CD’s Report
Breighton,
what a lovely spot for aviation, smooth grass strip, uncontrolled
airspace, and a friendly welcome. It’s just the job for an aerobatic
contest site. We had three contests, beginners, John Maclean (standard)
and Yak UK Yak 52 contest. I must say when I checked the three day
forecast on the Met office site on Thursday it didn’t look too good - a
window on Friday afternoon and a clearance from Saturday lunchtime.
As the forecast promised we were able to
start flying at 1405 on Saturday, launching the first of the two Yak 52.
Etienne Verhellen, all the way from Belgium, was the first to fly.
Etienne’s long journey was well worth it as he was the winner of the Yak
UK trophy after flying both sequences. The favourite for the Yak trophy
was Gennady who flew wonderfully but missed out a line from his sequence
card. Best to get it out of the way here instead of South Africa. We
wish the best of luck to both of you; hope to see you both back soon.
We decided to fly an unknown first for the
standard pilots who followed the Yaks, because we were unsure if we
would complete two sequences in the time left. In the end Brian Brown
did kindly let the contest run passed 1800hrs so two sequences could be
flown by the standard entrants. Well-done Luke, despite the shiny seat.
We also managed to finish the beginners contest, well done Jon Cooper on
his win, standard next time maybe? We only managed to complete the
contest with the help of the judges taking a very short break, the
pilots keeping up a good strike rate, and Brian letting the contest run
passed the deadline.
Thanks very much to all the judges, scorer,
cafe staff, Brian Brown, and all at Breighton airfield who were affected
by our operation. Also thank you to the pilots for flying safely.
Final note from me - this story is from
one of the Jordanian Falcons at Sywell during 1995 nationals....
There was a pilot, co pilot, an old
passenger and a parrot in a light aircraft. The aircraft was flying at
10,000ft in cloud with heavy turbulence, the crew working very hard to
maintain control. The parrot was screeching and talking causing a
distraction to the crew. The crew advised the parrot if he was not quiet
they would throw him over board. The parrot continued talking and making
a noise and so the co pilot grabbed the bird and chucked him off. The
old man was not happy that the parrot had been thrown off, so he began
to shout at the crew. The crew advised him that he too would be thrown
off if he continued to talk and shout. The old man took no notice and
continued whingeing so he too was chucked off. As the old man tumbled
down through the clouds the parrot saw him and flew towards him. The
parrot circled round him and shouted “what are you doing out here”? The
old man said “I was shouting and talking to the crew like you”. The
parrot circled round him as he fell and said, “if you cannot fly its
best to keep quiet”.
The Best way to enjoy Aerobatics is to fly
well and keep quiet.
Good luck,
Tom Cassells, CD
