PFA Rally
 

Been doing the Rally for 20 years and flown-in in various types including Nord 854, Sonerai 2 and an Acrosport 1, but must say that these days I have to drive cause of all the kit I have to take for my job there. My first visit was very daunting as I was a low time PPL in a very slow a/c and mixing it with some 20 a/c on 'finals' was an experience that I'll never forget!:) All you prospective first timers do not be put off but follow the safety advise of the other pruners on this thread, its a great weekend and I'll most definetely be there:D The Students Bar is called the 'Cookoo's Nest', be there or be square;)
You'll find me at the Fire Section 08.00 til 20.00 or so and I'm not looking for any customers!!!!!
Yes it is me Whirly!

"All's quiet in Pontypandy"

OK Sam Tan, I'm not taken in by the name change. ;) See you on Friday.

PFA Rally
 

Hello Sam,
Will our American friends be bringing their "Litt'est Fire Truck"this year. My regards to the rest of the crew see you at cranfield;)

PFA RALLY
 

Sam
Your secret identity is out. And there I've been speaking to you for all these years and not known. See me in my caravan Boyo !!
Ed:cool:

PFA Rally
 

Windy Militant and Ed Set,
No American Fire truck this time I'm afraid, (were'nt they just great?!) But y'all in good hands now d'hear!:) Just three of us supplementing the Cranfield lads and providing something like an unofficial Cat 4 RFFS. Good eh? See you both next week (Thursday to Sunday)
Whirly see Friday

"all's quiet in Pontypandy"

Cranfield
 

My twopennerth, for those who haven't been before -

Get a pink marker-pen and highlight the important bits on the AIC - frequencies; your routes to runways 04 and 22 from wherever; heights to fly.

Listen to the arrivals ATIS early, to set your altimeter and to know which route you'll be following to the actual runway in use.

Be aware of where to look for other a/c joining you from different routes, (Toddington gets busy) and just slot yourself in.
Fly the approprtiate heights accurately at each stage to final.

The way-points and assembly points are easy to recognize, but it all suddenly starts happening quickly as you get close, so keep thinking ahead.

Keep an eye open for the ones aiming for the grass runway, if you're going for the hard (or the other way about). They'll be at your side on final.

Don't talk on the RT until you call final. Then keep listening. The controllers will shepheard you in. Know what to do if you have to go around.

And ENJOY! It's brilliant...

WS

White Shadow or anyone who is in the know

I have read and re-read the AIC with several other pilots and nowhere does it stipulate or recommend the altitude to join and orbit the assembly area at!

I am assuming approaching the VPG from Toddington to join the assembly area as detailed Annexe B for either Hard runway

If it is going to be broadcast on the ATIS as I imagine it could well be a wx dependent issue then it should state that on the AIC otherwise we shall have a tornado of aircraft all whirling round at random heights decending to 1200FT QFE when they decide to peel away from the assembly area::eek:

Or am I just being a major BOZO??

In anticipation of being corrected

Wunper

:D :D

Cranfield
 

Hmm. Good question...

Previous years' Approach Procedures diagrams showed "Hold not above 1600ft QFE" at the hard runways Assembly Area and "Hold not above 1100ft QFE" at the grass runways Assembly Area.

Can't see this anywhere in this year's AIC.
Anybody else?

WS

I'm really hoping to get to The Rally! Ideally, I'd like to stay the Saturday in 'me new tent :cool:

BUT I've not found a lift yet :(

Is there anyone going from the Kent area (Rochester, Clipgate, Manston etc) that would be willing to take a 14yr old student PPL? I'm of course willing to cost share.

TIA,
TheKentishFledgling

I'll be flying in from White Waltham on Saturday. If anyone wants a lift let me know, I've got a couple of empty seats.

David

Min Sink: are you going to be staying the Saturday night?

TIA,
tKF

Coke611

I'll be flying in from near Braintree for the Saturday only in a 1955 Apache. If you can get up here you are welcome to come along. Contact me directly if you wish.

Cheers

TheKentishFledgling

No, I'm just going for the day.

Min Sink

Cheers, but I'm really hoping to stay the night.

Thanks a lot though anyway!

I have a week to find a lift that is going to stay the night as well.....:rolleyes:

tKF

TKF

Surely someone from Clipgate is going?

If all else fails I'd get yourself and tent (auw 120lbs) down to Clipgate after school on Friday and badger everyone for a ride to Cranfield. I wouldn't leave Clipgate until the last aeroplane departs....

I wouldn't worry about getting back on Sunday. This isn't exactly GCSE big time for you.

In fact having never met your folks and hannah, I'd be inclined never to return:D

Stik

ps - Ed is a very nice, well mannered lad who is very enthusiastic about a career in aviation and if anyone can help him in his quest to reach Cranfield without him reverting to pedal-power, then the Rally will be richer for all of you!

Would love to help Ed, but as you know, will be in Iceland with the boys.

I know you'll make it over there. Don't let the ragwing drivers contaminate your young mind though. :D

TKF - it's a darn shame, but we're full up on Friday (and coming back the same day).

I reckon if you can get a life there on Friday, you can get another one back on Sat or Sun, even if it's to somewhere else in Kent.

C'mon folks, with 1500 aircraft going to PFA there *must* be someone from Biggin/Rochester/Clipgate/Manston?

You'll be glad you took Ed with you!

Stik:

"In fact having never met your folks and hannah, I'd be inclined never to return"
Ok, you let me move into your place with Raluca the minx, let me rebuild your aeroplanes for a living and you're on :D

2Donkeys:

"Don't let the ragwing drivers contaminate your young mind though."
Ha! But what about you and the ATPL/IR guys glogging up my brain with all the things GPSs can do, and the way to work them all?! ;)

tKF

PFA
 

It looks as if the weather will just about be O.K for the weekend - am hoping to get there Saturday early and stay overnight - tent next to a Cessna 310 (GAZRR) - can always get into the a/c if it gets cold. Will be with the PILOT photography and web team taking pics for most of the two days - please smile on landing. I understand the place to be is the student bar so Sat evening (between taking sunset shots) expect to be there - anyone making any sort of arrangements?. If so plse leave details at the PILOT stand for Ian D.
have a great time all, read the AIC, and be safe.

Ed hope you get a lift. If you do look in the Auster and my number will be on the seat. I just spoke to Barry (Cub), he packed his tent, forgot his sleeping bag and now he's looking forward to the rain forcast for tonight. :D

See y'all there tomorrow (Saturday) around 12:30 ish.