A varied weekend

[T6flyer]

Now I know from past experience that Bank Holidays are normally times when we're stuck indoors either due to the weather or to some kind of re-decorating needed doing, but I have to admit to having a wonderful time. Bet it doesn't happen like that at the end of the month when we have the next one!!

On Saturday had 40 minutes in a Robin HR200 out of Bodmin looking at the EE Lightnings in people's back gardens (I know gnomes are more common, but down here its Lightnings!) and then had a wonderful flight in a Trago Mills SAH-1. I was only 16 when this design first flew from Bodmin in 1983 (I'm 41 ok) and didnt get the chance to sample the delights of this lovely little aeroplane until 25 years later, when G-OAGI visited her ancestral home this weekend. It was intended to have all four flying examples to make an appearance, but due to the 'lovely' weather we had in other parts of the country, only this example arrived.

A lovely aeroplane to fly, very responsive and an absolute joy. Such a shame that only a few were produced, but this is to change in the future. Would make a decent Flightsim aeroplane. I have all the original flight manuals etc, if anyone is ever interested.

Sunday was a nothing day. No chance of any flying, so a prolonged visit to my local was in order. Better than watching paint dry.

Today have been to Lundy (what a bumpy runway that is, if you call it that) for lunch in an Auster Mk.III and then this afternoon spent 30 minutes in the World's only surviving Chrislea SkyJeep (think Auster with a Lancaster tail). Only three examples were built, with this one being returned from Australia in the 1990s for restoration. When I was 16, I had a flight to Lands End and back in its sister design the Chrislea Super Ace (had a weird ball and socket yoke), so must be one of the few people to have sampled both designs. Sad I know.

Oh well, back to work tomorrow..........

Martin

[Garry Russell]

Hi Martin

Sounds great.....miserable depressing weather here all weekend :-(

These Lightnings.....are there quite a few down around those parts?

DIdn't know the Skyjeep was flying. :o


Garry

[T6flyer]

Hi Martin

Sounds great.....miserable depressing weather here all weekend :-(

These Lightnings.....are there quite a few down around those parts?

DIdn't know the Skyjeep was flying. :o


Garry

There are three Lightnings within 15 miles of each other. One is at a house in Callington (with overwing tanks), one is at a house at St.Cleer and the other is outside at Castle Motors at Trebrownbridge on the way to Liskeard. This is also home to Castle Air, that of Treasure Hunt, Robby Williams videos and sporting events.

The SkyJeep was first restored in Lincolnshire and whilst on its delivery flight from there to its new home at Eggesford, it lost its prop and came down in one of Prince Charles' polo fields somewhere I cant remember. Roaded backed, it was restored once again and flew again in March 2006. I've been lucky to have sampled the design three times now. I am a lucky man.

Best wishes,

Martin

[Garry Russell]

Thanks for that Martin

The SkyJeep sound a great little aircraft to experience

I suppose the nature of the design helped in the forced landing....must be quite tough

Garry

[TSR2]

Sounds like the best of weekends Martin. Do you have any pictures (past or present) of these machines?

Cheers

[T6flyer]

Sounds like the best of weekends Martin. Do you have any pictures (past or present) of these machines?

Cheers

Trago Mills SAH-1 (FLS Sprint 160) G-OAGI
http://www.abpic.co.uk/photo/1057805/

Auster Mk.III G-AREI
http://www.abpic.co.uk/photo/1108009/

Chrislea SkyJeep
http://www.abpic.co.uk/photo/1034309/

and the Robin HR200 (of which there is a repaint of Mike Stone's example)
http://www.abpic.co.uk/photo/1053831/

Martin

[T6flyer]

Umm just discovered this......fame at last!!

http://www.abpic.co.uk/photo/1107998/

Martin

[Garry Russell]

Hi Martin

I take it one of those Gentlemen is your goodself???


Garry

[T6flyer]

Hi Martin

I take it one of those Gentlemen is your goodself???


Garry

Yes that's me in the right hand seat not knowing where I'm going (usual Pengelly trait).

This isnt the first time my bonce has been seen in an aeroplane on the net:

http://www.abpic.co.uk/photo/1017207/

http://www.abpic.co.uk/photo/1072231/

http://www.abpic.co.uk/photo/1049235/

A very embarrassing photo (8th from top):
http://forum.planetalk.net/viewtopic.ph ... =broussard

and.....
http://www.caa.co.uk/applicationmodules ... mgtype=jpg

In all have flown in over 250 types from flexwings to microlights. Some have been just lucky to have been in the right place at the right time and others have worked for. I did ask someone when I was a lot younger for a flight in all things an Auster AOP.9 and was told not to politely to 'go away!', so havent asked since!

Martin

[DelP]

Nice links Martin, many thanks ;-)

It makes a change to look at the person first....the beer crate and Broussard is a cracker...

ATB,

Derek