Tiger Club
Could have gone to Kemble............!!!!! Whoops .....!!!!
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: London
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I was a member until about 2011 and had a lovely time. They had the best aerobatic instructor I've flown with, (Richard Pickin) always interesting pilots coming in and out and a professional but relaxed approach to flying.
I think the real issue they faced at headcorn is the owners wanted to have the aero legends based there, the ex chairman Chris Bellhouse was not the type to be intimidated so they started making life difficult for the tc.
There are always 2 sides to every story but they did have a hell of a time with the engineering, both with the tiger and a minor flap problem on the cap which took 3 months to fix.
They should always have been at farm strip and Pent farm will hopefully suite them well. I might go an get re acquainted!
I think the real issue they faced at headcorn is the owners wanted to have the aero legends based there, the ex chairman Chris Bellhouse was not the type to be intimidated so they started making life difficult for the tc.
There are always 2 sides to every story but they did have a hell of a time with the engineering, both with the tiger and a minor flap problem on the cap which took 3 months to fix.
They should always have been at farm strip and Pent farm will hopefully suite them well. I might go an get re acquainted!
TC at Pent Farm
I do hope they survive this move,and they may even get new members from France. Even better the French influence may get them a French style airfield cafe which is what every decent airfield needs.
Good luck to the operation and those who have stuck with it in these difficult times. Perhaps the Old Sarum idea was not so far out of the thinking box.
Good luck to the operation and those who have stuck with it in these difficult times. Perhaps the Old Sarum idea was not so far out of the thinking box.
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Too close to EASA
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Old Sarum
Other than parachuting, Old Sarum seems to be devoid of almost all GA activity now. Visited in January and again last week and on both occasions I seemed to be the only fly-in visitor for the day.
TC Old Sarum !
Try to keep up chaps. I was 'suggesting' that we were better looking at an alternative airfield in the 80-90's not now.
Had the TC actually managed to secure somewhere 'like' Old Sarum (which was disposed of by the MOD) then Old Sarum would be as it was, and the TC would have had a secure base.
As it is the problem has been the same for the whole of GA and especially for what were the PFA types that frequently could be non radio and preferred a grass runway (into wind).
So many airfields now only have one runway the grass roots fraternity struggle to find somewhere that really is both friendly and suitable, and that is before you get into yellow coats and security issues. I will not stretch the thread even more by listing the closed airfields, and those that suffer from thinking they are second only to Heathrow, suffice to say find a strip that suits and use that. Add food and camping and then it all makes sense again.
Had the TC actually managed to secure somewhere 'like' Old Sarum (which was disposed of by the MOD) then Old Sarum would be as it was, and the TC would have had a secure base.
As it is the problem has been the same for the whole of GA and especially for what were the PFA types that frequently could be non radio and preferred a grass runway (into wind).
So many airfields now only have one runway the grass roots fraternity struggle to find somewhere that really is both friendly and suitable, and that is before you get into yellow coats and security issues. I will not stretch the thread even more by listing the closed airfields, and those that suffer from thinking they are second only to Heathrow, suffice to say find a strip that suits and use that. Add food and camping and then it all makes sense again.
Last edited by POBJOY; 3rd Jul 2015 at 20:49. Reason: content
Join Date: Oct 2007
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What a complete waste of an airfield, just north of Redhill --- Kenley !
Grass runways and tarmac. I wish I could base my RV6 there, as only 10 minutes from home. problem is they built house all around it, so now only suitable for no noisy gliders.
Speaking of gliders and noise, years ago I was flying a radio control model glider ( six foot wingspan ) from the top of Colley hill just north of Reigate, when this little blue single seater with a very distinctive sound flew along the hill below 500 ft going from west to east in the direction of Redhill.
Any thoughts Pobjoy ? -- seen the latest LAA mag ?
Grass runways and tarmac. I wish I could base my RV6 there, as only 10 minutes from home. problem is they built house all around it, so now only suitable for no noisy gliders.
Speaking of gliders and noise, years ago I was flying a radio control model glider ( six foot wingspan ) from the top of Colley hill just north of Reigate, when this little blue single seater with a very distinctive sound flew along the hill below 500 ft going from west to east in the direction of Redhill.
Any thoughts Pobjoy ? -- seen the latest LAA mag ?
Not on my watch
Reigate Hill below 500ft absolute disgrace and should have been reported to the CAA. (the model that is).
The route south of Box Hill was the preferred 'weather' option when returning from displays etc and usually in the gloom.
The other route was around London and then past Croydon with the option of the Godstone road past Kenley and down the gap to Godstone (then turn right)
This was an option when Biggin and Kenley were marginal as once through the Caterham gap there was the British Rail ILS that never went US.
Comper now in 'Phoenix' mode for more future escapades !!!!
Ah Redhill what a gem (as was)
The route south of Box Hill was the preferred 'weather' option when returning from displays etc and usually in the gloom.
The other route was around London and then past Croydon with the option of the Godstone road past Kenley and down the gap to Godstone (then turn right)
This was an option when Biggin and Kenley were marginal as once through the Caterham gap there was the British Rail ILS that never went US.
Comper now in 'Phoenix' mode for more future escapades !!!!
Ah Redhill what a gem (as was)
Gnome de PPRuNe
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Too close to Croydon for comfort
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Is the Comper flying again yet? 
Swift rebirth
Comper finally found new (workshop) home near to a strip and my work.
This is in a private running shed of a couple of old stationary engines and caused considerable interest last Sunday when there was a 'meet' and the enthusiasts found an old aircraft as part of the collection.Plan to have it ready by the end of the year if time allows. Have started the work and looking forward to spending free time on her when available.
Part of this will be to fit an electronic ignition system as 'half' of the sparks and keep one mag as original. This is being done under the auspices of the LAA and will be a test of its suitability.
Aircraft will stay in same 'scheme' as its return from the 81 trip to Iran complete with various 'scripts' added en-route.
The fabric is all ok so main work is an engine top overhaul and re protecting of fittings.All long range 'mods' will stay on and some parts will come off for NDT.The plan is to have her ready for the next Kenley event whenever that is (2018 possibly) or attend a RAFA meet at the Portcullis !!!
This is in a private running shed of a couple of old stationary engines and caused considerable interest last Sunday when there was a 'meet' and the enthusiasts found an old aircraft as part of the collection.Plan to have it ready by the end of the year if time allows. Have started the work and looking forward to spending free time on her when available.
Part of this will be to fit an electronic ignition system as 'half' of the sparks and keep one mag as original. This is being done under the auspices of the LAA and will be a test of its suitability.
Aircraft will stay in same 'scheme' as its return from the 81 trip to Iran complete with various 'scripts' added en-route.
The fabric is all ok so main work is an engine top overhaul and re protecting of fittings.All long range 'mods' will stay on and some parts will come off for NDT.The plan is to have her ready for the next Kenley event whenever that is (2018 possibly) or attend a RAFA meet at the Portcullis !!!
Gnome de PPRuNe
Join Date: Jan 2002
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Good to hear that - hope if you can bring her to Kenley, the ATC will be flying again by then... PS, stick to the grass, the hard surfaces are a bit gravelly in places!
Pent Farm
Only going by the web site and recent comms with them.
I think the turb team have another base,but that may only be a temp arrangement.
Redhill was an 'unreal' heaven that was never going to be repeated.
I was lucky; i experienced the ATC Gliding at its peak at Kenley, and then found its powered equivalent at Redhill.
Quick tale (nearly the norm)
Comper is forging along 'just' outside the Gatwick zone on its way back from Shoreham display 500ft 'ish'.When about 5 miles from RH my oily goggle vista is broken by a certain Mk9 Spitfire that flashes past and then curves around to come up behind. Extra power is rung up to the Pobjoy and the speed increased to 120 ish as i see the Spit coming up in the reflection of the instruments.
Williams tucks in alongside with flaps down and canopy back and i go to 95% so he can reduce the flap.With RH in sight i motion 'down' and alter course to go past the tower and TC hangar.Seconds later the Comper Spit duo run past and break into the circuit.Heaven cant be better than that. PC
I think the turb team have another base,but that may only be a temp arrangement.
Redhill was an 'unreal' heaven that was never going to be repeated.
I was lucky; i experienced the ATC Gliding at its peak at Kenley, and then found its powered equivalent at Redhill.
Quick tale (nearly the norm)
Comper is forging along 'just' outside the Gatwick zone on its way back from Shoreham display 500ft 'ish'.When about 5 miles from RH my oily goggle vista is broken by a certain Mk9 Spitfire that flashes past and then curves around to come up behind. Extra power is rung up to the Pobjoy and the speed increased to 120 ish as i see the Spit coming up in the reflection of the instruments.
Williams tucks in alongside with flaps down and canopy back and i go to 95% so he can reduce the flap.With RH in sight i motion 'down' and alter course to go past the tower and TC hangar.Seconds later the Comper Spit duo run past and break into the circuit.Heaven cant be better than that. PC
Join Date: Jul 2007
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Tiger Club moving again?
Just seen on Facebook that the Tiger Club have updated their address to Damyns Hall.
Anyone know why they have moved again in such a short time?
Anyone know why they have moved again in such a short time?
Join Date: Sep 2015
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From their website:
I guess they may have not had enough people travelling the 2+hours from London area? It was in the middle of nowhere...
"The Tiger Club has now transferred its flying operation to Damyns Hall near Upminster, Essex. The airfield is within spitting distance of the major wartime defence airfield of Hornchurch; in recognition of this the radio callsign is "Hornchurch Radio". Radio frequency is 119.55. There is one marked out runway, 03 - 21, adjoining this is a large grass area offering aircraft like Tigers an unlimited choice of landing direction. It also has an excellent lounge/café offering plentiful food and refreshments.
The access to the airfield is really good - it is 10 minutes from the M25 and only two miles from Upminster tube station. This benefit has already seen the reappearance of several former members who found travelling to our previous locations too tiresome; we look forward to renewing the acquaintance of many more.
We should have our new office connected to a landline very shortly; as soon as we have the number we will let everybody know. "
The access to the airfield is really good - it is 10 minutes from the M25 and only two miles from Upminster tube station. This benefit has already seen the reappearance of several former members who found travelling to our previous locations too tiresome; we look forward to renewing the acquaintance of many more.
We should have our new office connected to a landline very shortly; as soon as we have the number we will let everybody know. "
Last edited by alex90; 3rd Apr 2017 at 21:26. Reason: Added bottom paragraph
Tiger Club Move
Excellent news and means they will probably rise again as a centre of tail dragging FUN.
GOOD LUCK for the future and reason to get a certain machine back on line(already started)
The TURBS were already based 'over the water** so it all makes sense.
**The Thames that is. So pleased the spirit of real flying still hanging in there.
GOOD LUCK for the future and reason to get a certain machine back on line(already started)
The TURBS were already based 'over the water** so it all makes sense.
**The Thames that is. So pleased the spirit of real flying still hanging in there.
Join Date: Jul 2012
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Just saw this - did not know they got forced out of Headcorn, a consequence of living on the other side of the Atlantic for a decade or more.
My brother's 'share' airplane was based at Rochester but we would go down to Headcorn often - interesting airplanes and prior to the 'share' plane used to rent 172's there too.
Chris Freeman was a great character - the original true gent - sounds like his son is a bit of a cnut.
Does anyone know the outcome of the arbitrations - did the TC ever get compensated for the bad work on their airplanes?
My brother's 'share' airplane was based at Rochester but we would go down to Headcorn often - interesting airplanes and prior to the 'share' plane used to rent 172's there too.
Chris Freeman was a great character - the original true gent - sounds like his son is a bit of a cnut.
Does anyone know the outcome of the arbitrations - did the TC ever get compensated for the bad work on their airplanes?
