Licence Renewal
 

Was in a cold sweat about this one...

Anybody who qualified in 2000 will be looking to renew their licence shortly.

As 2000 was the first year for the new JAR PPL and the 5 year validity, renewal is imminent for some. I will be honest - this nearly caught me out as mine is due next month.

OK, it is something we should all be aware of but please do not fall into the same trap as me and realise with only 2 weeks to go.

Downloadable PDF form on the CAA website and £59.00 for the pleasure.

So, all the "Class Of 2000" - get to it! :ouch:

Newcastle Aero Club
 

Now the dust has settled how are things going with the new set up? Better or worse than NAC?

John,

Forgot to mention, last time I was up by Millfield (mid week) there was an awful lot of low level RAF activity taking place in and around the valley. The aircraft (Tuccanos) seemed to be routing towards the St. Abbs VOR area via Wooler/Millfield - keep your eyes peeled.

PD

Flying School
 

Phil Space

In my opinion things are going far better than they ever were. Neil seems to have got the flying side going really well, while Anth/Andrew are doing really well with Wigs Bar & Restaraunt (and soon to open Wings Bar at Teeside in the Northern Aviation building)

With NO committee to poke their noses in and waste money it's like a breathe of fresh air and I am sure everybody will echo my sentiments.

Administration - while not a nice thing at the best of times and the ex committee culprits unlikely to be brought to account for the poor running of the old Aero Club, it was probably the best thing that could have happened to the place.

Paris Dakar.

How you doing mate - hope you are well. Anything that travels in excess of 500kts with callsigns like SAVAGE, JESTER, VENOM, CORDITE & BATMAN needs to be kept well out the way of.. ;)

TOPJET973K,

I'm keeping well matey thanks!

Been doing a spot of bimbling with GonTek, we had a very nice run out to Carlisle a few weeks back (first time I've ever been there by plane)! And, we had a little jolly on Monday night too, a trip down to Durham and back via Sunderland and South Shields.

Got some great footage burned onto DVD - if you ask him nicely he may let you see it..............and the DVD!

Regarding the club, Neil has done very well indeed (IMHO) and the whole place looks well organised and sorted. The new instructor Andy seems like a really nice guy too (not flown with him yet) and it's great to JC doing what he does best.

Wings Bar is nicely done out and it's a credit to the lads that run it.

Last of the great adventurers eh, PD ? :)

Speedtape,

Ya cheeky monkey.

Flying a circuit is a great adventure for me matey - I'm easily pleased :ok:

PD - thanks for the heads up! I won't be going up that way for a while I expect. Only went solo for the first time the other day! I'm simply looking ahead, for places to go once I've got the licence!

I agree with everything that's been said about the club - it's brilliant. Much, much better. Which reminds me, I remember someone saying something about a group photograph of the members? I believe it MIGHT be this sunday, at.......1500. It's a might, though. I think it's in the process of being sorted at the moment.

Watch out for the Harriers, callsign Wellard (Well'ard, get it );)

RAF Callsigns...
 

Speedy:

OK mate - you are sharp today!!! :)

Newcastle Flying school
 

There will be a group photo at 12.00 Sun 30th October for any members who have not recieved a letter ....

Damn it! I'm working that day! Grrrr! That's a shame, not a lot I can do though! Would have been nice (on my birthday too)! On a brighter note I'll hopefully get to fly on sat. - won't be after school now, with the clocks going back. Winter's horrible!!

John.

I'll be there, complete with paper bag.

flying school foto
 

Happy: you were there, no paper bag in evidence...

It was winded off,I will allege it is scheduled for next Sunday same time and place , So you get a second chance JW.

I knew it would be 'winded off' and therefore didn't take said bag.

I'll be away next Sunday (12 noon) so will completely miss the next photo shoot. Lucky me.

Afraid I won't make that either. Part time jobs, eh?! No chance of it being on the saturday? I'm planning on flying that day if I can get a slot with John. Although, if the weathers ok I'll be going solo anyway :D

No worries! I assume nobody got flying today?

John.

Newcastle Aero Club & Wings Bar
 

See apology new post

C'est la vie mes ami (whatever it means ) !

C'est la vie indeed! A bit annoying when the work's to keep me flying through university, and it's hindering my flying at the moment! Need my licence first, before I need to worry about keeping the hours up!! Found out that the week after this I'm required to work both sat and sunday! My hours will soon begin to become too thin at this rate...

That reminds me, there was a nice looking tail-wheel flew over Alnwick on sunday. Looked aero-type, was blue and red I believe. Anyone know who or what?

John.

Hi Samson. Your post is an interesting one. I'm a student PPL at Newcastle and I can honestly say that it is a massive improvement on what was there previously. They took the 'good' bits and added to them. The FI's are first class, friendly, helpful and generally nice people. I have found Neil and Lynda to be professional, hard working, welcoming people who go out of their way to make newcomers and members feel at home. They do need help and to be honest, their 'helpers' are also assets to the business. I have not seen or heard anyone having a problem that could not be solved and solved in a pleasant way.

There are only so many aircraft and keeping the FI's employed and aircraft flying are the priorities. Northumbria Flying School needs to make a profit and does seem to keep the aircraft flying most of the 'flyable' hours. Having said that with the weather recently, there has been aircraft sitting on the apron a lot. Anyone with an IMC or not bothered about taking off in 'peak rate' time (for landings) could have used a aeroplane. As the Club grows, maybe more aircraft will be introduced. A Cessna sits regularly on the asphalt, a new addition to the fleet. Have you sopken to Neil about his plans for the future of the Club? I must admit that I haven't.

I do agree with your assessment of the quality of the food at Wings though. I took the family there a month or so ago and although edible, it wasn't what I'd describe as good. Perhaps a visit from a well known, mad Chef would make a difference? The Wings Bar is a nice place to meet and chat though and the people running it do seem to be ok, in my limited experience.