I am not a TP in the usual sense but I do get involved by request of the PFA in evaluating prototype aeroplanes of many varieties for initial issue of a permit to fly in the UK under the auspices of the PFA. Types vary form a total rebuild of a 1931 Great Lakes 2T1 fitted for the very first time with a Kinner vintage radial up to the first UK trigear GlasStar and the first Kitfox 5 fitted with the absolutely magic Rotec 100hp radial engine from down under. There have been many interesting moments. For one read the next CHIRP for GA if Peter Tait prints it...!! They have all been totally rewarding, both for me as the chance to get a new type to add to over 350 types and variants in 13,000 odd, some very odd, hours and the owners of some fine, and some not so, aeroplanes. As an amateur member of the TP fraternity I bow to all those fantastic TP's of both past and present who have contributed so much to the first 100 years of powered heavier than air flight. A happy and, especially, safe New Year and new century of progress to you all - fuelled by the skills of so few for so many.
