The Elevator - Lancashire Aero Club

Contact: - [email protected]
www.lancsaeroclub.co.uk
The
Elevator
The Fly by Wire Newsletter of the
Lancashire Aero Club
Editorial address: - [email protected]
June 2010
This month’s Bank Holiday Fly In on 29 May was rained off and the weather on the
following day was characterised by a strong cross wind at Kenyon Hall Farm, so all in all not a
good weekend’s flying.
However, we are holding a Summer Solstice Fly In and BBQ plus sleepover (for those of
you who are brave enough!) on Saturday 26 June. We have prizes on the day so please do visit
us. Look out for further details nearer the time.
I should also tell you that the strip is now open to everybody, every weekend! It is not
restricted to LAC members only.
EVERYONE IS WELCOME.
Cliff Mort will tell you all about the Clubhouse and developments at KHF, but I would
personally like to thank those members who have volunteered to act as Duty Officers at the
strip. Not only does this take pressure off the Committee to cover every weekend, but it also,
and more importantly, demonstrates that the Club atmosphere of old is returning.
Chairman’s Chat and news...
I try to bring you the latest news of what the committee are doing for you – and it is all for you. By
that I mean even though we of the committee are working for you we are also working for ourselves.
I think we all have a passionate belief in our Club and a pride in what we have achieved in the short
time since we left Barton. But it seems that I am failing to do just that. We have received a
complaint that we have failed to let you know the whys and wherefores of the ‘new’ clubhouse.
The answer seems to be that we all are standing too close to the problems and solutions to be
effective communicators. If we are failing to keep you informed then please make it known
otherwise we shall still go on making the same mistakes. There is one thing that I must say however,
and that is somebody from across the country has got the message – somehow.
OKAY here is the news. We have reopened the strip at Kenyon Hall farm having held a stone
picking session, had the field sown and cut and extended the parking area for aircraft. We have
power and running water on site which allows us to give you a cuppa in the NEW Clubhouse. This
clubhouse has been fitted out with arm chairs, tables etc for your comfort. The BBQ we had on the
first day’s Fly-In was exceptionally well attended and all the food went in quick succession – we
couldn’t cook it fast enough.
There is one satisfying comment that is now being bandied around and it is saying “We are getting
back to the old LAC Club Spirit”. I am only repeating what has been said to me and I welcome the
comment as a reflection of the work that the committee has been doing.
At the same time that we had the complaint about the clubhouse it was also coupled with a request
for a breakdown of how much we have spent on the field up to now. In last month’s chatter I said
that every expenditure item was part of a budget and these had to be approved before any spending
was allowed. There will be a breakdown of these costs from Andy, our treasurer, after he returns
from holiday so I won’t say anything more about it here.
That’s all for now, more next month from the office of the committee
CLIFF MORT
THE LAC CLUBHOUSE AT KENYON HALL FARM...
Does any member have an old serviceable photocopier that they are willing to donate to the
Barton Visitor Centre?
Eric often gets asked for a copy of items on display.
Black and white is OK, so long as cartridges are available.
If you can help, please contact Eric on;
[email protected]
Eric Isaac
Archivist at Large...
John Coxon is still looking for members to do a Duty Day or half a day at Kenyon Hall Farm.
All new Duty Officers are fully briefed and we really do welcome your support.
If you can spare some time, then please E-mail John on;
[email protected]
CAPTION COMPETITION
Here is LAC Member Harry Jones looking very fetching in his hi-viz jacket amongst
the rape seed at Kenyon Hall Farm.
Can you come up with a suitable caption?
If so, send it to me and I’ll print the funniest ones!!
[email protected]
Last month’s caption winners are:
“Chocks away for secret mission to Kenyon Hall Farm strip...”
“I sick of twin brover copying me all time...”
Thomas Hawke
Joe Dell
STRIP FLYING
By
CLIFF WHITWELL
Pre-flight Preparation
Flying from your home base can become familiar and routine, but strip flying is rewarding and challenging.
With a well thought out attitude to strip flying it can be safe, satisfying and rewarding. There are additional
mental pressures in landing somewhere where there is no radio control or distinguishing airfield marks, but
with some planning it can be overcome. One other benefit of regular strip flying is that you are practising an
actual precautionary forced landing and building confidence in preparation for any future event.
As with any land away from our familiar site we need to obtain PPR. In strip flying this is more important as
they may not have radio communication or control of aircraft landing at the field.
Make sure you understand the wind direction and strength of the runway in use. Sounds obvious but a cross
wind can cause additional stress when landing if you are not familiar with the site. The state of the grass [long
or soft field] is another consideration as it may hamper you getting out of the field. At a well prepared site this
is not a problem such as at Kenyon Hall Farm strip.
Knowing the circuit direction is important to avoid flying over sensitive areas and upsetting the locals. Also
ask about go around procedures again to avoid upsetting their neighbours.
Approach and landing
The first considerations are the state, length and direction [into wind] of the strip. Is your aircraft capable of
landing and taking off in the published metres? Speak to the operator who will advise what aircraft types have
made it into their strip before. Are there any obstacles on the approach or up wind of the field? What about
the slope and surface of the strip?
What about live stock? Some farmers use their fields for cattle or sheep; but if pigs are in the field avoid it
like the plague as they tend to dig up the ground looking for food making for a rough landing. Another
consideration regarding live stock is they are inquisitive beasts and once you’ve shut down they may come
over and have a look at your aircraft causing damage.
Where is the windsock? Sometimes they are not displayed or are difficult to see. So a close look before you
attempt to approach will help here. Where no windsock is evident then look for other signs such as smoke or
the way the crops are blowing to help determine wind direction.
What are the under shoot and over shoot options? In the likelihood of things going wrong it is not ideal to
leave it until you have to decide where to go in the event of a problem. As the Boy Scouts say “Be Prepared”.
Visualise where to go in the possible event of an under shoot due to engine failure or excessive downdrafts.
Are there any obstacles on the approach you need to be aware of? If you land too long down the strip what
obstacles are in front to prevent landing in the next field?
I always find that once below 500’ ignore the altimeter, but judge the height above the ground as sometimes
you don’t have the luxury of a QFE or QNH. I would avoid long approaches as this could upset local villages
or another aircraft may not see you on long finals.
Your aiming point is not the same as on a longer runway and may even be the hedge on the downwind end of
the field. You need to “round out” approximately 1/3rd into the strip allowing room to go around if need be.
Don’t rush it.........get your speed on the “numbers” and use the throttle to control your descent towards the
aiming point.
Prepare for an early go round if it does not look or feel right. There is no shame in doing that, there is in
becoming a statistic.
If it’s your first time into Kenyon Hall Farm ensure the wind is down the runway; and runway 23 is the
preferred direction for first timers as the uphill slope will assist with landing.
Beware taxiing too fast as most strips are not bowling greens and may have stones or small holes left by the
local wildlife such as rabbits to snag your wheels.
Kenyon Hall Farm is very close to a local footpath, so be prepared to abort your landing or take off if someone
steps out from the regular route – it is your responsibility as pilot in charge! We have taken precautions to
avoid this by placing notices along the path; but humans being humans they are unpredictable and dogs are
another story.
Aircraft Parking
The thing about strip flying is that there usually limited space for parking, so pack‘em in tight. Beware of
damaging yours and other aircraft as you manoeuvre yours into place. The other consideration is propeller
wash as you park up, it’s always better to manhandle the aircraft into place than blow one over. Conversely,
starting up should be away from other aircraft or people to avoid potential propeller accidents.
Take off consideration
So you have had your cuppa or bacon butty and it’s time to set off back to home. Kenyon Hall Farm’s grass is
mowed regularly, but some strips don’t have that luxury. Long grass will extend your acceleration and ground
run considerably. The “CAA Safety Sense Leaflet 12” advises if the grass is taller than 30% of your wheels
don’t try to take off.
Fix a “point of no return” in your mind somewhere on the strip that if the aircraft does not accelerate to take
off speed and you have not reached that reference point you must be able to effectively shut down and brake
in time to stop before the up wind hedge/wall/etc.
Consider the swing of the aircraft if a cross wind component is evident. Remember the aircraft will naturally
try to swing into wind which may be towards the trees or hedge. This is especially true in a tail wheel aircraft;
once the tail is up you will have more directional control.
Always consider where you will go if the engine stops [remember your self brief earlier on the over-shoot
area]. Always follow the departure procedures as laid down by the strip owners, again this stops upsetting
their neighbours.
De-brief
•
Obtain PPR and get a thorough briefing especially if a first timer.
•
Be considerate to the locals and land owner.
•
Free call on the safety comms frequency 135.475 to let others know where you are.
•
If unsure, get a safety pilot or instructor with you on your first strip flight.
•
Alternatively try short field landings at your home base until you are confident.
•
Understand the strip’s little nuances as you fly around the area.
•
Select the aiming and touch down points early – they are not the same.
•
If it does not feel or look right, power on and go round for a second attempt or head back home.
I highly recommend reading the CAA safety sense leaflet 12 for more valuable information and Nick Bloom’s
article on http://www.pilotweb.aero/content/articles/view_article.aspx?id=2808 has some useful tips.
My thanks to LAC Member Cliff Whitwell on this useful and informative guide to strip flying.
If you have any advice on flying that you would like to share with other members then please
E-mail me at;
[email protected]
NEWS ABOUT OUR CHAIRMAN…
Cliff Mort, our Chairman, received his Royal Aero Club Bronze Medal
award 2009 on 27th April, at the RAF Museum at Hendon. Here is the piece about
Cliff that appeared in the programme for the Annual Award Ceremony:
WEB SITE AND COMPANY OF THE MONTH
PilotCraft! For all your Aviation needs! Our commitment is to provide every one of our valued customers
with a first class service which fulfils all their needs and requirements.
For those learning to fly or those who just fly for fun, we supply top quality flight equipment. For
aircraft owners we provide a more in-depth service sourcing specialist equipment from panel mounted
navigation units to the supply of learning materials and books to take pilots beyond the PPL through to
other qualifications and licences.
As an internet based business our website is our shop window and www.pilotcraft.co.uk has been
designed to allow the customer to navigate swiftly through the site with ease, to locate the products
they are searching for.
Most products are held in stock and can be despatched with immediate effect. All deliveries sent by
PilotCraft are sent via courier using the latest tracking system to ensure all parcels and packages can be
traced on route. All of PilotCraft’s orders must be signed for on delivery as additional security
measures of our service.
Our range of stock is expanding all the time, but if there is a particular item or part you need, please do
not hesitate to contact us and we will do our utmost to track it down and get it to you as swiftly and at
the best price we can.
We wish the Lancashire Aero Club well for this summer season and PilotCraft are very happy to support
LAC and their summer fly-ins!
My thanks to David Little of Pilotcraft for introducing his company which is based in the North West
so very handy for LAC!!
Meet David at our next Fly In at Kenyon Hall Farm and stock up on everything you need for the
Summer’s flying ahead!!
NEWS FROM ERIC THE ARCHIVIST...
Further perusal of the Committee records has thrown up some little gems.
I have not included names etc, as I am too old to go to jail!
•
In 1946, the club had to insist on pre payment for flights, as members were doing a post flight
runner, as we say today!
•
In 1948, Sivewright Airways became connected to the LAC water supply, the resolution of this
conflict occupied the committee at some length.
•
In 1950, the club considered moving to Stretton airfield due to costing conflicts with the
landlord, namely Colgate Palmolive. This was eventually resolved, no doubt they all got into
a lather.
•
And finally, in 1948 a committee member took deposits for new cars, the company went
bankrupt, and he was never seen again!
Please continue to dig out any material that you may have, leave it with the LAC flying school for
my attention.
Thank you for material donated to date.
As matter of interest the minutes for this period are handwritten in rough, then transcribed into
beautiful longhand with no alterations.
Dr E K Isaac / Archivist at large LAC
[email protected]
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR…
Hello Lancs Aero Club,
I wonder if any of your members might be able to help us?
My daughter and son-in-law own Gibraltar Farm and camp-site in Silverdale,
Morecambe Bay. It has been here for over 100yrs and vital to the economy of the
village and the sustainability of the last traditional farm in Silverdale. (voted in the UK
top 20 by Telegraph newspaper 09). Lack of update with planning laws means it and
the farm are endangered unless we can prove a number of caravans on the site over
ten years.
We desperately need any photos of the site since 2000. The ones we have accessed
so far have been midweek or out of season and aren't helpful.
We need a photo taken at a busy weekend. Is there any chance any member may
have photographed that area in 2000 or thereafter?
We would be eternally grateful for any assistance in this matter.
Best wishes
Margaret Mackintosh
Exmoor Ponies in Conservation
www.exmoorpony.org
PS See Gibraltar Farm website for more info.
http://www.gibraltarfarm.co.uk/
Can you help Margaret with her enquiry?
If so, please E-mail her at;
[email protected]
Top shelf literature for pilots
Another trip to the local shopping centre
WHAT OUR MEMBERS ARE UP TO...
LAC MEMBER MARK JACKSON FLEW OVER KILIMANJARO IN 2008
You can see the (three) videos here.
http://www.mainairmicrolightcentre.com/page6.html
It certainly makes a change from Winter Hill!!
It is also worth a read at www.mainairmicrolightcentre.com/page2.html
and the links in the various paragraphs, e.g. Mark's participation in the Madrid London race www.ultralighthomepage.com/STORIES/adventure.html
and read the link to this story over Everest
http://www.flymicro.com/everest/index.cfm
Have you been on an epic journey that you would like to share with other
members?
Or are you doing something extraordinary this year that deserves a mention?
If so, E-mail me at;
[email protected]
and I’ll publish it here!!
CHRIS COPPLE FLIES SPITFIRE...
Chris Copple flew an 80% scaled Spitfire up to Barton in May, on a two hour flight from Perranporth.
http://www.supermarineaircraft.com/
WHAT’S ON AND WHERE....
An excellent web site for Fly Ins and Events is;
http://www.royalaeroclub.org/eventuk.htm
July 3rd – 4th ‘Lancashire Landing’
Beach Party at Pilling Sands (BMAA)
rd
th
Join us at Pilling Sands on July 3 – 4 ...a new batch of photos are now up following on from the Knott End fly
out on 23 May.
They start halfway down on this page and run into page 14.
www.edendale.co.uk/ANW/KEP.13.html
And finally...
Don’t forget that all LAC Members are welcome to join us at our Committee Meetings; now being held at the
Boysnope Golf Club and starting at 18.30 hrs.
The next is on Monday 7 June, then every two weeks.
AIRCRAFT AND SHARES etc FOR SALE
CESSNA FRA 150 AEROBAT
For Sale: £18,000 ono
Fantastic offer to buy this rare FRA150L Aerobat with the 130bhp engine (standard
C150 is 100bhp)! Perfect for newly qualified PPL’s who want to enter the world of
aerobatics as well as decent 2-up touring – the more powerful engine can easily lift 2
adults, full tanks and a 140lbs of luggage in 300m of runway.
Sale forced due to loss of medical. Carefully owned and maintained for last 8 years.
Currently based at White Waltham and sometimes Barton.
1972 Reims Cessna FRA150L
Aerobat with Rolls Royce
Continental O-240 engine.
Engine hours:
Airframe hours:
Prop hours:
2,310
2,682
273
NAV/COM: Michel MX300 Digital
display, active/standby frequency
with "Flip-Flop"
Transponder: Garmin GTX 320
with Mode C
DME: Narco Digital DME 890
ADF: Collins ADF 650A
Intercom: King KMA 24H
Annual due: 22/11/10
Interior : 7/10
Exterior: 5/10
Contact Peter McCartney on 07766-162 763
[email protected]
For Sale and Price Reduced!! Gardan GY-20 Minicab, G-BEBR.
Total time approx 40 hours airframe and engine. 0-200 engine zero timed. Evra propeller, light
weight starter and alternator. 760 channel radio artificial horizon turn and slip plus engine and flight
instruments. Good touring aircraft and easy to fly.
Price £11,000 or will consider shares. Contact Paul on 07850 771378.
Cessna 150L G-PLAN shares
Shares for sale in the very friendly 20 member G-PLAN group. Availability is good.
The aircraft had a respray and renewed upholstery not too long ago so is in excellent
condition. The aircraft has an ADF, VOR, Mode C and a group portable GPS.
Regularly maintained at Barton, there are about 1500 hours on the engine. The group
finances are in a good state including engine fund. Costs are monthly £40, hourly
(wet) £45 and shares are on offer for £1400. An excellent first aircraft but NO hours
builders though!
For more information about joining contact Cyril Jones via email: [email protected]
or telephone:
(01625) 876849
AIRCRAFT SCALES FOR HIRE
For hire – an electronic weigh scale for aircraft, presently out of calibration, but will
renew if required. Weighs one wheel at a time, whilst other wheels levelled on shims
(35mm thick). Range 500kg in 0.2kg steps, so will weigh an aeroplane up to 1000kg.
For availability and price, please contact Martyn Coles, 0771 480 4087,
or [email protected].
G-LADZ
Enstrom 480 turbine. Based at Barton. One of the few heli groups in the country.
A share is available if anyone is interested.
Please contact;
Stephen Halliwell on 07703-531666
SHARE FOR SALE - BARTON-BASED C172 HAWK XP
GROUP C 172 Hawk XP £2995 (one-tenth share)
Long-established, friendly and well-run group operating a 1977 C172 Hawk XP out of
EGCB. Includes share in financially healthy group and engine replacement fund.
Share available due to sad death of one member last year.
195 HP fuel-injected Continental engine, VP prop. Fairly recent respray, looks very
smart. Standard panel and avionics, including KNS80, GPS and transponder.
£75 per month standing. £102 per hour (wet)(airborne time, equivalent to about £87
per hour by "brakes off to brakes on" time).
Group's and insurers' rule that all pilots have minimum of 100 hours total flying time.
Contact group secretary for more information: Dr Ian Donnan Tel: 01663 766 946
SHARES FOR SALE IN G-BJXB
Slingsby T67A G-BJXB
New Group Shares
£3750/Share
Learn New Skills in this well established Group
•
•
•
•
•
Access to High Quality Instruction & Safety Pilots
Aerobatics to Competition Level
Basic IMC Fit – Ideal for Revalidation
Hangared and Maintained at Manchester Barton
Excellent Availability
£60/Hour Wet
£70/Month Inclusive
Put the Fun back in your Flying!
Call Steve 07885 390702
[email protected]
Piper Arrow IV PA28RT-201
1/10th Share for Sale £6,000 ono
Piper Arrow IV PA28RT-201 N2943D, 1/10th share for sale
Variable Pitch Propeller, Retractable Undercarriage
Garmin 430 GPS
Top Engine Overhaul
New Exterior Paint
Transponder + Mode C
2 x Nav Comm-VOR/ILS/ADF
Very Nice and Clean Interior
Auto Pilot Coupled to the Garmin 430
Long Range Tanks - 6 hours endurance
Electric Trim
Can be flown in the UK with JAR/CAA License
Friendly & Efficiently Run Group, Excellent Availability, Online Booking
Hangared at Manchester City Airport (formerly Barton Aerodrome)
£75 per month, £70 per hour wet.
Contact: Bryn Charlton
Tel: 01925 765141 Mobile: 07976 929832
Honorary Officers:
Mr Tom Dugdale - President
Mr Mike Bowden - Trustee
Mr Cyril Jones - Trustee
Mr Martin Rushbrooke – Trustee
The Committee:
Mr Cliff Mort - Chairman
Mr Kevin McGuire - Vice Chairman
Miss Kate Howe - Club Secretary, Elevator editor, Social Secretary
Mr Paul Kavanagh - Airfield subcommittee
Mr John Latimer
Mr John Coxon - Airfield subcomittee, airfield Safety Officer
Mr Andy Halvorsen - Treasurer, airfield subcommittee, Company Secretary
Mr Peter Gaskell
Mr Chris Barham - Membership, communications
Mr Eric Isaac - Ex Officio Archivist. For any historical information please contact: Eric Isaac
- Club Archivist on [email protected]
THAT’S ALL FOLKS…
See you all at KHF!!
Kate