I want to fly an Auster again
 

Does anyone know of an Auster owner who would be prepared to let a retired pilot re-kindle his first flying experience (Flying Scholarship at Crosby-on-Eden 1962) in an Auster? I have mislaid my log book for the time but I think most of my flying was on Autocrats and Aiglets and I think there was something designated a J5F. Any leads gratefully recieved. By the way, my instructor was Hodgeson ( I think there were 2 by that name) who, I think, perished in an aircraft accident and the Chief Instructor was a nice chap called Dave Davico.

I've sent you a PM about an aircraft based in Yorkshire.

Haha Me too! I wonder if it's the same one? ;)


MJ:ok:

G-AJIT?

BTW, TW, It's a Kingsland.

Ah yes, I know that one. The one I suggested was a J1


MJ:ok:

G-AJIS is also in Yorkshire.

Thank you for your help - I will follow-up the leads.

Must check the registrations of the Auster J1/Ns at Sywell in 1961 when I did my FS. I recall G-AJBR and MTM, but must find the old log book and check the others. Will be at Sywell at the end of the month; I wonder if any will be there and I can have a nostalgic sit in the cockpit


Just checked logbook


G-AIBR (and first (ever) solo22 July 1961)
G-A JRB (PPL test 13 August)
G-AJDW
G-AMTM


I think MTM is still around - are any of the others?

GINFO Database Search | Aircraft Register | Operations and Safety

Just put the reg in (without the G) and press enter.

FlyingMac - thanks, got there earlier on this afternoon


Cheers W

The J/5F is one of the variants of the Aiglet Trainer not related to the the other Aiglet which was the J/1B. The J/5K, J/5L and J/8L were similar airframes with different engines

Thank you Auster Fan. The Aiglet was definately the trickiest on the line - I think the track was narrower (than the Autocrat) and the heel brakes seemed to be size of shillings rather than half-crowns! Please corrrect me if I am wrong.

Top West 50, It might be worth poping along to Breighton, the Chairman of the International Auster club is based there. Not saying he would but he may be able to help you! There may also be a story to tell for the clubs magazine.

Should you ever be in the Midlands we have more Austers than you could shake a stick at at our field, I'd happily take you for a pole round in my Terrier :ok:

international auster club. About the International Auster Club » The International Auster Club

Thank you one and all. I will report back and, yes, there is "I learned about flying from that" story to be told - something about, weather forecasts, altimeter settings for dummies, teach yourself instrument flying and low flying, exploring low level circuits at a strange airfield with no radio etc! And all at aged 17!

ER - where is that - I am sometimes in the Warwick area

I would love a (passenger) flight in an Auster. Type I have never flown in.

Hi Top West 50,

I just thought you would like to see photos of this Auster 5J1 Autocrat.

Current Stock : Auster 5J1 Autocrat


Cheers,

Mixturerichlean

Thank you Mixturerichlean - looks very pretty!

Mission accomplished. Fifty two years later I have renewed my acquaintance with the first aircraft in which I flew solo. Very many thanks to my benefactor alll all who, so helpfully, provided leads. It was a wonderful experience!