Please Rally Round for WW2 Veterans
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Please Rally Round for WW2 Veterans
My turn to ask for some help please. Project Propeller is in dire need of help. Pilots willing to fly veterans on their only, annual fly in, people to help on the ground and, unfortunately, money 
This year the host airfield is charging a blanket landing fee of £400 which, coming on top of reduced/withdrawn contributions and the desire to feed these wonderful people, means that PP is more than usually stretched. So, please would you help? I don't mind how you do it - kidnap your OC, his dog, cat, wife, children, best mate and demand a ransom, pin him up against a wall until he agrees to allow you to borrow a Hercules to transport some of the veterans, get him to send some ground helpers, borrow a couple of helicopters, (we all know that they and the Hercules won't be doing anything from Friday afternoon to Monday morning so someone might as well benefit) 
ANYTHING to help this day be the best yet. I'll be there on the ground to help. I do not need to tell you how much we owe this dwindling bunch of real heroes.
Here is the tale of Project Propeller, how it came into being and up to date news.
Project Propeller – The Background
The seed was sown in 1998 at Elstree. Gideon Todes commenting on the weekend aviation activity to Ian Burnstock, ‘ All these people seem to do is fly around in useless circles, why can’t we harness their energy more effectively? perhaps they could give ex-wartime aircrew the chance to fly again’. And so Project Propeller was born.
Ian and Gideon contacted Aircrew Associations throughout the country, bounced the idea off fellow pilots, made enquiries at possible airfield venues and in the spring of 1999, sixty-four light aircraft, carrying around one hundred ex-WW2 aviators congregated at The Squadron, North Weald Airfield in Essex.
It was a purely charitable event. Airfields waived landing fees, pilots contributed their time and their aircraft at no charge, food and drink was on the house and a simply wonderful time was had by all. Many of the wartime aircrew hadn’t been in an aircraft since the war and some even got the chance to actually handle the controls again. A great, unqualified success, it had to happen again.
The downside of the first ‘Project’ was the stress and strain of just two people coping with every aspect of the organisation. The logistics were awesome; from matching pilots to passengers, negotiating with airfields across the country to waive landing fees, calculating arrival slot times, arranging catering . . . and all this was done without a computer, fighting and arguing across the dining table in Ian Burnstock’s flat. Ian’s wife, incidentally was not too happy at the spray glue which, following these ‘planning’ sessions, which coated floor, ceiling and furniture. Gideon and Ian used a can of this substance to stick names of pilots, aircrew and airfields on to large sheets of paper for easy reference. The problem solved itself following this first event by the appearance of Dennis Ray, one of the pilots who also happened to be a computer wizard. For all future events Dennis and his skills became the fulcrum of the organisation. No more glue spray cans, a marriage continued! Also another talented helper materialised, Pitts Special owner Dave Cockburn. Due to pressure of work, Dennis stepped out of the group in 2010 and Nick Potter took over his duties. Now the organisers are a team of three, Nick, Ian and Dave, plus wives, girlfriends and offspring. Gideon is still involved but only as a participating pilot.
The labour of administrating the event is roughly divided, although tasks tend to overlap. However, it could be said that Nick is the one who maintains contact and establishes co-ordination between the pilots and our veteran guests, Dave tends to deal with matters such as catering, the organisation of essential items such as the power generator, tables, chairs, marquee and is also our resident sound engineer and Ian works on fund-raising, finding venues, cajoling speakers to come along and arranging the musical entertainment.
2000 saw the event at Duxford, this time one hundred aircraft and two hundred and fifty veterans. The usual refreshments, plus the appearance of a guest speaker, Ken Wallis and his autogiro. Extra joy flights in interesting aircraft were available and for the stout hearted, aerobatic trips were organised.
In 2001 the Project returned to Duxford. It should have been at RAF Coningsby, home of the Memorial Flight, but the MOD in its wisdom would have imposed high landing and parking fees plus insurance for all visiting aircraft. So reluctantly and to the great sorrow of the CO, the Wing Commander Flying and all the officers and men at the station, plans had to be changed. The event followed the usual formula, but this year the guest speaker was record breaker and test pilot Alex Henshaw.
2002 was Kemble. This year a full swing band was laid on. Guest speaker was John Farley of Harrier fame. Added ‘superbonuses’ on this occasion were a Dakota and a Dove kindly contributed by the late Victor Gauntlett, which gave joyrides to over a hundred of the veterans.
2003, Elvington, the Yorkshire Air Museum. Again a swing band and TWO guest speakers, cartoonist Ken Aitken and naval aviator, test pilot and writer Eric (Winkle) Brown.
2004 brought the project in full circle, a return to North Weald. 100 visiting aircraft and 270 veterans. This time Diana Barnato Walker, famous ATA pilot and the first woman to fly a jet, was the guest speaker and entertainment was provided by an Andrews-Sisters-type singing group.
2005 brought a return to Kemble, on Saturday 25th June. Unfortunately, the event this year was fraught with very poor weather and rather that the 120 aircraft expected, only 36 managed to make it. However, a number of the pilots rather than disappoint their passengers drove in - some from as far afield as London and the midlands. In all, the attendees this year totalled around 150. As we had planned for 350 and had ordered 500 sandwiches and almost as many cakes, a number of truck drivers and coach travellers in truck parks on the way back to London received unexpected – and very welcome - extra nourishment. Nevertheless, the hired jazz band played, an Antonov biplane took virtually everybody up for a joy flight and there were certainly no complaints from the attendees.
It could be mentioned that there is a problem with the event, the proverbial one, money. Everything is provided for the veterans, flights, refreshment, entertainment and particularly, good companionship. But nevertheless, it costs. For the last few Projects, the veterans have been asked to contribute a nominal sum on arrival at the venue. In addition, collections are made at the event itself and some monies are contributed in advance by well-wishers. We have even managed to bring in the Lottery and in 2005 they contributed £2,900.00. As a matter of interest, one of our ‘sponsors’ is a medical consultant who threatens to withhold treatment from his patients unless they pay up.
PP 2006 took place at Halfpenny Green Airfield on Saturday June 24th. We received more help from the lottery, some 100 plus aircraft attended, Raymond Baxter was our guest speaker, the BBMF flew a Spitfire over the gathering and a swing band entertained. The weather was perfect and all-in-all, this was one of the best events yet.
2007 saw the Project at Bruntingthorpe airfield near Leicester and for the first time, the weather almost won! It was terrible, very heavy rain and lots of wind and instead of 100-pus aircraft, only twelve made it. However, thanks to the dedication and enthusiasm of the pilots, our ex-aircrew guests were driven in from all parts of the country. Their pilots had changed their flying helmets for chauffeurs’ hats and made sure that their passengers could get to the Project. Even our guest speaker, air speed record breaker Peter Twiss was driven in by his pilot from his south coast home. The RAF had to cancel the appearance of the Lancaster, Spitfire and Hurricane because of the 500 foot ceiling and the expected 40 Tiger Moths certainly could not get there. But the band played, refreshments were served and the day proved to be one of the best ever.
Old Warden Airfield, home of the Shuttleworth Collection of vintage cars and aircraft was the 2008 venue.for the event. This time the weather was kind and 100-plus aircraft arrived with their consignment of eager veterans. The same Andrews Sisters look-and-sing-alike group –the ‘Hummingbirds- who had previously entertained at Kemble, again sang their hearts out and the guest speaker was Tony Blackman who among many other things, had been chief test pilot on the Vulcan bomber development. The Collection flew a number of their aircraft and a privately owned Kittyhawk was displayed. Yet another memorable day for a lot of gallant old gentlemen.
Bruntingthorpe welcomed us for the second time in 2009, but this time we were moderately lucky with the weather. Of the expected 103 aircraft, some 75 arrived but again, a number of our dedicated pilots drove their aircrew guests into the event - one in a 1919 model ‘T’ Ford. Round-the-World Flyer, Polly Vacher was the guest speaker and music was laid on by John Hunter who apart from being a music teacher and a brilliant pianist is a Full Member of the Guild of Aviation Artists. And finally, our thanks go to, Squadron Leader Al Pinner, the CO of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, who, in spite of the limited ceiling, flew their Mark 19 Spitfire to the event and gave a brilliant display.
East Kirkby, home to the Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre and the only other ‘working’ Lancaster in the United Kingdom, was the venue in 2010 and although it has been said before, this, by common assent, really was one of the best PP events to date. The venue itself is packed with interest and artefacts that stirred the memories and imaginations of all present. Our guest speaker, Bob Foster, one of the few remaining Battle of Britain pilots, gave a fascinating talk about his experiences during and after that memorable period and as always, the refreshments were excellent as was the live musical background organised by John Hunter. This year ninety-eight aircraft participated and the BBMF joined in with a Mark 9 Spitfire flyby. Now for 2011 - on Saturday June 11th, the venue will be WICKENBY AIRFIELD in Lincolnshire . . . we all hope to see you there!
Project Propeller has become an institution, long may it continue.
This year the host airfield is charging a blanket landing fee of £400 which, coming on top of reduced/withdrawn contributions and the desire to feed these wonderful people, means that PP is more than usually stretched. So, please would you help? I don't mind how you do it - kidnap your OC, his dog, cat, wife, children, best mate and demand a ransom, pin him up against a wall until he agrees to allow you to borrow a Hercules to transport some of the veterans, get him to send some ground helpers, borrow a couple of helicopters, (we all know that they and the Hercules won't be doing anything from Friday afternoon to Monday morning so someone might as well benefit) ANYTHING to help this day be the best yet. I'll be there on the ground to help. I do not need to tell you how much we owe this dwindling bunch of real heroes.Here is the tale of Project Propeller, how it came into being and up to date news.
Project Propeller – The Background
The seed was sown in 1998 at Elstree. Gideon Todes commenting on the weekend aviation activity to Ian Burnstock, ‘ All these people seem to do is fly around in useless circles, why can’t we harness their energy more effectively? perhaps they could give ex-wartime aircrew the chance to fly again’. And so Project Propeller was born.
Ian and Gideon contacted Aircrew Associations throughout the country, bounced the idea off fellow pilots, made enquiries at possible airfield venues and in the spring of 1999, sixty-four light aircraft, carrying around one hundred ex-WW2 aviators congregated at The Squadron, North Weald Airfield in Essex.
It was a purely charitable event. Airfields waived landing fees, pilots contributed their time and their aircraft at no charge, food and drink was on the house and a simply wonderful time was had by all. Many of the wartime aircrew hadn’t been in an aircraft since the war and some even got the chance to actually handle the controls again. A great, unqualified success, it had to happen again.
The downside of the first ‘Project’ was the stress and strain of just two people coping with every aspect of the organisation. The logistics were awesome; from matching pilots to passengers, negotiating with airfields across the country to waive landing fees, calculating arrival slot times, arranging catering . . . and all this was done without a computer, fighting and arguing across the dining table in Ian Burnstock’s flat. Ian’s wife, incidentally was not too happy at the spray glue which, following these ‘planning’ sessions, which coated floor, ceiling and furniture. Gideon and Ian used a can of this substance to stick names of pilots, aircrew and airfields on to large sheets of paper for easy reference. The problem solved itself following this first event by the appearance of Dennis Ray, one of the pilots who also happened to be a computer wizard. For all future events Dennis and his skills became the fulcrum of the organisation. No more glue spray cans, a marriage continued! Also another talented helper materialised, Pitts Special owner Dave Cockburn. Due to pressure of work, Dennis stepped out of the group in 2010 and Nick Potter took over his duties. Now the organisers are a team of three, Nick, Ian and Dave, plus wives, girlfriends and offspring. Gideon is still involved but only as a participating pilot.
The labour of administrating the event is roughly divided, although tasks tend to overlap. However, it could be said that Nick is the one who maintains contact and establishes co-ordination between the pilots and our veteran guests, Dave tends to deal with matters such as catering, the organisation of essential items such as the power generator, tables, chairs, marquee and is also our resident sound engineer and Ian works on fund-raising, finding venues, cajoling speakers to come along and arranging the musical entertainment.
2000 saw the event at Duxford, this time one hundred aircraft and two hundred and fifty veterans. The usual refreshments, plus the appearance of a guest speaker, Ken Wallis and his autogiro. Extra joy flights in interesting aircraft were available and for the stout hearted, aerobatic trips were organised.
In 2001 the Project returned to Duxford. It should have been at RAF Coningsby, home of the Memorial Flight, but the MOD in its wisdom would have imposed high landing and parking fees plus insurance for all visiting aircraft. So reluctantly and to the great sorrow of the CO, the Wing Commander Flying and all the officers and men at the station, plans had to be changed. The event followed the usual formula, but this year the guest speaker was record breaker and test pilot Alex Henshaw.
2002 was Kemble. This year a full swing band was laid on. Guest speaker was John Farley of Harrier fame. Added ‘superbonuses’ on this occasion were a Dakota and a Dove kindly contributed by the late Victor Gauntlett, which gave joyrides to over a hundred of the veterans.
2003, Elvington, the Yorkshire Air Museum. Again a swing band and TWO guest speakers, cartoonist Ken Aitken and naval aviator, test pilot and writer Eric (Winkle) Brown.
2004 brought the project in full circle, a return to North Weald. 100 visiting aircraft and 270 veterans. This time Diana Barnato Walker, famous ATA pilot and the first woman to fly a jet, was the guest speaker and entertainment was provided by an Andrews-Sisters-type singing group.
2005 brought a return to Kemble, on Saturday 25th June. Unfortunately, the event this year was fraught with very poor weather and rather that the 120 aircraft expected, only 36 managed to make it. However, a number of the pilots rather than disappoint their passengers drove in - some from as far afield as London and the midlands. In all, the attendees this year totalled around 150. As we had planned for 350 and had ordered 500 sandwiches and almost as many cakes, a number of truck drivers and coach travellers in truck parks on the way back to London received unexpected – and very welcome - extra nourishment. Nevertheless, the hired jazz band played, an Antonov biplane took virtually everybody up for a joy flight and there were certainly no complaints from the attendees.
It could be mentioned that there is a problem with the event, the proverbial one, money. Everything is provided for the veterans, flights, refreshment, entertainment and particularly, good companionship. But nevertheless, it costs. For the last few Projects, the veterans have been asked to contribute a nominal sum on arrival at the venue. In addition, collections are made at the event itself and some monies are contributed in advance by well-wishers. We have even managed to bring in the Lottery and in 2005 they contributed £2,900.00. As a matter of interest, one of our ‘sponsors’ is a medical consultant who threatens to withhold treatment from his patients unless they pay up.
PP 2006 took place at Halfpenny Green Airfield on Saturday June 24th. We received more help from the lottery, some 100 plus aircraft attended, Raymond Baxter was our guest speaker, the BBMF flew a Spitfire over the gathering and a swing band entertained. The weather was perfect and all-in-all, this was one of the best events yet.
2007 saw the Project at Bruntingthorpe airfield near Leicester and for the first time, the weather almost won! It was terrible, very heavy rain and lots of wind and instead of 100-pus aircraft, only twelve made it. However, thanks to the dedication and enthusiasm of the pilots, our ex-aircrew guests were driven in from all parts of the country. Their pilots had changed their flying helmets for chauffeurs’ hats and made sure that their passengers could get to the Project. Even our guest speaker, air speed record breaker Peter Twiss was driven in by his pilot from his south coast home. The RAF had to cancel the appearance of the Lancaster, Spitfire and Hurricane because of the 500 foot ceiling and the expected 40 Tiger Moths certainly could not get there. But the band played, refreshments were served and the day proved to be one of the best ever.
Old Warden Airfield, home of the Shuttleworth Collection of vintage cars and aircraft was the 2008 venue.for the event. This time the weather was kind and 100-plus aircraft arrived with their consignment of eager veterans. The same Andrews Sisters look-and-sing-alike group –the ‘Hummingbirds- who had previously entertained at Kemble, again sang their hearts out and the guest speaker was Tony Blackman who among many other things, had been chief test pilot on the Vulcan bomber development. The Collection flew a number of their aircraft and a privately owned Kittyhawk was displayed. Yet another memorable day for a lot of gallant old gentlemen.
Bruntingthorpe welcomed us for the second time in 2009, but this time we were moderately lucky with the weather. Of the expected 103 aircraft, some 75 arrived but again, a number of our dedicated pilots drove their aircrew guests into the event - one in a 1919 model ‘T’ Ford. Round-the-World Flyer, Polly Vacher was the guest speaker and music was laid on by John Hunter who apart from being a music teacher and a brilliant pianist is a Full Member of the Guild of Aviation Artists. And finally, our thanks go to, Squadron Leader Al Pinner, the CO of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, who, in spite of the limited ceiling, flew their Mark 19 Spitfire to the event and gave a brilliant display.
East Kirkby, home to the Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre and the only other ‘working’ Lancaster in the United Kingdom, was the venue in 2010 and although it has been said before, this, by common assent, really was one of the best PP events to date. The venue itself is packed with interest and artefacts that stirred the memories and imaginations of all present. Our guest speaker, Bob Foster, one of the few remaining Battle of Britain pilots, gave a fascinating talk about his experiences during and after that memorable period and as always, the refreshments were excellent as was the live musical background organised by John Hunter. This year ninety-eight aircraft participated and the BBMF joined in with a Mark 9 Spitfire flyby. Now for 2011 - on Saturday June 11th, the venue will be WICKENBY AIRFIELD in Lincolnshire . . . we all hope to see you there!
Project Propeller has become an institution, long may it continue.
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Wombat,
I'm shocked to read this.
Is it normal for airfields to landing fees for Project Propeller? £400 sounds like an awful lot of money for landing fees at an airfield like Wickenby. I would have thought that the owners would have been delights to welcome PP to the famous bomber base... not charge £400 for veterans to land at their airfields. I'm shocked.
I'm shocked to read this.
Is it normal for airfields to landing fees for Project Propeller? £400 sounds like an awful lot of money for landing fees at an airfield like Wickenby. I would have thought that the owners would have been delights to welcome PP to the famous bomber base... not charge £400 for veterans to land at their airfields. I'm shocked.
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I'm shocked also.
There is no real need to charge landing fees for this kind of event. The publicity alone more than pays for any possible expenses incurred by the airfield and the prestige of the event should be ample reward.
Shame on Wickenby that they feel the need to charge syuch an outrageous amount for these old heroes.
TSM
There is no real need to charge landing fees for this kind of event. The publicity alone more than pays for any possible expenses incurred by the airfield and the prestige of the event should be ample reward.
Shame on Wickenby that they feel the need to charge syuch an outrageous amount for these old heroes.
TSM
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It is absolutely true. I have it on excellent authority - the person who will be paying the bills. I think it is the first time it has happened and PP has been to such places as Duxford, Halfpenny Green, Bruntingthorpe etc. Very sad, very sad indeed. When it was held at Old Warden the runway was unsuitable for some aircraft. They landed at Duxford and others ran a shuttle service to OW. No landing fees were charged at either airfield. Not only that, I and many other people like myself who had to fly in to one airfield and stay overnight were not charged either landing or overnight parking fees. Other organisations have either reduced or stopped their contributions so life is not easy for the organisers. My passenger has moved to the other end of the country so I won't be able to fly him in but I'm going to help on the ground. If anyone wants to contact PP this is the url for the website, or send me a pm.
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Is it too late to relocate to another venue? I'd be tempted to say "sod 'em" and look at going somewhere that will permit free landings in exchange for all that publicity, fuel sales, bacon butties and so on.
Wouldn't this be a great opportunity for a nearby RAF base (such as Scampton with all its WW2 history) to step into the breach? Free landings, trip on an RAF bus to Wickenby.......
Alternatively, much as it pains me to suggest shelling out for landing fees but it would only take 40 of us to cough up a tenner each to make it happen.
Wouldn't this be a great opportunity for a nearby RAF base (such as Scampton with all its WW2 history) to step into the breach? Free landings, trip on an RAF bus to Wickenby.......
Alternatively, much as it pains me to suggest shelling out for landing fees but it would only take 40 of us to cough up a tenner each to make it happen.
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Not rude at all Old Git. The runways will have to cope with maybe 120 or more aircraft landing with their veterans. 
Moggie, you and I both know what a great day it is. Well over a hundred aircraft flew in to Halfpenny Green and a wonderful day was had by all. I love this photo of several of the veterans sitting outside Halfpenny Green Flight Centre and thoroughly enjoying themselves chatting to members. I spent most of my day parking aircraft (or at least telling people where to park). One of my favourite accounts from a pilot was his story of the trip down to one PP meeting. It went roughly as follows: I had the Squadron Leader in the RH seat flying the aircraft and the Sergeant Navigator in the back telling him where to go.
Moggie, you and I both know what a great day it is. Well over a hundred aircraft flew in to Halfpenny Green and a wonderful day was had by all. I love this photo of several of the veterans sitting outside Halfpenny Green Flight Centre and thoroughly enjoying themselves chatting to members. I spent most of my day parking aircraft (or at least telling people where to park). One of my favourite accounts from a pilot was his story of the trip down to one PP meeting. It went roughly as follows: I had the Squadron Leader in the RH seat flying the aircraft and the Sergeant Navigator in the back telling him where to go.
Quick note to say that I volunteered on the website about 10 days ago and haven't heard back from anybody.
I have two obvious responses to this, firstly I'm already paying a couple of hundred quid in aircraft use for the privilege, so if necessary I'd pay my own landing fee. Secondly, if there's a real problem, how about a phone call to the Station Commander at Scampton and see if he'd host the whole thing in the mess.
G
I have two obvious responses to this, firstly I'm already paying a couple of hundred quid in aircraft use for the privilege, so if necessary I'd pay my own landing fee. Secondly, if there's a real problem, how about a phone call to the Station Commander at Scampton and see if he'd host the whole thing in the mess.
G
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A quick update: Old Git, PP organisers are aware of the problems with the runway but have been assured by the owners that it is swept regularly and will be suitable for landing on the day. They will also fly in and look again for themselves. Arrangements can't now be changed so will have to stand.
Genghis - the person organising the allocations is away at the moment but expected back this weekend so you, and anyone else who may be wondering what is happening, should hear something soon.
Landing at Scampton is, unfortunately, not an option - NOT because the Station Commander doesn't want to have PP there, quite the opposite, like other SOs his hands are tied and he isn't allowed to make any decision about his own airfield. The problem is the out of touch with reality and history penpusher/jobsworth/spoilsport/money-grabber/whoever at the MOD. Landing at a RAF field in an emergency is fine, but 100+ civilian light aircraft in one go is likely to cause a collective coronary at the MOD.
Genghis - the person organising the allocations is away at the moment but expected back this weekend so you, and anyone else who may be wondering what is happening, should hear something soon.
Landing at Scampton is, unfortunately, not an option - NOT because the Station Commander doesn't want to have PP there, quite the opposite, like other SOs his hands are tied and he isn't allowed to make any decision about his own airfield. The problem is the out of touch with reality and history penpusher/jobsworth/spoilsport/money-grabber/whoever at the MOD. Landing at a RAF field in an emergency is fine, but 100+ civilian light aircraft in one go is likely to cause a collective coronary at the MOD.
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It is also worth noting that in my experience the airfields where you pick up the veterans are also happy to waive all fees. I was not aware Wickenby was charging and have always assumed the host airfield waived landings fees and made money on other areas such as fuel, catering, etc. as well as good publicity.
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Old Git and everyone else, thanks for your support. If any of you can possibly help either by flying someone in or on the ground you will be most welcome. Some of the veterans need a bit of help getting around - an arm to lean on or two and they all love telling everyone about what their mates got up to during the war (they will never boast about what they did) but they are all quietly proud of it, so lots of ears to listen come in handy as well. Nobody who meets these delightful gentlemen can be anything but impressed - they are wonderful company. OG - if you are around Wickenby on the day please come and say hello.
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DX Wombat
Your supposition and wild allegations are completely wrong.
The MoD has changed its attitude towards visiting civilian light aircraft, but not for any of the reasons you claim.
Far from being "out of touch with reality", the MoD has very good reason to be all too well aware of the very real risk of claims being made against it in the event of an accident.
Even ill-founded claims are expensive, in both manpower and money, to defend.
Not surprisingly, and arguably not unreasonably, it has reduced its exposure to unnecessary risk.
I hope PP is a success. It's certainly a worthy cause.
FL
The problem is the out of touch with reality and history penpusher/jobsworth/spoilsport/money-grabber/whoever at the MOD.
The MoD has changed its attitude towards visiting civilian light aircraft, but not for any of the reasons you claim.
Far from being "out of touch with reality", the MoD has very good reason to be all too well aware of the very real risk of claims being made against it in the event of an accident.
Even ill-founded claims are expensive, in both manpower and money, to defend.
Not surprisingly, and arguably not unreasonably, it has reduced its exposure to unnecessary risk.
I hope PP is a success. It's certainly a worthy cause.
FL
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DX Wombat
All being well, we will do our best to get our Auster T7 (G-ASYG) positioned at Wickenby for the day, and we will fly as many of these chaps as possible. I will gladly stand the costs for fuel etc irrespective of whether I fly them or my son Mark does the flying. It will be a pleasure and an honour to fly these gentlemen and I look forward to being there. If the Wx is poor and we can't make it out of Scampton over to Wickenby, then we will still come over, if only to drink tea and have a natter for the day!
Please add the two of us to your list of helpers.
Kind regards
TKR
(edited to correct some pretty poor grammar and speeeling!)
All being well, we will do our best to get our Auster T7 (G-ASYG) positioned at Wickenby for the day, and we will fly as many of these chaps as possible. I will gladly stand the costs for fuel etc irrespective of whether I fly them or my son Mark does the flying. It will be a pleasure and an honour to fly these gentlemen and I look forward to being there. If the Wx is poor and we can't make it out of Scampton over to Wickenby, then we will still come over, if only to drink tea and have a natter for the day!
Please add the two of us to your list of helpers.
Kind regards
TKR
(edited to correct some pretty poor grammar and speeeling!)
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DX Wombat,
I'm also looking forward to a natter with some of your gentlemen.
Our Chipmunk WD390 will be available for a few local trips and may display along with other aircraft provided by the airfield.
On the subject of charges, I believe that the direct costs to the airfield of making additional facilities and staffing available to host this event at relatively short notice far far exceed the nominal sum mentioned. Additionally, the owners have personally offered to fly their hardware at their own expense for the benefit of the visitors.
Sad to note that one of our members should continue to use this event to wield a practised corrosive wooden spoon.
Stewart
I'm also looking forward to a natter with some of your gentlemen.
Our Chipmunk WD390 will be available for a few local trips and may display along with other aircraft provided by the airfield.
On the subject of charges, I believe that the direct costs to the airfield of making additional facilities and staffing available to host this event at relatively short notice far far exceed the nominal sum mentioned. Additionally, the owners have personally offered to fly their hardware at their own expense for the benefit of the visitors.
Sad to note that one of our members should continue to use this event to wield a practised corrosive wooden spoon.
Stewart
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Ian Burnstock
In view of the various comments which have been appearing on this forum concerning the coming Project Propeller event scheduled for Saturday June 11th at Wickenby, I feel that it is time to put the record straight on certain of the points raised by contributors.
1: Landing Fees.
Prior to each PP event a meeting with the management of the chosen airfield venue takes place. Every aspect of the event is discussed including possible fees as a contribution to the airfield’s administration. Here it should be pointed out that we have on occasions, at previous PP gatherings, been required to pay a fee to the concerned venue – not necessarily a ‘landing’ fee, but, nevertheless, a fee. In this instance, the subject of landing fees was raised during our initial discussion with the airfield owner who offered to reduce the standard £10 charge to £5. Subsequently, to simplify administration, a flat fee of £400 to cover all landing fees was agreed, and as a further concession a reduction has been offered based on any fuel sold to participants.
2: Runway Condition.
The Wickenby Management is aware that the runway condition is far from perfect and is due to be re-surfaced as soon as the budget allows. However, in the interim the runway is inspected on a daily basis and swept regularly to ensure it is kept to the standard required for a licensed aerodrome by the CAA. Further annual work is scheduled shortly and I am assured that on the ‘Great Day’ both the runway and taxiway will be in a more than adequate condition to receive 100-plus aircraft.
3: Other Matters.
I’ve mentioned this before and am happy to say it again, the Wickenby Management has, from our initial approach been tremendously helpful and welcoming to the concept of hosting Project Propeller, the owner even volunteering to act as ‘ferry pilot’ for some of our guests. He has also offered to put on flying displays as part of the day’s entertainment. Wickenby Airfield shows every promise of being a first rate venue for this, the thirteenth birthday of Project Propeller – we, the small PP organising group and Wickenby Airfield Management, very much look forward to seeing you all on the June 11th.
Ian Burnstock, for the PP team.
(ps, if anybody wants to give me a call – 020 7262 4709)
1: Landing Fees.
Prior to each PP event a meeting with the management of the chosen airfield venue takes place. Every aspect of the event is discussed including possible fees as a contribution to the airfield’s administration. Here it should be pointed out that we have on occasions, at previous PP gatherings, been required to pay a fee to the concerned venue – not necessarily a ‘landing’ fee, but, nevertheless, a fee. In this instance, the subject of landing fees was raised during our initial discussion with the airfield owner who offered to reduce the standard £10 charge to £5. Subsequently, to simplify administration, a flat fee of £400 to cover all landing fees was agreed, and as a further concession a reduction has been offered based on any fuel sold to participants.
2: Runway Condition.
The Wickenby Management is aware that the runway condition is far from perfect and is due to be re-surfaced as soon as the budget allows. However, in the interim the runway is inspected on a daily basis and swept regularly to ensure it is kept to the standard required for a licensed aerodrome by the CAA. Further annual work is scheduled shortly and I am assured that on the ‘Great Day’ both the runway and taxiway will be in a more than adequate condition to receive 100-plus aircraft.
3: Other Matters.
I’ve mentioned this before and am happy to say it again, the Wickenby Management has, from our initial approach been tremendously helpful and welcoming to the concept of hosting Project Propeller, the owner even volunteering to act as ‘ferry pilot’ for some of our guests. He has also offered to put on flying displays as part of the day’s entertainment. Wickenby Airfield shows every promise of being a first rate venue for this, the thirteenth birthday of Project Propeller – we, the small PP organising group and Wickenby Airfield Management, very much look forward to seeing you all on the June 11th.
Ian Burnstock, for the PP team.
(ps, if anybody wants to give me a call – 020 7262 4709)
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2001
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It appears I have misunderstood things so apologise unreservedly if that is so & I have managed to upset anyone. I really did have the best of intentions.
I'm away at the moment due to a family crisis so have limited internet & phone access.
I'm away at the moment due to a family crisis so have limited internet & phone access.
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Wickenby
Some postings seem to paint Wickenby owners in a bad light, having raised the fee issue with them I am satisfied that what is being offered far exceeds the discounted landing fee being charged.
We look forward to welcoming our honoured guests here in warmest Lincolnshire and I would be pleased to donate £10 to the landing fee fund.
Will the Old Git care to also contribute?
I
A
We look forward to welcoming our honoured guests here in warmest Lincolnshire and I would be pleased to donate £10 to the landing fee fund.
Will the Old Git care to also contribute?
I
A
Join Date: Jun 2006
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Just wondered anyone has any photos they could put on this thread of the event please?
Unfortunately I had to leave on saturday at lunchtime to head down to a very wet and cold Cosford airshow. By the time I had left there was a good number of aircraft already in attendance and it all looked to be going well.
Congrats to all those responsible.
Regards
TKR
Unfortunately I had to leave on saturday at lunchtime to head down to a very wet and cold Cosford airshow. By the time I had left there was a good number of aircraft already in attendance and it all looked to be going well.
Congrats to all those responsible.
Regards
TKR
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PP 2011
Glad to hear so many people enjoyed PP and thought it worthwhile. Thank you for helping to make the day such a success.
If any of you or your passengers left a black windcheater jacket in the marquee, please contact Ian Burnstock on 020 7262 4709.
If you took any good photos of the event, particularly of the flypasts, which you would like to have included in the PP website photo album, please send them to me at n.marshall66_at_gmail.com
Rgds
Nigel Marshall
Project Propeller
If any of you or your passengers left a black windcheater jacket in the marquee, please contact Ian Burnstock on 020 7262 4709.
If you took any good photos of the event, particularly of the flypasts, which you would like to have included in the PP website photo album, please send them to me at n.marshall66_at_gmail.com
Rgds
Nigel Marshall
Project Propeller
Nigel,
Four large emails of photos incoming.
Perhaps you could post a link here to any photos once published on the website?
Incidentally, I thought it was a super piece of organisation, clearly very much appreciated by all the veterans - and for me, I enjoyed and felt deeply privileged to have been able to do a little bit to help and contribute.
G
Four large emails of photos incoming.
Perhaps you could post a link here to any photos once published on the website?
Incidentally, I thought it was a super piece of organisation, clearly very much appreciated by all the veterans - and for me, I enjoyed and felt deeply privileged to have been able to do a little bit to help and contribute.
G
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It appears I have misunderstood things so apologise unreservedly if that is so & I have managed to upset anyone.
They support a lot of charitable causes and this sort of criticism must make them wonder whether their efforts are appreciated at all.
I really did have the best of intentions
I'm very glad the veterans had a great day out, hats off to the organisers. I look forward to seeing the photos. I understand that one of the aircraft got to fly in loose formation with the BBMF lancaster. I hope they got a photo or two.