PFA Rally
Went on Sunday with 'Stampe' in my 63 year old yellow cabrio -
I felt that I wanted to support the event in view of the fact that the aircraft is on a PFA Permit and I have always found the PFA really helpful.
We were also keen to visit some of our stallholder friends.
The first problem we had was the ATIS.
When we eventually called the tower and asked them to confirm the ATIS frequency, we explained to them that it wasn't working. 'Oh yes it is' was the reply. 'Oh no it isn't' piped up several other pilots.
This then prompted a broadcast explaining that the ATIS was 'down' for a few minutes whilst it was reset.
We then landed on the grass, the marshaller then kindly 'batted' us over a cone - fortunately without damage.
We then discovered that we were in a separate park to the main static park, necessitating a bus link.
No sooner had we parked, we heard a loud 'clank clank clank' from behind. An Auster-type had dropped a wheel down in a hole (well marked...) at the threshold of 08 grass and judging by the noise and the damage to the metal prop, had struck something harder than grass (it flew out later, without any engineering inspection....)
We saw some appalling approaches/ landings on both the grass and the tarmac. There was a crosswind and we were surprised that a lot more tailwheel pilots didn't use the grass.
The show wasn't busy - a lot more visitors on Saturday apparently.
We enjoyed the very kind hospitality of Dave Unwin (great guy!) and his team of lovelies on the Todays Pilot stand but nevertheless decided to leave earlier than planned.
Whilst at the refuelling bay, another Auster type taxied straight into a large runway direction board (how the hell did he manage that?) and sat there chopping away at it, presumably wondering what that funny noise was....
They then got out, took a picture of the hole in the board, started up and taxied away....
Lining up for departure, we then saw the inevitable 'keep it low and zoom climbs' to impress the visitors...
I haven't been for years, and won't do so for many more.
The PFA is a great organisation with some cracking people dedicated to it.
However, I believe that some 'currency/ time on type/ total hours' guidelines should be issued in respect of the PFA Rally. It is undoubtedly a daunting prospect for the lesser experienced.
In this way, the standard of airmanship and flight safety can only be improved as a consequence.
I know I have put my head above the parapet on this one but I really do think the organisers need to put a greater emphasis on flight safety.
Underwhelmed I'm afraid.....
Best stand? - Wilksch Airmotive without a doubt. that guy has got an awesome product. His contribution to the PFA will be huge.
Worst? - The guy who sold us the most aweful carpetburger. Ugh!
HP