Who will be in the air on December 17th?
Join Date: Dec 1999
Location: North by North West
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Set off to day from Blackpool to Elvington to celebrate 100 anniversary of flight at the Elvington Fly In near York. Fog was rolling in at Blackpool as we departed, then Leeds Zone to get to York one hour later. The weather at Elvington was awful....down to 600m visibility in fog. The air was also thick with aircraft arriving for the fly in (85 were due to turn up between 10 and 12 this morning). So we elected to head back to Blackpool...where the weather on reaching was less 1500m visibility in fog, also.
First approach was NDB to Runway10 but we couldn't see any runway lights and had to go around. We then decide to go for an ILS to R28 (with a tailwind!) rather than head back to Leeds (everywhere else was fogbound). This time we were successful...but only just as I was just about to go around as we had reached 200' and half-scale localiser deflection (not bad from the RHS ...but could do better). Hair raising stuff!! Typical British weather for any fly-in...I should have known better
p.s. there are around 85 Christmas dinners at Elvington if anybody is feeling hungry and wants to drive round to get them!
First approach was NDB to Runway10 but we couldn't see any runway lights and had to go around. We then decide to go for an ILS to R28 (with a tailwind!) rather than head back to Leeds (everywhere else was fogbound). This time we were successful...but only just as I was just about to go around as we had reached 200' and half-scale localiser deflection (not bad from the RHS ...but could do better). Hair raising stuff!! Typical British weather for any fly-in...I should have known better
p.s. there are around 85 Christmas dinners at Elvington if anybody is feeling hungry and wants to drive round to get them!
Join Date: Aug 2001
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Well, I'm delighted to be able to say that my logbook contains the cherished date, 17/12/03.
Nothing ground breaking, just an hour of practicing emergencies and other bits and bobs prior to tomorrow's QXC (which takes me Cambridge - Leicester - Norwich - Cambridge. Give us a wave, eh?
) I did harbour some rather romantic idea of doing a symbolic 120 foot hop, and if you count the distance between bounces one and two on today's landing, I reckon I've done it! 
And then on (by car) to Old Warden, my first visit for years. It won't be my last! Stood for a good couple of hours grinning at the sight of the two Maggies and the Tiger Moth chugging around. Also nice to see Airbedane getting up in HP's Falcon. As for the Boxkite, well... what an absolutely captivating machine, flown beautifully. I especially enjoyed watching the hop on the way to the runway, definately one of those images that I'll never forget. All in all, that Boxkite display was thoroughly deserving of the applause at the end.
I'd just like to thank all at OW for putting on such a wonderful display. Cheers guys.
Nothing ground breaking, just an hour of practicing emergencies and other bits and bobs prior to tomorrow's QXC (which takes me Cambridge - Leicester - Norwich - Cambridge. Give us a wave, eh?
) I did harbour some rather romantic idea of doing a symbolic 120 foot hop, and if you count the distance between bounces one and two on today's landing, I reckon I've done it! And then on (by car) to Old Warden, my first visit for years. It won't be my last! Stood for a good couple of hours grinning at the sight of the two Maggies and the Tiger Moth chugging around. Also nice to see Airbedane getting up in HP's Falcon. As for the Boxkite, well... what an absolutely captivating machine, flown beautifully. I especially enjoyed watching the hop on the way to the runway, definately one of those images that I'll never forget. All in all, that Boxkite display was thoroughly deserving of the applause at the end.
I'd just like to thank all at OW for putting on such a wonderful display. Cheers guys.
Join Date: Sep 2002
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37 minutes, out & back to Stapleford.
My 100th flight in a C152.
At the magic hour (15:35 GMT), watched the sun set with a pint of Boddies to toast the Wright brothers. (I'd landed by this point)
All in all an enjoyable and reflective day.
My 100th flight in a C152.
At the magic hour (15:35 GMT), watched the sun set with a pint of Boddies to toast the Wright brothers. (I'd landed by this point)
All in all an enjoyable and reflective day.
The Original Whirly
Join Date: Feb 1999
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The lowest, slowest flight??
I had an R22 booked from 13.00 to 14.30, the plan being to give my mate Paul a trial lesson. He's a f/w pilot who's temporarily lost his medical, so that way he could log it too.
I got to Hawarden at 12.00 in fog. No-one was flying, and the place was nearly deserted. Then I got told I couldn't do a lesson, as the QHI had gone home, and as a FI(R) I need to be supervised. Paul arrived, and we agreed he'd come as a passenger. I phoned ATC, and asked if we could hover-taxi the length of the runway. No, they said, not until the vis got up to 600 m; it was now about 300m. "If you turn over", said the friendly ATCO, "we won't see you and the fire trucks won't find you".
Fair comment I suppose. We decided to wait and see if the fog lifted, although Paul had driven in from the hills, which had sunshine, and could see the inversion layer holding the fog down. 
We called ATC an hour later, and another ATCO, who basically said he was busy with an ILS approach, said the vis was still too bad. We had coffee, "A" checked the helicopter, and waited. Then the ops manager said she wanted to go home!
It was cold, no-one was flying; she wanted to lock up and go. However, she agreed that I could have the aircraft key, tech log etc, and leave them in the helicopter if I managed to fly.
So we stayed in the hangar out of the icy wind (20kt cold wind AND fog!!!) and phoned ATC again an hour later, when the vis looked better, ie we could see half way across the airfield. This time I was prepared, and just asked for permission to lift, hover-taxi to the next hangar, come back, and shut down. I heard one ATCO tell another: "It's those helicopter people again!". Then another ATCO came on the line and said they could only handle one aircraft movement at a time in the poor vis, but that unless the police had to leave they had nothing happening for half an hour, could we be out and back by then. You bet we could!!!!!
So we dragged Bugsy (G-BVGS) out of the hangar, started up, hover taxied out on to the airfield, then to the helipad a third of the way down the runway, did a spot turn, and hover-taxied carefully back. I'd hoped to air taxi (get to about 30 ft and 30kts) but the vis was so poor I didn't really feel it was safe to even do that. But...we made it!!! We were airborne, on December 17th 2003 Who cares that it was only 10 minutes, at about 4 ft, and...er...maybe 5kts at most? We dragged Bugsy back into the hangar, cold but happy.
So do we get the prize for the lowest slowest flight???
I got to Hawarden at 12.00 in fog. No-one was flying, and the place was nearly deserted. Then I got told I couldn't do a lesson, as the QHI had gone home, and as a FI(R) I need to be supervised. Paul arrived, and we agreed he'd come as a passenger. I phoned ATC, and asked if we could hover-taxi the length of the runway. No, they said, not until the vis got up to 600 m; it was now about 300m. "If you turn over", said the friendly ATCO, "we won't see you and the fire trucks won't find you".
Fair comment I suppose. We decided to wait and see if the fog lifted, although Paul had driven in from the hills, which had sunshine, and could see the inversion layer holding the fog down. We called ATC an hour later, and another ATCO, who basically said he was busy with an ILS approach, said the vis was still too bad. We had coffee, "A" checked the helicopter, and waited. Then the ops manager said she wanted to go home!
It was cold, no-one was flying; she wanted to lock up and go. However, she agreed that I could have the aircraft key, tech log etc, and leave them in the helicopter if I managed to fly. So we stayed in the hangar out of the icy wind (20kt cold wind AND fog!!!) and phoned ATC again an hour later, when the vis looked better, ie we could see half way across the airfield. This time I was prepared, and just asked for permission to lift, hover-taxi to the next hangar, come back, and shut down. I heard one ATCO tell another: "It's those helicopter people again!". Then another ATCO came on the line and said they could only handle one aircraft movement at a time in the poor vis, but that unless the police had to leave they had nothing happening for half an hour, could we be out and back by then. You bet we could!!!!!
So we dragged Bugsy (G-BVGS) out of the hangar, started up, hover taxied out on to the airfield, then to the helipad a third of the way down the runway, did a spot turn, and hover-taxied carefully back. I'd hoped to air taxi (get to about 30 ft and 30kts) but the vis was so poor I didn't really feel it was safe to even do that.
But...we made it!!! We were airborne, on December 17th 2003 Who cares that it was only 10 minutes, at about 4 ft, and...er...maybe 5kts at most? We dragged Bugsy back into the hangar, cold but happy.So do we get the prize for the lowest slowest flight???
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: UK,Twighlight Zone
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Well I also managed Old Warden as planned along with a total 4:50 of flying today. Capped it all off with a fantastic night flight back home. Great to get the centenary date in my log book and great to see so many other aviators out celebrating the event.
Fantastic standards of airmanship shown today even with the sky's so crowded. I had a great day and would like to thank all of my fellow aviators for being part of this great occassion.
Long may it continue
Fantastic standards of airmanship shown today even with the sky's so crowded. I had a great day and would like to thank all of my fellow aviators for being part of this great occassion.
Long may it continue
Join Date: Aug 2000
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Despite glorious conditions at Booker, I can honestly say that I underachieved as compared with the Wright Borthers of 100 years ago. Since I am still awaiting a test permit for my Jungmann, all I could do was haul her out into the sun, get her started and do about 20 minutes of engine runs on my 65 year old Hirth engine....which runs like all good German engineering should
And she did look very pretty in the sun. So that is some consolation.
And she did look very pretty in the sun. So that is some consolation.
Join Date: Jun 2002
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Beautiful flying day South-west, good turnout at Eggesford -- 30 or so visiting aircraft. Took my 100-year old lady flying (and they all said she'd never get in the cub!). She loved it. Amply covered on BBC Spotlight and ITV Carlton early evening regional TV news.
Great day.
QDM
Great day.
QDM
Join Date: Mar 2003
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Lurrvely!
Have to say...the south of england was marvellous as usual today (despite it being like the M25 in the sky!). Beautiful all day and i enjoyed all of the 1:05hrs i flew for even if it was blindingly sunny towards the end of the day!
Anyone else thing we should have a day like this every year...so everyone can bunk off work and go flying (for a good reason!)
Anyone else thing we should have a day like this every year...so everyone can bunk off work and go flying (for a good reason!)
Join Date: Nov 1999
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What a superb day, not a cloud in the sky, great viz and almost no wind. Had a great flight down to Old Warden, bounced on landing like nearly everyone else! Saw the Boxkite fly at 10.35 met up with lots of friends, saw about 70 visiting aircraft, then off to Turweston for another fly-in. A similar number of visitors, lots more friends to chat to, then off back to Leicester landing 20 min or so before dark. Fantastic. Sorry to hear about the poor weather up north though.
Just done some night flying - a great night to be airborne in the East Midlands - clear conditions, no moon.
Remember that some told the Wright Brothers they were mad to even try and that they would never succeed. Where would we be if they had listened to the "dream stealers"?
Remember that some told the Wright Brothers they were mad to even try and that they would never succeed. Where would we be if they had listened to the "dream stealers"?
Join Date: Nov 2001
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It was a lovely day down in the South-East of England, although a little bit hazy.
And today was the day of my PPL skills test
which I am very pleased to say that I passed
At the time of 15:35 GMT, I was waiting at the holding point of Rwy 16 at Rochester in a mate's RV6 for a quick celebratory flight and then back to the airfield again
And today was the day of my PPL skills test
which I am very pleased to say that I passed
At the time of 15:35 GMT, I was waiting at the holding point of Rwy 16 at Rochester in a mate's RV6 for a quick celebratory flight and then back to the airfield again
Join Date: Jan 2003
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What a wonderful day! And it was also the sort of weather we dream about.
Mrs K & I got to North Weald at about 9:30 to discover that there was ain mpromptu Fly-in planned. We deiced the Koliber and took off for Old Warden at about 10:30, so we missed the Boxkite. There was an incredible number of aircraft arriving at Old Warden so a big thank you to Vintageatco for getting us all in safely.
I managed a half-decent landing - and Man-on-the-fence has photographic evidence of it too! But even at 11:00 the flight line was full so we parked at the very far end where shortly afterward mcross parked 'The Bitch' next to us. A Hawk did a low fly-by so we all waved vigorously. It was a bit embarrassing to walk the length of the flight line (I lost count at about 30 aircraft) and realise that I could only identify about 10 of them - hope Santa bring me a copy of The Observers Book of Light Aircraft!
Its been 15 years since we last visited Shuttleworth and I'd forgotten just how good it is. Its amazing to see so many old aircraft and even more amazing to realise that most of them are airworthy.
We met a few ppuners -stiknruda, mcross, Blue Robin and man-on-the-fence.
We saw the World's Most Beautiful Aeroplane's No 1 and No 2, (Spitfire and Comet), before heading off to Koli, Mrs K clutching her latest purchase, a Shuttleworth Teddy Bear pilot to go with the other six who just happened to have stowed away with us to join in the celebration!
The flight back to North Weald was uneventful, even though it was very hazy into the sun. After a cuppa and something to eat, we did it all over again! A short local flight over our respective workplaces so we could feel suitable sorry for our desk-bound colleagues - not!
So it was that we managed to be rejoining the circuit at 15:35, 100 years to the minute.
We were amazed at the number of aircraft that we saw during the day - a lot of aviators must have made the effort. North Weald recorded about 70 movements and made the evening news when a ppruner took a 100yr old lady for her first flight.
Thanks to all who made this a day to remember, especially the Weather Gods,
Mrs K & I got to North Weald at about 9:30 to discover that there was ain mpromptu Fly-in planned. We deiced the Koliber and took off for Old Warden at about 10:30, so we missed the Boxkite. There was an incredible number of aircraft arriving at Old Warden so a big thank you to Vintageatco for getting us all in safely.
I managed a half-decent landing - and Man-on-the-fence has photographic evidence of it too! But even at 11:00 the flight line was full so we parked at the very far end where shortly afterward mcross parked 'The Bitch' next to us. A Hawk did a low fly-by so we all waved vigorously. It was a bit embarrassing to walk the length of the flight line (I lost count at about 30 aircraft) and realise that I could only identify about 10 of them - hope Santa bring me a copy of The Observers Book of Light Aircraft!
Its been 15 years since we last visited Shuttleworth and I'd forgotten just how good it is. Its amazing to see so many old aircraft and even more amazing to realise that most of them are airworthy.
We met a few ppuners -stiknruda, mcross, Blue Robin and man-on-the-fence.
We saw the World's Most Beautiful Aeroplane's No 1 and No 2, (Spitfire and Comet), before heading off to Koli, Mrs K clutching her latest purchase, a Shuttleworth Teddy Bear pilot to go with the other six who just happened to have stowed away with us to join in the celebration!
The flight back to North Weald was uneventful, even though it was very hazy into the sun. After a cuppa and something to eat, we did it all over again! A short local flight over our respective workplaces so we could feel suitable sorry for our desk-bound colleagues - not!
So it was that we managed to be rejoining the circuit at 15:35, 100 years to the minute.
We were amazed at the number of aircraft that we saw during the day - a lot of aviators must have made the effort. North Weald recorded about 70 movements and made the evening news when a ppruner took a 100yr old lady for her first flight.
Thanks to all who made this a day to remember, especially the Weather Gods,
Join Date: Jul 2003
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Had to wait until about 11.00 am before the ceilings lifted, then suddenly it was beautiful clear skies, temps about 15 deg F. no wind.
The wait gave me plenty of time to shovel the snow away from the hangar. Icy runway, but once up it was 'severe clear' above the inversion layer at 1000ft. 3 takeoffs and landings to stop, just like the Bros.
Wonderful to join you guys, albeit from afar.
Regards,
White Bear.
N.B. Driving rain this AM at Kitty Hawk, so I doubt they flew.
They did have the pleasure of listening to GW'ds latest verbal epic though.....
The wait gave me plenty of time to shovel the snow away from the hangar. Icy runway, but once up it was 'severe clear' above the inversion layer at 1000ft. 3 takeoffs and landings to stop, just like the Bros.
Wonderful to join you guys, albeit from afar.
Regards,
White Bear.
N.B. Driving rain this AM at Kitty Hawk, so I doubt they flew.
They did have the pleasure of listening to GW'ds latest verbal epic though.....
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We got airborne in the Champ at 1200, went to Elvington for the fly in but it was fogged - ended at Bagby for chips and tea ! Tried again, still fogged, ended at Breighton for another tea !
Got airborne at 2.30 to go to another strip, call came in - Elvington was clearing, so we went there again and landed in misty conditions.
Got airborne again and went over to my friend's strip at Harrogate where he had just got his Tiger Moth out to fly at 3.35/10.35. Had a chat, light fading, we flew again back to Walton Wood - climbed to 4,500 feet to stretch the sunset and landed just before it went down. Adjourned to the pub for a couple of swift ales and then home.
Managed to put a mini speech about the Wright's achievement on the tape at LBA smack on the time they got airborne.
What a glorious day !
Got airborne at 2.30 to go to another strip, call came in - Elvington was clearing, so we went there again and landed in misty conditions.
Got airborne again and went over to my friend's strip at Harrogate where he had just got his Tiger Moth out to fly at 3.35/10.35. Had a chat, light fading, we flew again back to Walton Wood - climbed to 4,500 feet to stretch the sunset and landed just before it went down. Adjourned to the pub for a couple of swift ales and then home.
Managed to put a mini speech about the Wright's achievement on the tape at LBA smack on the time they got airborne.
What a glorious day !
Join Date: Jun 2002
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What a fantastic day ..... still on a high ...... 100 legal circuits in the same public cat a/c at licensed airfields :-)
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/3326037.stm
Thanks to everyone who helped and supported us - Highland and Island Airports (Islay and Campbeltown), Glasgow Prestwick International, Prestwick Flight Centre and West of Scotland PFA and BACX for the jerrycans !! Particular mentions to Niall at Islay for the venison and for getting dizzy watching us go round and round and round - Chris in the Tower at Prestwick for slotting us in to do the 100th landing at 1535hrs ...... 100 years to the minute..... and John Stevens at PIK for getting up early to let us in !! Thanks one and all. Here's to 2103 !
Now drinking some Ardbeg
www.ardbeg.com
in honour of Orville and Wilbur. Cheers guys, here's to the next centenary !
100 legal circuits in the same public cat a/c at licensed airfields :-)http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/3326037.stm
Thanks to everyone who helped and supported us - Highland and Island Airports (Islay and Campbeltown), Glasgow Prestwick International, Prestwick Flight Centre and West of Scotland PFA and BACX for the jerrycans !! Particular mentions to Niall at Islay for the venison and for getting dizzy watching us go round and round and round - Chris in the Tower at Prestwick for slotting us in to do the 100th landing at 1535hrs ...... 100 years to the minute..... and John Stevens at PIK for getting up early to let us in !! Thanks one and all. Here's to 2103 !
Now drinking some Ardbeg
www.ardbeg.com
in honour of Orville and Wilbur. Cheers guys, here's to the next centenary !
Spoon PPRuNerist & Mad Inistrator
Great stories, Guys and Gals -
Congratulations to everyone who made it into the air (and back again safely)
Commiserations to everyone who was "up there in spirit" - especially Penguina.
Unfortunately I was in the latter camp today, but I did tell everyone in the office that it was 100 years ago today etc. (and looked out the window a lot) 
Cheers
SD
Congratulations to everyone who made it into the air (and back again safely)
Commiserations to everyone who was "up there in spirit" - especially Penguina.
Unfortunately I was in the latter camp today,
but I did tell everyone in the office that it was 100 years ago today etc. (and looked out the window a lot) Cheers
SD
Join Date: Jan 2002
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I had a great night flight and managed to get up to 8000ft over the IOW, the weather was perfect. i did get alot of orbit practice in though as it was Southampton's busy hour. It was not a problem though as I was more interested in finding my way back to the airfield than doing circuits.
Busier than a busy day at Wycombe today (made a Summer Sunday look tame!) as we all strove to get our short flights in (the Club rationed us to short slots as so many wanted to fly).
Couldn't have wished for much better wx for the time of year, which meant it was heaving with all manner of aeronautical activity.
Managed 2 flights, one as P1 in the Club 172R (3 circuits only due to time) and one in the back (including 4 traffic-induced go-arounds!) of a 182S.
Well done to all at WAC for making it happen and making it fun - fab period costume ladies
Some decent wedge raised for RAFBF aswell
Couldn't have wished for much better wx for the time of year, which meant it was heaving with all manner of aeronautical activity.
Managed 2 flights, one as P1 in the Club 172R (3 circuits only due to time) and one in the back (including 4 traffic-induced go-arounds!) of a 182S.
Well done to all at WAC for making it happen and making it fun - fab period costume ladies
Some decent wedge raised for RAFBF aswell
Join Date: Dec 2002
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Great Day!
Dragged the 'ol Cub out, flew into Glos, Cotswold aero club had planned to get 100 people in the air during the day.. when we arrived at 14.20 they had already made it. As a sorta member my pax and I were number 105/6 for the day - well done! Had a cuppa in the sunshine whilst watching almost uninterrupted movements. Hats off the Glos ATC as they were working extremely hard and doing a great job..
We were airborne again by 15.00 and routed back to Eastbach - then followed an in-promtu formation session with Adrian in the Taylorcraft who we found loafing about in the overhead. After that we counted down to 15.35 and celebrated with a few wing-overs, stalls and steep turns. Then it was back for a few circuits culminating in a perfect landing up the 100m bank - Yey!
It's a privilege to fly any day, but today was special - it was an honor.
Kingy
Dragged the 'ol Cub out, flew into Glos, Cotswold aero club had planned to get 100 people in the air during the day.. when we arrived at 14.20 they had already made it. As a sorta member my pax and I were number 105/6 for the day - well done! Had a cuppa in the sunshine whilst watching almost uninterrupted movements. Hats off the Glos ATC as they were working extremely hard and doing a great job..
We were airborne again by 15.00 and routed back to Eastbach - then followed an in-promtu formation session with Adrian in the Taylorcraft who we found loafing about in the overhead. After that we counted down to 15.35 and celebrated with a few wing-overs, stalls and steep turns. Then it was back for a few circuits culminating in a perfect landing up the 100m bank - Yey!
It's a privilege to fly any day, but today was special - it was an honor.
Kingy
