Air League: Proposed long distance award Kirk
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Air League: Proposed long distance award Kirk
I would like to float the idea that Maurice Kirk receives recognition from the Air League for his long distance unsupported or non sponsored flying exploits.
Terry Holloway at the Air League has proposed on the upcoming agenda that the Air League recognise Kirk's journeys.
He needs a 1000 word submission for such an award.
This from Terry Holloway.
Can we put together a collective effort on here?
Some background info here from Kirk's 2001 UK to Sydney Air Race.
Terry Holloway at the Air League has proposed on the upcoming agenda that the Air League recognise Kirk's journeys.
The Air League awards committee sits on 11 Jan, and notwithstanding that I have not received a formal nomination for him, I have placed Maurice's name on the agenda list for discussion and consideration.
This from Terry Holloway.
It would require around 500 to 1000 words outlining what he has achieved in the field of aviation as a pilot, with a particular emphasis on the encouragement of others either into a career in aviation or by promoting aviation to the public at large through his personal endeavours, and through positive publicity in the media.
The question for the awards committee would be whether the "positives" outweigh all the negative stuff - of which there is plenty. I personally have a regard for his stick and rudder skills and his tenacity.
The question for the awards committee would be whether the "positives" outweigh all the negative stuff - of which there is plenty. I personally have a regard for his stick and rudder skills and his tenacity.
Some background info here from Kirk's 2001 UK to Sydney Air Race.
Four British aviators were flying the $1.5m Spirit of Kai Tak to victory in a re-enactment of the historic London-Sydney air race, several thousand feet below was Maurice Kirk, spluttering along at 65mph in the oldest plane in the competition.
Mr Kirk, a vet from South Wales, finished hours behind the other competitors at every stage of the 28-day, 14,000-mile "kangaroo route", which retraced Ross and Keith Smith's first flight from Britain to Australia in 1919.
British team, Mark Wilkinson and Tim Ellison, a paraplegic since his RAF Harrier plane crashed, finished second fastest, and a helicopter flown by Britons, Jennifer Murray and Colin Bodill, beat off competition from American, Australian and Dutch crews to finish.
But the flying vet in his 1943 Piper Cub was the first to land in Sydney on Saturday after he was banned from joining the 31 other planes in a formation flypast the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Race organisers had heard rumours that bets had been placed on Mr Kirk becoming the first pilot ever to fly a loop of the bridge.
It was just one of many brushes with the authorities for Mr Kirk <->- "either really a brave guy or a lunatic" judged one of Kai Tak's pilots, Mark Graham.
"I can't stand the bureaucracy of airports and this thing of having to land when you're told to and where," said Mr Kirk, 54, standing by his battered plane on Sydney's Bankstown landing strip. "Then they fine you for landing and then you pay extra for the motion lotion.
"In India the whole air race couldn't get any fuel. So I went down the petrol station and bought 20 gallons. I said to everyone: 'I'm in Rangoon first, last one home buys the drinks.' Except it all went wrong because the fuel pump jammed and I had to land on a jungle strip in Burma. Well, Burma was taboo. But they were all in skirts and treated me like royalty. They fed me, it was fantastic."
Mr Kirk, who only started the race after an American saw his "School of Rough Flying" website and stumped up the $55,000 (£35,000) entry fee, completed it with dozens of unscheduled landings.
His first came moments after taking off from Biggin Hill, Kent, at the start of the race on March 11, when his instrument panel failed. His last was on the final leg of the race after bolts flew off his propeller.
In between were more recreational touch-downs, including a visit to a disused airfield in Cairo to inspect a "graveyard" of 100 wrecked planes, and a refuelling stop on the drive of a farm in Australia, where Mr Kirk was given beer and food.
The flying vet preferred the comfort of strangers to the hospitality laid on by the race organisers. "They made us stay in these horrible, what do they call them, hotels. Horrible big expensive hotels," he said.
He got so far behind the other competitors the race organisers tried to stop him carrying on beyond Cannes. "They wouldn't let me race. It was logistics. They really couldn't cope with the Cub. Or was it Maurice Kirk? I forget which."
While the Spirit of Kai Tak's four pilots took their twin-engined turbo Piper Aerostar to 25,000ft to benefit from strong tailwinds, Mr Kirk gasped for air in his open cockpit at 7,000ft, in a plane that had never been above 1000ft in its life. He was forced to fly at just 25ft above the Timor sea because of strong headwinds, reaching Australia at nightfall, with half an inch of oil left in the sump.
The flying vet's 65mph cruising speed also attracted the suspicion of Indian officials, who detained him for nine hours and accused him of spying.
"They said: 'Why is it all the other race aircraft have come past Jaipur in three hours from Karachi and you've landed nine hours after the others? We believe you've landed and have taken photos of our installations. We couldn't see you on radar.'
"I said: 'What? You couldn't see me on radar? I'm going straight back to Pakistan. I could make a fortune on this one - I'm going to sell it to them.' They didn't like that," said Mr Kirk. "Very quiet trip otherwise."
The flying vet said it was time to get back to Wales to do a day's work. "She's a tired old lady, like her pilot," he said, patting his Cub. Then Mr Kirk gave a grin. "That doesn't mean I'm not going to loop the bridge before I leave Australia."
Mr Kirk, a vet from South Wales, finished hours behind the other competitors at every stage of the 28-day, 14,000-mile "kangaroo route", which retraced Ross and Keith Smith's first flight from Britain to Australia in 1919.
British team, Mark Wilkinson and Tim Ellison, a paraplegic since his RAF Harrier plane crashed, finished second fastest, and a helicopter flown by Britons, Jennifer Murray and Colin Bodill, beat off competition from American, Australian and Dutch crews to finish.
But the flying vet in his 1943 Piper Cub was the first to land in Sydney on Saturday after he was banned from joining the 31 other planes in a formation flypast the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Race organisers had heard rumours that bets had been placed on Mr Kirk becoming the first pilot ever to fly a loop of the bridge.
It was just one of many brushes with the authorities for Mr Kirk <->- "either really a brave guy or a lunatic" judged one of Kai Tak's pilots, Mark Graham.
"I can't stand the bureaucracy of airports and this thing of having to land when you're told to and where," said Mr Kirk, 54, standing by his battered plane on Sydney's Bankstown landing strip. "Then they fine you for landing and then you pay extra for the motion lotion.
"In India the whole air race couldn't get any fuel. So I went down the petrol station and bought 20 gallons. I said to everyone: 'I'm in Rangoon first, last one home buys the drinks.' Except it all went wrong because the fuel pump jammed and I had to land on a jungle strip in Burma. Well, Burma was taboo. But they were all in skirts and treated me like royalty. They fed me, it was fantastic."
Mr Kirk, who only started the race after an American saw his "School of Rough Flying" website and stumped up the $55,000 (£35,000) entry fee, completed it with dozens of unscheduled landings.
His first came moments after taking off from Biggin Hill, Kent, at the start of the race on March 11, when his instrument panel failed. His last was on the final leg of the race after bolts flew off his propeller.
In between were more recreational touch-downs, including a visit to a disused airfield in Cairo to inspect a "graveyard" of 100 wrecked planes, and a refuelling stop on the drive of a farm in Australia, where Mr Kirk was given beer and food.
The flying vet preferred the comfort of strangers to the hospitality laid on by the race organisers. "They made us stay in these horrible, what do they call them, hotels. Horrible big expensive hotels," he said.
He got so far behind the other competitors the race organisers tried to stop him carrying on beyond Cannes. "They wouldn't let me race. It was logistics. They really couldn't cope with the Cub. Or was it Maurice Kirk? I forget which."
While the Spirit of Kai Tak's four pilots took their twin-engined turbo Piper Aerostar to 25,000ft to benefit from strong tailwinds, Mr Kirk gasped for air in his open cockpit at 7,000ft, in a plane that had never been above 1000ft in its life. He was forced to fly at just 25ft above the Timor sea because of strong headwinds, reaching Australia at nightfall, with half an inch of oil left in the sump.
The flying vet's 65mph cruising speed also attracted the suspicion of Indian officials, who detained him for nine hours and accused him of spying.
"They said: 'Why is it all the other race aircraft have come past Jaipur in three hours from Karachi and you've landed nine hours after the others? We believe you've landed and have taken photos of our installations. We couldn't see you on radar.'
"I said: 'What? You couldn't see me on radar? I'm going straight back to Pakistan. I could make a fortune on this one - I'm going to sell it to them.' They didn't like that," said Mr Kirk. "Very quiet trip otherwise."
The flying vet said it was time to get back to Wales to do a day's work. "She's a tired old lady, like her pilot," he said, patting his Cub. Then Mr Kirk gave a grin. "That doesn't mean I'm not going to loop the bridge before I leave Australia."
Last edited by Mike Flynn; 22nd Dec 2016 at 20:58.
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I think you are right to do this. Just in case any of this is of use:-
We are all aware that Maurice on this and past trips is an adventurer who is testing the boundaries of what a 72 year old but very experienced pilot can do ‘unsupported’ in an even older very primitive WW2 aeroplane flying long distances through the more remote and dangerous places in the world.
It is not the normal way of doing things. We all know the expression when true life adventures or stunts get onto film. Someone has to do it. We like to watch. We can learn from it. But “do not try this at home”. ”
We are all aware that Maurice on this and past trips is an adventurer who is testing the boundaries of what a 72 year old but very experienced pilot can do ‘unsupported’ in an even older very primitive WW2 aeroplane flying long distances through the more remote and dangerous places in the world.
It is not the normal way of doing things. We all know the expression when true life adventures or stunts get onto film. Someone has to do it. We like to watch. We can learn from it. But “do not try this at home”. ”
Thread Starter
His facebook site is closed. The Times reporter, Lucy Bannerman,was chasing him so perhaps some cash has clicked in.
What a great story though?
So many suggested he give up and leave the Cub in South Sudan.
As I understand it he donated £500 to the village school where he landed.
What a great story though?
So many suggested he give up and leave the Cub in South Sudan.
As I understand it he donated £500 to the village school where he landed.
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I hear what you are saying and his feat on the Australian flight and now the African trip does deserve some recognition
However, flying a Permit Cub into an International airport at night, flying with a smidgen of oil, flying from the UK to Australia without a valid PtF, etc etc though fascinating to watch is not necessarily how we want to GA pilots to be seen.
We have enough trouble with NIMBYs at, say, Stow Marie's who call us rich Playboy's whose aircraft might wipe out a puppy farm. MK nearly hit a school.
I would really enjoy listening to his tales, if ever he came to the London area, but I don't think he's a role model that should be celebrated as such - not that I think he's bothered either way.
However, flying a Permit Cub into an International airport at night, flying with a smidgen of oil, flying from the UK to Australia without a valid PtF, etc etc though fascinating to watch is not necessarily how we want to GA pilots to be seen.
We have enough trouble with NIMBYs at, say, Stow Marie's who call us rich Playboy's whose aircraft might wipe out a puppy farm. MK nearly hit a school.
I would really enjoy listening to his tales, if ever he came to the London area, but I don't think he's a role model that should be celebrated as such - not that I think he's bothered either way.
Thread Starter
My impression of Kirk is he is a pilot who can fix his basic aircraft anywhere in the world and get airborne. You mention paperwork and his suggestions of crash landing.
Kirk uses those tales to get publicity.
The truth is there are very few pilots who can match his ability in situations such as he found himself in South Sudan.
Kirk has never been prosecuted and found guilty of any flying issue as far as I know.
Kirk uses those tales to get publicity.
The truth is there are very few pilots who can match his ability in situations such as he found himself in South Sudan.
Kirk has never been prosecuted and found guilty of any flying issue as far as I know.
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My impression of Kirk is he is a pilot who can fix his basic aircraft anywhere in the world and get airborne. You mention paperwork and his suggestions of crash landing.
Kirk uses those tales to get publicity.
The truth is there are very few pilots who can match his ability in situations such as he found himself in South Sudan.
Kirk has never been prosecuted and found guilty of any flying issue as far as I know.
Kirk uses those tales to get publicity.
The truth is there are very few pilots who can match his ability in situations such as he found himself in South Sudan.
Kirk has never been prosecuted and found guilty of any flying issue as far as I know.
All I've got to go on is the Twinternet and all I can see from that is a great stick and rudder man but a pain in the ar*e who has problems with any form of authority. The interminable bolux concerning his court cases and incarcerations make me wonder what sort of bloke he is.
I'm open to being convinced that he is worthy of an official award, but he seems to be too much of a maverick to want one or to care much either
Last edited by robin; 22nd Dec 2016 at 20:45.
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He is older now. It could be his last big trip. I think he would like an award and with his unusual achievements he deserves one.
I think he will like an award with something about it that has a humorous twist.
I think he will like an award with something about it that has a humorous twist.
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I can think of no one less suitable to be promoted as an ambassador for aviation than Kirk.
He is a national and international disgrace to all that aviation represents, a lawless cowboy whose string of accidents, crashes, repeated engine failures and staggering cowboy attitude brings aviation itself into bad repute and indicate his total inappropriateness for this idiotic suggestion
His total disregard for all laws, rules and conventions, aviation or otherwise, do not make him a hero, they make him a dangerous maverick. He should be prosecuted, not promoted.
He is a shameful disgrace to all law abiding society, vetinary and aviation especially.
Well done, thoroughly well done to the Kenyan authorities who have (one hopes) finally refused to allow this bodge-taped wreck of an aeroplane to continue in parlous flight when it is evident that many before it should have done so too.
He is a national and international disgrace to all that aviation represents, a lawless cowboy whose string of accidents, crashes, repeated engine failures and staggering cowboy attitude brings aviation itself into bad repute and indicate his total inappropriateness for this idiotic suggestion
His total disregard for all laws, rules and conventions, aviation or otherwise, do not make him a hero, they make him a dangerous maverick. He should be prosecuted, not promoted.
He is a shameful disgrace to all law abiding society, vetinary and aviation especially.
Well done, thoroughly well done to the Kenyan authorities who have (one hopes) finally refused to allow this bodge-taped wreck of an aeroplane to continue in parlous flight when it is evident that many before it should have done so too.
Nicely said nofly.
I'd add that the Air League, whose primary role is promoting aviation to young people, would have seriously taken leave of its senses in giving an award of any kind to a man with a criminal record for assaulting a 17 year old girl.
G
I'd add that the Air League, whose primary role is promoting aviation to young people, would have seriously taken leave of its senses in giving an award of any kind to a man with a criminal record for assaulting a 17 year old girl.
G
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His explanation of that conviction regards the teenage ex-tenant portrays things very differently.
Some of the skills Maurice displays are special and ought to be recognised.
Is there a different body that would be better suited to his specific achievements for as an adventurer flying a very old aeroplane unsupported for long distances.
Some of the skills Maurice displays are special and ought to be recognised.
Is there a different body that would be better suited to his specific achievements for as an adventurer flying a very old aeroplane unsupported for long distances.
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Is there a different body that would be better suited to his specific achievements for as an adventurer flying a very old aeroplane unsupported for long distances.
Several other alternatives too. "I want I want I want Me Me Me Waaah! It's not fair!" springs to mind.
OMB, are you not aware that every crook maintains his conviction was an entirely different scenario to that the court tried? Oh dear...
Last edited by noflynomore; 23rd Dec 2016 at 00:04.
Thread Starter
There is a big difference between a crash and a hard landing.
Kirk appears to have had two episodes. Engine failure in Japan and he sunk a Cub in the Caribbean.
How many of you armchair pilots have flown in those parts?
Kirk appears to have had two episodes. Engine failure in Japan and he sunk a Cub in the Caribbean.
How many of you armchair pilots have flown in those parts?
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Just two episodes? How many engine failures make an "episode"?
Are these apart from the series he had between UK and Sudan? And the numbers he's bragged about before that? Heavens!
Do "those parts" cause engine failures? I hadn't realised! Is it a geographic thing then? How does that work? Volcanic perhaps???
How ever does aviation continue in the Caribbean and Japan on this basis?
Or are normal, decent competent pilots somehow exempt from this affliction?
The mind boggles.
Are these apart from the series he had between UK and Sudan? And the numbers he's bragged about before that? Heavens!
Do "those parts" cause engine failures? I hadn't realised! Is it a geographic thing then? How does that work? Volcanic perhaps???
How ever does aviation continue in the Caribbean and Japan on this basis?
Or are normal, decent competent pilots somehow exempt from this affliction?
The mind boggles.
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There seems to be three themes to engine failures or donkey stops. 1) Fuel supply, 2) atmospheric conditions and fuel supply and 3) oil or oil leak.
Where would the fair parallel be? If it were an old sports car then those guys on those forums and documentaries expect a car in good condition to cause them to pull over often and get their hands dirty.
Is he wrong to fly "so many" long distance flights in a very old aeroplane?
Or is he having too many donkey stops and oil leaks for an old aeroplane? And as he has landed safely without injury to anyone, (and only lost one cub as the donkey stopped 75 miles from shore), does that show above average flying skill?
Where would the fair parallel be? If it were an old sports car then those guys on those forums and documentaries expect a car in good condition to cause them to pull over often and get their hands dirty.
Is he wrong to fly "so many" long distance flights in a very old aeroplane?
Or is he having too many donkey stops and oil leaks for an old aeroplane? And as he has landed safely without injury to anyone, (and only lost one cub as the donkey stopped 75 miles from shore), does that show above average flying skill?
Thread Starter
quote Robin
Colin Hales is flying a permit aircraft around the world and is now stuck at Niigata airport in Japan with paperwork hassles.
Are you suggesting permit aircraft should stick to just UK flying?
I hear what you are saying and his feat on the Australian flight and now the African trip does deserve some recognition
However, flying a Permit Cub into an International airport at night, flying with a smidgen of oil, flying from the UK to Australia without a valid PtF, etc etc though fascinating to watch is not necessarily how we want to GA pilots to be seen.
However, flying a Permit Cub into an International airport at night, flying with a smidgen of oil, flying from the UK to Australia without a valid PtF, etc etc though fascinating to watch is not necessarily how we want to GA pilots to be seen.
Are you suggesting permit aircraft should stick to just UK flying?
Last edited by Mike Flynn; 23rd Dec 2016 at 06:18.
noflynomore wrote:
I entirely agree. Terry Holloway should not encourage the Air League even to consider an award for this man.
I can think of no one less suitable to be promoted as an ambassador for aviation than Kirk.
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Jay, you would have my vote and support on Maurice. That said, he, and others like him, engender, a bit like Donald Trump, views and reactions at each end of the scale. In my experience, they are the ideal candidates for an award. Individuals that make you wake up and take notice.
However, by the tone of the last couple of posts, looks like the Offended bus has arrived.
However, by the tone of the last couple of posts, looks like the Offended bus has arrived.
Jay, you would have my vote and support on Maurice. That said, he, and others like him, engender, a bit like Donald Trump, views and reactions at each end of the scale. In my experience, they are the ideal candidates for an award. Individuals that make you wake up and take notice.
However, by the tone of the last couple of posts, looks like the Offended bus has arrived.
However, by the tone of the last couple of posts, looks like the Offended bus has arrived.
I think that Kirk is an embarrassment and a liability to general aviation, whose antics undermine our freedoms.
He has also achieved considerably less than some other solo fliers, far more deserving of prestigious awards. To throw a few names in; Polly Vacher, Dave Sykes, Eve Jackson - did more, with equally limited resources, and without controversy, criminal records, or pointless anti authority grandstanding.
G
