Ahhhh Austerrrrrrrrrr (Merged)
Thread Starter
Ahhhh Austerrrrrrrrrr
As a challenge/companion to hairyplane's great Miles thread I thought I'd start an Auster one as I am currently enjoying Austering in a Cirrus powered Autocrat.
Given the ubiquity of the Auster as a trainer and tourer in the 50's and 60's there must be a pile of great stories waiting to be told out there so c'mon people, get the memories working
Given the ubiquity of the Auster as a trainer and tourer in the 50's and 60's there must be a pile of great stories waiting to be told out there so c'mon people, get the memories working
Gnome de PPRuNe
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OK, well this probably only of great interest and excitement to me, because my first ever ride in an aeroplane was in an Auster from Lands End (or St Just if your prefer) to St Mary's and back. My dad's cousin Chris Treadwell was the pilot I think (if you read this Chris, please drop me an email) and my dad was the other pax. I was five and it was the summer of 1969!
I have to say that was my only ride in an Auster, but if anybody's offering!!!
I think Viv Bellamy was i/c Lands End in those days. The only other recollections I have of the day was a Volmer VJ-22 being built in the hangar (yes, I found out what it was a few years later!) and of the BEA S-61N at St Marys. Gosh, 34 years ago...
I have to say that was my only ride in an Auster, but if anybody's offering!!!
I think Viv Bellamy was i/c Lands End in those days. The only other recollections I have of the day was a Volmer VJ-22 being built in the hangar (yes, I found out what it was a few years later!) and of the BEA S-61N at St Marys. Gosh, 34 years ago...
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Twenty-odd years ago I was lucky enough to have contact with a number of former Auster people, among them designer 'Dicky' Bird, company director Ambrose Hitchman and sales director/test and demonstration pilot the late Ranald Porteous. All regaled me with fascinating stories of the marque, and Ranald became a particular friend. His tales (over the odd libation or six) were legion. The only one I can call accurately without a trip to my 'archive' (great heaps of paperwork in the loft) concerns his invention of the famous 'Porteous Loop' or 'Avalanche' as it is more commonly known in aerobatics circles these days. Over to Ranald:
"Finding that Farnborough (1951) was upon us and not wishing to be accused of serving up the mixture as before, I took up one of our new Aigiet Trainers shortly before lunch at Rearsby, determined to piece together a different and hopefully improved routine. After some thought and practice I proved to my own satisfaction that the Aiglet's quite remarkably crisp characteristics enabled it to flick reliably from inverted to inverted at the top of the loop, and decided to try this out on the dog. Arriving back over Rearsby Airfield I saw my colleagues and the workforce generally streaming towards the canteen for lunch, and entertained them overhead for a few minutes, including a few of my new-found 'Avalanches'. After landing I strolled over to join Frank Bates, my Managing Director, and asked him if he had noticed what I had been doing and whether he thought this strange manoeuvre would look effective at Farnborough. He looked at me quizzically and said: 'Are you trying to tell me that was intentional?'"
"Finding that Farnborough (1951) was upon us and not wishing to be accused of serving up the mixture as before, I took up one of our new Aigiet Trainers shortly before lunch at Rearsby, determined to piece together a different and hopefully improved routine. After some thought and practice I proved to my own satisfaction that the Aiglet's quite remarkably crisp characteristics enabled it to flick reliably from inverted to inverted at the top of the loop, and decided to try this out on the dog. Arriving back over Rearsby Airfield I saw my colleagues and the workforce generally streaming towards the canteen for lunch, and entertained them overhead for a few minutes, including a few of my new-found 'Avalanches'. After landing I strolled over to join Frank Bates, my Managing Director, and asked him if he had noticed what I had been doing and whether he thought this strange manoeuvre would look effective at Farnborough. He looked at me quizzically and said: 'Are you trying to tell me that was intentional?'"
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Austers
Low n Slows Auster must be one of the nicest around - and its been on the telly with its lucky owner - Plane Crazy on Discovery.
I am a real fan of the Cirrus Major 3.
I had a go in Chris Harrisons Auster out of Shotteswell Banbury a week or so ago.
Amazing how much mud can actually cling onto an aeroplane and still be there when you get back...
Great fun and a classic taildragger for tuppence hapenny.
Aren't us old plane nutters lucky that your average spamcan driver wouldn't even consider one - and wouldn't be able to fly one anyway without spending a few quid on a conversion.. That keeps the price down for the enthusiasts.
Funny isn't it that you can buy a perfectly airworthy Auster with lots of hours/ CofA left for a lot less than a rebuilt engine ?
Bring 'em to G-VFWE guys! We love 'em!
Can I have a go in yours Low n Slow?? (even though theres no way you'll get to 100 replies to your thread and I definately will!)
All the best!
HP
I am a real fan of the Cirrus Major 3.
I had a go in Chris Harrisons Auster out of Shotteswell Banbury a week or so ago.
Amazing how much mud can actually cling onto an aeroplane and still be there when you get back...
Great fun and a classic taildragger for tuppence hapenny.
Aren't us old plane nutters lucky that your average spamcan driver wouldn't even consider one - and wouldn't be able to fly one anyway without spending a few quid on a conversion.. That keeps the price down for the enthusiasts.
Funny isn't it that you can buy a perfectly airworthy Auster with lots of hours/ CofA left for a lot less than a rebuilt engine ?
Bring 'em to G-VFWE guys! We love 'em!
Can I have a go in yours Low n Slow?? (even though theres no way you'll get to 100 replies to your thread and I definately will!)
All the best!
HP
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Ah, the Auster…. What a wonderful little aircraft. I’ll be honest, I don’t know much about it (although that is all going to change this year), but it certainly looks like it has a personality to me!
So, can someone please tell me the costs involved in buying and operating an aircraft like the Auster? I see that the initial outlay is relatively cheep when compared to some of the other aircraft available. What other costs do you need to consider? What would you say is a good ‘ball park figure’ for maintenance?
If I’d had the pleasure of flying one, then I’d tell you all about my trip, but unfortunately, I haven’t been that fortunate:o ..... Yet
Happy landings
grob Driver
So, can someone please tell me the costs involved in buying and operating an aircraft like the Auster? I see that the initial outlay is relatively cheep when compared to some of the other aircraft available. What other costs do you need to consider? What would you say is a good ‘ball park figure’ for maintenance?
If I’d had the pleasure of flying one, then I’d tell you all about my trip, but unfortunately, I haven’t been that fortunate:o ..... Yet
Happy landings
grob Driver
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In the early fifties I used to ride from Barnstaple to Chivenor after Sunday School and watch the aircraft from the flying club there. Eventually, some kind chap walked over and said"Want to fly, son?" and off we went in a four seat, (2+2 anyway,) Auster. I`ve always loved Austers. They just look right.
I guess that was about `52 or `53. it was just after the Lynmouth floods anyway.
I seem to recall that they used to deliver daily papers to Lundy Island, presumably in the Auster, I have no idea what other aircraft they had.
Mike W
I guess that was about `52 or `53. it was just after the Lynmouth floods anyway.
I seem to recall that they used to deliver daily papers to Lundy Island, presumably in the Auster, I have no idea what other aircraft they had.
Mike W
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Austers bit of an acquired taste but you get to like em in the end.They still represent tremendous value.Memories are:-
1)Age 15 in 1968 spending all my spare cash on my first holiday on my own camping in the IOW for a quick joyride from Bembridge in an Auster G-AJ__ with a chinese pilot love to know the reggie any of you experts know??.
2)A J1 derelict at Headcorn for years G-AHAM I think and wishing I could afford to own it.
3)A flight with the late Bob Biggs(great guy killed shortly after flying a WW1 replica) in G-AGYK from Rochester my first go at flying one and thinking what a strange aeroplane compared to the exquisite and sensitive handling of the condors I,d just learnt on.
4)Flying the Aiglet trainer G-AMTA and wondering how it could be considered aerobatic !!that Ranald Porteous who legend has it put up wonderful aerobatic displays at Farnborough must have been an extremely talented and energetic pilot.
5)Finally for two seasons in my spare time flying G-ARUY for Roger Chaplins and Kevin Mace,s Gullwing Aviation joyriding out of Headcorn in the mid nineties.This operation was the last of an Auster on a Public transport AOC operation.Had to pass performance category U exams based on the Avro York to put it on my professional licence.With just 10 gallons of fuel and individually weighed pax could just make it a 4seater.No way to make money and a bit boring doing large circuits!.Still Headcorns inevitable crosswind and cabbage patch runway could make for an interesting days flying!! And this was considered to be a highly desirable auster one of the last manufactured with wide chord ailerons and wing tanks(oh luxury).
Not my favourite breed of aeroplane, a real period classic very character forming,a really cheap way to lift a good load have a great view and get in and out of short strips!!
1)Age 15 in 1968 spending all my spare cash on my first holiday on my own camping in the IOW for a quick joyride from Bembridge in an Auster G-AJ__ with a chinese pilot love to know the reggie any of you experts know??.
2)A J1 derelict at Headcorn for years G-AHAM I think and wishing I could afford to own it.
3)A flight with the late Bob Biggs(great guy killed shortly after flying a WW1 replica) in G-AGYK from Rochester my first go at flying one and thinking what a strange aeroplane compared to the exquisite and sensitive handling of the condors I,d just learnt on.
4)Flying the Aiglet trainer G-AMTA and wondering how it could be considered aerobatic !!that Ranald Porteous who legend has it put up wonderful aerobatic displays at Farnborough must have been an extremely talented and energetic pilot.
5)Finally for two seasons in my spare time flying G-ARUY for Roger Chaplins and Kevin Mace,s Gullwing Aviation joyriding out of Headcorn in the mid nineties.This operation was the last of an Auster on a Public transport AOC operation.Had to pass performance category U exams based on the Avro York to put it on my professional licence.With just 10 gallons of fuel and individually weighed pax could just make it a 4seater.No way to make money and a bit boring doing large circuits!.Still Headcorns inevitable crosswind and cabbage patch runway could make for an interesting days flying!! And this was considered to be a highly desirable auster one of the last manufactured with wide chord ailerons and wing tanks(oh luxury).
Not my favourite breed of aeroplane, a real period classic very character forming,a really cheap way to lift a good load have a great view and get in and out of short strips!!
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J1 or J5?
Had the joy and privilege of the left seat in J1 ZK-ALF, some years ago, tooling about the S. Island skies for an hour. Owned by a family ( all the guys are mad keen on flying.. well.. it's an Auster.. Duuhh!) who have since given Alfie the complete make-over.
Funny thing I remember, the rudder seemed a bit stiff, stiffer than the PA-38.. (I hadn't been flying long up to then). Anyhoo, enough Dutch-rolling and the owner's son who was flying with me prudently took the stick.
And another thing! The Auster has a 'stick' !!
If I wasn't so enamoured of 2 wings I'd seriously be motivated to rob... I mean ask someone where I could find one.
Another thing pt. II : When is an Auster a Taylorcraft?
Funny thing I remember, the rudder seemed a bit stiff, stiffer than the PA-38.. (I hadn't been flying long up to then). Anyhoo, enough Dutch-rolling and the owner's son who was flying with me prudently took the stick.
And another thing! The Auster has a 'stick' !!
If I wasn't so enamoured of 2 wings I'd seriously be motivated to rob... I mean ask someone where I could find one.
Another thing pt. II : When is an Auster a Taylorcraft?
Brought up on Biggles so knew all about Austers
Had a rebuilt J5 in mint RAN trim based at the local strip.
Finally invited to have a go by the proud owner........and
Couldn't adjust the seats.............and
Couldn't get blurry knees under the panel or feet on rudder bar
Enjoyable flight but would have been more enjoyable if I could have had a go too
Rossco, I thought the Auster was a licensed-built Taylorcraft?
Had a rebuilt J5 in mint RAN trim based at the local strip.
Finally invited to have a go by the proud owner........and
Couldn't adjust the seats.............and
Couldn't get blurry knees under the panel or feet on rudder bar
Enjoyable flight but would have been more enjoyable if I could have had a go too
Rossco, I thought the Auster was a licensed-built Taylorcraft?
Thread Starter
Hairyplane wasn't me on tv guv honest! Unless it was that moment when I slipped through the time/space continuum. 
Stampe G-AHAM is no longer derelict, she's mine!! I currently have bits of her (cowlings and so on) in my garage for some (not very expert) painting but she's definitely not derelict.
treadigraph where are you based? Once I've got the Star Annual over with I plan to do some whizzing about
Risky/Cooda the Auster was originally a licence built Taylorcraft but, like Mopsy, she just grew! As far as I know there is no parts commonality between the two breeds now which is a pity cos it would make maintenance cheaper.
Cooda you must be a tall chap! I'm 6' and 15 stone (210 lbs for the Transatlantics, 95 kg for the Mainlanders) and I can get comfy (ish) in mine!!!! But seriously, expecting adjustable seats in a British aeroplane of that era, c'mon. The designers thought they were being nice when they put in seats for the bods in the front
Stampe G-AHAM is no longer derelict, she's mine!! I currently have bits of her (cowlings and so on) in my garage for some (not very expert) painting but she's definitely not derelict.
treadigraph where are you based? Once I've got the Star Annual over with I plan to do some whizzing about
Risky/Cooda the Auster was originally a licence built Taylorcraft but, like Mopsy, she just grew! As far as I know there is no parts commonality between the two breeds now which is a pity cos it would make maintenance cheaper.
Cooda you must be a tall chap! I'm 6' and 15 stone (210 lbs for the Transatlantics, 95 kg for the Mainlanders) and I can get comfy (ish) in mine!!!! But seriously, expecting adjustable seats in a British aeroplane of that era, c'mon. The designers thought they were being nice when they put in seats for the bods in the front
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Back in the late 60's the Autair International social club bought an Auster. A magnificent beast.
Of course the main users were the F/O's but a couple of G/E's had PPL's
Anyhow we operated BAC 1-11 which contained a few parts made by abNormalair in Yeovil. One afternoon big panic for an air valve from Yeovil so one of the G/E's ( Martin) volunteered to go to Yeovil in the Auster and pick it up.
Coming back early evening and the clouds got lower and the ground got higher so he prudently elected to put in down on what looked a reasonable bit of grass. On landing the ground had a rise and he caught the prop on the ground.
By now it pouring down so he walks back to a building which turned out to be a golf club. He knocked on the door and said he had just had to land an aircraft on the Golf course. The guy apparently said " You havn't damaged the greens have you? "
Martin called in and said he would kip for the night and come in to Luton the next morning mentioning that he would just trim the prop tip that was damaged and cut and equal bit of the other blade which he did, with a purchased hacksaw !
I was in front of the hangar next morning waiting for the valve to fit, talking to our local ARB (CAA) man Ernie.
As Martin taxied up with quite a racket he stopped in front of the hangar and shut off, showing a very broad white newly cut prop tip. Ernie turned round said "I dont think I want to see this !"
and walked away !D
Dont know what happened to the machine in the end.
Ahhhhhhh Austers:
Of course the main users were the F/O's but a couple of G/E's had PPL's
Anyhow we operated BAC 1-11 which contained a few parts made by abNormalair in Yeovil. One afternoon big panic for an air valve from Yeovil so one of the G/E's ( Martin) volunteered to go to Yeovil in the Auster and pick it up.
Coming back early evening and the clouds got lower and the ground got higher so he prudently elected to put in down on what looked a reasonable bit of grass. On landing the ground had a rise and he caught the prop on the ground.
By now it pouring down so he walks back to a building which turned out to be a golf club. He knocked on the door and said he had just had to land an aircraft on the Golf course. The guy apparently said " You havn't damaged the greens have you? "
Martin called in and said he would kip for the night and come in to Luton the next morning mentioning that he would just trim the prop tip that was damaged and cut and equal bit of the other blade which he did, with a purchased hacksaw !
I was in front of the hangar next morning waiting for the valve to fit, talking to our local ARB (CAA) man Ernie.
As Martin taxied up with quite a racket he stopped in front of the hangar and shut off, showing a very broad white newly cut prop tip. Ernie turned round said "I dont think I want to see this !"
and walked away !D
Dont know what happened to the machine in the end.
Ahhhhhhh Austers:
LowN Slow
6'3" - but she's the only aircraft I ever had that problem in.
The C150B's manual flap lever used to give me a sore armpit on full flap and the canopy on the Thorpe T18 was a bit low
T'was only in later years that I visited the northern hemisphere and discovered that Tolkein's inspiration for hobbits/halflings was the same group that english cockpits were designed for
(How do you get through some of those doorways in the villages?)
6'3" - but she's the only aircraft I ever had that problem in.
The C150B's manual flap lever used to give me a sore armpit on full flap and the canopy on the Thorpe T18 was a bit low
T'was only in later years that I visited the northern hemisphere and discovered that Tolkein's inspiration for hobbits/halflings was the same group that english cockpits were designed for
(How do you get through some of those doorways in the villages?)
Thread Starter
GotThe T Shirt That sounds like the use (and abuse) the old Austers had to survive 
Cooda I'm sure the Auster factory at Rearsby could have offered you the "knee lowering option" to ensure maximum comfort while using their products (after the scars had healed). It would have been easier than designing adjustable seats
I used to drink in a pub in Dorset that was built in the 1400's. The doorway was about 5' 8" high......
Cooda I'm sure the Auster factory at Rearsby could have offered you the "knee lowering option" to ensure maximum comfort while using their products (after the scars had healed). It would have been easier than designing adjustable seats
I used to drink in a pub in Dorset that was built in the 1400's. The doorway was about 5' 8" high......
Per Ardua ad Astraeus
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I can JUST recall flying Jack Miller's J1N 'HHU' out of Wellcross, (Sussex, UK) and seem to recall the power on stall speed as 14 MPH???
Decades later air testing one with company engineer aboard doing the VMO run, and I KNEW there was something wrong from the angle and the noise but he was INSISTENT I kept going to get it done. I quit! We found a largish leak in the Pitot line................ Only the Lord knows what IAS we got to!
Great machines. Hated those heel brakes!
Decades later air testing one with company engineer aboard doing the VMO run, and I KNEW there was something wrong from the angle and the noise but he was INSISTENT I kept going to get it done. I quit! We found a largish leak in the Pitot line................ Only the Lord knows what IAS we got to!
Great machines. Hated those heel brakes!
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Some Auster pics for everyone to enjoy.
Mr G.
J-1N ALPHA Wickenby, Lincs. 1969
J-1N ALPHA Wickenby, Lincs. 1969
J-4 Wickenby, Lincs. 1969
J-2 ARROW Wickenby, Lincs. 1969
J-1N ALPHA Hemswell, Lincs. 1969
J-1 AUTOCRAT Blackbush, Hants. 1972
J-1 AUTOCRAT Blackbush, Hants. 1972. GAJUD - Repainted as K19823
5 Doncaster, Yorks. 1976
6A Hemswell, Lincs. 1969
Mr G.
J-1N ALPHA Wickenby, Lincs. 1969
J-1N ALPHA Wickenby, Lincs. 1969
J-4 Wickenby, Lincs. 1969
J-2 ARROW Wickenby, Lincs. 1969
J-1N ALPHA Hemswell, Lincs. 1969
J-1 AUTOCRAT Blackbush, Hants. 1972
J-1 AUTOCRAT Blackbush, Hants. 1972. GAJUD - Repainted as K19823
5 Doncaster, Yorks. 1976
6A Hemswell, Lincs. 1969
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Memories...... I learnt to fly on Austers at Southend in 1962
GAJUE (which I did my first solo I beleive this is still airworthy in Yorkshire) GAGTX, GAIZY all J/1 Autocrats. IZY had aerobatic seats fitted to enable us to learn spinning and recovery, but the CFI (Charles Cockburn) happily had us spin all of them. Most of the instructors were part time, and full time flew as captains for Channel Airways (Digby Docherty, Bernie Warman) Other instructors included John Keates and Dick Gliddon(whose son flies for Bristows up North).
I later joined The Rochford Hundred Flying Group owning GANHX a 5D then Autocar GAMFP and finally Terrier GASAK. I recently sold the dismantled GANHR. I also have connexions with Condors GAWEI and GAWSR and flew Miles m14a GAKKR with MPM group at Elstree. It was said at the time that if you could fly an Auster you could fly anything and I must say I agree.
All marvellous aircraft with individual personalities. the present day spam cans just cant compete
Does any of the above stir memories??
GAJUE (which I did my first solo I beleive this is still airworthy in Yorkshire) GAGTX, GAIZY all J/1 Autocrats. IZY had aerobatic seats fitted to enable us to learn spinning and recovery, but the CFI (Charles Cockburn) happily had us spin all of them. Most of the instructors were part time, and full time flew as captains for Channel Airways (Digby Docherty, Bernie Warman) Other instructors included John Keates and Dick Gliddon(whose son flies for Bristows up North).
I later joined The Rochford Hundred Flying Group owning GANHX a 5D then Autocar GAMFP and finally Terrier GASAK. I recently sold the dismantled GANHR. I also have connexions with Condors GAWEI and GAWSR and flew Miles m14a GAKKR with MPM group at Elstree. It was said at the time that if you could fly an Auster you could fly anything and I must say I agree.
All marvellous aircraft with individual personalities. the present day spam cans just cant compete
Does any of the above stir memories??
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welkyboy
Would you have instructed me at Southend ATC in 1973 ?
Also checked me out in G-AYYY.
And would Dick Gliddons son be Paul ? instructor ICL Flying Services Blackbush 1971
Regards
Mr G.
Would you have instructed me at Southend ATC in 1973 ?
Also checked me out in G-AYYY.
And would Dick Gliddons son be Paul ? instructor ICL Flying Services Blackbush 1971
Regards
Mr G.