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

V is for ersatile Adrian Daley extols the virtues of the Bonanza and

explains why its ‘doctor killer’ reputation is very unfair V

CAA EXCLUSIVE! HOW IS YOUR AME? WELSH WEEKEND Sophie-Louise O’Sullivan, the Should your AME also Charlotte Bailey takes head of the CAA GA & RPAS be your personal doctor? a flying visit to Llanbedr Unit answers your questions Dr Ian Perry thinks so! via the ‘Mach Loop’

MAGAZINE 08.2021 FREE TO MEMBERS WWW.AOPA.CO.UK

03 CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE REASONS TO

EDITOR BE CHEERFUL Steve Bridgewater [email protected] AVING BEEN temporarily homeless since Christmas, AOPA UK has now completed on its new headquarters and we will soon be moving into ART EDITOR H Lakeside Pavillion in Kemsing, near Sevenoaks. Now the real work begins Dan Payne as we start the task of designing the interior to reflect AOPA’s working [email protected] requirements. The building has been through a number of occupiers since it was built and the internal layout has been modified to suit their needs over time. We SUB EDITOR need to make further alterations but AOPA is very fortunate to have Mick Elborn on Charlotte Bailey its board, who in his past career was involved with building services and facilities management for Royal Mail. Suffice to say, he knows a lot about buildings and the PROOFREADING legislation around workspaces, and he’ll be leading the refurbishment project. Gabrielle Chambers I had occasion to go to my local flying club recently to meet with AOPA colleagues and it was almost like the old days. Being a lovely day, there was a lot of CONTRIBUTORS flying happening including plenty of flight training. However, what was really special Charlotte Bailey, Malcolm Bird, was seeing my flying friends again after so long. I now feel inspired to apply for the George Capon, David Chambers, lapsed medical and get back to flying whilst the good weather lasts. George Done, John Walker On Friday August 6, AOPA will be attending the first major UK GA event since 2019. The Private Flyer Aviation Show is taking place at Leeds East Airport PUBLISHED BY (formerly RAF Church Fenton) so please save the date and book a slot. It’s great AOPA UK to have AOPA back on the road and present to meet our members in person; c/o 1 Jason Close, Orsett, Grays, furthermore, we will also be at the sister event at Wycombe Air Park on September Essex, RM16 3DY 17– 18. See this month’s news pages for more information and details of how to +44 (0)20 7834 5631 book your discounted tickets to both events. I encourage you to come along to meet the team and find out what we’re doing to support getting GA back to flying. ADVERTISING Finally, AOPA is also supporting the Young Aviators Day at Sywell Aerodrome & SUBSCRIPTIONS in Northamptonshire on Saturday September 11: we are encouraging members to AOPA UK attend and, if possible, fly some of the young people in attendance, many of whom c/o 1 Jason Close, Orsett, Grays, are members of the Scout movement. The event is dependent on the generosity and Essex, RM16 3DY goodwill of the pilots who give their time, aircraft and fuel for free, so if you can help out please visit: theplaneguy.com/ya2021 HEAD OF ADVERTISING Finally, I am happy to announce that the 55th Annual General Meeting of the David Impey British Light Aviation Centre Ltd, trading as the Aircraft Owners and Pilots +44 (0)7742 605338 Association of the UK, will be held on Thursday September 16, 2021 at 2.00 pm. The formal announcement and agenda of the AGM will be placed on PRINTING aopa.co.uk along with the full agenda. Ruddocks Subject to any Covid-19 restrictions, the meeting will be held at West 56 Great Northern Terrace, London Aero Club at White Waltham Airfield, Maidenhead, SL6 3NJ. Lincoln LN5 8HL Members are invited for a cold buffet lunch from 1.00pm and following the +44 (0)1522 529591 formal business of the meeting, there will be time for informal reports from www.ruddocks.co.uk the Chairman and CEO and for general discussion. It is expected that the meeting will finish by 3.30 pm. For planning purposes members who intend © British Light Aviation Centre Ltd to participate are requested to please let the AOPA office know in advance, AOPA is a member of the International either by telephone (020 7834 5631), email ([email protected]), or by post to 1 Council of Aircraft Owners and Jason Close, Orsett, Grays, RM16 3DY. 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. Pauline Vahey Material for consideration for the October issue Chairman, AOPA UK should be received no later than September 2021. [email protected]

August 2021 AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot 04 INSIDE THIS MONTH CONTENTS AUGUST 2021

06AOPA AFFAIRS Martin Robinson turns his 16NEWS The latest news from the GA world, attention towards the future of airspace, including the joint RAF/CAA trial of a new the government's decision to leave EGNOS, low-level VHF frequency and the 18-year-old bilateral agreements and much more. who has flown solo around the world.

08MAINTENANCE Ofcom’s requirements for 20WATTS NEW Everything you need to know aircraft and airfield operators to assess the about electric and hybrid-powered aviation, risk that electromagnetic fields from radio including a new distance record for electric transmitters could do harm to people. aircraft and even a hybrid airship.

10MEDICAL The Aviation Medical Examiner’s 22EXCLUSIVE CAA INTERVIEW Sophie-Louise job is to make sure that all pilots they look O’Sullivan, Head of the CAA’s General after are always safe to fly. However, some Aviation & Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems seem to be going too far. Unit speaks to the Editor.

12WINGS SCHEME A Personal Perspective. TRAVEL28 A Very Welsh Weekend. Charlotte Martin Jones offers an insight into what the Bailey and friends spend a memorable few AOPA WINGS scheme has done for him and days at Llanbedr, via the legendary Mach how it has inspired him to continue learning. Loop in a Nanchang CJ-6.

14MEMBERS WORKING GROUP Members 34JUST MY TYPE Seventy-five years after the Working Group Chairman, David Chambers, Beechcraft Bonanza first flew, the type elaborates on matters discussed at the remains in production and has a loyal most recent online meeting. following, including owner Adrian Daley.

15T&EC UPDATE Training & Education 43CLASSIFIEDS Products, services, aircraft, Committee member and AOPA Airprox engines and hangarage for sale or rent, plus board representative George Capon situations vacant and much more. provides some timely reminders. 28

AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot August 2021 05

EDITOR’S COMMENT

AS I SIT in my office baking in a However, it’s not all doom and ‘heatwave’ which the BBC keeps gloom as the UK looks set to insisting is “hotter that Tenerife” return to showcasing our own GA (but will doubtless be over by the industry at events at Leeds East time you read these words), my and Wycombe Air Park in August thoughts can’t help but turn to and September respectively. foreign climes. You’ll find more details in the At this time of the year I am news pages of this issue but I normally preparing myself for my can’t help but wonder how many yearly ‘pilgrimage’ to the Aviation visitors we will see from US- Mecca that is EAA AirVenture based exhibitors, considering Oshkosh. Like so many aviators, that the UK ‘only’ requires ten the trip to Oshkosh is an days of quarantine on arrival and annual highlight. It provides the two negative tests. opportunity to see the latest I hope you enjoy this issue of developments in the aviation AOPA UK magazine: it has been world first-hand, to meet the great fun to pull together, with people behind them and (often) trips to airfields in Staffordshire to try them out for yourself. and North Wales. I am lucky to The Covid-19 pandemic saw the work with a phenomenally skilled event being cancelled in 2020 team of editorial and design staff for the first time in its more than and hopefully that mix shows 50-year history. However, the through in the following pages. team was adamant it would go Finally, we say a sad goodbye ahead in 2021 to provide the GA to John Pett this month. After industry with a shop window to almost 20 years on the AOPA promote and sell its latest wares board he is stepping down 16 to visitors from around the globe. and retiring at the AGM in Jack Pelton and his team have September. John has been made every effort to make the instrumental in administering event “Covid Secure” and with an the popular FI and CRI courses airline industry that is also trying and I’m sure all those who have to find its metaphorical feet attended one will wish John a again after the lockdown, I was happy retirement. determined to be there to show Until next time, Blue Skies. 10 my support. However, it appears that US immigration has other ideas. The British, it seems, are still considered an infection risk and a Presidential proclamation still bans visitors from the UK. As a card-carrying journalist I am required to hold a US visa when Steve Bridgewater working in North America, and Editor, AOPA Magazine UK my American colleagues felt this [email protected] would make my visit possible. However, the latest development has seen me having to apply for what the US embassy refers to as a ‘National Interest Exception’. However, as these words are written I am due to fly in less than 48 hours, but as yet have not received the go-ahead to travel. So you may or may not see a report from Oshkosh in the 28 next edition of the magazine …

August 2021 AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot 06 AOPA AFFAIRS IT’S JUST LIKE GIVING (AND TAKING) LOLLIPOPS HERE’S AN old saying that AIRSPACE TECHNOLOGY launching a UK-based system by as when a politician isn’t giving New technology and changes to air early as 2025 to 2027. lollipops to children, they’re traffic management systems will be What is surprising, is the apparent T taking them back. The recent key features affecting how airspace lack of discussion over the ditching of publication of the DfT’s GA Roadmap is modernised and used in the future. EGNOS and that no transition plan was (GARM) sets out several goals and The CAA is committed to removing considered. Furthermore, I can find no objectives, which we at AOPA support temporary danger areas (TDAs), which reference to any discussion regarding and intend to assist in the delivery are currently supporting R&D projects, the importance of the satellite navigation of, keeping in mind the government’s as these are not seen as a long-term infrastructure and its role in providing ambition to ‘make the UK the best place solution. However, the CAA agrees with safety to UK aviation. in the world for GA’. Although there me that, depending on government and/ Back in the 1990s we were told that, is no time frame in which this is to be or industry pressure to accommodate without an assurance on the quality achieved, it is however a peg on which early Beyond Visual Line of Sight of the GPS signal, satellite navigation to hang our coat. (BVLOS) drone operations, then could not be used as a primary means of Aligned to the GARM, the CAA has segregated airspace may be the only navigation. Now, the government and the instigated various projects, including available solution. CAA are seemingly saying “no problem, a review of the responses to the Any strategy is likely to include use it”, even though neither NATS nor consultations it held earlier in the several trade-offs and AOPA is seeking the CAA has any control over the quality year and the long-awaited airspace improved access for GA to all airspace, of the signal. It is not surprising then, modernisation strategy. There will be a as well as improving safety. The that the government is telling pilots that consultation on airspace later this year, number of airprox events is already if they use the signal, they do so at their with publication set for early 2022. increasing and the number of airspace own risk. If it is the case that Signal in NATS has restarted work on plans infringements has remained largely Space (SIS) technology is safe to use under its Future Airspace Strategy unchanged, despite various efforts to without being augmented, then why is (FAS) and, at the same time, the reduce them. the government talking with Inmarsat? remotely piloted air systems (RPAS) community is seeking access to lower GALILEO LPV AND LNAV airspace in support of its developing The decision to leave the European AOPA has been pushing for the operations. Meanwhile, the UK satellite navigation system (Galileo) and development of Global Navigation continues to build its space programme the European geostationary navigation Satellite System (GNSS) approaches and has established a few launch sites. overlay system (EGNOS) was, in my for GA since Sir Roy McNulty was All of these factors are likely to impact opinion, purely political. chair at the CAA – and he left in 2009! on airspace usage. While the EU requires European states The withdrawal from EGNOS means The government also has an agenda to to take part in both EGNOS and Galileo, that no airport can put in place an LPV make transport more environmentally it has made it clear that third-party (Localiser Performance with Vertical sustainable and this will become an countries can also participate in the Guidance) approach, as it falls within the important part of the decision-making European satellite system. definition of ‘safety of life’, for which an process, as will meeting demand for The British government has stated agreement must therefore be in place capacity. The challenge will therefore that it was not willing to sign up to this with the EGNOS service provider. be to ensure that there is sufficient agreement as it did not support the EU’s This leaves the possibility of controlled airspace to facilitate safe expansion of the system eastwards and implementing LNAV, LNAV+V or and efficient commercial air transport felt that this programme did not offer LNAV/VNAV lateral navigation operations, whilst organising lower value to the UK taxpayer. procedures. The most likely of these airspace to meet the planned future However, when you look at the to be used by aerodromes is LNAV growth of drone operations. Ultimately, ambitions of the UK space agency as it is a non-precision approach with the CAA must create a strategy that to build its own satellite system, you higher minima, but would work for the meets the needs of all airspace users, begin to understand why the UK was majority of GA. However, before any including working towards reducing not supportive of Galileo and EGNOS. airport would decide to go down this the number of airspace classes (a CAA I have heard that Inmarsat has been in road it would need to have a business commitment to GA). discussion with the government about case. The government has offered 50%

AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot August 2021 07

“The decision to leave the European satellite navigation system (Galileo) and the European geostationary navigation overlay system (EGNOS) was, in my opinion, purely political”

eVTOL is coming. Joby Aviation has been developing its tilt-rotor air taxi for more than 10 years but has just acquired over half a billion dollars in investment from Toyota.

funding in support of implementing such within the remit of the CAA, and with procedures, but it is quite evident from funding for EC amounting to around the lack of uptake that many aerodromes £2 million you can draw your own do not feel they can produce a business conclusions about the different funding case, particularly post Covid-19. for RPAS and GA.

ELECTRONIC CONSPICUITY BILATERAL DISCUSSIONS As the developers of unmanned Other news: the DfT seems quite aerial systems seek extended BVLOS happy about several ongoing bilateral operations, several TDAs are being discussions, particularly regarding processed to trial the technology and progress being made with China and allow companies to demonstrate that Taiwan. However, there does appear to their systems are safe. Ultimately, these be a bit of a roadblock with the USA – TDAs will be removed but for now, the particularly around Supplementary Type only sure way of remaining safe is by Certificates – although we will learn segregating the airspace; therefore, more in due course. checking NOTAMs and AIS before you I feel there is also an issue with the fly will take on even greater importance. transition from the EASA/US bilateral I understand that government funding agreement: the UK may want more from supporting RPAS development is more a bilateral aviation safety agreement than £1.5 billion. Needless to say, GA (BASA) whereas the USA may want to receives nothing close to that level of treat the UK in the same way as EASA. governmen funding. None of this is likely to happen quickly While there have been around 3,800 because as with any BASA, each side uptakes for the CAA’s electronic must audit the other side’s system before conspicuity (EC) device rebate (and any agreement can be reached. I wish to make it clear that I support With respect to mutual recognition of EC), I am unsure whether these units licences between the EU and UK, there are the right thing when it comes to is no expectation that discussions will manned versus unmanned aviation begin any time soon, if at all! • conflicts. One application for temporary restricted airspace made the point about equipping the drone with ADS-B In and Out as well as EC; however, the RPAS company could not answer my question about how it would take avoiding action. Martin Robinson There is a much wider debate to be CEO, AOPA UK had here but it does not seem to fall [email protected]

August 2021 AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot

09 AOPA UP FRONT

WORDS Alan Burrill IMAGES Awyr Archive ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELDS: MORE OFCOM RED TAPE? Ofcom has stepped back from what at first appeared to be quite onerous requirements, thanks to assistance from AOPA

A FEW months ago, Ofcom such aircraft operators and sent out a letter advising licence holders need take no licence owners of a new further action to comply. requirement to assess the risk Distance Measuring that electromagnetic fields Equipment: It has been (EMF) from radio transmitters determined that as a DME only could do harm to people. transmit a short pulse burst it After receiving feedback and is also of no risk and therefore assistance from AOPA, Ofcom you do not need to comply or is now better informed. As such, take further action. it has stepped back from what Transponders: A secondary at first appeared to be onerous surveillance radar transponder requirements for licence holders, in a GA aircraft typically has aircraft and airfield operators. a nominal power of 260 watts The radio waves of concern whereas a Class 2 transponder If you use fixed radio equipment with an external antenna are those normally used to will be much less. At first glance this typically has a radiated power of 25 watts. cook food in a microwave, this could be an issue; however but of course in an aviation most antennae are mounted on same manner as aircraft radio environment the frequencies the metal skin on the underside installation, especially if the and powers are much lower. The of the airframe, which acts as antenna is mounted over four guidance material for aircraft a ground plane. In the case of metres above the ground on a users can be found on the composite or wooden airframes mast or building with no easy Ofcom website (search ‘Ofcom the ground plane is usually a access for the public. At a very EMF licence - What you need metal disk or copper strips busy airfield, if you believe that to know as an aeronautical radio with the transponder antenna the average transmission time user’) but here’s a summary: mounted in the centre. In all is greater than two minutes Handheld Radios: If you of these cases you need take in any six minute period (or have any of the popular no further action. However, if the antenna is close to an handheld aviation transceivers, your transponder antenna is not area where members of the even if fitted to your aircraft one of the standard items or is public have access) then the with an external antenna, then mounted inside the aircraft and calculations show that you may you have no need to comply or within 26 cm of a passenger need to look at your antenna take any further action. then you may need to do a position and/or public access. Portable EC Devices: compliance check. Ofcom has decided to go Portable electronic conspicuity A few GA aircraft are fitted ahead with the requirements devices normally use a low- with weather detection systems but now understands that the power unlicensed frequency and these normally transmit vast majority of GA aircraft do at a power level that is of no forward of the passenger not need to comply. It has also concern. SkyEcho has guidance compartment. They also tend updated its online calculator in the manual. to have procedures in place to include factors such as Radio: If you use fixed for them to be selected as part operating cycle time, which equipment with an external of the pre-take-off check list “This is a good were originally missing and antenna this typically has a and after-landing checks. If yet are highly pertinent to GA radiated power of 25 watts. you have any of these systems win for GA and aircraftbecause they do not Working with the CAA and please contact AOPA, as further a good result for transmit continuously for six Ofcom it has been estimated research may be required. minutes at a time! that these are used to transmit Airfields with radio equipment the efforts by the This is a good win for GA and for less than 25% of any given that is nominally less than a good result for the efforts by six minute period of time. As 26 watts can be treated in the CAA and AOPA.” the CAA and AOPA. •

August 2021 AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot 10 UP FRONT Medical Matters

WORDS Dr Ian Perry IMAGES Crown Copyright MEDICAL MATTERS: HOW IS YOUR AME? The Aviation Medical Examiner’s job is to make sure that all pilots they look after, examine and advise are always safe to fly. However, some seem to be going too far – as Dr Ian Perry, Consultant in Aviation Medicine discusses

AOPA has recently recieved Capt Lithgow got his wings anything that might impinge on several serious enquiries “The doctor even in 1912 at the Central Flying the pilot’s safety. from members who have had went as far as School at Upavon and then Had this type of system been problems with their Aviation set up a dedicated aviation in place in commercial aviation, Medical Examiner (AME). saying he would medical service. The doctors it is felt that the Germanwings The problems seem to stem lived and flew with their pilots; Flight 9525 accident in 2015 from a few AMEs who have be reporting a type of arrangement which – where nobody knew about become very officious and continues in the military today. the pilot’s actual health – may insist on carrying out tests the pilot to The modern Army Air never have happened. which are not required for the CAA, who Corps Specialists in Aviation This family-oriented type of licensing purposes. We want Medicine (SAMS) have to system was in place within the to encourage people to fly, would probably get their pilot’s wings as well UK until the CAA was formed not be disproportionately as the Diploma in Aviation in 1972 and a new system of put off by an AME. prosecute him” Medicine. They also undertake nationwide medical examiners The earliest British doctors sessions in the Family Clinic, had to be set up. dedicated to flying belonged enabling doctors to get to These AMEs were initially to the Royal Flying Corps and know the pilot and their family, selected from doctors who first was Capt Ernest Lithgow. and better judge if there is were currently serving or

The origins of the aviation medical date back to the Great War. This RAF cadet is undergoing an examination in 1918 – one would like to think things have advanced significantly since then.

AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot August 2021 11 ex-military; if a civilian doctor he passed). He has recetly was a pilot, or employed by the been told that he has to have growing aviation industry, they a full psychiatric assessment could also become AMEs. before he can fly! Why? It was an interesting exercise This is almost as stupid as at the time and I was one of the the very fit person who tripped first to enter the new system, over and bruised his chest. His being allowed to certify the GP surgery was closed for the military pilots who wanted weekend, so he sensibly took a civil licence as well as a himself off to A&E to make military one. At that time, many sure he hadn’t broken a rib. of us looked after the pilots They were very reassuring and we licenced, and we cared gave him a chest x-ray and an for their families as well. This ECG to make doubly sure. was a sensible arrangement A week or so later he went to inherited and proven by our an AME to get his certificate predecessors. renewed. When questioned The CAA has now adopted a about any recent medical different set of criteria, which history, he said he had tripped many of us – on the grounds over and bruised his chest. The of safety – do not agree with. AME went ballistic because The CAA does not approve the pilot had not rung him of the AME treating the pilot up personally to report the or their family; they want incident! them to provide an apparently The pilot was told that he had independent examination. to disclose anything, however trivial, and the AME would KNOWING YOUR PATIENT be the judge of what was and Many of us believe that not what was not important. The knowing anything personally doctor even went as far as about the pilot, their family saying he would be reporting or medical background raises the pilot to the CAA, who safety concerns, leaving a would probably prosecute great deal of room for error him, and told him to expect a and non-disclosure. visit from the police. Needless An hour-long examination is to say he is still waiting; but not going to tell you that the feeling very unsure about pilot’s child is unwell and keeps whether he even wants to the family awake at night, or continue learning to fly. one of many other scenarios which can affect the pilot’s DECISION-MAKING performance. It seems that very few AMEs We were always taught that are prepared to make decisions when examining someone, we any more. Is this because they should make sure that they lack the knowledge or the were going to be fit enough experience? Or is it a CAA- to fly for the period of the imposed fear – that everything medical certificate to be must be reported to the issued. Your medical history is regulator? If the latter is the of course very important, but case, does the CAA actually if you forgot to write down trust its AMEs? that you had your tonsils out Our job in aviation medicine aged 12 – and you are now 40 is to make sure that all the – it should not be regarded pilots we look after, examine as a hanging offence. Common and advise, are always safe to sense must not be thrown away fly. We need to know all about for the sake of form filling. these pilots, gain their respect Another recent enquiry and above all their trust. concerned a 60-year-old who That might require a change has been completely fit and of direction and thinking from well since experiencing an the top downwards. It might anxiety attack when taking also possibly prevent another college exams aged 20 (which Germanwings disaster. •

August 2021 AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot 12 UP FRONT Wings Scheme

WORD & IMAGES Martin Jones WINGS SCHEME - MY PERSONAL PERSPECTIVE Martin Jones offers an insight into what the AOPA WINGS scheme has done for him

I FIRST learnt to fly as a17- on flying and planned a trip my navigation by using VORs year-old courtesy of an RAF to the Channel Islands and “I quickly realised and NDBs. This enabled me flying scholarship. As a poor France alongside another pilot. that this circuit to gain skills, knowledge and student the next couple of Gaining experience of flight experience to improve my years saw me flying half a plans, foreign airspace and bashing was flying, my confidence and dozen hours each summer the vagaries of the weather hopefully the overall safety of just to achieve the minimum all played a vital part in my resulting in skill what I was doing. number of hours to obtain education. Having another pilot It took me around ten my Certificate of Experience. alongside gave me the critical fade, as I was years to get 100 hours in my I quickly realised that support required to undertake never going logbook but by then I’d logged this ‘circuit bashing’ was such a trip, and discussing 35 different airfields, 20 of resulting in skill fade, as I the whole venture with an anywhere near which were outside the UK. was never going anywhere instructor first also cemented All of that brought valuable near controlled airspace or the experience. controlled experience in all aspects of even another airfield. The flying and most importantly CAA’s Pilot Recognition SETTING TARGETS airspace” flight management. The next and Operational Up-Skilling In the years that followed ten years were similar, with and Development (PROUD) money remained in short some touring and some club framework did not exist – supply, but I continued to use flyouts. Whilst hours were not neither did the AOPA WINGS the RAeC framework to set cranking up rapidly, my airfield scheme – but the Royal Aero myself developmental targets. list and cross-country journeys Club (RAeC) had a similar Ratings were next on the list continued to progress. I also initiative. but I couldn’t afford what was managed to blow my annual When I looked into it, I then the IMC and I didn’t fancy bonus on an IMC rating. discovered that touring was a night rating, so I decided to Personal circumstances did a big part of this scheme so do five hours of instrument not allow me to fly significantly I blew my first student loan flying so I could supplement more hours over the next few years and indeed I didn’t fly for a period, doing revalidation by test rather than experience a few times. Recognising that skill and knowledge fade had also set in again, I dug out the structure of the old RAeC awards and looked at what it said I needed to do for the next level up – setting myself a plan to recover at least some of the skills I felt I’d lost.

MORE COURSES I formed a plan to fly some different aircraft, did a forced- landing course at Kemble, experienced some formation flying and managed to log a few more foreign trips. I also participated in some ground based activities, including attending a CAA Safety evening and visiting a local Like-minded aviators sharing a pre-Covid trip to build confidence (Martin in the right hand seat). ATC unit.

AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot August 2021 13

The touring bug bit hard – Martin took this photograph while visiting Glenforsa.

I didn’t actually focus on practical aspects of weather WHAT NEXT? the achievement of what had “The ethos and forecasting it confidently. I haven’t stopped learning and now become the AOPA Wings And whilst not required for exploring. My new two-year scheme but used it to structure of continual the IRR rating, I did a one- plan includes a taildragger some flying and some learning, development day course on Performance rating, potentially an aerobatic believing that it was a good Based Navigation (PBN) rating as well as my twice framework for my continued had taken hold” training (both in a classroom delayed trip to Greenland. development – something I and in flight) so I could feel Plus I’m looking for a few now understand to be essential far more confident in really Zoom courses to attend to for developing, as well as understanding the theory and keep the brain active. maintaining, skills. practical aspects of the RNP So what’s my story really I achieved the requirements approaches that my rating about? Its about the fact for Silver in 2007 but didn’t said I could do – but the law that continual development stop there. All the touring said I did not need training in! is important and you learn requirements for Gold and Some of these were not by pushing your boundaries. Platinum had been achieved on the list of things for the Many of us will be acutely but some of the other tasks scheme but all of a sudden aware of the skill fade and classroom-based learning it didn’t matter: the ethos of over lockdown and maybe required some work, as did continual development had have forgotten a lot of building hours. taken hold. stuff we once knew. So use So over the subsequent I’m now pleased to say I the WINGS framework to years I got checked out have achieved the Gold and structure your flying and on a couple of different very recently the Platinum learning in the next few years types, did some differences awards and I’m also qualified and even if you can’t quite training and attended a few as a Flying Instructor, albeit reach the next level, you classroom courses. I did a still looking for gainful know you will be a better PPL masterclass which was employment! pilot at the end of it. • full of information I’d forgotten and also full of useful tips Have you applied for your WINGS Award yet? They are free to on new things. I spent four AOPA members – just review the criteria under the Training and half-days learning some Safety/WINGS Scheme section of aopa.co.uk to apply.

August 2021 AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot 14 UP FRONT Members Working Group

WORDS David Chambers, IMAGE Pauline Vahey MEMBERS WORKING GROUP MEETING Members Working Group Chairman David Chambers elaborates on matters discussed at the most recent online meeting

WE HAD hoped that DfT GA Roadmap (GARM). Silver-level criteria, in order the June meeting of the “The three The general consensus of to make that next step more Members Working Group primary issues members was that the GARM achievable in the mind of the (MemWG) would be held seemed to be more of an new PPL. This change had partly in person, with others discussed aspirational document rather been rejected by the T&EC, able to participate remotely than a roadmap, since it did resulting in increased difficulty via Zoom. were airspace not provide detail on the steps to attain later levels without However, this wasn’t feasible towards each goal. Some were any mitigation. and we reverted to the modernisation, sceptical about how many and The Maintenance Working virtual format, which had how much of the promised Group highlighted growing the advantage of attracting EGNOS and the outcomes would be delivered. difficulties for owners of attendees from a much wider GA Roadmap” Several members raised G-Reg aircraft that require geographical area.The summer concerns that AOPA UK itself maintenance when abroad, flying weather proved strong does not appear to have a especially when it is competition for an online clear vision or roadmap of its unplanned. Previously any gathering and numbers were own. The board was strongly EASA registered maintenance down from winter’s peak encouraged to “up its game” organisation could perform attendance but a healthy and make pilots (including and sign-off work but very number of members still dialled non-members) more aware of few of these have dual EASA/ in remotely. what it is trying to achieve and UK approval. The CAA has The main purpose of the recent success it has had. said it will be pragmatic in its MemWG is to establish two- approach, for example if a UK way communication between WINGS SCHEME maintainer is able to remotely AOPA UK’s executive team As discussed in the last advise and monitor repair work and the wider membership. issue of the magazine, a handled locally. It allows any member to hear sub-team was formed at the AOPA has also been active directly what actions have previous meeting to review in addressing a surprise been taken, give their support the WINGS scheme. The announcement from Ofcom and/or raise any concerns. group, comprising a current that required all aircraft owners The three primary issues Flight Examiner, Instructor, to conduct an extensive radio discussed were airspace CRI and recent PPLs, had emission impact assessment modernisation, EGNOS for since conducted a survey, for their aircraft [Ed: see p8]. LPV approaches and the completed a thorough review and published a detailed report YOU CAN JOIN US TOO which proposed a series of I continue to encourage small changes to the scheme those from near or far to join format. These had been us to hear more and speak considered by the Training and up about AOPA UK’s work. Education Committee (TEC), Our next meeting is planned and although their decision for Saturday October 23, had not been finalised before 2021, and all members are the meeting, it was clear that welcome to attend, observe while some changes were and/or participate. It’s quite accepted, many were thought likely that this will again be unnecessary. Several delegates held entirely on Zoom, but if a voiced their opinion agreeing physical meeting occurs then with the sub-team that the remote attendance will also number of hours required by be possible. Just email me at It is hoped that future MemWG meetings will be able to take the scheme should be adjusted, [email protected] to place in the stylish new AOPA HQ building in Kent. in particular reducing the register your interest. •

AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot August 2021 15

WORDS George Capon AOPA TRAINING & INSTRUCTOR EDUCATION REFRESHER T&EC member and AOPA Airprox board representative George Capon provides COURSES some timely reminders For revalidation of an FI certificate, the holder shall fulfil two of the following three requirements: HOW FAR away is that tree? this case the correct response 100m? 200m maybe? You’d would be either “Both aircraft 1 At least 50 hours of flight instruction be surprised how wrong you in sight G-CD” or “nine o’clock during certificate validity as might be! traffic in sight, twelve o’clock FI, TRI, CTI, IRI, MI or Examiner; As an exercise, take a look not in sight at this time.” 2 Attend a Flight Instructor Refresher at something in the distance Some air traffic units have Seminar within the validity of and estimate how far away it is. a Short Term Conflict Alert the certificate; and Then measure it using Google (STCA) system. However, this 3 Pass an Assessment of Competence Maps and see how accurate isn’t available to aircraft in you are.This is perhaps why Class G airspace and in some within the 12 months preceding the we are starting to see a theme Class D areas the computer expiry of the certificate. filters out VFR traffic – so with vast differences between For at least each alternate subsequent pilots’ reported distance and don’t assume you will be told revalidation, an assessment of competence radar calculated distances. about traffic just because you Why is this important? Well, have asked for a radar service. must be undertaken. In the case of a even when a radar control When using Safety Comm renewal you should, within 12 months service gives you a heading frequencies it is also important before renewal, attend a Flight and altitude, as a VFR pilot in to make sure you use the Instructor Refresher Course and pass controlled airspace you are correct terminology and an assessment of competence. still responsible for separation be specific when joining from other aircraft. So if you or leaving airfields. This is feel you are getting close to important so that everyone NEXT DATES another aircraft ‘speak up’ and listening has good situational The next dates for the course are take action; you can deviate awareness of who is where your heading or altitude to and what they are doing. November 23 – 24, 2021 avoid a collision or airprox. Furthermore, it is always useful On a similar subject, whilst to refresh your memory about Approval has now been obtained from the CAA to run ‘listening squawks’ can be how to accurately fly overhead these courses using Zoom during the current pandemic. useful, asking for a traffic joins. These are rapidly It is therefore imperative that any candidate is up to service offers you much more becoming airprox hotspots. speed on using Zoom prior to commencing the course. protection. However, when Finally for this issue, a Further information can be obtained from the Course that controller advises you of reminder to keep your ‘eyes Administrator, Mandy Nelson, on 020 7834 5631. other traffic it is vital that you out’. It might sound simple but Please book the course online at www.aopa.co.uk make sure you are specific it’s easy to become engrossed about what aircraft you see in the cockpit, particularly – especially if two aircraft when you’re doing something are pointed out in the same like a FREDA check or map transmission. For example: reading. Also, when flying you might receive a call from straight and level, it is a good ATC saying “G-CD, traffic, idea to lift a wing every now two aircraft, one in your nine and again to see what’s above o’clock at 3 nm and another or below you. Changing To register for a place on any of the aircraft twelve o’clock 3 nm”. heading a few degrees every seminars please call the AOPA office Simply responding with few minutes can also avoid on 020 7834 5631 or join online at “Traffic in sight, G-CD” is very a constant relative bearing WWW.AOPA.CO.UK. ambiguous and the controller situation occurring. These The courses start at 0930 and end might assume you've seen are all simple things, but they at 1700 each day. both aircraft even if you have can help avoid airproxes and only registered one of them. In potential mid-air collisions. •

August 2021 AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot General Aviation news from around the world Crown Copyright

RAF Hawk T.2s using the UK Low Flying System. Would you see them coming?

LOW-LEVEL FREQUENCY: A JOINT RAF & CAA TRIAL The trial of 130.490 MHz is to run for a year and the CAA wants your feedback

MORE DETAILS have now – launched on June 1 and will where a frequency monitoring reference points immediately been made public about the run until June 1, 2022. The idea code and the associated ATC identifiable to other pilots, VHF Low-Level Common is to help build situational frequency is used. Pilots altitude, heading and your next Frequency (LLCF) trial that we awareness for all users which should make “accurate, clear significant reference point. revealed in the April edition of should, in turn, reduce the risk and concise” blind calls on the It is also worth noting that AOPA UK magazine. of mid-air collision. LLCF and to prevent clutter whilst GA aircraft broadcast The scheme is now being The LLCF will offer an on the air, 130.490 must not be their altitude above sea level supported by the CAA as a information service on 130.490 used as a chat frequency. based on QNH, military aircraft result of what the regulator MHz and is available for use It is recommended that pilots in the UKLFS will be operating refers to as “an increasing by all aircrew (military and make calls when entering/ on Radar Altimeter heights trend of Airprox [incidents] civilian), operating in Class G exiting the UKLFS, at turning and broadcasting their height between military and civilian airspace at or below 2,000 ft points or significant heading above ground level. Pilots users in the UK Low Flying AGL in the UKLFS. changes, when approaching should therefore consider their System (UKLFS).” According to the CAA, pilots well-known and recognisable actual height above ground The military-led trial of a should make use of the LLCF physical features or “any time when assessing any potential common frequency to be used only when they are not in it is considered beneficial to conflict with military traffic. across the UK – so members receipt of a Lower Airspace the safety of the aircraft”. The CAA is asking for of the GA community can be Radar Service (LARS) or other Calls should take the form feedback on the trial via the better integrated with other Air Traffic Service, or when of: aircraft call sign, aircraft lowlevelfrequencytrial@caa. users of low-level airspace operating outside an area type, position in relation to co.uk email address. •

AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot August 2021 17 Via Travis Ludlow AOPA NEWS AROUND THE WORLD AT 18! HIGHLIGHTS BRITISH PILOT Travis paid to that. where pupils and teachers The Vintage Aircraft Ludlow landed back at Travis set off from were having a ‘post-exams’ Club’s Liz Inwood Teuge Airport in the Wycombe Air Park on breakfast. He then routed Taildragger Scholarship Netherlands on July 12 June 27 just a week after to Teuge where Hanger- is awarding £750 to having flown solo around the completing his A-level One Technics & Avionics a lucky applicant who world in a specially prepared exams; in fact his first prepared the aeroplane wants to fly taildraggers. Cessna 172R diesel. waypoint was his school for the official departure Applicants must be 35 Travis, who was 18 years on June 29. From there he years old or younger and and 149 days old at the travelled east across Europe, hold a current PPL, NPPL time, now becomes the Russia, Canada, USA, South or LAPL, with 100 hours youngest pilot to have solo America and back up the US TT including 50 hours circumnavigated the globe. east coast before making as PIC. The application He beat the previous record the transatlantic crossing via form is available at set by American Mason Greenland and Iceland. vintageaircraftclub.org. Andrews in 2018 by 14 days. Look out for a special uk with a deadline of The flight was originally due Record holder Travis Ludlow interview with Travis in the August 8. to take place last summer – the youngest pilot ever to next issue of AOPA UK but the global pandemic put fly solo around the world! magazine. • A planning application to build a gigafactory on Coventry (Baginton) Airport was submitted by Coventry City Council and PILOT PROSECUTED BY CAA Coventry Airport Ltd on July 15. Businesses based THE CAA has successfully seven flights. Following a According to the CAA: “Mr on the airfield said they brought charges against a pilot trial at Brighton Magistrates’ Harbottle previously had only heard of the plans for falsifying licence entries Court, Mr Harbottle was fined Certificates of Revalidation through reports in the and acting as a pilot without £50,000 for each of the false for MEP [Multi-Engine Piston] local media. an appropriate licence. entries, and a further £75,000 and IR [Instrument Rating] David Harbottle, of Lancing, for acting as a pilot without an ratings for his pilot licence The Molly Rose West Sussex, was convicted appropriate licence. He was which expired in 2014. He Scholarship has been of two charges of knowingly also ordered to pay costs to later forged Certificates of launched by Aetheris making false entries to his the CAA of £16,500 and an Revalidation for an MEP and Publishing to promote pilot’s licence, and one charge additional £120 victim charge. an IR rating he required for the the new book and film of acting as a pilot without The fines and charges total seven flights he undertook and Attagirls. It is intended to an appropriate licence on £191,620. back-dated them to 2016.” • encourage young women to consider a career in

Klein Vision aviation and awards a full PPL in memory of former Air Transport Auxiliary INTER-CITY KLEIN AIRCAR (ATA) pilot Molly Rose (neé Marshall). Details will be SLOVAKIA-BASED Klein back to the individual.” to 8,200 ft and a top speed announced soon at: Vision successfully flew its The AirCar is powered by a of 103 kts. Four versions of aetheris.co.uk/mrps AirCar ‘roadable aircraft’ 160 hp BMW car engine and the AirCar are reportedly in prototype from Nitra to to date has flown for over 40 the works including two-seat, Bratislava in June. The hours, reaching heights of up four-seat, twin-engine and The Yamaha Motor 35-minute flight marks the amphibious models. Company and ShinMaywa first time the vehicle has A second prototype is Industries have signed travelled between two cities. currently under development an agreement for the “This flight starts a new and will be powered by a joint research of a next- era of dual transportation 300 hp engine giving a cruise generation small aircraft. vehicles,” said pilot and speed of 162 kts and an Yamaha will explore company co-founder Stefan airborne range in excess of avenues for adapting its Klein. “It opens a new 600 miles. small-engine technologies category of transportation Part car, part aeroplane – Klein Vision is pursuing to the aviation industry and returns the freedom the AirCar has wings that EASA CS-23 aircraft while ShinMaywa will originally attributed to cars retract into the bodyshell certification for the vehicle. • develop the airframe.

August 2021 AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot 18 AOPA NEWS GA News that matters DETECT AND AVOID FOR DRONES -- GOOD NEWS? An application for a TDA to trial 'Detect And Avoid’ technology for drones could bring great benefits - but its proximity to White Waltham is of potential concern BERKSHIRE-BASED Altitude particular trial is to test a communicates with ground notes that “we anticipate that Angel has applied for a ground-based Detect And and aerial infrastructure. the policy team will request Temporary Danger Area (TDA) Avoid (DAA) system that the According to Airspace the airspace to be surface to near Reading to test a new company calls Arrow. Change Proposal (ACP) 2021- 1,000 ft. drone operation in September. UAVs within the so-called 032 “the overall objective of ”We would be comfortable However, whereas we are ‘Arrow Drone Zone’ will be Project Arrow is to enable safe, with 800 ft, thus reducing the becoming accustomed to tracked via Altitude Angel’s automated BVLOS [beyond impact on local GA.” TDAs allowing the unrestricted GuardianUTM unified traffic visual line of sight] flights of The good news is that this operation of UAV’s this management platform, which multiple unmanned aircraft technology could potentially

Jack Davy within the coverage area in lead to a situation where Non-Segregated Airspace.” when an airspace conflict is It goes on to explain that the predicted, drones involved “GuardianUTM system has will be automatically given the capability to safely act appropriate avoidance as an offboard automated instructions. The bad news deconfliction service” and is that this ACP does not Altitude Angel is “working on appear to take into account the requirements to prove and the role of the M4 motorway certify a new type of DAA that near Reading as a busy visual will enable BVLOS operations navigation feature for VFR in uncontrolled airspace traffic. Neither does it reflect without the requirement for the proximity of the thriving closed airspace. White Waltham aerodrome, The company says that which is home to numerous The Drone Zone could lead to advances in technology but the operations will be undertaken flying training organisations TDA so close to White Waltham airfield is cause for concern. at 400 ft AGL for flights but and GA owner pilots. •

COULD COVID AFFECT YOUR MEDICAL? IN THE USA, the FAA’s admission and discharge be disqualifying. According Covid-19 should seek advice Federal Air Surgeon has notes, testing, and a status to Dr Northrup these from their AME before they gone on record to say that report from the treating include “manifestations next fly. Medical reports pilots who are diagnosed physician. We also need a including dysfunction relating to more serious with Covid-19 must notify status report for anyone of the cardiovascular, periods of illness will need their AME or risk losing with persistent symptoms. respiratory, renal, or to be reviewed by an AME. their medicals. Unfortunately, while the vast neurological systems. You It states that: “Pilots who Writing in an FAA Safety majority of airmen can be should [also] report mental make a full uncomplicated Bulletin, Dr Susan Northrup issued a certificate by their health symptoms or other recovery should not fly for said: “Anyone with a AME right away, we have symptoms such as fatigue, a minimum period of seven medical should have the denied a medical certificate shortness of breath, cough, days from full symptom documentation from your for a small number after a chest pain, headache, resolution.” illness available for your COVID infection.” However, fever, loss of smell or taste, If you have recovered AME to review, regardless the doctor clarified that dizziness when standing, from the illness and want of the severity. The AME most of those were the joint or muscle pains, or to return to flying, you can guide you on what is result of pilots not providing chest pain, to your AME.” can view the ‘Class 1/2/3/ necessary.” Dr Northrup documentation. The CAA says UK licence LAPL Medical Certificates: continued: “If you were AMEs have been told to be holders who are admitted COVID-19 Assessment hospitalised, we need the on the lookout for those who to hospital and/or have Process flowchart’ via the hospital records including develop symptoms that can continuing symptoms from CAA’s website. •

AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot August 2021 19 Steve Bridgeater AOPA NEWS OUT AND ABOUT WITH AOPA HIGHLIGHTS AS PART of our ongoing Holders of an FAA private backing of GA within the pilot Airman’s Certificate UK, the team at AOPA is living permanently in the excited to sponsor what is UK have until December set to be the first major UK 21, 2021 to convert to a event on the GA calendar UK Part-FCL licence. The since 2019! original deadline of June The Private Flyer Show 20 has been extended takes place at Leeds East because of delays caused Airport (Church Fenton) by the pandemic. on Friday August 6, 2021 and London Wycombe AOPA is proud to Air Park (Booker) on sponsor the 15th annual September 17 and 18. AOPA Young Aviators event members can get a 20% It’s been a long time since the GA industry has been able at Sywell on Saturday discount on tickets using the to showcase its wares, so AOPA is excited to sponsor the September 11. AOPA promotional code at the end Private Flyer events at Leeds East and Wycombe Air Park. members, in particular of this article. those with four seat (or The event at Leeds East giveaways for visitors; can gain expert insights larger) aircraft who would fills the gap for a much simply book your fly-in slot at each event with a daily like to get involved and needed GA show in the online or purchase a ticket series of seminars covering take some youngsters for north of England and to be entered into the draw all areas of private flying. a flight on the day, are this ‘pop up’ event will to win a Bose A20 headset, The Private Flyer urged to visit theplaneguy. include all the aspects of a £250 Pooleys voucher or a Wycombe event will be com/ya2021 for more info. Private Flyer Show, while Garmin D2 Delta PX watch. co-located at Booker within connecting the General Private Flyer Leeds in The Elite Events London AIRFIELD NEWS John Aviation industry. particular is a unique Lifestyle show and the Walker reports that The event will offer a ‘demo-friendly’ venue British Golf Show. Chiltern Park is due to dedicated exhibition hall so if you’re thinking of For more information and close on September 24, showcasing the latest GA buying your first aircraft or to book discounted tickets 2021 after the landowner products, services and changing your existing one visit privateflyershow. had given notice to seminars, along with both (or maybe adding another com and use promo code the lease holder and new and pre-owned fixed- to the collection?), this is PF911276. It is so refreshing aerodrome operator to wing and rotary-wing an ideal opportunity to take to get back onto an airfield vacate the site. Elewhere, aircraft on static display. to the skies and sample the and AOPA looks forward to Elvington is included in There are also prize options first-hand. Plus, you seeing you at these events. • York City Council’s Local Plan for a development of up to 3,330 homes on the middle section of the runway. Public POSSIBLE CARDINAL SPAR AD consultation on major modifications to the plan THE FAA wants to expand problems have been found lower cap, corrective action ended on July 7, 2021. the Airworthiness Directive in newer models as well as if necessary, application of (AD) requiring inspection of some Cardinals. Operators a protective coating and Garmin has won the the carry-through spars on must perform “visual and corrosion inhibiting compound 2020 Collier Trophy for Cessna 210 Stationairs to more eddy current inspections (CIC), and reporting the Autoland, the world’s models of that type and to of the [carry-through] spar inspection results to the FAA.” first autonomous system

some versions of the Cessna Cessna The NPRM now includes designed to activate 177 Cardinal. Cessna Stationair models during an emergency A Notice of Proposed 210N, 210R, P210N, P210R, to safely fly and land Rulemaking (NPRM) has been T210N, T210R as well as an aircraft without issued requiring inspection 177, 177A, 177B, 177RG, human intervention. of the spars on almost 2,000 and F177RG variants of the The trophy is awarded additional aircraft that were Cardinal with both fixed gear annually to recognise “the not captured by an earlier AD and retractable undercarriage. greatest achievement that took effect a year ago. The FAA is concerned that According to the FAA each in aeronautics or The original AD applied to some Cessna 177 wing spar inspection will cost around astronautics in America”. older 210s but since then, caps may need inspecting. $1,827.50 (£1,325.00). •

August 2021 AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot 20 AOPA NEWS GA News that matters WATTS NEW The Latest in Electric and Hybrid Propulsion Developments

ON JUNE 18, Sacha Dench breaking endurance flights 2025 and the two rear engines – climate campaigner, UN a team of Australian pilots “Continuing to in 2030. ambassador on migratory has claimed a new world Adelaide they species and founder of endurance record for electric- RAES GREEN MICROLIGHT Conservation Without Borders powered aircraft. achieved 840 The Royal Aeronautical – departed the Glasgow Flying a Pipistrel Alpha Society’s next competition Science Centre on a 3,000+ Electro, Eyre to There miles by the end calls for designers to create mile trip around the British Aviation Managing Director an electric 600 kg microlight. Isles by electric paramotor. Barrie Rogers and his team of the journey - The aim is to design a piloted Sacha’s trip – which she arrived in Port Augusta on mostly in 80 mile electric aircraft that can deliver estimates will take around June 25 after breaking the a passenger or essential six weeks – aims to ‘inspire previous record of 466 miles hops between supplies to short soil airstrips and excite the nation to on the leg between Shoalwater in equatorial countries, get involved in tackling the Point Station and Whyalla. battery charges” providing the best possible climate crisis’ in the run-up They continued to Adelaide combination of productivity to the COP26 climate change achieving 840 miles by the and utility. Entries are invited conference in Glasgow in end of the journey – mostly in 85 kts so each leg had to be from under- and post- November 2021. 80 mile hops between charges. very carefully planned. graduate engineering students, Known as ‘The Human Along the way, the team also Closer to home, Hybrid Air amateur aircraft designers and Swan’ because of her global broke other world records for Vehicles (HAV) has announced professionals. You can enter as expeditions with migratory electric aircraft including the that the next iteration of its an individual or a team and the species, Sacha turned her longest overwater flight (19 Airlander airship will have closing date is August 31, 2022. focus to climate change after miles) and furthest distance in an electric power system, However, British development losing her family home in the a 24-hour period (205 miles). supplied by Collins Aerospace is not restricted to the lighter recent Australian bushfires. The flight team and support and the University of end of aviation: government- This is the first time that an crew included three pilots, Nottingham. backed ZeroAvia has recently electric paramotor will ever five ground support crew, Tests of the 500 kW electric acquired a pair of 19-seat have been used for such a long a second (Avgas-powered) motor for the Airlander 10 are Dornier 228 twin turboprops journey – and if successful will support aeroplane, and two expected to begin in 2023 to use as testbeds for its earn Sacha a new Guinness vehicles carrying recharging and the airship’s four RED Hyflyer II programme. The World Record. and other equipment. A03 diesel V12 engines will development phase will involve The aircraft has an ultimately be replaced by fitting 600 kW hydrogen- ‘EYRE TO THERE’ endurance of around an hour electric motors, starting with electric powerplants and On the subject of record and a cruise speed of around the two forward engines in hydrogen fuel tanks designed

Conservation Without Borders to contain the 220 lb of compressed gaseous hydrogen needed to give a 500 mile range. One of the aircraft will be based at Kemble, Gloucestershire and the other at ZeroAvia’s base at Hollister, California. The company also recently announced it had secured a further US$13 million of funding for the development of a hydrogen-electric powerplant for a 50+ seat airliner. Current funding for that project now totals $37 million. Among the airlines pledging their support for electric aircraft in recent months is Ravn Alaska, which sees the Climate campaigner Sacha Dench AKA ‘The Human Swan’ is flying an electric paramotor around potential in using battery- the UK mainland coast on a 3,000+ mile trip to highlight climate change. powered short take-off and

AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot August 2021 21 Electra Eyre to There Aviation

The Electra Aero eSTOL promises landing speeds as low as Pilots Barrie Rogers, Catherine Conway and David Bradshaw 26 kts, meaning it can operate from sites as short as 100 ft. now hold the electric-powered distance record. Virgin Atlantic Airspeeder

Virgin Atlantic has an option to purchase up to 150 VA-EX4s Drone racing is coming! The Airspeeder Alauda EXA will be and is exploring a joint venture with Vertical Aerospace to flown autonomously at this year's races but could be carrying deliver a Virgin branded short haul eVTOL network in the UK. a passenger as soon as 2022. landing aircraft to serve its order. Archer Aviation is also power needed to take off, THE NEED FOR SPEED far-flung communities. The aiming for a 2024 Entry-Into- thus improving the range. While we await the much company, which is bouncing Service (EIS) but it is facing a The company claims that promised passenger back from a 2020 bankruptcy, legal suit from rival company the craft will take off from certification of these eVTOLs, announced that it will buy Wisk, which alleges Archer short runways situated on the public could get glimpses 50 Airflow electric aircraft to stole its technology. The rooftops and it will also have of similar aircraft by the end of fulfil its future needs. Maker is also smaller than the a turbogenerator to recharge the year thanks to a new series VA-X4 and will only carry two the batteries en route. By of ‘Drone Races’. EVTOL DEVELOPMENTS passengers over a range of 60 doing this it is projected that The first crew-capable Bristol-based Vertical miles at around 130 kts. the Electra Aero could fly a eVTOL racing aircraft is the Aerospace looks set to be Back in Europe, German- pilot and seven passengers as Airspeeder Alauda EXA, which one of the first companies based Volocopter unveiled far as 500 miles at 175 kts. took off from an undisclosed to bring a certified electric its newest Urban Air Mobility The Aero will use ‘blown location in the deserts of Vertical Take Off and Landing craft in May. The VoloConnect lift’ technology to give it Southern Australia in June. The (eVTOL) to market if it sticks eVTOL will be a four-seat, STOL capabilities; using the EXA was flown autonomously to its 2024 schedule. The retractable-gear craft capable electric-driven propellers but there’s room for a pilot/ company’s five-seat VA-X4 is of a 135 kt cruise over a range to blow air over the entire passenger and the ultimate in demand with air operators of 60 miles. span of the wing and flaps plan is for crewed races. around the world, with pre- Volocopter is also to give incredible take-off According to Airspeeder the orders for 1,000 aircraft developing the two-seat and landing speeds as low as unpiloted EXA weighs 286 lb, (valued at US$4 billion) VoloCity eVTOL air taxi and 26 kts. According to Electra can go from zero to 54 kts in already in place. The VA- VoloDrone heavy-lift drone. this means it will be able to 2.8 seconds and is equipped X4 will have a top speed in Virginia-based Electra plans land in areas shorter than a with lidar and radar to create excess of 174 kts and a range to launch a somewhat different football pitch. Interestingly, a “virtual forcefield” to help greater than 100 miles. aerial taxi in the form of its Electra has signed a contract prevent collisions. Across the Atlantic, hybrid-electric Short Take with the USAF to use the Aero Three races [Ed: dates and Archer Aviation launched its Off and Landing (eSTOL) programme to investigate locations as yet not confirmed] Maker eVTOL in June, with aircraft. By reducing the ‘ultra-short take-off’ aircraft are planned for later this year United Airlines immediately need for VTOL capabilities capable of operating from with a view to a manned race committing itself to a $1 billion Electra plans to reduce the airstrips as short as 100 ft. series being launched in 2022. •

August 2021 AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot 22 FEATURE Exclusive Interview with the Regulator

A GA pilot embarks on their next flight, but what does the future hold for British light aviation?

AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot August 2021 23

WORDS & IMAGES Steve Bridgewater unless stated MEET THE REGULATOR EXCLUSIVE CAA INTERVIEW Sophie-Louise O’Sullivan, Head of the CAA’s General Aviation & Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems Unit speaks to the Editor in an exclusive interview and answers questions posed by AOPA members

N APRIL 2021 the it occurred to me UAVs were be in contact with. This was a CAA announced becoming a really interesting “There are lots of sector-wide stop of operations the integration problem of our time. There are parallels between and subsequent restart, and I of its General lots of parallels to things like that had to be one of the unit’s Aviation Unit (GAU) and autonomous cars and the legal GA and RPAS, first priorities.” Remotely Piloted Aircraft structure behind things that This ran concurrently with System (RPAS) Unit. The are unmanned, autonomous or and many issues the CAA’s ‘UK General Aviation same press release formally remotely piloted is fascinating.” opportunities after leaving named Sophie-Louise When the Head of Strategy that effect both EASA’ consultation (CAP1985). O’Sullivan, the former Head job became vacant at the parties” - Sophie- “We received around 1,000 of RPAS and Interim Head of CAA, Sophie left Microsoft and responses,” revealed Sophie. the GAU, as the permanent began her direct involvement Louise O’Sullivan, “We looked at all of these in Head of the newly combined in aviation policy making. detail and they have helped General Aviation (GA) & “I worked in that role for a Head of the GA & guide and determine our Remotely Piloted Aircraft number of years, gaining priority projects for the 2021 Systems (RPAS) Unit. valuable experience in how RPAS Unit GA Change Programme. These Alongside discussing Sophie’s the legislator works with have been published in the hopes, aspirations and goals government before I was asked combine the two units.” CAP2146 UK General Aviation for the future, she also agreed to establish the CAA’s RPAS “There are lots of parallels opportunities after leaving to answer questions posed by unit. Having run that for the between GA and RPAS, and EASA Consultations Response AOPA members.( You’ll find last three years I was asked to many of the issues affect Document.” these questions on the AOPA begin looking after the GA unit both parties. GA has a very The main trend that came website - see link on p27). seven months ago.” impressive safety record and out of the consultation was a Readers will have noticed by Sophie says she “jumped there are some great lessons desire for streamlining. “The now that my editorial style very at the chance” to become in airmanship and best GA community told us that it much focuses on the human involved in the GA world. practices that newer and more wanted simplification of the side of aviation, so at the start “Firstly, and perhaps selfishly, innovative communities like legislation surrounding the of our meeting I was keen to I am a student of history so RPAS can learn from.” licencing model and wanted us find out more about Sophie’s working with the historic to look at how we use PMDs background and interests. aircraft communities was COVID RECOVERY [Pilot Medical Declarations] “In its purest form my something I was passionate Sophie joined the GAU at the to make things clearer and background is technology,” about doing.” height of the pandemic and more effective. Responders explains Sophie. “I worked At a more fundamental level says significant time has been also wanted us to look at at IBM for a year as part of she feels it is important to spent on ‘Covid recovery’ the maintenance side of my undergraduate degree treat RPAS and manned GA strategies and trying to get airworthiness and, again, how and also spent nine years as a single unit. “For some the GA sector back to flying. we might simplify that.” at Microsoft in a variety of time I and others have been This entailed five stakeholder different roles. mulling over the question ‘what workshops, five ‘Virtual Voyage’ GA IS MANY THINGS “However, I also did a Masters is a drone and what is GA?’. A GA summits and publishing TO MANY PEOPLE Degree in American History couple of years ago we actually a special edition of the CAA’s Of course, with so many and Politics whilst I was moved model aircraft from the Clued Up magazine, focusing on disparate groups making up working at Microsoft, and that’s GAU remit to the RPAS unit how to return to flying safely. the UK GA community – from where my interest in aviation and it was a really interesting “Our records show that we balloonists and glider pilots really began. I was studying the exercise as it highlighted the communicated with 33,000 to operators of microlights, use of drones in warfare and synergy between GA and UAVs. end users during that period,” historic aircraft, helicopters how they were being used by Following that it ultimately explains Sophie, “which is far and all manner of light different administrations and seemed the logical thing to more than we would normally aircraft – the simplification of

August 2021 AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot 24 FEATURE Exclusive Interview with the Regulator licencing and maintenance can continues: “It [GA] provides surrounds our Skyway Code.” mean many different things the entry point for careers in “There are Sophie continues. “The Skyway to different people. This is aviation, as pilots, engineers, enormous Code ethos is to write about why these remain long-term scientists and other highly airmanship in the clearest pieces of work that need to be skilled professions; includes potential benefits possible way and we want refined in such a way that they a number of vital businesses to emulate that within the best suit everybody. Sophie and services that are vital to for UK PLC airworthiness side of things says these are “best described the aviation sector; and is an and look at how we can as long-term, multi-year enabler of innovation. We want and this is why integrate the concept across strategic plans.” GA to be a flourishing, wealth all of our communications In the meantime the generating and job producing I feel we can no channels. As a regulator, a combined GA & RPAS sector of the economy”. longer continue lot of what we have to write team has around 15 other AOPA members were clearly is in legal language, but ‘tactical projects’, which keen to understand how the to segregate GA not everybody in society is Sophie describes as “no GA & RPAS Unit intends to comfortable reading that type less important but ones implement this desire and and RPAS” of text. So how we simplify our that we plan to accelerate what challenges the CAA feels communications is key to our to completion within 12 to need to be overcome in order future successes.” 18 months.” These include to meet the DfT’s aims. community all the time,” she The unit’s fourth priority is looking at aerodromes, the “I think there are four key confirms, “and I recognise crucial to the longevity of all basic instrument rating, how priorities,” explains Sophie. it myself from my own aviation sectors. Modernisation best to work with the historic “The first of these is a need to experiences within GA. It’s is key to the success of the aviation sector and looking at focus on the potential growth vaslty complex and often industry and the GA & RPAS some of the environmental in the GA world. It’s huge with unnecessarily so.” Unit is keen to embrace some opportunities including Project PwC [Pricewaterhouse Cooper] “In terms of pilot licencing, of the innovation opportunities TEL [Ed: which AOPA has been saying the sector has the we have brought the EASA there are available to operators heavily involved in. See AOPA potential to be worth £3 billion licencing regulations and and aerodromes. These UK February 2021 p10]. by 2030 and RPAS operations guidance material over into include biofuels, electrification In addition to this, Sophie accounting for a further £42 UK law and guidance. In and “how technology can be has also been conducting billion. There are enormous addition, we still have licences used to improve things like an organisational redesign potential benefits for UK PLC issued under pre-existing UK MOR reporting”. to bring the two units and this is why I feel we can no legislation. We appreciate “Likewise, we know that together. As part of that she longer continue to segregate that this can make navigating some airfields are struggling has separated strategic and them. There is a finite amount the licencing requirements from a revenue perspective tactical work “because when of airspace and it’s a national complex and time consuming. and we are cognitive of this,” you’re trying to action tactical resource that is supposed to We are working on a project to Sophie continues. “Yet at the programmes quickly it is be subject to fair access. Both simplify the licencing of private same time, we have drone often difficult to focus on the the GA and RPAS communities pilots but still need to define operators looking for locations strategic elements.” are growing and we need to the correct way to move that from where they can test She has therefore split the integrate them to make best forward, unfortunately this will and ultimately operate their department and appointed a use of our resources.” take time.” aircraft, and we’ve got things ‘transformation lead’ to look “As an industry we need Sophie also acknowledges like drone racing looking after the combined GA and to recognise this potential that the CAA needs to simplify for venues – so we need to RPAS strategic plans; the latter growth and integrate. We need how it works with disparate explore how we combine these including the certification to move away from current stakeholders within UK things together and potentially of new RPAS platforms and segregation practices such as GA, saying: “We need to be modernise the UK’s airfield and enabling Beyond Visual Line temporary danger areas and sure who our stakeholders airspace infrastructure.” of Sight (BVLOS) operations look at ways of better sharing represent, what their interests It is in areas like this that without any form of airspace the skies on a permanent are and how we conduct large Sophie’s technological segregation. basis. We [the CAA] might look programmes such as licencing background could be at transponder mandated in as simple a way as possible invaluable. “It has been BEST IN THE WORLD zones and, ultimately, look to benefit as many users as really interesting looking The opening paragraph of the at ways to make everything possible. Part of this will come at the parallels of updating Department for Transport’s electronically conspicuous. We about from the remodelled software and firmware on (DfT) recently-issued General are also looking at ways to give General Aviation Partnership drones and comparing it with Aviation Roadmap (GARM) an unmanned aircraft a ‘detect (GAP) meetings" [Ed: more of the traditional airworthiness document [Ed: see AOPA UK and avoid’ standard that is the which anon]. structure within aviation,” June 2021 p28] begins with equivalent of ‘see and avoid’. The GA & RPAS Unit’s third she says. “The two actually the following words in bold: priority relates to the way come together; you have your “We want the UK to be seen SIMPLIFY AND MODERNISE it communicates with the initial airworthiness certificate as the best place in the world Sophie’s second priority is GA sector. “One of the best and you need to continually for aviation and this starts at “simplify, simplify, simplify, bits of positive feedback I manage that airworthiness. It’s the grassroots.” The paragraph “I hear this from the get from the GA community the same when you release a

AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot August 2021 25 26 FEATURE Exclusive Interview with the Regulator piece of software and need BREXIT with the regular updates that to upload firmware updates.” A key theme to questions “As the regulator we normally provide but also On the subject of submitted by AOPA we often end up have a ‘community in spotlight’ RPAS innovations, AOPA members was whether Brexit at every meeting. I think it’s members asked about represents an opportunity deep in the detail... really worth looking at the the predicted large-scale or a hindrance to the various sectors so that we can development of eVTOL air development of GA. but we also need do a sector specific section and taxis and delivery vehicles: “That’s the big question!” talk about their achievements is this seen as a challenge Sophie says with a smile. “I to ensure that over the last six months and to or an opportunity for GA guess we will just have to wait we are having what their strategic challenges operations? and see. The government are – so that each of the other “We’re working in a variety mitigated a no-deal situation, those high level groups around the table can of ways to explore and which was the number one learn about each other in turn. understand the potential concern. Now we are in a discussions” This will enable the groups to impacts of a growth in period where we look at learn how each other works, new types of vehicle and things that we can do that what they can do to help each service,” says the regulator. might have a genuine benefit. for the likes of amateur-built other and how they might have “A leading example of this “In my experience GA is aircraft. CAP 2146 can provide overcome the same challenges is the Advanced Air Mobility quite split on this. If you look a sense of what is possible in different ways. Sandbox being hosted by our at flight training organisations post leaving the EU but this “Then we’ll have a specific Innovation Hub. (FTOs) and the commercial will not have captured every discussion item – which I would "Here we are working as side of GA there is a lot evolving idea, so we are always love the community to ‘own’ a consortium led by Eve of benefit in reciprocity very welcome to receive and bring their key collective (formerly part of Embraer) and having quite similar new thoughts on how we issues to the table. Ultimately, together with Heathrow international frameworks, but can make the system more I’d like to get to the point and London City Airports, when you look at the more proportionate for UK GA!” where we can discuss progress OEMs Volocopter and agile end of new technologies by sector at each meeting Vertical Aerospace as and bringing them to market GAP MEETINGS and how that aligns with one well as NATS to develop a there is a benefit to creating In the UK we have a veritable of the strategic or tactical concept of operations for a national approach.Of smorgasbord of associations programmes. It should be very the introduction of eVTOL course, that’s very easy and governing bodies clear who we’re talking to, what air taxi services in the UK. to say but in practice it’s representing groups as type of engagement we have This is giving us the chance very complex as you have diverse as glider, balloon, had with each sector, for how to understand the complex two completely opposite microlight, model aircraft and long and why.” issues around operational and non-complimentary kitplane pilots. Few realise “As the regulator we often and airspace integration directions of travel there the problems, challenges, end up deep in the detail which we will need to resolve – which is why we have aims and aspirations of the – and rightly so – looking in order to ensure that these to take a bit of time and other groups and how they at the specific nuances of services are introduced in look at things like licencing can possibly work together to regulation and how it might a sustainable, responsible simplification as longer term achieve a common goal. affect (for example) the and scalable manner. But strategic projects as well as The CAA hosts GAP meetings sailplane community versus this is the start of trying to innovative approaches to get every six weeks and these the ballooning fraternity, but understand what these very new products to market.” include attendees from we also need to ensure that novel technologies could An AOPA member groups representing pilots we are having those high level mean for us.” specifically asked about and aircraft owners as well as discussions. What is really “A future model of more whether the post-Brexit those involved in airworthiness, tough about being a balloon distributed and diversified environment would allow the training, aviation safety and operator at the moment aviation, particularly involving CAA to do things that weren’t running aerodromes. and what is going really well? smaller aircraft, should possible within the European/ “One thing that concerns That gives us the strategic present opportunities for EASA environment – for me,” confides Sophie, “is that understanding of the sectors. the GA sector – particularly example, could we now see a despite these six-weekly That will help us think about airfields – to bring UK Experimental category? meetings as well as one-to- things at a macro level as well new services to larger “In the pure sense one sessions with various as micro level when we’re communities. This could be we already have a UK stakeholders, the feedback I making legal changes.” in providing testbed facilities Experimental category in the receive is that GA as a whole or as offering infrastructure form of our National Permit does not feel engaged with. I AIRFIELD SAFEGUARDING for short- range passenger to Fly system [Ed: full details want to try to unpick why that Writing within the GARM, the flights but perhaps most of which can be found in is and see what we can do DfT described the UK’s network excitingly, this could make CAP1220]. differently or better to improve of airfields as “a national asset” aviation cheaper and more "Whilst there might be some that situation”. and goes on to emphasise ubiquitous than ever before subtle differences, the intent “My first step will be to slightly that: “Airfields provide crucial in increasing the public’s is the same in creating a sub- change how we conduct the connectivity, both for business awareness of flight.” ICAO airworthiness system GAP meetings. We will continue and emergency services, but

AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot August 2021 27 also for leisure and sporting be amazed at the amount moment.” flying. They offer potential of drone companies that “One thing is for It is understood that for highly skilled, dynamic approach us looking for certain though; these proposals include and innovative businesses locations to test a new RPAS an extension to Safety to grow and flourish – be on A to B flights. Most flights at the CAA’s GA Standards Acknowledgement it for manufacturing and the moment are A to A but that and Consent (SSAC) rules maintenance of aircraft, aviation is quickly changing”. & RPAS Unit is to include a new class of services, flight training, and “Combined with opportunities aviation activity: ‘SSAC Class for research and innovation. to boost STEM participation, keener than ever 5 – Experience flight in an ex- Given their significant local and skills and access agendas as military jet aircraft’. Again, at regional impacts, they are vital well as green technologies to engage with this stage the GA & RPAS Unit to levelling up”. and other new innovations, the community” was unable to give a timeline for A number of AOPA members these can surely only help this particular proposal. asked what support the CAA aerodromes look to the future.” is providing to GA airfields Although ‘airfield safeguarding’ LOOKING TO THE FUTURE to ensure that they are is primarily the responsibility would impact the long-standing As the GA sector starts to safeguarded from acquisition by of Government, the CAA has operation based at the emerge from the Covid speculative property developers undertaken initiatives to help aerodrome. These plans have restrictions and begins to tackle looking for soft targets. “As part the situation; these included now been withdrawn”. the challenges brought about of the GA Change programme the formation of a new non- “The AAT plans to build upon by Brexit, we can only hope that we introduced the Airfield regulatory team created within that exciting start and ensure all Sophie’s plan to concentrate Development Advisory Fund the CAA in late 2020. aerodromes who are at risk are on ‘growth, simplification, [ADAF],” explains Sophie. “The Airfield Advisory Team aware of the work of the AAT communication and “This offered five days of (AAT) was formed to support and how they may be able to modernisation’ will deliver the fully funded consultancy for the GA sector specifically, on support them both now and in future we need and deserve. aerodrome operators and a wide range of matters and the future.” One thing is for certain looked at how we could give to ensure that government though: the GA & RPAS Unit business and planning advice; are kept informed of growing LOOKING TO THE PAST is keener than ever to engage the latter being the most challenges to the sector. AOPA members who operate with the community. common request we received. Operational for eight months, vintage aircraft pointed out that “We need input from It also offered advice to the AAT has provided support the DfT GARM says there are organisations that can offer associated stakeholders on a to aerodromes and local plans to promote the operation advice on all sectors of GA – wide range of matters including authorities alike on matters of historic aircraft and were which is why we value AOPA’s operations, green initiatives, including airspace, air keen to hear more details and a input to such a degree,” business planning and traffic services, operations, potential timeline. concludes Sophie. diversification and marketing to stakeholder engagement and Sophie describes herself as “My conversations with AOPA name just a few.” planning”. “a student of history” and is and its members always focus “The ADAF was put in place in “One example of the work of passionate about our aviation on the broad picture and when response to pressure on the the AAT and a demonstration heritage. At the time of our it comes to things like airspace airfield infrastructure and is of the operational support they interview a number of initiatives modernisation, innovative something that the government can provide is in relation to were underway with the DfT to technology and the future of and Secretary of State were the proposed redevelopment help promote and preserve our ATM we need to focus on those keen to support. However, it of an operational aerodrome irreplaceable historic aviation macro-trends.” has now finished and the DfT’s which was to include a new sector. Future Flight Challenge plans to settlement, including thousands Plans are still being finalised at The Editor would like pivot towards focusing on the of homes as well as schools and DfT so there’s little I can reveal to thank Sophie-Louise innovation opportunities that other local amenities. at this stage,” she admits. “But O’Sullivan and all at the airfields can take advantage of.” "The AAT was able to provide suffice to say it is an ambition CAA Press Office for their “Drone testing is forefront commentary on the suitability of Minister Courts and we are invaluable assistance with of this; in fact, you would of the scheme and how it finalising the details at the this article. •

READ THE FULL INTERVIEW

Sophie-Louise O’Sullivan and her team for Aircrew, Conversion of National Licences, answered several other questions posed by Previous Training, Mutual Recognition of AOPA members. You can visit aopa.co.uk/ Licences, Flight Crew Licensing Review, Bilateral aopa-interview-with-caa to read the full Aviation Safety Agreement, Airspace Grabs, LPV version of this interview; including answers Approaches, Licence Turnaround Times and the to your questions about RNAV Substitution, CAA Portal. Be sure to visit aopa.co.uk/aopa- Part 21-Permit Aircraft, Easy Access Rules interview-with-caa for the full story.

August 2021 AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot 28 TRAVEL A Very Welsh Weekend

The author in the back seat of the ‘Chang, as viewed from Cad East.

WORDS Charlotte Bailey IMAGES Charlotte Bailey & Steve Bridgewater A VERY WELSH WEEKEND Charlotte Bailey and friends spend a memorable weekend at Llanbedr, via the legendary Mach Loop

HINK OF the through stunning scenery. However, the moniker which aircraft may traverse ‘Mach Loop’ – a Often used as a low-level actually derives from the its circular corridor. In 1979, T series of valleys military training course, village of Machynlleth, a series of Low Flying Areas in north-west many people assume the located south of the ‘Loop’ (UKLFAs) were established in Wales famous for their low name to reference the speed itself. the UK, extending from the flying opportunities – and with which the fast jets What sets the Mach Loop surface to 2,000ft AGL. There your initial images are likely that regularly fly its route aside from other areas is are 18 in the UK (although to be of fast jets tearing are capable of achieving. undoubtedly the low level at bizarrely, no number 15

AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot August 2021 29 Steve Bridgewater

exists), and the Loop sits so’s drive northwest, just past scheme doesn’t catch the Aerobility within LFA7. Anglesey – one might assume “Navigating the photographer’s attention, our Popular with pilots and that the Loop exclusively twists and turns of billowing smoke system does. enthusiasts alike, the Loop is entertains military airframes. However, we can’t hang one of the few places in the This is not the case, and with a unique airborne around, as a voice on the world where a photographer airspace open to all (and the radio confirms the imminent can capture an aircraft RAF having the weekend off), experience” appearance of two vintage pass beneath their vantage we decided to make the most jets. Although most of our point. Hawks, Typhoons, of the opportunity. Loop itself. The inevitable group have travelled in by F-35 Lightning IIs, Eagles and My ride in is the Nanchang paparazzi are waiting for us road and hiked up the hill, Raptors – to name but a few CJ-6, a Chinese military trainer at the most famous vantage a few more friends have – have all been snapped by and ground attack aircraft; points – Cadair East and West traded wheels for wings. an adoring audience keen for designed in the 1960s and – including our own party We’re accompanied by two an unparalleled perspective still in limited production waving back from a bright unique arrivals – a 1964 BAC of these machines in motion, today. We depart from White orange blanket. Jet Provost T.52 and a 1953 de many of whom often camp Waltham and after a pleasant The Nanchang is somewhat Havilland Vampire T.11 – both out at ‘Cad East’, ‘Cad West’ or commute we’re soon in the of a rarity in the UK – being the last airworthy examples of ‘Corris Corner’ for an up-close shadow of Snowdonia, the slightly too large to fit in a their type. experience of the action. highest mountain in Wales shipping container they are Of the 732 Vampire T.11s (1,085 m above sea level). often overlooked by private built, just one remains in THE LOOP We couldn’t have asked for owners in favour of the airworthy condition today: Despite its relative proximity better weather and visibility similar Yak-52 – and if our WZ507, joining us from to RAF Valley – an hour or is excellent as we reach the Sri Lankan Air Force’s colour Coventry. The unmistakable

August 2021 AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot 30 TRAVEL A Very Welsh Weekend

roar of the de Havilland Goblin Command’s 12 Group, where it tailpipe could also function engine heralds the arrival of was home to 32 squadrons on “Almost as as a platform for cooking the sleek, silver silhouette; rotation. Later it passed into impressed that Margaritas – a hypothesis she hurtles through the valley Royal Aircraft establishment doubtless helped by the largest with presence and precision (RAE) hands in 1957 becoming it retained the single takeaway alcohol order to a chorus of clicking lenses. a military weapons training the local off-licence has ever She’s followed by the last JP site until it closed its doors in G around the had! I’m pleased to hear our T.52 still flying, resplendent in 2004. A decade later, Llanbedr corners as he aircraft have proved popular: her original South Yemen Air re-opened to serve the GA the café has sold more bacon Force colour scheme and met community (as EGFD), with was at retaining sandwiches in 24 hours than it by equal applause. Despite an the Snowdonia Flight School would usually make in a month. increasingly challenging climate established in 2018. breakfast” – regarding maintenance, Shortly after we’ve landed STAY THE NIGHT legislation and operating issues the ‘Chang on one of the three the sheer volume of Jet A1 I’ll confess I’m not used to for vintage jets – it’s always runways available, the two the JP and the Vampire are ‘packing light’ – certainly not a treat to appreciate them jets join us. While the ground ‘Goblin’ – joined by another being limited to what I can airborne, especially amidst a crew kick the chocks in, I jump entourage of photographers, confine to one small bag in the backdrop such as this. out and am on hand to help and our crew, who have hiked back of the Nanchang – but the Vampire occupants out of back down the hillside and with a toothbrush and a laptop, LLANBEDR AIRFIELD the cockpit – including Mark’s driven to Llanbedr. Then it’s we pile into the two crew cars The village of Llanbedr is guest, who is “over the moon” time to refuel in the Pilots and head into the village of located in an area owned at having experienced the Hatch Café, run and operated Penrhyndaedreuth. It’s my first by Snowdonia National Park Loop in such style: amazed not by Max; who is a Cessna 150 time in north Wales, and the and sits within in the county only by the speed or visibility, pilot, purveyor of handmade scenery is stunning. of Gwynedd. Despite the but as he explains, “almost as pizza and endlessly patient with Our accommodation is an old wonderful walks nearby – not impressed it retained the G our motley crew of aviators and farmhouse and its converted to mention the beach – the around the corners as [he] was enthusiasts. barn, both dating from around views are best appreciated at retaining breakfast”. We sit on the decking, soaking the 1700s. Period features from the air. The airfield itself With the help of the airfield’s up the warm Welsh sunshine include the original Aga cooker, was first opened in 1941 crew, we refuel – inevitably a (yes, you read that right), as well as a multitude of as part of the RAF Fighter lengthy process, considering contemplating whether a jet spiders, and a seam of quartz Charlotte Bailey Charlotte Bailey Charlotte Bailey 1: Downwind to land on one of the three runways at Llanbedr. The former RAF airfield is located just off the beach. 2: At the time of our trip, Avgas was 169 pence per litre and Jet A1 was 81 pence per litre. 3: The Pilots Hatch is Llanbedr’s social hub. Max also serves a mean bacon sandwich with a side-order of friendly banter!

AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot August 2021

32 TRAVEL A Very Welsh Weekend

glinting from the wall outside. in the sky. The resident Snowdonia The property has recently been FLYING THE LOOP ITSELF “The café has Flight School – maintained acquired by Editor Steve and The next morning, we head sold more bacon by Snowdonia Aerospace his wife Nia, and the plan is back out to the airfield, where – operates three aircraft; a to convert it into an AirBnB – I’m told there’s another treat sandwiches in Robin DR400/140 Major, a possibly with an airstrip – but waiting in store for me: it’s DR400/180 Regent, and a fully the pandemic lockdown (and my turn to fly the Nanchang 24 hours than it aerobatic Super Decathlon. Wales closing its border to through the Loop. This ‘Chang would usually Flight experiences, lessons and the English) has delayed the has been re-engined with a aircraft rental are available. renovation work. It’s still fairly larger 400 hp radial engine make in a month” While some may say that inaccessible without a 4x4 – a and as I open the throttle I civilian pilots shouldn’t be two-wheel drive could easily can certainly feel the power; available – for both cars and ‘playing around’ in areas such come a cropper here – so we keeping her straight with a fair aeroplanes – Llanbedr airfield as the Mach Loop, I beg to park a mile up the road and amount of left rudder, we’re is definitely worth a visit. differ with them. walk the rest of the way. soon airborne and climbing The Pilots Hatch Café The airspace is everyone’s A barbeque with Nia’s family out at 2,000 ft/min. (search for them on Facebook) and as long as due diligence and the assorted dogs sees the Barmouth estuary slips below advertises regular fly-ins and is observed – recognising juxtaposition of flying suit-clad us and then we’re in; navigating events; it can also open to your own skill level and acting aviators and Welsh- speaking the twists and turns of a accommodate groups by prior appropriately – it needn’t be farmers cheering on the Welsh unique airborne experience. arrangement and will cater an area to avoid. In particular, football team, on a TV that The sides of the valley seem a for dietary requirements. The the new low-level VHF 134.90 has been dragged out into lot closer than they probably ground and maintenance crew frequency – available to both the farmyard in the evening are, the landscape looming are very helpful too. Assuming military and civilian aircraft sun. The lack of mobile phone above and around the you’re not bringing a vintage below 2,000 ft AGL – is of great reception is soon overlooked aircraft as I concentrate hard, jet, landing fees are £8 for importance to make blind calls as the sun sets over the anticipating my manoeuvres aircraft up to 750 kg, £12 for on. [Ed: see p16] mountains. with just a hint of incredulity at up to 1,500 kg, or £30 for up to There are definitely worse As we retire after a bonkers what I’m doing. 3,000 kg – with parking charges ways to spend a weekend and day amongst friends old and ranging from £16 to £24 (after my sunburn was testimony to new, a cloud of bats flies out COME AND VISIT an initial free period for the first the fact that it doesn’t always from the barn to take their turn With camping and parking three hours). rain in Wales. • Steve Bridgewater Steve Bridgewater Steve Bridgewater 1: Charlotte takes in the Welsh scenery having just flown to Llanbedr via the Mach Loop in a Nanchang CJ-6. 2: Overnight accommodation was at Hendre Henydd (“The Old Farmstead" in English); rustic, remote but gorgeous. 3: Jet Provost T.52 G-PROV served with the South Yemen Air Force and still wears her patched up battle scars to this day.

AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot August 2021

34 JUST MY TYPE Beechcraft S35 Bonanza is for ersatile Seventy-five years after the Beechcraft Bonanza first flew, the type remains in Vproduction and has a loyal following. AOPA member Adrian Daley explains why it is his ideal aircraft

WORDS & IMAGES Steve Bridgewater

AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot August 2021 35

RRIVING AT compete with Cessna’s newly wing surfaces were covered In reality, the reputation was Tatenhill airfield announced Model 195. Both with aluminium and the V-tail unjustified and the accidents on a blustery were aimed at the premium was sheeted with much lighter were more attributable to the A Monday morning, end of the market but whereas magnesium alloy. overconfident owner/pilots’ I couldn’t help but notice the 195 had a radial engine Although the ruddervator lack of experience in modern Adrian Daley’s Bonanza and a fixed tailwheel landing was (and still is) inherently safe high-performance aircraft. parked on the ramp. gear the resulting Beechcraft and effective, it soon came However, Beechcraft expended In a GA world dominated Model 35 had a modern six- under close scrutiny following large amounts of time and by high-winged Cessnas, cylinder horizontally opposed a series of high profile in-flight expense in proving the type low-winged Pipers and engine, a retractable tricycle break-ups and other fatal was safe and recertifying it in homogenised high- undercarriage, a low wing and accidents. As early as October the Utility category (with added performance singles, the stylish modern design. At a 1947 the governor, Secretary tail reinforcements including a classic Bonanza just oozes time when most light aircraft of State and state president of leading-edge cuff to strengthen charisma. It harks back to were built of wood and fabric, Oregon were all killed when the ruddervators). Since then, a day when aircraft were the resulting Model 35 was the Bonanza they were flying more than 18,000 Bonanzas designed by slide rule, when built of metal. However, the in crashed in stormy weather. have been built and the type draughtsmen were allowed type’s most recognisable Tragedy continued into the remains in production today to develop their own styles feature was the highly unusual 1950s and 60s when music with Textron Aviation. and when aircraft simply ‘butterfly’ tail; consisting of two stars including Jim Reeves, A new G36 Bonanza will had character. Paradoxically combined elevator-rudders Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens set you back in the region of though, this 75 year-old design (dubbed ‘ruddervators’) in a and The Big Bopper all lost £800,000 but second-hand looks as fresh and relevant V-tail configuration to provide their lives in Bonanza accidents examples are obviously today as it did when Walter both yaw and pitch control. – the latter three in a single available at a fraction of that Beech’s team created it. They were also interlinked incident on February 3, 1959 cost. However, be warned that with the ailerons to help give that later became known as once a pilot has acquired a POST-WAR PROGRESS coordinated roll and turn 'The Day the Music Died'. Bonanza, it can often be very Whereas most manufacturers capabilities. The type’s relatively high difficult to prise it out of their were simply resurrecting purchase price meant that the ownership! their pre-war designs in an “DOCTOR KILLER” majority of Bonanzas were attempt to cash in on the Soon named the Bonanza, the owned by wealthy individuals DESIRABLE post-war demand for light first Model 35 took to the skies including businessmen, One such individual is aircraft, Beech had other ideas. on December 22, 1945 and the doctors and dentists; the Adrian Daley, a solicitor from In 1945 he commissioned type entered service in 1947. perceived level of accidents led Derbyshire who has been designer Ralph Harmon The first 40 or so had fabric- to the media nicknaming the involved with G-EHMJ since to create a new all-metal covered flaps, ailerons and aircraft the 'Fork-tailed Doctor 1998. “I had co-owned a

four-seat touring aircraft to ruddervators, after which the Killer'. Mooney 231 for around six

Don’t be put off by the 'Fork- Tailed Doctor Killer' reputation; the Bonanza really is a versatile, capable and safe flying machine.

August 2021 AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot 36 JUST MY TYPE Beechcraft S35 Bonanza years and toured Europe aileron gap seals, tip-tanks France. “It’s perfect for touring extensively,” explains Adrian and weather radar. He even “It has more than and since I became sole owner as he shows me around what replaced all of the glazing and seven hours range, I’ve tried to make as much use is clearly his pride and joy. windscreen, which is ¼ in thick of it as possible, averaging “When we began looking for a in places.” loads of room in about 100 hours a year.” replacement we went out to As it was operating on a Adrian enjoys indulging his Hamburg and as soon as I saw German ‘D’ registration at the the cabin and it will aviation passion with his family this aircraft parked out in the time, the last owner also fitted carry as many pairs and a few days before our pouring rain, I knew it was the a Hartzell Q-Tip propeller meeting he had flown his wife, ideal aeroplane – it really was to help meet the nation’s of shoes as my wife son and eight-year-old twin just amazing.” stringent noise requirements. grandchildren off for lunch. “We operated it as a “I don’t think it’s much quieter,” wants to take!” “You need to have confidence syndicate until 2007 when I confesses Adrian, “but the in your aeroplane to fly all three bought out the other share performance is pretty much Spain or France on family generations of the family,” he and became the sole owner.” the same as a conventional holidays,” he recalls. “But like rightly points out. Mike Juliet is a Model S35 propeller so it’s not worth most pilots I was obsessed There is a small fifth child’s Bonanza, which was built in changing.” with the weather. I therefore seat in the back of the Bonanza 1965 and spent the majority decided to bite the bullet and but, as with aircraft you have of its life in Switzerland and GOING PLACES get an instrument rating (IR). It to make weight and balance Germany. “It has a big 285 hp Having toured extensively in was arguably the most difficult considerations: “You can’t fill Continental IO-520 engine with the Mooney, one thing that thing I’ve ever done, the exams the tip tanks plus the main a constant speed propeller really appealed to Adrian about to become a solicitor were a tanks and fly four people,” he and the S35 is claimed to this Bonanza was the addition doddle compared to the IR.” reveals, “and you can easily be the fastest of all V-tailed of tip-tanks. Each tip contains Getting his instrument rating load it too far aft if you’re not Bonanzas,” continues Adrian. 15 US gal which combined was the start of what Adrian careful. However, the tip tanks “The previous owner had with the internal tanks gives refers to as his “real long- are on the central datum so completely stripped it, inside a theoretical range of around distance touring adventures” burning off fuel doesn’t really and out, and refurbished and seven and a half hours. and he’s taken the Bonanza on affect the centre of gravity.” improved it. In doing so he “When our children were the Malta Air Rally as well as “Flying with two POB, full tanks incorporated a large number growing up my wife and I visiting North Africa, Greece, and full tip-tanks, the Bonanza of STCs including adding would routinely fly down to Italy, Germany, Spain and is a perfect tourer. It has more

1: Adrian Daley has been flying for more than five decades and has owned G-EHMJ since 1998. 2: Seventy-five years after its first flew, the Bonanza remains a popular and capable aircraft with owners and pilots. 3: The cockpit of G-EHMJ is festooned with avionics and Adrian also flies with two iPads, one of which has SkyDemon.

AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot August 2021 37

The pod below the starboard wing houses the weather radar.

August 2021 AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot 38 JUST MY TYPE Beechcraft S35 Bonanza

With 40 degrees of flap it is possible to land on reasonably short runways. The Bonanza will also sideslip. Neil Harris

With a 285 hp Continental IO-520 engine and a constant speed propeller, the S35 is claimed to be the fastest of all V-Tailed Bonanzas.

AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot August 2021 39 than seven hours range, loads cylinder head and exhaust G-EHMJ’s previous owner of room in the cabin and it will “In a GA world gas temperatures (by each fitted a yaw damper, this is carry as many pairs of shoes as dominated by cylinder). You can download not something that Adrian has my wife wants to take.” this data after a flight and it ever experienced although “You can get from Tatenhill high-winged can be analysed by specialist “it does mean that it makes it to Shetland in three hours companies to assess the very comfortable for rear seat and the longest trip I’ve done Cessnas, low- health of your engine. passengers, particularly in recently is four hours to the winged Pipers In fact, with the exception of turbulence.” small island of Silt on the the original airspeed indicator “The Bonanza flies similarly German-Danish border. I’ve and homogenised and an old fashioned ADF and to any other single-engined also taken it over the Alps DME, there is not much that piston tourer,” he continues: five times at altitudes around high-performance Walter Beech would recognise “It’s very benign and the FL140 with no problems.” in this 55-year-old tourer. sort of aircraft that will singles, the classic Adrian is clearly a pilot who complement your landings. UPGRADES Bonanza just likes to have a backup plan and You just have to be careful Although the previous owner in the event of an alternator with speed management as had fitted an impressive set oozes charisma” failure he still has his King air- the aircraft is very slippery and of avionics to the aircraft, driven artificial horizon along will accelerate at an alarming Adrian took the opportunity vital for single-pilot IFR flying. with his various iPads and a rate in the descent, helped to upgrade it further in 2007 “I’m sure there are some very Garmin Aera portable GPS – in part by the lack of drag when it was having a brand capable pilots out there who the latter having a four hour compared to an aircraft with a new engine fitted. “I fitted even do it really well, but for me the battery life. conventional tail.” more instrumentation about autopilot is my friend,” he says The core reason that so many four years ago,” he proudly with a wry smile. “I’ve been V-TAIL VS STRAIGHT TAIL V-tailed Bonanzas crashed was tells me as we step up onto the flying 52 years and I’m firmly of In 1960, Beechcraft introduced through poor speed control, wing. “It’s probably the best- the opinion that I’ll make use of a new lower-priced version particularly when entering IMC. equipped Bonanza in Europe all the help that I can get!” of the aircraft which it initially The owners didn’t necessarily these days.” On the left of the panel an dubbed the Debonair. It was a have the skills needed to Sitting down on the plush Aspen Primary Flight Display more basic airframe designed fly a high-speed tourer with front seats, I can instantly see (PFD) provides an electronic ‘six to compete with the Piper retractable gear and it is very what he means. The most pack’ and much more. The PFD Comanche and in order to easy to exceed Vne in a slight recent upgrade included an also replicates onto one of the further reduce the cost, the dive and potentially rip off the Avidyne 550 with what Adrian two iPads that Adrian has in complex V-tail mechanisms ruddervators. refers to as “an all-singing and the cockpits, one of which has were dispensed with in favour “The Vne is 200 kts and the dancing transponder as well as SkyDemon installed. of a traditional tailplane and yellow arc extends from 170 TCAS with ADSB and weather.” There’s a “standard Garmin single vertical fin. kts,” explains Adrian. “Unless The cockpit is dominated kit” for secondary navigation Most of the Bonanza features the air is very calm I try to by the characteristically and on the right hand side of were available as factory keep out of that arc but at Beechcraft yokes; they are the panel is the touchscreen options on the Debonair and 75% power ‘MJ will cruise just enormous and look like they Avidyne 550 FMS/GPS/NAV/ soon the majority of buyers shy of 170 kts. I generally fly at should be on a battleship. COM. “It’s an amazing bit of were specifying most of them. around 160 kts, which results Whereas some Bonanzas had kit,” enthuses Adrian as it whirs Beechcraft realised this and in a fuel burn of around 15 US a ‘throwover’ yoke that enabled into life. “It uses 3D synthetic rebranded the type as the gal per hour. The engine will both front seat occupants vision with AHARS [attitude and Model 33 Bonanza in 1968. comfortably run lean of peak to fly, ‘MJ has proper dual heading reference system] so it Single-fin Bonanzas were with GAMI injectors burning 12 controls, albeit with brakes on provides a true representation built alongside their V-tail US gal per hour but there is a just the P1 side. of your attitude and can also brethren until 1982 when the trade off in speed. Behind the yoke, the display as an ILS. It’s got a 5.7 in butterfly-tailed classic was Unlike many high- instrument panel is festooned screen but it can use Bluetooth eventually phased out in favour performance aircraft the with instrumentation. There’s or WiFi to send a signal to my of the more conventional Bonanza is also adept at short Bendix King weather radar iPad and replicate the screen. looking variant. The Model strip flying, and when flying that is linked to the radar in a I can do things like changing 36 Bonanza that remains in at light weights, Adrian flies pod on the starboard wing and frequencies or programming production today has a longer G-EHMJ into the 600 m runway “provides reasonable weather routes on the iPad, it’s simply fuselage than its ancestor but at Netherthorpe. With 40 mapping up to about 40 miles. incredible. Even the TCAS is retains the classic Beech look, degrees of flap he approaches It’s really useful.” There’s also a available on the iPad as well as feel and character. the airfield at 80 kts and comes stormscope, which combined the PFD.” Adrian has flown straight- over the hedge at 70 kts. “It’ll with the weather radar gives Looking around the cockpit tailed Bonanzas and says stop in no space at all and a good appreciation of the there’s also a King KAP-200 there is “virtually no difference with 285 hp up front you don’t conditions ahead. autopilot, a Shadin fuel in flying characteristics”. need to worry about take-off Elsewhere there is a radar flow meter and a graphic Some pilots comment that performance.” altimeter and an autopilot, engine monitor that gives a the V-tail examples are Adrian recently took the both of which Adrian considers simultaneous reading of both prone to ‘fishtailing’ but as aircraft to the Courchevel ski

August 2021 AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot 40 JUST MY TYPE Beechcraft S35 Bonanza resort in France to conduct an gearbox, gearbox motor and to be aware of. The ABS can altiport and mountain flying “You need to have flap motor. “They need to provide all the information rating. “It was an amazing confidence in your be overhauled or replaced but ultimately I’d recommend experience!” he reveals with at 2,000 hour intervals and that you have the aircraft a wide grin. “You’re landing aeroplane to fly all ‘MJ reached the 4,000 hour maintained by somebody who on a 600 m concrete runway mark last year,” he explains. is well versed on the type.” of which two thirds is on a 17 three generations “There was nobody in Europe “Like classic cars, you degree incline. So you have to that I knew of that could get what you pay for. The apply almost full power as soon of your family” do the work, so I asked maintenance costs are also as the wheels touch the ground the ABS via the Beech Talk commensurate with their or you won’t get up the hill!” The type has a fantastic online forum and received original purchase price. They’re following and the American recommendations and advice.” built incredibly well and use WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW Bonanza Society (ABS) is on Potential owners also need big, chunky, solid components What advice would Adrian offer hand to support owners. It’s to be aware that the wing bolts – there’s nothing flimsy about it somebody looking to buy a a very well-organised group, need to be inspected and/or – but the parts are expensive. Bonanza? “If it’s a V-tail example offering technical and safety changed at ten year intervals Luckily Textron continues to you really need to inspect the backup to owners and pilots and particular attention should take an interest in its legacy ruddervators,” he immediately alongside ground school and be paid to the landing gear aircraft and supports owners.” replies. “They’re its most online courses. system. The undercarriage In summary, the Bonanza recognisable feature but it’s The ABS is also involved in itself is very robust but there is perhaps best described also its Achilles heel. Whereas attempts to preserve the fleet are no hydraulics on this as a ‘useable classic.’ It has the entire airframe is made and has pledged money to aircraft – apart from the brakes character and performance from aluminium, the moving the first person or company – as the landing gear is raised but doesn’t need to be section of the tail is made from that obtains an STC for and lowered electrically. mollycoddled. magnesium for lightness. This replacement ruddervators – be “My top tip for anybody The Bonanza can fly into means it is prone to damage they magnesium, composite looking at buying a Bonanza mountain strips and short and corrosion and as they are or even wood and fabric. The is to get it inspected by an fields yet it will cruise on no longer in production, some group also provides technical engineer who knows the type autopilot at 170 kts in airways owners have been known to knowhow and Adrian used this well. It’s not a complicated for up to seven hours. In this buy up crashed aircraft just to to great effect when it came to aeroplane, it just has some particular case, V really does acquire the ruddervators.” overhauling the undercarriage idiosyncrasies that you need stand for versatile.•

1: The Bonanza has both inner and outer gear doors and these activate via what Adrian describes as ‘smoke and mirrors’! However, they need to be rigged properly to avoid potential problems. 2: When it was created in the immediate post-war years the V-tailed Bonanza was unlike any other aircraft in the skies. 3: The large pod on the starboard wing houses weather radar. This provides "reasonable mapping up to about 40 miles".

AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot August 2021 41

The ruddervators are interconnected with the ailerons via a system of arms, levers, pushers and pullers. This is even more amazing when you think it was designed on a slide rule without computers.

August 2021 AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot *Contents subject to change

NextComing up in the October Issue edition of AOPA UK Magazine*

JUST MY TYPE - “NO ORDINARY 172” Martin Leusby has been an AOPA member for many years and was awarded the AOPA Award for Individual Merit in 1987 and an early set of Platinum Wings in 2005. Despite volunteering with the Air Search organisation and writing two books during lockdown he still found time in this busy schedule to tell us about G-AXDI, his beloved 1969 Cessna F172H. The aircraft is based at Rochester but with the standard engine replaced with a 180 hp Lycoming O-360A4M and Sensenich propeller it “gets in and out of anywhere!”

AROUND THE WORLD AT 18 Despite a Covid-induced delay of almost a year Travis Ludlow has recently become the youngest person to fly solo around the world. We meet the 18-year-old adventurer and find out what motivated him to use use his flight to inspire an entire generation of prospective and upcoming young aviators.

‘LOCH DOWN’ HOLIDAY With foreign trips largely unavailable for private pilots due to the Covid lockdown, Scotland has been a popular choice for some during the summer of 2021. David Chambers reviews a recent trip to north west Scotland and also discusses some of the planning techniques and issues relating to longer distance touring flights.

AOPA WINS Just what does AOPA actually do? We look back at some of the ‘wins’ the organisation has clocked up over the last few years.

CHASING RAINBOWS Finally strapping into an Extra 300 marked an important and emotional personal milestone for Charlotte Bailey.

AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot August 2021 All you need to get the most out of your flying. To advertise contact Charlotte at [email protected] CLASSIFIED ADS

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AERODROME MANAGER SYWELL AERODROME The position of Aerodrome Manager at Sywell Aerodrome has become vacant on the impending retirement of the current Aerodrome Manager after 14 years in post.

Sywell Aerodrome is a CAA licensed airfield with a FISO service and Cat 3 fire cover. Sywell is home to the Brooklands Flying School, Brooklands Engineering and Brooklands Executive Air Travel (a new venture), which form Sywell Aviation Ltd, part of the Sywell Aerodrome Group.

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HANGARAGE

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ISLE OF MAN RESIDENTIAL PROJECT Interest for aircraft owner/pilot entrepreneur

Requiring completion internally plus driveways/ landscaping this project offers a private location of c. 2 acres close to Douglas, hospital, schools and financial/legal services. Airport 25 min with daily services to London. Excellent family and OTHER recreational environment. Easily accessible private airfield nearby (no rights or influence ).

South facing part new detached dwelling. Upstairs 2 cottage bedrooms, bathroom. Downstairs rooms - kitchen, breakfast area, utility, INSTRUCTORS WANTED cloakroom, reception, family, dining, entrance POM Flight Training at Humberside Airport has been a long lobbies, bedroom and bathroom, further 2 living established GA flight training and members club for over 16 years. rooms, large rectangular epoxy coated aluminium/ We are looking for two part time or full time instructors to join our team, glass conservatory. Double garage. to teach PPL/LAPL/IRr & Night ratings for both weekdays and weekends. Good hourly rates of pay, on-line booking system and flexibility; we operate two of the best PA28-161 Warrior II in the area, and have a healthy £600K and growing number of students. We are a registered CAA DTO based in the Terminal Building, and have two examiners as part of the team. [email protected] to arrange discussion Please send your CV to Chris Dale at [email protected] or call 07985-753336

August 2021 AOPA Aircraft Owner and Pilot