A varied weekend
Posted: 05 May 2008, 21:48
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
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
