"Mr Chipmunk"
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"Mr Chipmunk"
When I was an Air Cadet I undertook a Flying Scholarship in 1980, and being on the last course we were told we would be flying with a visiting examiner from Central Flying School.
When the day arrived it was very blustery with squalls and low cloud so it was decided that one circuit each would suffice. My "circuit" was lengthened after a very rough approach, resulting in my decosion to go around. The judgement was that my decision was correct and my flying generally was regarded as above average. The examiners name was Sqn Ldr Winterbourne and somer years later when I was relating this to someone they commented "oh you had Mr Chipmunk". I took that to mean S/L Winterbourne had an affinity with this much loved aircraft can anyone enlighten me further please?
When the day arrived it was very blustery with squalls and low cloud so it was decided that one circuit each would suffice. My "circuit" was lengthened after a very rough approach, resulting in my decosion to go around. The judgement was that my decision was correct and my flying generally was regarded as above average. The examiners name was Sqn Ldr Winterbourne and somer years later when I was relating this to someone they commented "oh you had Mr Chipmunk". I took that to mean S/L Winterbourne had an affinity with this much loved aircraft can anyone enlighten me further please?
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If it was Dennis, he was my instructor at EFTS RAF Swinderby, from what I remember, he initially appeared grumpy, but actually had a great sense of humour. He must have been a great instructor because he managed to get me through the course and I was really really hopeless!! 
I think he flew Canberras??
I think he flew Canberras??
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I'm sure it was the aforementioned Dennis Winterbottom. I knew him in a previous life and he was a true gent with a great sense of humour. He was, I believe, also riding ridiculously fast motorbikes well into his sixties.
I hope he is still around.
HAL
I hope he is still around.
HAL
Sqn Ldr J S Winterbourne MBE AFC Retd
Another vote for John Winterbourne, who was on CFS Exam Wing up to his retirement in 1985.
I bumped into him on his trapper trips to 6 AEF and during his time post retirement serving at 6 AEF before he went abroad to teach.
When I attended CFS years later I remember seeing a painting of John in the mess at Scampton with I believe a Chipmunk.
He was certainly known as Mr Chipmunk and I believe he is your man.
I bumped into him on his trapper trips to 6 AEF and during his time post retirement serving at 6 AEF before he went abroad to teach.
When I attended CFS years later I remember seeing a painting of John in the mess at Scampton with I believe a Chipmunk.
He was certainly known as Mr Chipmunk and I believe he is your man.
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The Dennis referred to must have been Sqn Ldr Winterbottom - my primary on 19EFTS Cse, until he went on lve for a couple of weeks and I discovered that apparently flying instruction could consist of a little more than withering criticism. Not my favourite QFI ever, although anyone who's still drag-racing motorbikes on the wrong side of 60 plainly has something right in their life.
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Mr Ripley - that is the man, I recall someone saying there was a painting of him with a Chipmunk, can you tell me any more about his career, for what was he awarded the Air Force Cross and why his particulat passion for the Chipmunk etc
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Ah, Dennis. Remember the first time I saw him - big road bike pulls up with leather clad figure atop. T'was a bit of a shock when he removed his lid 
There were a lot of old boys @ EFTS who could easily be labelled "Mr Chipmunk"
There were a lot of old boys @ EFTS who could easily be labelled "Mr Chipmunk"
Last edited by MostlyHarmless; 14th Apr 2009 at 13:11. Reason: Sp.
John Winterbourne: I first met him at Bristol UAS, 1958, when he was CFI there (so he was Flt Lt at the time) and I was a shiny (?) new student. He was around the training world for ever after that, it seemed, and I kept running into him, mostly at CFS, for the next 15 years or so.
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Dennis Winterbottom, my Father, could qualify as Mr Chipmunk. He rued the day when the Bulldog came in saying that it was a mistake to use a basic trainer that you could get an ape solo in three hours. He was so happy when EFTS got the Chipmunk back which saw him through to his retirement which was after his 60th I believe. Sadly arthritis in the hands put paid to his motorcycling but my brother and I are keeping up the tradition. Correct about XVI at Laarbruch and CFS "Rissy" which was followed by many more postings instructing. For any of his old students that may read this I sympathise with the "withering criticism" but you probably deserved it.
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wintys, please pass the regards of an old EFTS stude to your old man when you next speak. Sorry to hear that age is finally catching up with him 
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aw ditor, I was indeed at Monmouth, your user name gives nothing away give us a clue(or are you Simon?) via a pm.
MostlyHarmless, thanks for your wishes which I shall pass on, do you want to say who from?
MostlyHarmless, thanks for your wishes which I shall pass on, do you want to say who from?
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Given the volume of Studes that passed his way, I'm sure my name would mean little to him considering (AFAIR) I only flew an IFT with him. Take it as a collective "Regards" from the ghosts of students past from about the time a Chippy fired up post-engine change in the hangar whilst they were fitting the prop. (No injuries, just a helluva noise/mess!)