PFA Rally

[Coke611]

Hello all.

Is anyone going to the PFA rally at cranfield? I think its something like the 20-21st of July.


Anyone?

[stiknruda]

It is fun BUT read and memorise the AIC before departing!

AIC 21/2002 (Yellow 77) 4 April

You can normally predict whether 04 or 22 will be in use and you'll know whether you'd prefer to opt for grass or tarmac so there really is not a whole lot to remember.

Pick up ATIS early, confirm that your choice of 4 is available and you are on easy street. HOWEVER IT GETS VERY BUSY SO KEEP A GOOD LOOK OUT AND BE PREPARED TO GIVE WAY TO LESS "POLITE" TRAFFIC.

Have the AIC really handy just in case the r/way that you were expecting changes but if you have done your homework then it should not be a big issue. ;)

Avoid peak times and you might not see much traffic inbound!:eek: But rest assured it is there so CONFORM to the AIC.

If you have an aeroplane with pax and you brief them carefully then they can be a great help in spotting traffic, without a concise briefing then you may get lots of panic! :(

Have a great visit, this year we are slightly altering the whole Rally to better reflect the desires of the membership and the exhibition area will have moved too, to save the Association wonga.

I'll be the fat bloke in the beer tent!:D


Stik

[Whirlybird]

I'm going, but don't know yet which day, and whether I'll be flying in or driving.

[Genghis the Engineer]

I shall be there working all weekend, but not flying in - too much risk of getting stranded if the weather changes over the weekend.

Anybody fancy a get-together in the beer tent (or I seem to recall last time quite a good curry tent) at some point in the proceedings? A lunchtime might be the best bet, to catch those just flying in for the day.

G

[Fast Erect]

I'm most certainly NOT going.
-No display...Whilst i'm aware it is not a trade show per-se, there are many interesting PFA types that are very exciting to watch in action. Most DA holding members will be happy to fly for fuel money only, leaving just the CAA Article 70 exemption to pay for.
-Entry fee even for PFA members..the first year this has been the case, I believe.
-Crap grass runway...I have no desire to damage our aeroplane on that pitifully inadequate strip.
-Expensive beer...Why pay well over the odds for flat,week, southern beer?


I feel better now......hope you all have a grand time!:)

[stiknruda]

Fast Erect

Although I totaly understand your points on the airshow, the unsubsubsidised ale and the grass that I personally choose not to use, notwithstanding the above - I do wish that you would come.

The entry aka landing fee of six quid (IIRC) really is small beer - most aerodromes charge you this. It is our Rally, we PFA'ers I hear you cry, why should we pay for entry to our own event?

An airshow sponsor was sought but as none engaged the concept before the AIC was put to bed, there can now not be an Airshow AT THIS YEAR's RALLY.

For many year's the Rally has been subsidised by the PFA! This obviously is not assisting the membership nor the Association. Many of the Association members are neither builders nor fliers but have a great interest in recreational aviation.

I don't feel the need on an open channel to explain the reasons behind all the new Rally decisions - but trust me these were debated at length and then unanimously agreed by the EC, the body that you elect to give up huge tranches of their own time to oversee the running of the Association.

Sir, if you decide not to participate then both you and the Association will be that much poorer for it. Should you change your mind, then I shall happily buy you an ale or two in "that" tent. If you decide not to come out and play, then I hope that you will stand for election as a committee member this year so that you can help mould the PFA into the organ that you wish it to be.

Yours


Stik

[Skylark4]

Fast Erect
No doubt you will be going to Fairford then. You needn`t worry about the runway, you can`t use it.
The entrance fee is £30
You won`t see any aircraft there that you could fly (probably)
Lots of display flying though.

Mike W

[Keef]

Did I miss something? I thought once I joined PFA that entrance to the Rally would be free.

I was planning to come with some other folks, who are happy to pay the £10 or so each that I recall from prior years. Has that all changed?

[extra]

After the cancellation last year due to F & M you would have thought they would have wanted to organise a real bumper show this year - alas it is not to be.
Sponsorhip is needed and can be difficult to organise, but the Rally is supposed to be one of the prestige events in the light aviation calendar. Aerofair and other meets seem to have arranged sponsorship so why not the PFA. Might it be that the mandarins at Shoreham are a little too pipe & slippers and not as dynamic as other organisations. I think that it has something to do with that typical British approach to so many things - lack of commercialism. Being voted onto the EC is not good eneough - these people have other jobs and cannot commit the time and money necessary to do a complete and full job. Look at the EAA - it is a large organisation, run as a professional corporate body and yes, the Poberezny family got very rich out of it. Over here the attitude is that we should all muck in, be on a committee and muddle through - it is time to be more professional, more organised and commercial, let people invest and make money out of it. Then we may get better representation at CAA level, have less restrictions on what we can build and fly under permit rules and the rally would be a world class event.

[A and C]

Read the AIC ! its been writen above and I will just make it clear that it is the LAW that you must have it or the poolys or jepp charts for the rally with you in the aircraft.

Some years back it took me a wile to pick up the ATIS message as some one kept trying to talk to it !.

On the whole the standard of airmanship is very high at the rally but it only takes one pilot who has not taken the time to read the instructions in the AIC to be a real danger to all around him.

[Chilli Monster]

Coke 611

Check your dates - it's actually 21-23 June this year.

As everyone says - read the AIC, listen to the ATIS and just follow the queue. It's easy

And if I hear anyone trying to call "Cranfield Approach" on the grass frequency thinking it's business as usual and not a TRA (Wycome Air Centre & Stapleford training aircraft please note this ESPECIALLY) asking to route via the overhead at 2000' they're likely to get short shrift ;). Believe me - it happened quite a lot in 2000! (Guess they don't read NOTAMs :D)

CM

[Genghis the Engineer]

If 1500 aircraft flying in isn't a decent visual event, I don't know what is?

If as PFA members we have to subsidise the rally, surely it is more sensible for those attending to do so by putting their hands in their pockets at the gate than the entire membership doing so in their annual fees, whether they go or not?

You had to pay in 2000.

G

[Windy Militant]

How many PPruners are going to be camping on Site? I myself will be there working over the weekend. Possibly we could have a get together in The CSA or Cafe Pacific (if it's still open?) The CSA has been very welcoming of Rally workers and visitors the last few years, the beers cheaper than the beer tent and they've got central heating! :) (Which can be a great boon if the weathers bad);)

[Girl Flyday]

I'll be there every day working in Rally Ops... so if anyone fancies meeting up then drop me a line and we can exchange mobile numbers...

GF

[Coke611]

Thanks for all the replies guys.

I am not actually a PFA member myself - being only 15 years of age. However, I do wish to have a career in aviation and I want to get my PPL asap!

[A_Pommie]

I’m going to be there from Wednesday onwards setting up and then working on the PFA stand at the weekend. I’ve been doing this since I joined the PFA and I have no problem forking out ten quid or what ever to get in. Come on its not even one good night out. As for the air show as the number of members who actually help out at there own rally is so pathetic I have never seen the air show as I am always working. So if you wish to whine about anything from the state of the toilets to the admission fee come down to the PFA stand and I will be happy to completely ignore you. If you wish to come on over and discuss planes, the CAA, the weather or anything else really I’ll be the fat hairy bloke behind the counter.

Oh and the CSA is the place to drink much cheaper than the beer tent.:D

[SlipSlider]

Coke611, being 15 doesn't bar you from being a PFA member - check out the website re junior membership.

As a PFA member and rally visitor for many years, by road and air, I don't object to paying for admission. Its what you get for the money thats important. And at the rally you get the best aerial show in Europe! There are plenty of airshows, but nothing with the sheer volume and diversity that you see at Cranfield.

The rally was sadly missed in 2001, lets hope this year's is a memorable and safe event.

Genghis, your comment about being stranded by weather is very apt ..... on Sunday I had to leave the aeroplane 200 miles away... :(

Coke611 good luck with the career aspirations!

Slip

[LowNSlow]

I'll be there, I just haven't picked a day yet. If anybody else wants to meet up drop me an email and swop mobile numbers.

Alternatively, find a cream Auster with ginormous green registration letters on the wings (G-AHAM) and look inside. I'll leave my number on the seat. :D

[javelin]

Here's a suggestion - all Ppruners who are attending wear your name badge with pride. Let's see how many people we can recognise. I haven't decided yet but may yet be persuaded:cool:

[Rod1]

I will be camping for the whole show. If anyone wants to meet up, count me in.

If you do not like the beer tent, try the student union bar.

Rod

[Windy Militant]

Extra
The reason that the EAA can be as big and corporate is they have many more members than the PFA.
Every year I get to hear the same old complaints about the PFA and the rally. Well if you think you can do better then come along and show us how it's done! Rather than moan about the lack of an Airshow, find a sponsor for it.
I've been working at the rally for about ten years now, it's hard work but I've got to know some really smashing people and had some really good times.
If you want to go to a corporate bun fight go to the SBAB show at Farnborough. The PFA to me is all about people. The rally is the best way for like minded people to get together and shoot the breeze about strip flying, scarf joints or whatever your particular preference is. Speaking entirely for myself I think that the rally is a good balance between the facilities required for the number of people who turn up and the informal atmosphere of a fly in. ;)

Rod 1
For goodness sake don't let them hear you call it the students union they'll clap you in irons. Apparently it was decided that students union had sinister political overtones so it's the Cranfield Students association:rolleyes: Still whatever they call it they keep good ale at good prices. I'll be one of the rumpled fat Hairy ones there!:D

[jstew15]

I think I'll be flying down for the three days from Prestwick. Probably coming in a Piper Cherokee along with one other Cherokee, a Bolkow Junior BO208C, Prototype Bulldog, Robin 200 and a few others. Being a student, exams finish just before the Rally so I think I'll be spending a lot of time drinking beer while I'm there. Hopefully meet some nice girls too! Hope the weather is good for the weekend.

JS:)

[Wet Power]

Never had a problem with the grass runway at Cranfield - should suit most taildraggers/lo speed microlights.
If in doubt use the tarmac - probably about three-quarters of arrivals use the tarmac.

Main points that require absolute concentration are around Toddington services on the M1 and as you establish on finals a sensible speed required whatever you are flying - once witnessed a chap join finals in a Beech Baron doing about 140 kts! His go-around was a bit interesting.

[Crossedcontrols]

Is it worth arranging to meet at the CSA bar at 13:00 on each of the opend days.
Wear a rolled up copy of the Times on yor lapel, and have a rose under your arm ?

CC

PS Where is the CSA bar ?

[Windy Militant]

For those of you who want to know where the Students Association is look for building 114 grid H14 on the map. It's not far from the big glass library building.

http://www.cranfield.ac.uk/visit/crancampusmap.pdf

:)

[AerBabe]

Anyone going on the Friday? Better still, anyone flying in on Friday with a spare seat? :D
Would think about flying in myself, but I'm too scared :( I've seen it from the ground and it's far too intimidating for a new PPL... well this one at least! :eek:

[Keef]

We're flying in on the Friday (Keef plus David The Boatyard) but that's from Southend on Sea International (EGMC) which might be a bit far. Seat's there if you want it, though, AerBabe. You know what I look like now...

[Whirlybird]

Aerbabe,

I'm probably flying in on the Friday, in an R22 from Wolverhampton, and could do with an extra pair of eyes. I'll decide definitely in the next day or so. E-mail or phone me over the weekend if you want to come.

[Ed Set]

Whirly bird

Good idea for the extra pair of eyes. We'd be delighted to see you and if this is your first visit, please read the AIC. If you have been before, please note that the HELI procedures have changed and if you follow those for previous years, you'll end up in the new exhibition area!!

Chilli Monster- Whilst I agree with most of your comments, we are ALL there to enjoy ourselves, so You overflying traffic which inadvertently calls - if you call you WILL NOT get short shrift- just be told politely to go elsewhere!! Though you should of course have been aware what's going on in the forst place!!!

Seriously though guys, read the AIC, follow the procedures and you should have no problems. AND of you are arriving in a moderately "fast" aircraft, try to give yourself plenty of room behind the one ahead. And those of you who try to cut in ahead of the fast guys , give ' em a bit of room. They are trying to get in as well as you.

And remember 400m of grass is not too long - any doubts , go for the hard runway.

Enjoy the Rally

Ed



;)

[Chilli Monster]

Ed set

The comment wasn't meant to be literal - hence the emoticon at the end :)

But seeing as I won't be there this year then it doesn't really matter anyway.

CM

[VP8]

I'll be there from Fri am, camping in a blue VW syncro van (look for pole with Multi coloured windsock on top), call in for a cold beer as I'm there for the weekend with the brother in law who is flying down from Huddersfield in his Jodel..

C YA'll there

VEEPS :)

[Whirlybird]

Ed set,

Thanks. I haven't flown in before, but I spent today reading the AIC and looking at both the chart and the OS map trying to work it all out. It looked OK, but I'd prefer to have someone else along if possible. Though I've been told not too many helicopters fly in and it should be OK doing it alone; do you agree?

[Ed Set]

Whirlybird
Quite true. Only about 20-30 helis in 2000, so you shouldn't meet too many others en - route, though watch out for the microlights and others who will be using the grass runway. Just keep to your heightband, and all should be okay.
Enjoy
Ed:rolleyes:

[AerBabe]

Thanks for the offer Keef... but you're right, it's a tad far :)
I will be coming anyway, even if it's by Fiestair :D

[Coke611]

Thanks for all the replies.

Just out of interest - there isnt anyone flying from Stapleford (EGSG) to the rally is there? If so, dont happen to have a spare seat do you?

I should (hopefully) have my PPrune cap / badge by the time the rally arrives!

[AerBabe]

Stik... are you going to be there Friday? Will our paths finally cross, or are we doomed to forever orbit on the downwind of life? :D

[stiknruda]

Yup, I'll be there sometime Friday. As I now have corrobaration that you are a "babe", I fear that I must confess that I am not a babe-magnet! Shame:(

There is generally a whole line of Pitts Specials, mine is the one parked next to a purple tent!
Depending upon the bank balance - I'll either be there first thing Fri or just in time for TFIF sundowners outside the beer tent.

Failing that - find the ugliest, noisiest bunch of fat dwarfs in the beer tent come drinking time and ask them where the Pitts chaps are and they'll probably point to each other, in which case look for the ugliest and that'll be Stik!!

See you there hopefully. And having met me, should you see me during the entire w/e looking harassed or bored, your mission is to rescue me!!

READ THE AIC AND WORK OUT WHICH APPROACH THAT YOU WILL "PROBABLY" USE - THEN MEMORISE IT, should save you a lot of hard work.

On my first arrival at the Rally - years ago, when Pontius Pilate was still to do his first x-country, I was cut up on approach by a chap in a fast yellow biplane. I slowed down from 65mph to 50mph and still landed after he'd cleared....

the point being -

It can be quite hard work arriving with 2 or 3 pairs of eyes in the cockpit - the single seat guys (fast or slow) are doing it on their lonesomes so don't get agitated if you get cut up - just accept it and make the best out of the situation.

Stik

[Keef]

AerBabe - no problem. Dave the Boatyard was looking forward to meeting you, but I'm sure we can still arrange that. We offered your seat in G-UTSY to the next person in the list, and it's gone now.

Stik - I bludgeoned Whirlybird into introducing me to AerBabe at Popham. AB was being very shy and retiring and coy (and introduced me to the delights of reproduction ... by algae). But I can happily confirm that she qualifies for the soubriquet - by my standards, for sure.

[AerBabe]

Looking forward to it Stik, although I can't stay late on Friday, as I've got to get to the Peak District that evening. So I'm afraid that if you're bored over the weekend you'll have to rely on your merry band of fellow ugly dwarves (your words) to sort you out.

Keef, erm, who's Dave the Boatyard?! :confused: And as for algae... well you did ask :D

Promise not to do it again :o

[Keef]

Well, AerBabe, he's one of the six of us who share the fine G-UTSY. You'll never guess what he does during the week when he's not out flying...

He was sad not to make Popham, and is very much looking forward to meeting you at the PFA Rally.

- - - - -

Yes, and I was fascinated by the algae.

[Sam Tan]

Been doing the Rally for 20 years and flown-in in various types including Nord 854, Sonerai 2 and an Acrosport 1, but must say that these days I have to drive cause of all the kit I have to take for my job there. My first visit was very daunting as I was a low time PPL in a very slow a/c and mixing it with some 20 a/c on 'finals' was an experience that I'll never forget!:) All you prospective first timers do not be put off but follow the safety advise of the other pruners on this thread, its a great weekend and I'll most definetely be there:D The Students Bar is called the 'Cookoo's Nest', be there or be square;)
You'll find me at the Fire Section 08.00 til 20.00 or so and I'm not looking for any customers!!!!!
Yes it is me Whirly!

"All's quiet in Pontypandy"

[Whirlybird]

OK Sam Tan, I'm not taken in by the name change. ;) See you on Friday.

[Windy Militant]

Hello Sam,
Will our American friends be bringing their "Litt'est Fire Truck"this year. My regards to the rest of the crew see you at cranfield;)

[Ed Set]

Sam
Your secret identity is out. And there I've been speaking to you for all these years and not known. See me in my caravan Boyo !!
Ed:cool:

[Sam Tan]

Windy Militant and Ed Set,
No American Fire truck this time I'm afraid, (were'nt they just great?!) But y'all in good hands now d'hear!:) Just three of us supplementing the Cranfield lads and providing something like an unofficial Cat 4 RFFS. Good eh? See you both next week (Thursday to Sunday)
Whirly see Friday

"all's quiet in Pontypandy"

[White Shadow]

My twopennerth, for those who haven't been before -

Get a pink marker-pen and highlight the important bits on the AIC - frequencies; your routes to runways 04 and 22 from wherever; heights to fly.

Listen to the arrivals ATIS early, to set your altimeter and to know which route you'll be following to the actual runway in use.

Be aware of where to look for other a/c joining you from different routes, (Toddington gets busy) and just slot yourself in.
Fly the approprtiate heights accurately at each stage to final.

The way-points and assembly points are easy to recognize, but it all suddenly starts happening quickly as you get close, so keep thinking ahead.

Keep an eye open for the ones aiming for the grass runway, if you're going for the hard (or the other way about). They'll be at your side on final.

Don't talk on the RT until you call final. Then keep listening. The controllers will shepheard you in. Know what to do if you have to go around.

And ENJOY! It's brilliant...

WS

[Wunper]

White Shadow or anyone who is in the know

I have read and re-read the AIC with several other pilots and nowhere does it stipulate or recommend the altitude to join and orbit the assembly area at!

I am assuming approaching the VPG from Toddington to join the assembly area as detailed Annexe B for either Hard runway

If it is going to be broadcast on the ATIS as I imagine it could well be a wx dependent issue then it should state that on the AIC otherwise we shall have a tornado of aircraft all whirling round at random heights decending to 1200FT QFE when they decide to peel away from the assembly area::eek:

Or am I just being a major BOZO??

In anticipation of being corrected

Wunper

:D :D

[White Shadow]

Hmm. Good question...

Previous years' Approach Procedures diagrams showed "Hold not above 1600ft QFE" at the hard runways Assembly Area and "Hold not above 1100ft QFE" at the grass runways Assembly Area.

Can't see this anywhere in this year's AIC.
Anybody else?

WS

[TheKentishFledgling]

I'm really hoping to get to The Rally! Ideally, I'd like to stay the Saturday in 'me new tent :cool:

BUT I've not found a lift yet :(

Is there anyone going from the Kent area (Rochester, Clipgate, Manston etc) that would be willing to take a 14yr old student PPL? I'm of course willing to cost share.

TIA,
TheKentishFledgling

[Min Sink]

I'll be flying in from White Waltham on Saturday. If anyone wants a lift let me know, I've got a couple of empty seats.

David

[TheKentishFledgling]

Min Sink: are you going to be staying the Saturday night?

TIA,
tKF

[IRRenewal]

Coke611

I'll be flying in from near Braintree for the Saturday only in a 1955 Apache. If you can get up here you are welcome to come along. Contact me directly if you wish.

Cheers

[Min Sink]

TheKentishFledgling

No, I'm just going for the day.

[TheKentishFledgling]

Min Sink

Cheers, but I'm really hoping to stay the night.

Thanks a lot though anyway!

I have a week to find a lift that is going to stay the night as well.....:rolleyes:

tKF

[stiknruda]

TKF

Surely someone from Clipgate is going?

If all else fails I'd get yourself and tent (auw 120lbs) down to Clipgate after school on Friday and badger everyone for a ride to Cranfield. I wouldn't leave Clipgate until the last aeroplane departs....

I wouldn't worry about getting back on Sunday. This isn't exactly GCSE big time for you.

In fact having never met your folks and hannah, I'd be inclined never to return:D

Stik

ps - Ed is a very nice, well mannered lad who is very enthusiastic about a career in aviation and if anyone can help him in his quest to reach Cranfield without him reverting to pedal-power, then the Rally will be richer for all of you!

[2Donkeys]

Would love to help Ed, but as you know, will be in Iceland with the boys.

I know you'll make it over there. Don't let the ragwing drivers contaminate your young mind though. :D

[Keef]

TKF - it's a darn shame, but we're full up on Friday (and coming back the same day).

I reckon if you can get a life there on Friday, you can get another one back on Sat or Sun, even if it's to somewhere else in Kent.

C'mon folks, with 1500 aircraft going to PFA there *must* be someone from Biggin/Rochester/Clipgate/Manston?

You'll be glad you took Ed with you!

[TheKentishFledgling]

Stik:

"In fact having never met your folks and hannah, I'd be inclined never to return"
Ok, you let me move into your place with Raluca the minx, let me rebuild your aeroplanes for a living and you're on :D

2Donkeys:

"Don't let the ragwing drivers contaminate your young mind though."
Ha! But what about you and the ATPL/IR guys glogging up my brain with all the things GPSs can do, and the way to work them all?! ;)

tKF

[formationfoto]

It looks as if the weather will just about be O.K for the weekend - am hoping to get there Saturday early and stay overnight - tent next to a Cessna 310 (GAZRR) - can always get into the a/c if it gets cold. Will be with the PILOT photography and web team taking pics for most of the two days - please smile on landing. I understand the place to be is the student bar so Sat evening (between taking sunset shots) expect to be there - anyone making any sort of arrangements?. If so plse leave details at the PILOT stand for Ian D.
have a great time all, read the AIC, and be safe.

[LowNSlow]

Ed hope you get a lift. If you do look in the Auster and my number will be on the seat. I just spoke to Barry (Cub), he packed his tent, forgot his sleeping bag and now he's looking forward to the rain forcast for tonight. :D

See y'all there tomorrow (Saturday) around 12:30 ish.

[stiknruda]

Spent the whole day at the rally and yes it is different from previous years, perhaps more compact with fewer extra-curricular activity - no cars, kids arena, etc.

So on the whole think it was an excellent day out, basically 100% PFA activity.

Had intended to spend the night in my tent next to the aircraft but few of my chums were overnighting or arriving until later tomorrow and as Aerbabe and Whirly weren't staying to party decided to slide home with a view to poling up again tomorrow if I'm in demand!

Traffic on the way in at circa 10H local was not too bad and upon departure was very light.

Lots of interesting stands - eventually found the day when I was flush enough with cash to buy 2 American built geared ratchet ringkey spanners. Sad but happy.

Lots of interesting homebuilts - most of them absolutely beautiful. I will confess that Europas/Jaiburus don't do it for me but some of the workmanship was to be envied and as a previous award winner at the Rally that really is a compliment!

G-RUNT was a real treat to see, a far nicer aeroplane post renovation than ever before - Cassutt Racer. I was invited to fly another Cassutt recently so shall probably pursue this channel now that I've seen the sister ship from the same folk!

One particular "dog" was offered for sale for £14k, I promise you that I'd not have taken £1.4k as payment for a ride in it!

All in all a super day out and with a nice s westerly found myself maintaining 150kts all the way home and was home in just over 25 mins or 16 litres! Biplanes are sooooo draggy.

If you were thinking of not going, think again!


Stik

[TheKentishFledgling]

Didn't find a lift :(

Will have to be very organised next year, and not start looking for a lift two weeks before the Rally ;)

If you see Barry, or any of the Clipgate crew, say hi from me!

have a good weekend folks!

tKF

LowNSlow, you planning any trips down this way this Summer?

[Whirlybird]

Great day at Cranfield, followed by barbecue at Welshpool Airfield, just home. Aerbabe and I left Halfpenny Green...er...I mean Wolverhampton at about 10 am in the end; we'd arrived there at 8.30, but no-one arrived to open the place till nearly 9 am. :( I think they were all watching that funny game where you kick a ball around. It was raining, with showers forecast - but for once the met man got it wrong and we were pleased. Lovely wx all the way down, and really easy for helicopters - you approach at 500 feet, well below everyone else, to a huge field. We spent nearly all our time talking to people - Stiknruda, Genshis the Engineer, Cran, , and many others I'm sure, but can't remember right now. Sat in the sun eating lunch. Then had to leave as the helicopter was due back at 6 pm. Still good wx and endless visibility on the way back. Wolverhampton have changed to ATC a couple of days ago, and I confused them by asking if I was cleared to land - don't think they're used to telling me what to do; I usually tell them what I want to do. :D Anyway, definitely a good day out.

[Keef]

Yep - great day out! Met most of the people I expected to see, but didn't come across Whirly or AerBabe.

Saw Stiknruda, looking very happy in his matching top. Did you meet AerBabe this time, Stik?

Sad that TKF didn't make it. We were about 20 lbs below max (Alex is *such* a svelte lad) so couldn't go via Kent.

Plan ahead early...

Came back IFR (just for kicks!)

Like the new format - more compact, and all relevant.

[Whirlybird]

Keef,

Aerbabe and I were looking out for you, but missed you. :( But yes, Aerbabe met Stiknruda. She can't answer for herself right now as she's off walking the Pennine Way, and I don't think they have Internet access there yet.

[LowNSlow]

TKF, I'll say hi to Barry. I'm hoping to get down to Clipgate some time in the summer. I'll drop you a line when I've got something organised.

[SteveR]

tKF may have a ride.

One of our group wants another pair of Mark I eyeballs in the cockpit for his trip tomorrow, and I've put them in contact - down to Mr & Mrs tKF now.

She went yesterday, and it was my turn to take our Aiglon into the maelstrom today. We were 4 PPL's and it made the nav and arrival a doddle - I had to do a groovy 500' slow speed 'S' to keep spacing from the Robin ahead.

My first rally, and it really is a feast for the eyes - I'm contemplating going back tomorrow and just watching the flying'n'taxying.

[TheKentishFledgling]

Thanks, Steve (and thank Moose as well!) but due to family commitments this morning (well, about 30 mins time!) I couldn't make it to the Rally in VV :mad:

I'm really gonna HAVE to get organised next year ;)

Have a good day if you do go again....anyone taken a camera?

tKF

Should get up to Clipgate this afternoon though, so might have some aviation in my weekend :D

[TheKentishFledgling]

Just following on from my last post, I did get some aviation in this weekend, but no actual flying.

Spent the afternoon and some of the late morning chatting to people at Clipgate airfield, most of who had been to the Rally over the weekend.

After hearing some of the fun they had and about the whole "Rally Experience", I am hoping more and more I can make it next year :)

tKF

[AerBabe]

HUGE thanks to Whirly for the lift - how to arrive in style :cool:
Stik, I'm slightly disappointed... you told me you were the ugliest Pitts driver around :( Great to meet you at last ;) And if you ever need a microbiologist...
Keef, kept my eyes open for you all day, but no sign. Didn't see G-UTSY either :(
Really nice to meet all the other various people from PPRuNe and elsewhere - another thanks to Whirly!
Can't wait until the next one... but there's no way I'll be flying myself in :eek:

[Keef]

Whirly and AerBabe

Sorry I missed you! G-UTSY and friends arrived about 11am, left about 4.30. Met Stik, and a whole load of other folks.

Saw several flying eggwhisks parked up. I think Richard McL was there in one, but didn't meet up with him. Did have a long yak with the chap with the big beast (Jetranger, I think he said it was) from EGMC.

[Whirlybird]

Aerbabe,

Good to have you along. I like having someone to navigate for me, and "head for that tower over there" is my kind of nav.:D And since I'm a bit close to the minimum solo weight for the R22, it flies better with some live ballast too. ;)

Oh, I enjoyed your company as well as the above advantages. :D

[A and C]

I went on friday and have to as that in the short time that i was flying in it was clear that some pilots had not taken the time to read the AIC.

One guy called on the radio as if it was a normal day at cranfield and one idiot was orbiting on final aproach , still at least this year some one was not trying to talk to the ATIS !.

It would seem that as hard as the PFA and CAA try to publish the details in an easy to use format some will go out out off the way to egnore it.

[formationfoto]

Anyone wish to own up to being the bent wing driver who approached the reciprocal runway down to about 100 ft? - no doubt thinking 'Look at all those fools going the wrong way!'

Good couple of days though and camped under the wing of the C310 (not very PFA I know but had loads of camera gear to carry). Organisation of the awards left something to be desired and most of the awardees weren't there. Stayed in the beer tent Sat evening and realise should have been at Cafe Pacific - If I chose to stay over again I will know better next time.

There must be some device the PPRUNE ers could carry around which gives distance and bearing to others of a similar disposition - I've heard of something similar using SMS for making friends in busy bars. Could be worth investigating for future bashes of this nature.

[LowNSlow]

When I arrived on Saturday around 12:15 there was nobody in the holding area, I just followed a Robin in until I was carved up by a Cranfield based Traumahawk. No probs cos the Auster can fly reeeeeeeaaallllyy slowly but a tad ignorant given that it wasn't busy. Thirty minutes later it was like LHR in the rush hour with bods going around all over the place.

I liked the new format but it was quite a hike to book in/out. Still, there were lots of nice aeroplanes to look at on the way.

My only gripe was that the marshalling aircadets would have been better placed on the centre line of the main taxiway so that they can be seen from the left seat. Even on the side taxiway they stood on the right which made life interesting in a 15kt crosswind :D

All in all I enjoyed my first flying visit to the Rally. Well done all you volunteers.