Originally Posted by
chevvron
For some reason, he wasn't allowed to fly Air Cadet gliders even though his two elder sons were.
Ah !! Well at WW the RAF were not involved, and no doubt no one felt compelled to refuse his request. There is a sequel to the event in that several weeks later PNZ broke its crankshaft either during or after an air race. PNZ had its motor 'breathed' on at Rollasons and it gave at least an extra 5-10 Hp from the standard VW Ardem mainly due to high Comp pistons,and Porsche Aluminium (chrome lined) barrels. The crankshaft issues were caused by cracking from a casting number, and lack of suitable 'smoothing' effect from not having the normal flywheel. Having got through this 'Turbulent' part of life and survived Philip was no doubt not aware of his luck in having a trouble free flight.