not be able to participate in training at Studies, and Warden Dr Michael Fopp. that the courses have been this level. established. This has been Finally, in his excellent dissertation worldwide in order that others in the instrumental in assisting the quoted above Peter Bastke field may learn from his research. I University to make them the success acknowledges the contribution of the commend his work to you and you they have become. Guild with the following words: “The can download it now from the Guild Liveryman Alan Foster and I have author would like to express his website at http://www.gapan.org been the liaison between the Guild appreciation to the Guild of Air Pilots /Papers /Papers.htm and the University for the past four and Air Navigators for awarding him More recently the Guild has provided years. I have been ably assisted in the the 2006 bursary. He would also like support for an Air Traffic Controller process of selecting bursars by a to thank those visionaries who have from an African country who, when number of Guild members and the made the modular Air Transport qualified, will return to an influential subsequent mentoring that goes on Management MSc degree a reality. position within the National Air Traffic between bursars and individual Guild They have made further education a Services where, on his own admission, members is hugely important. As I possibility for many aviation the culture of safety is not particularly progress towards my year as Master professionals working in remote well supported by government my workload for the Guild will locations.” resources and infrastructure. Once necessarily increase and I am Enough said really. j 9 GUILD NEWS FEB09 28/1/09 12:11 Page 10

von Hof hijacked a LOT Flights to freedom: Ilyushin IL-18 airliner in-flight between Warsaw and the , DDR’s airport at Schönefeld, just outside . Armed with an unloaded pistol, the 1961-1989 hijackers forced the airliner to land at Berlin-Tegel (about 25 LIVERYMAN ALAN FOSTER miles from Schönefeld), an airport in Berlin’s French ovember 2009 heralds the sector. After landing, the 20th anniversary of iconic hijackers surrendered to the Nevents: the tearing down French military authorities. of the and the In 1978, a LOT Tupolev TU 134 restoration of free movement airliner with 63 passengers, en route from Danzig to between West and East Schönefeld, was hijacked. Germany. In 1961, the Hans Tiede and his girlfriend communist East German Ingrid Ruske, armed only with Government (the DDR) a starting pistol, forced the imposed draconian controls to aircraft to land at Berlin- Tempelhof, in Berlin’s halt the flood of East Germans American sector. Not only did leaving the DDR. These Tiede and Ruske claim controls included building the sanctuary in , but so did mechanic who had never flown before took off in a single-engined aircraft Berlin Wall to isolate West another six East Germans who were passengers. (probably a Zlin 37) and landed it in Berlin and, except for three Schleswig-Holstein (WG). crossing points, to seal the DDR In 1981 a LOT Antonov 24 airliner was hijacked after taking off from Wroclaw in There were other examples of non-flyers borders with western Poland on a flight to Warsaw. The defecting by taking and piloting light (WG) with razor-wire fencing, East German hijacker forced the aircraft to aircraft. A notable example of this was in minefields, and armed patrols. fly to Berlin-Tegel, where it landed and he 1973, when another Agraflug mechanic, The flow abated, but hundreds surrendered to the airport police. Jürgen Glaser, found a mislaid copy of the Z37 pilot’s notes, kept them and then of East Germans still attempted These acts tested the judicial processes of began to memorise how to fly the Z37. to flee the country. Some tried the Allies and of the WG Government. WG Based near the Baltic coast, Glaser’s daily to do so using aeroplanes, law gave right of domicile and sanctuary to duties included cleaning the aircraft, others tried to use sailplanes, all ethnic Germans who claimed it. West replenishing the fertilizer tanks and Europeans were sympathetic to anyone refuelling the Z37. In this way, he acquired microlights and even balloons. who tried to escape from the communist some familiarity with the cockpit and its East, and no one had been harmed in the controls. Late on a well-chosen There were three strands to non-military hijackings. But, in each case the culprits midsummer day, a Sunday, Glaser aviation in the DDR: Interflug, the national were punished, although they served little managed to acquire both of the security airline; Agrarflug, its crop-spraying time in prison. keys needed to fly the Z37, take on board subsidiary; and the GST, a para-military his wife and young child, and start his ‘Society for Sport and Technology’. GST take-off run. Caught unawares by the gave military and aviation training to swing when he raised the tail-wheel, he teenage air cadets before they did their almost hit a bank of trees as he took off. national service. Once airborne, he flew at low level to Interflug had a fleet of some 40 airliners, Lübeck in WG where he made a heavy but mainly Russian-built Ilyushin and Tupolev safe landing, breaking an undercarriage aircraft, and its operations were mostly leg. The 500kg payload capacity of the Z37 allowed defectors to carry passengers crouched in storage compartments behind Agrarflug had responsibility for the the pilot. But carrying passengers was airborne crop-spraying of fertilizers. With more risky. It required an intermediate over 300 aircraft – most of them landing, away from the Agrarflug airfield, Czechoslovakian-built Zlin 37s – operating to allow the passengers to be embarked. In solo from a great number of grass airfields June 1978, this method enabled a pilot to limited to flights within the DDR and in the DDR, Agrarflug was very vulnerable collect two passengers and defect with Eastern . In return, communist- to its pilots defecting. them to the WG region of Hessen. Just five months later, another Agrarflug pilot did friendly airlines such as Poland’s national The first Agrarflug defection took place in the same to collect his wife before airline, LOT, could operate flights into the September 1964. A 23 year-old pilot, defecting to Lower Saxony (WG). DDR. While no attempts to hijack or assigned to crop-spray fields north of One defection carried three passengers. In defect from the DDR have been recorded Berlin, did not return and was found later July 1979, a pilot from carried using Interflug’s aircraft, there were three to have defected, landing safely south east out his crop-spraying assignment and then cases of Polish airliners being hijacked by of (WG). East Germans. made a landing in a field to collect his Another defection occurred in the wife, teenage daughter and five-year old In October 1969, Peter Klemt and Ulrich following year (1965) when an Agrarflug son. After securing his passengers in the

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payload compartments, aft of the cockpit, many attempts were unsuccessful and the and landed near the Reichstag building. he took off and flew to Lower Saxony. failed would-be escapers were imprisoned. Three attempts used home-built balloons. There seemed little that Agrarflug could do In Dresden in 1982, Dr Gerhard Wagner, a The first of these, in 1979, was a dramatic to stem the flow of defections; in July 1987 highly qualified aeronautical engineer, success, allowing the eight-person Strelzyk there was another solo defection, followed along with his wife and three children, and Wetzel families (four adults and four immediately in August, by a further was imprisoned after someone informed children) to ascend about eight miles away multiple escape when an Agrarflug pilot the , correctly, that Wagner was from Thuringen landed in a field to collect attempting secretly to home-build a twin- his wife and two children, before flying on engined aircraft. Only after an appeal by to Bavaria (WG). the Austrian Government and the payment The GST (Gesellschaft für Sport und of a ransom did the DDR release the family Technik) also had Czechoslovakian-built to the freedom of WG. Zlin aircraft, and Polish-built sailplanes, to The next attempt to fly a home-built give its cadet members experience in aeroplane was not until 1986. After powered flight, gliding and parachuting. building it secretly in a farm stable, A GST aircraft had been the very first to Guntram and Johanna Erbe produced a defect from the DDR. In April 1964, two complete single-engined aeroplane with a GST members from Halle took a GST wingspan of about forty feet and a seventy horsepower Wartburg motor. aircraft and flew it successfully to from the DDR border, overfly the border, Unfortunately, despite a number of Westphalia in WG. Neither defector had and then land safely a short distance nocturnal attempts, they never succeeded flown a powered aircraft before, but both inside Bavaria. had been trained by the GST to fly in test flying it, and eventually, to avoid sailplanes. discovery, the aircraft was disposed of. In 1986, a second balloon attempt was to be made, but either by tip-off or A hang-glider was assembled in the The GST had responsibility for organising surveillance, it was discovered by the Stasi autumn of 1986 by a railway worker and the DDR’s national gliding championships. shortly before the proposed launch. The Embarrassingly, in June 1973, Udo Elke, his girlfriend near Potsdam. They planned two would-be escapers were arrested and to launch it eastwards into West Berlin. imprisoned. Sadly the Stasi discovered the plan, confiscated the hang-glider and the would- The final attempt to escape from the DDR be escapers were imprisoned. by air was in March, 1989. Thirty-two year-old Winfried Freudenberg’s solo Two months later, two engineers smuggled balloon flight ascended successfully in their hang-glider onto the roof of a multi- and drifted downwind over the story building in central Berlin, and French and British sectors. But while launched it towards the western sector. hanging beneath his single propane-gas Unfortunately, the hang-glider clipped the burner, his safety harness of nylon and roof after being launched, and landed leather snapped and burst. Freudenberg short of the Berlin Wall. The escapers fled the DDR sailplane champion defected fell to his death within the American from Berlin but eventually were arrested sector and his balloon landed a few during the championships. Elke flew his and were imprisoned. Polish-built “Foka” sailplane over 250 hundred yards away. miles, south westwards, from The first microlight attempt utilised a What a tragic waste: only a few months Mecklenburg to reach Westphalia. home-built hang-glider fitted with a two- later, in November 1989, the Berlin Wall stroke Trabi car motor. In 1986, the Elke was not the only one to defect in a was breached and free movement to WG escaper, a 37 year-old toolmaker, took off was restored. sailplane: in May 1979 a GST sailplane during a dark December evening in the j pilot had glided southwards from 6,000 Potsdam area. Heading towards West Sources feet above the DDR province of Thuringen Berlin, he climbed to a height of 1,000 feet. Deutsche Demokratische Republik, Das to reach freedom in Bavaria. But he was inexperienced at flying and Handbuch (VEB, Leipzig, 1979) Bavaria was often the destination for when he landed again, he discovered he Filmer und Schwan, ‘Opfer der Mauer’ escapers, and GST defectors had landed had overflown West Berlin and had landed ( Bertelsmann, Muenchen, 1991) there in 1975, 1979 and 1980. The 1979 back in DDR territory. Imprisonment Google, und Wikipaedia (Internet 2008) event was a further example of a GST followed. Bodo Müller, ‘Faszination Freiheit’ (CH sailplane pilot without powered flying Links, Berlin 2000) experience escaping (with his family) in In 1989, two brothers successfully flew Karl-Dieter Seifert’s ‘Weg und Absturz an aeroplane. two microlights into East Berlin to rescue der Interflug’ (Brandenburgisches The last GST defection occurred in July their younger, teenage brother, Egbert. Verlaghaus 1994) 1987 when Thomas Krüger an 18 year old Ingo and Holger Bethke had learnt to fly microlights in WG, purchased two of them trainee pilot from Magdeburg, on his Alan Foster is a Guild second solo flight at GST Schoenhagen, and dismantled and sealed them for flew a Zlin trainer to RAF in West transportation through the DDR to West representative and external Berlin. This was the second GST defection Berlin described as ‘sports appliances’. On examiner at City University, to RAF Gatow: an earlier defection, in the eve of the attempt, they now had to re- London. He is a former RAF pilot 1978, enabled two brothers to land there. assemble the microlights in darkness by who served in Germany and is the Home-building of aircraft, microlights and torchlight. Approaching dawn, each took balloons had to be done in secret, and off and flew to the pre-arranged collection author of The Zeppelin Bomber there was a great risk of being caught. It point. As Ingo landed his two-seater and Attacks of 1914-1918 and The was against the law to leave or attempt to uplifted Egbert, Holger, circled and kept Development of Air Transport Across leave the DDR without permission, and the watch for East German border guards. the Atlantic Ocean. DDR secret police (the Stasi) had a None was seen. After the pick-up, both nationwide network of informers. Sadly microlights returned safely to West Berlin

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Master’s tour of the Regions Around the world in forty days RICK PEACOCK-EDWARDS

very year you read about what a great experience the EMaster’s tour of the Regions has been. Having just completed my tour, I can now vouch that it was a trip of a lifetime and one that was interesting, rewarding and deeply fulfilling. Wherever Tina and I went we were touched by the warmth of the welcome and the depth of the hospitality. We met lovely people with similar interests and we have made many new friends. The tour gave us the perfect opportunity to get to know the Regions, to meet the personalities, to see how the organisations function and to hear Escort party: the Master at the Air Force Association Lunch, Washington, flanked by an escort about and discuss some of the party from the US Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps Cadets for high school issues. students. Pictured are: Cadet Juan Oronao, Cadet Alexander Avalos, Warden Cliff Spink, the Master, Cadet Christopher Messersmith and Cadet Michael Firth. The Regions are all doing an outstanding job in the name of the because we also went to the US and There is a lot of interest in the Guild in Guild. They provide the opportunity Canada, and to Dubai for a few days the US and there is a growing for great, and necessary, global on the way back to the UK. I have membership. We will continue to connectivity and, as in the UK, the decided, therefore, to report each develop this relationship. I was also members have great influence. Many stage of the tour under the heading of delighted to meet a number of now of the issues are the same and there is the Region or country involved. retired senior air force officers whom I a need to look to the future. There is knew from their time in the Pentagon when I was an Air Attaché in the also a need for even greater communication between the UK and British Embassy. the Regions, to avoid duplication of The tour started with three days in A highlight of our time in Washington effort, to keep us all better informed Washington. It began in style with an was a specially arranged tour of the and to provide enhanced links to deal upgrade on the flight from London to West Wing of the White House where with issues. As I say in my Master’s Washington. For this part of the tour, we were taken to places that most Message (see page 5), I believe a we were also accompanied by Warden visitors do not see. It was a very Master who has just visited the Cliff Spink and his wife, Caroline. The interesting tour and, having now seen Regions is in the best position, from mastermind behind the Washington for ourselves where the business is the UK perspective, to provide that visit was Liveryman Kent Johnson conducted from within the White link. Therefore, I have proposed, that who, as always, was a great host. House, we have a better perspective of During our time in Washington I gave the Master, as he becomes the the view from the Oval Office or two lunchtime speeches, one to the Immediate Past Master, should behind the microphone at press Air Force Association (AFA) and the provide that enhanced link until the conferences from the Rose Garden or other to the National Aeronautic new Master visits the Regions, and so the press briefing room. For this visit, Association (NAA). For both these we are indebted partly to Kent we go on. speeches I had to do some extra Johnson but also to General Rod I have thought a lot about how I research before I left the UK, mainly Bishop, until recently the Commander would report on my tour in a way that through government departments, so of the 3rd Air Force in Europe. As will be of interest to you, the reader. that in addition to Guild-related those who were there will recall, he You don’t want to simply read a matters I was able to discuss the wider was also my guest of honour at last chronology of events but you do want (and in some cases political) issues. I May’s Livery Dinner where he gave a to read about what I have done and to am pleased to report that both quite brilliant speech. General Bishop hear human stories. The tour has been speeches went very well in front of is himself now one of our newest US rather longer than in previous years influential and interested audiences. members.

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CANADA Squadrons. I was given an illuminating presentation by the From Washington we flew to Officer Commanding No 40 Squadron, Vancouver, British Columbia, via Wing Commander Darryn Webb, Denver. The visit to Canada was my about Hercules operations in second in 2008 because previously, Antarctica and involvement in together with Past Master John Exercise Enduring Freedom Hutchinson, I had attended the (Afghanistan Operations). At No 5 opening of the Abbotsford Air Show in Squadron I was given a conducted August. We were hosted throughout tour by the resident RAF exchange our visit, as on the first visit, by the officer, Flight Lieutenant Eric King (ex new Chairman of the Canadian Popular place: the Master visited Ardmore Nimrods). During the week I twice Airfield twice during his visit to New Region, John Burley and his wife, Liz. visited Ardmore Airfield, an Zealand. On this occasion he is with During my short visit I was able to impressive General Aviation airfield Captain John Gemmell (standing left), Air have an important meeting with the located close to Auckland. On the first New Zealand and Guild Region Committee British Consul General, Alex Budden, Member, and Assistant Allan Boyce visit Tina and I flew in a Cessna 172 and also attended a meeting of the (standing right). and went on a sightseeing tour of Canadian Region Steering Group. As a Auckland and then, on the final day of result of this milestone meeting, I was our visit, I flew in a unique open able to report immediately back to cockpit Ryan PT22 with Les Marshall, London with the recommendation that a great character and a legend in New the Canadian Region should be Zealand. This flight was a memorable formally established as soon as experience. possible. This historic event was approved at the November Court On the Friday evening in Auckland, meeting. Our visit to Vancouver might and the highlight of the week, the have been short but it was busy and Regional Dinner was held at the very successful. We also made sure Northern Officers Club. This was a Tabled: the Regional Committee meets at Lyn that there was time for the customary really splendid occasion and very well and Allan Boyce’s home in Auckland. From social activities and to meet old attended. In addition to my speech, left to right are: John Martin, Lyn Boyce, the friends from my earlier visit. the Deputy Chief Executive of Air New Master, Allan Boyce, Chairman Bryan Wyness Zealand, Norman Thompson, gave a (partially hidden), John Gemmell and Vancouver is a very beautiful place Gordon Ragg. and I have been heard to say on more stimulating insight into modern day than one occasion that ‘I could live airline operations. I was also delighted here!’. You will hear me use those to see a strong representation from the words again in the following Royal New Zealand Air Force paragraphs. (RNZAF), which highlighted the rapidly developing links with the At the end of our short but memorable Guild. visit to Vancouver we started the first leg of our trip to New Zealand by I mentioned that our visit to bidding farewell to John and Liz Wellington was short but it was also Burley before flying initially to Los action packed. During the visit I had Angeles. excellent and constructive meetings with the Chief Executives or senior Presentation: the Memorial NEW ZEALAND executives from the Transport Trophy was presented at the New Zealand Accident Investigation Commission Regional Dinner at the Northern Officers We flew from Los Angeles to Auckland (TAIC), the Aviation Industry Club, Auckland. The award went to Ron with and were met on arrival Association (AIA) of New Zealand and Tannock, for his outstanding contribution to (before dawn!) by the Chairman of the the Ministry of Transport. We stayed at New Zealand aviation. With the Master is Bryan Wyness, Chairman of the Region and New Zealand Region, Liveryman Brian the impressive Wellington Club where Wyness and Assistant Allan Boyce. We a former Chief Pilot of Air New Zealand. the Region held a very well attended were in New Zealand for a week. Most reception in the evening. This was of the time was spent based in Auckland with a one-night trip to also an important occasion because Wellington. the Regional Chairman, Brian Wyness, and I were able to jointly announce In Auckland, I attended a meeting of the affiliation to the New Zealand the Regional Committee which was Region of two RNZAF units, No 485 followed by a most pleasant Wing from AFB Whenuapai and the welcoming reception and dinner and I visited the Air Force Base (AFB) at Flying Training Wing (FTW) at AFB Whenuapai (Auckland) where I was Ohakea. I was also surprised and welcomed at lunch by the Commander delighted to meet no less than three of 485 Wing, Group Captain Edward old flying colleagues from my RAF No accident: while in Wellington, the Master, Poot (a 2007 graduate of the Royal days, all from the fighter fraternity. accompanied by Regional Chairman Bryan College of Defence Studies in the UK) Two (Steve Smythe and Steve Howard) Wyness, met Lois Hutchinson, the CEO of New Zealand’s Transport Accident and visited Numbers 40 and 5 are now involved with the RNZAF Investigation Commission.

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while the other, Group Captain potential and this was certainly a very Graham Bond, who used to be my interesting visit, and great to see what backseater when I was flying F4 had been achieved thus far. The final Phantoms, and having survived that part of my visit to Moorabbin was experience, is now the Defence supper at the Victoria Aero Club Attaché in New Zealand. Lucky chap! before I delivered the Frank Fisher While in New Zealand there was also Memorial Lecture. This led to a lively time to go sightseeing, to see the huge discussion. The next day was more ocean-going yachts, to use the ferries military orientated. First we had lunch to island hop in Auckland, for Tina to at the Royal Australian Air Force see the botanical gardens and other Meeting in progress: the Master and (RAAF) AFB Wallace before visiting places of interest, and to meet some Liveryman John Whittington (right), the RAAF Base at Point Cook and, in old friends from our days in Chairman of the Australian Region, visited particular, the impressive RAAF flying school General Flying Services at Museum. In the evening we had a Washington back in the early 1990s, Moorabbin Airfield, near Melbourne. Ross Ken and Merryl Gayfer. Ken was the lovely dinner to conclude our visit to Carrington, GFS managing director (to the Melbourne at which I was able to then Air Attaché in the New Zealand Master’s left) and Peter Furlong from Embassy. Gippsland Aeronautics, met the Guild party. update everyone on the state of the (Photo: John Whittington) Guild and to present Long Service On the final day before our departure Certificates. I was first delighted to visit Captain stayed at the Naval and Military Club Gordon Vette, a retired Air New Thank you, John and Shirley in Melbourne. We went to Moorabbin Zealand Captain, who in recent years Whittington, and everyone else airfield where I visited General Flying has been wheelchair-bound. It is very involved, for ensuring that our visit to important that the Guild looks after Services (GFS), a very successful Melbourne was so enjoyable. our people and I was able to see how flying school that, interestingly, has was memorable for me the Guild has helped provide Gordon recently been bought by Oxford because not only is it a lovely city but and his wife with the means to make Aviation Academy. The MD of GFS, it is also where I finally had the plaster their lives just that little bit more Ross Carrington, gave a most and wires removed from the wrist that pleasant. I have also been able to interesting presentation to me on the I had broken before we left the UK. report back to the Guild Benevolent development and capabilities of GFS. The doctor, of Scottish descent, could Fund. A farewell brunch followed after He then flew us in a GFS Kingair 90 to not have been more charming and was which Brian Wyness and his wife, Latrobe airfield where we had a himself a larger than life character. Marian, gave us a wonderful fascinating visit to Gippsland Aeronautics, a private company that We were met in Adelaide by the South sightseeing tour of parts of the Australia State Working Group (WG) Auckland area that we had not yet builds aircraft. Currently, their main production line is for the AIRVAN, an Chairman, Harold Walton and his seen before taking us to the airport for wife, Andrea. We stayed at the very our flight to Australia. eight-seater aircraft used around the world in a number of different roles. I pleasant Naval, Military and Air Force New Zealand is indeed a wonderful could see good scope for growth Club. Once again, we had a very full place, as are the people, and yes, I could live there too (very easily). We were exceptionally well looked after I’ll second that! the Master at a throughout our visit but special meeting of the Australian Region’s thanks must go to Brian and Marian Executive Council. In the picture Wyness and Allan and Lyn Boyce. (from left) are: Glenn Elms, Harold Walton, John Kessey, John Colwell, Master, Sue Ball, John Whittington and the back of Ken Davenport’s AUSTRALIA head! (Photo: Harold Walton) And so we move on to Australia on the next part of this fascinating tour. The Australian Region is very much divided up by States and so to some extent it might seem like Regions within a Region. That is the way it works but there is an over-arching Regional Executive Council and in practice the structure works very well. I will describe our visits to the four State cities that we visited, namely Melbourne (Victoria), Adelaide (South Australia), () and (). Formal occasion: veteran Melbourne, Victoria, was our first stop Liveryman Peter Lloyd shows the Master the form in Australia. Here we were met by the at the Regional Dinner in Regional and State Chairman, John Sydney. (Photo: Harold Whittington and his wife, Shirley. We Walton)

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Rare sight: the Master flying a Tiger Moth in formation with another historic British aircraft, the DH84 Dragon Rapide. (Photo: Matt Fisher)

insight into current Macdonald, Officer Commanding No operations and future 11 Squadron. I also presented a plans. My final port number of Long Service Certificates. of call at Parafield Of particular note at this dinner, I was was a visit to the delighted that Mrs Ruth Adams had University of South been able to attend. Ruth, a lovely and Australia Flying Club. very lively lady, was an Air Transport I was delighted to see Auxiliary (ATA) pilot during the there was interaction Second World War and, as well as between flying and many other types of aircraft, she flew the University and Spitfires. I had become aware of Ruth as well as meeting through a fellow Master, Hugh Evans, the Head of the the Master of the Innholders. Ruth Adams is his aunt, the rest of the story Flying Club, Stephen is history but what a marvellous Phillips. I was You OK, Skippy? you know you are in Australia when Kangaroos evening. The other major function was meet you, as the Master and his party discovered on arriving back delighted to be to attend, as the Guest of Honour, the at Caboolture after a flight in a DH-84 Rapide. From left to right introduced to Professor are: Don Brown, Des Porter, the owner of the Dragon Rapide, Annual Dinner and Award Night of the Andrew Downing, the Sports Aircraft Club of South Bishop Hall Mathews, the Master and Captain John Howie. (Photo: Head of School for John Howie) Australia. This too was a memorable Electrical and and most enjoyable occasion. few days which included interesting Information Engineering. A visit to visits to Parafield airfield and the RAAF Edinburgh was equally But our time in South Australia was RAAF Base at Edinburgh. At Parafield interesting and I was given an not yet over because on the final day airfield I first visited the Classic Jet excellent insight into operations and we visited Aldinga airfield for a Guild barbecue and to take part in the Fighter Museum where I saw some of future plans, not to mention being infamous Spot Landing Competition. the restoration work in which they are well looked after at a lunch in the involved (I will be passing on details The barbecue was great and, no, I am Officers Mess. afraid that I did not win the spot of this visit to my friends at Duxford). I attended two major social functions landing competition; my excuse: lack I visited Airborne Research Australia, in Adelaide. The highlight of the visit of practice, a broken arm, bad luck, a unique organisation that is involved was the Guild South Australia Dinner incompetence, you take your choice! primarily in meteorological research. I where I had the opportunity to update Suffice to say that we then recovered had an extended visit to Flight members on the Guild and to present from the experience by visiting no less Training Adelaide (FTA), clearly a very the Grand Master’s Australian Medal than three wine estates in the famous well-run flying school which has to No 92 Wing, RAAF, represented at Maclaren Vale Wine Growing Region attracted the global interest of many the dinner by Group Captain Steve which had the required numbing major airlines. The Chief Executive, Osborne, Officer Commanding 92 effect (for some, my landing had Frank Morgan, gave me an excellent Wing, and Wing Commander Warren already had this effect!).

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take a stand because My personal view is that this is a fine the airport work example that others should follow and force had been if anyone wants more information, withdrawn until the please let me know. We visited the weather improved. Queensland Branch of the Royal Anyway, still waiting Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) at to meet us when we Brisbane airport, another inspirational finally emerged from visit and what a great job this the downpour were organisation does for the welfare of the Chairman of the those Australians in remote locations. Queensland Working At Brisbane airport we also visited the Group, Captain Buck very modern Air Traffic Control Brooksbank, plus Centre, similar to Swanwick in the UK, David and Ainslie and finally the memorial to the Macdonald and John historic aircraft, Southern Cross, and and Joan Kessey. We famous aviators such as Kingsford were then speedily Smith, who had broken so many whisked away to the global records in the aircraft. Queensland Club to Brisbane hospitality: the Master at the Queensland Working Group deposit our luggage We had an excellent visit to RAAF Dinner with Jeannie Tapp and the Flying Bishop, Bishop Tony Hall and then enjoy an Amberley where we were given Matthews. (Photo: John Howie) excellent welcoming presentations on and viewed a C17 dinner. Another busy from No 36 Squadron and an F111 Thank you South Australia for a great few days followed. from No 1 Squadron. At Amberley, I visit and, in particular, our special was also delighted to see an RAF C17 The various visits that had been thanks to Harold and Andrea Walton arrive on a liaison visit. The and to Sue Ball for looking after us so arranged were inspiring and the first well. Next stop Brisbane. visit probably set the tone. We visited a school called Aviation High which is Brisbane was eventful because we just exactly what it stands for, a school happened to arrive in the middle of the biggest storm that had hit Brisbane which is designed to train and prepare for 20 years; thunder, lightning, the students with the motivation, lot. We landed all right but were then understanding and subjects that will held for some time before we could take them into an aviation career.

Read this: John Kessey presents the Master with a copy of his book “Song of the Beauforts”. (Photo: Matt Fisher)

opportunity to fly the F111 simulator was a most enjoyable part of the visit. After another excellent lunch our visit to Amberley concluded with a visit to Boeing’s facility on the base where the conversion of Boeing 737s into Wedgetail Elint type aircraft was of particular interest. The final part of our visits programme in Queensland involved a trip to Caboolture airfield where we visited Work in progress: the Master inspects the Beaufort restoration project, which is well underway the Beaufort restoration project, of at Caboolture airfield. From left to right are: Don Brown, Bishop Tony Hall Mathews, Ralph which Liveryman John Kessey is the Cussack, manager of the Beaufort restoration project, Tina Peacock-Edwards, the Master, Chairman, and then flew in a DH 84 Captain John Kessey, Captain Buck Brooksbank and Captain John Howie and his wife Gael. Dragon Rapide, a real privilege. The project’s chairman, the sprightly 90-year old John Kessey, was later presented with the Finally, I flew in a Tiger Moth and we Guild Award of Merit by the Master.(Photo: Matt Fisher)

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did a photo shoot with the Dragon We had a great two weeks in Australia. Rapide. The Kangaroos were there to Thank you, everyone whom we met meet us on landing. and who looked after us, for giving us On the social side, the highlight of our such a special time. For our stay in Sydney, a particular thank you to Ken time in Brisbane was the Queensland Davenport, Spencer Ferrier and Peter Working Group Dinner, another Lloyd for looking after us so well. Oh, excellent evening at which I was yes, and I could live in Australia too. delighted to present the Guild Award And so off we go to Hong Kong, of Merit to John Kessey, a quite remarkable man and a very sprightly 90 year old. It also gave me great HONG KONG pleasure to present a Master Air Pilot We arrived in Hong Kong late evening Certificate to Captain Buck after a pleasant flight from Sydney Brooksbank and a number of Long with Qantas. We were met by the Service Certificates to members of the Chairman of the Hong Kong Region, Limited edition: the Master was guest of Australian Region with more than 30 Liveryman John Li, who took us to honour at Liveryman Lily Fenn’s book launch years Guild membership. our hotel, the Harbour Plaza Hotel, in Hong Kong. which overlooks Hong Kong Harbour. In Queensland we also enjoyed some The view from our room was private hospitality and, as everywhere Department after which we were stunning. And so began another entertained to an example of else, we were given the VVIP magnificent week of activity, full of treatment wherever we went. I must gastronomic excellence which will be variety and interest. We mixed hard to beat, a twelve course gourmet make special mention of the part pleasure with work. played in our visit by Buck dinner. Brooksbank, John and Gael Howie, On the sporting side, we had an We were hosted to a most enjoyable enjoyable day with John Li at the final John and Joan Kessey, David and welcoming reception at the start of our day of the Hong Kong Open Golf Ainslie Macdonald and Tony Hall visit and, on this occasion, I was Matthews, the Flying Bishop. Tony is a Championship, which is now part of the European Tour, and we enjoyed an delighted that Liveryman Jack Smith real Bishop and he has 9,000 flying and his wife, Helen, were able to hours administering his very large evening in style at the horse races. We attend, particularly since Jack was parish, he is a great character and saw Hong Kong from the air and on able to present the first of a new stalwart member of the Guild. the ground, we shopped, we toured, and we were never very far away from award in his name. As with the other Sydney was our last stop in Australia fish meals. I was delighted to be the Regions, the Regional dinner was the and where we were met by Ken Guest of Honour at the Davenport and Spencer Ferrier. We launch of Liveryman Lily stayed at the prestigious Australia Fenn’s book Aircraft Club. Our stay there was short but Accident Investigation: busy. It began with a most relaxed Human Factors and Legal evening at Ken Davenport’s residence. Challenge. I expect this Tina went sightseeing while I attended limited edition to become a a meeting of the Australian Region reference book for those Executive Council. Before we departed who are closely involved Sydney for Hong Kong we went on a with the subject. Lily then sightseeing flight around Sydney entertained us to an Harbour in a owned by excellent fish dinner where Philip Dulhunty, another adventurous we selected what we ate Australian who has done most things from fish tanks full of in life. This was quite an experience living creatures. That too because the wind was blowing 40 put a new perspective on knots! eating! Appropriately, the Regional Dinner We enjoyed an excellent was held in Sydney on our final night visit to the Government in Australia. This was another well- Flying Service (GFS). We attended occasion where it was nice to were first collected from a meet again many who we had already heliport, before being met during our travels. It was also nice given a sightseeing trip to meet important members of the around Hong Kong and aviation community in New South then delivered to the Wales. I was again delighted to superb GFS facility at Hong present a number of Long Service Kong airport. I was greatly Certificates, to present a Master Air impressed, as I was with New prize: Jack Smith, the Hong Kong Region’s Pilot Certificate to Captain Ian Brown my visit to Cathay Pacific Administrator, presents the first award in his name, the Jack and Letters of Merit to Liveryman which followed. I enjoyed Smith Advanced Flying Scholarship, to Roy Chang. In the Captain Ken Davenport and highly constructive talks picture are John Li, Regional Chairman (left) Jack Smith, Liveryman John Colwell. with the Civil Aviation Roy Chang and the Master.

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Bird’s eye view: the Master and Tina Peacock-Edwards were taken on a whistle-stop tour over Hong Kong in a Government Flying Service helicopter. Pictured (left to right) are: Dai Evans (a former Squadron Leader Navigator in the Search and Rescue Force), Captain Michael Ng, the Master, Captain Lawrence Wong, Tina Peacock-Edwards, Captain Trevor Marshall (Chief Training and Standards Officer), John Li (Chairman Hong Kong Region), and Captain West Wu (Chief Operating Officer for GFS).

Cheers: the Master and John Li, Chairman of the Hong Region, at the Regional Dinner.

highlight of the week and an start to finish. However, in thanking until this visit of the scale of the opportunity to meet many old and people I must make special mention of development in progress. It is new friends, and to be led astray! John and Mary Li, Lily Fenn, Jack and awesome and I am not surprised about reports that one-third of the Our final day in Hong Kong really Helen Smith, Peter Robinson and Ian Fogarty, a stalwart team who can world’s cranes are in Dubai because epitomized the hospitality that we had wherever I looked I saw cranes. It is a always be relied upon to create an enjoyed throughout our tour. John Li huge building site but much has environment of interest and took us on a sightseeing tour of Hong already been completed and it is Kong in his EC120 helicopter. We excitement. I would be happy to live clearly going to become an even more landed in a remote location but near in Hong Kong as well, at least outside amazing place in the future. to a restaurant where we enjoyed the hot and humid season. another superb fish meal. We then did some more sightseeing, returned to ….. and finally the Hong Kong Aviation Club for some DUBAI We visited Dubai on our way back to If you have managed to read this far I more socializing before progressing to think you will have got a good the UK because it was en route and it John’s magnificent home for a most impression of the scale of our tour. In enabled us to visit our eldest daughter generous BBQ. We were then all my time as a member of the Guild, who is a Headhunter there with an delivered to the airport to catch our and serving on committees and on the international firm. The Guild has flight to Dubai. John had even Court, I have never learnt so much in Middle East interests and a growing such a short time. I strongly believe organised an upgrade for us on this number of members from the Region. that this can only be of benefit to the flight. What more can one say, there It is probable that, in due course, Guild and I intend to ensure that my aren’t enough superlatives to use to increased efforts will be made to newly acquired knowledge and say thank you. As with the other establish the Middle East as a new experience is utilized to good effect Regions, it was just all so special from Region. What a place, I had no idea and in the Guild’s best interest. j 18 GUILD NEWS FEB09 28/1/09 12:11 Page 19

approaches a year until every The FAA has approved a national Technical briefing qualifying in the US has one. rollout of Automatic Dependent "This is clearly a turning point for Surveillance – Broadcast (ADS-B) C L HODGKINSON aviation and the way pilots navigate," ATC Following its introduction in Technical Director the Agency said in a 2008 news Southern Florida FAA advise that ADS- release. B will be the backbone of the future of Remain outside controlled airspace ATC. NextGen ADS-B uses GPS signals The manual of Air Traffic Services Zero VAT countdown begins You may to determine aircraft position, (MATS) - part 1, section 3, chapter 1, be interested to know that the particularly for airport approach and paragraph 21 - states that when a pilot loophole to purchase an aircraft in departure. Aircraft transponders requests permission to enter Denmark VAT-free ends on 1 January receive satellite signals; once per controlled airspace, it may not be 2010. See www.opmas.dk for details. second these transponders in turn possible for traffic reasons to issue the transmit their precise location, along requested clearance immediately. In Change to AIP requiring squawk with other pertinent data from the such situations, controllers will advise A2000 on ground – Mode S-equipped aircraft's flight monitoring system. the pilot to remain outside controlled aircraft only The UK AIP will Other aircraft equipped to receive the airspace, when to expect clearance harmonise on the use of A2000 data and ADS-B ground stations up to and give a time check. Examples of squawk on ground as follows: "Unless 200 miles away receive these the phraseology to be used are otherwise instructed by ATC, Mode S broadcasts. ADS-B ground stations published in CAP 493. transponder equipped aircraft on the add radar-based targets for non-ADS-B surface should select Mode equipped aircraft to the mix and send Wide Area Augmentation System A code 2000 when under tow; or all of the information back up to (WAAS) approaches outnumber parked and prior to selecting Off or equipped aircraft, along with Instrument Landing System (ILS) Stdby.” information on weather and flight The US Federal Aviation Agency restrictions. recently commissioned its 1,333rd VAT on fuel – private and non- WAAS approach (technically known private flying For those of you who UK Flight Information Services As as Localizer Performance with Vertical haven’t already seen the amplification part of the process for the introduction of revised Air Traffic Services Outside Guidance or LPV), which means there on the changes of fuel duty rates on Controlled Airspace (ATSOCAS) are now more of them than ILS the Guild website under News and procedures on 12 March, additional approaches. The Agency calls it a Events, our Customs Consultant information is contained in ATSIN 148 milestone in the transition to universal Martin Fiddler has provided a detailed - http://www.caa.co.uk/ docs/33/ space-based navigation. The system is explanation of the process and what ATSIN0148.pdf Or read CAP 774. CDs in use at 833 US airports and the does or does not constitute ‘private covering this item will be mailed to all agency is planning to add 500 flying’ on which duty is paid. UK licence holders shortly. j Gazette APPROVED BY THE COURT ON 22nd JANUARY 2009

ADMISSIONS MARK Eric RANDALL Jeremy PEMBERTON As Upper Freeman Past Master ACM Sir Neil WHEELER John Arthur BOTHAM (AUS) As Associate Captain Philip Alexander BREEZE-LAMB (OS) Neil ASHLEY (GYM) Captain David Wayne BURNS (HK) Ella Marie Rutherford BARTCZAK (GYM) RESIGNATIONS Captain Bryan Edward John CARPENTER (AUS) Georgina Penelope BENNETT (GYM) Captain Frances Bernard d’ALTERIO (HK) Adriano COVIZZI (OS) Rodney Graeme BENCKE (AUS) Captain Edward Martin DAVIDSON (OS) ACKNOWLEDGED BY THE COURT 22 January 2009 Phyllis Anne BENNETT Squadron Leader Graham DUFF Clifford James BROWN (NZ) Group Captain Sidney Albert EDWARDS REGRADE Captain Patrick Christopher FYNES (CAN) To Livery John Lawrence CAIRNS Martin Robert HATTON Patrick Michael Chinnery WELPLY Captain Graham Moncrief CLARKE Squadron Leader Richard HEAD Martin William WESTWOOD Air Cdr the Hon Sir Timothy ELWORTHY Captain Mark William HOEY Christopher Laurence PALMER David Charles ELMSLY (NZ) Andrew David HOY Captain Barry John WHITEHEAD Mervyn Arthur FOWLER (AUS) Paul Anthony Richard LEE Captain Douglas Elliot MOULE To Upper Freeman Captain Robert Charles GREAVES Adam Goodwin NEWMAN (HK) Squadron Leader Richard David GRANT Michael John HARWOOD Captain Neil Leslie PURVES (OS) Ivor HOCKMAN Peter Roland WILLIAMS (NZ) REINSTATEMENT Nilay PATEL As Freeman Peter Wiliam REES As Freeman Richard Jonathan MANSFIELD Selwyn M BURCHHARDT Captain Neil Forsyth ROSS Jeffrey David BOYLING DECEASED Donald Allen ROWLING Dr Patrick Po Gay CHAN (HK) Rodney Harrison ASHFORTH Group Captain Ian Edward SHIELDS Angela Mary Bennett COLEMAN Past Master Air Commodore Peter Malam Andrew James WILKINS Patrick Joseph George MARGETSON-RUSHMORE BROTHERS Jeremy John MILES Malcolm John MASON (AUS) Glenn Jude MORRIS (AUS) Captain Edward MERCER FORFEIT ALL BENEFITS Christopher RADFORD Ronald James MOSELEY David Harry BUTTERWORTH

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THE GUILD OF AIR PILOTS BENEVOLENT FUND In the Guild’s 80th year – do you need it? Or does it need you? ASSISTANT CHRIS FORD Trustee

ormerly the Sir Sefton Brancker Memorial Fund, the Guild of Air FPilots Benevolent Fund (GABF) has, since being renamed in 1936, grown from strength to strength, due in part to many generous donations from past and present Guild members and continual sound financial investments. Now in 2009, 80 years after the Guild was founded, the fund has an adequate capital base. However, due to the downturn in the money markets the return from investments is much reduced forcing the Trustees to be less benevolent than they would wish. Out of the blue: Carrie Begg cried with happiness on hearing she’d received a Guild Benevolent Fund scholarship through Flying Scholarships for the Disabled. She went on to undertake 21 In the early years of the fund there flying training lessons during a six-week course in South Africa. Later she wrote: “After were few pension schemes, many learning to fly a light aircraft there is no way I could not carry on and obtain my PPL in the redundancies and not a few air UK”. Carrie is pictured at East London Airport wearing her green RAF flying suit and Guild accidents, all of which ensured an badge. almost constant supply of applications Association) gliding scholarships and If you are in need of assistance from for assistance and relief of hardship. London Schools Gliding Scheme. the fund or know of anyone who you In these modern times of safer flying, Currently the Trustees also provide feel could benefit from it please do not good pensions, workers rights and a funds for a Flying Scholarship for the hesitate to contact the Secretary and good social security system here in the Disabled. Loans have been provided to Almoner Peter Davis at the Guild of UK, there are fewer demands being enable recipients to further their Air Pilots Benevolent Fund, Cobham made upon the available funds. aviation careers or to get back flying House, 9 Warwick Court, Gray’s Inn, Furthermore, there are probably many after accidents or illness. Monies to London WC1R 5DJ. A standard people out there who are either enable homes to be modified, Application for Financial Assistance unaware of the fund or how to apply disability scooters purchased and form is also available from the Guild for assistance from it. other forms of assistance have been office, or you can download a form The objects of the Benevolent Fund given. from the Guild website are set out in the scheme approved by Beneficiaries of the fund live as far www.gapan.org the Charity Commission dated 19 May afield as New Zealand, Australia and In the current financial climate we are 2003. They give the Trustees a wide Sri Lanka, as well as many within our finding that we may have to reduce remit in supporting charities home shores. Throughout all its the benevolence we can afford to established in the field of aviation and dealings with welfare cases the distribute to worthy causes. While we any charitable purposes connected Trustees work closely with have funds available for a healthy and with aviation that the Trustees may representatives of the Royal Air Force robust fund, as has already been said, determine. Through the scheme the Benevolent Fund, British Airline Pilots the earnings from the holdings have Trustees are permitted to approve Association Benevolent Fund, the reduced markedly in the past few financial assistance to persons in need Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families months. We are by no means running who are or have been, air pilots or air out of money but we would like to navigators and their dependants in the Association (SAFFA) and the Royal approach you, the Guild members, in form of grants, loans or provision of British Legion, ensuring that efforts goods, services or facilities. are not duplicated and that the best an attempt to build upon our capital possible solution to a problem can be holdings, thus enabling us to receive a In 1996 the Trust Deed was amended reached, often sharing the burden greater income for the fund. to allow a wider use of funds. This between funds but always achieving resulted in the setting up of the Sir Should any person, Guild member or the best possible assistance for the otherwise, wish to make a donation Sefton Brancker Scholarship for a person in difficulty. (Gift Aid is available) or to remember private pilot’s licence (PPL), the the Benevolent Fund in their Will Grand Master’s Scholarship PPL, the For the six years to September 2008 the Benevolent Fund was responsible please either return the flier enclosed Centennial Scholarship PPL, GAPBF in this edition of Guild News, or Scholarships PPL and flying instructor for giving £264,054 to charitable “Guild related” causes. In all, the contact the Secretary and Almoner (rotary) rating (FI(R)R) and the through the Guild office. Norman Motley Scholarship for a Trustees feel we are fulfilling our remit FI(R). Furthermore, grants are to the Guild members and staying Please help us help you or your regularly made to the Ray within the bounds of the scheme dependants and those in aviation less Jeffs/FAAOA (Fleet Air Arm Officers approved by the Charity Commission. fortunate than ourselves. j 20