The On-Track Trophy - 2009

CD's Report
Addressing the future of British aerobatics, the sages of BAeA concluded the best inflow might flow via enthusiastic instructors. Thus it was that a few years ago an informal relationship was established with On Track Aviation at Wellesbourne Mountford, recognised as one of the market leaders in professional training. Its principal is hyper-active showman Alan Newton, with associates including Mark Young, his wife Faith and obligatory airfield black Labrador which is not called Nigger.

The event is targeted at instructors to entice them into aerobatics. Such enticement starts with a seminar given by aerobatics guru Alan Cassidy on the first evening (Wednesday). This was the third time (at least) that I have heard it, but it is never any less riveting. Emphasis is put on "the discipline" of contest aerobatics (as opposed to the indiscipline of hooliganising), and the transition in the pilots mind so that he magically creates an image of himself as seen from the ground (as opposed to the view from the cockpit).

The following morning provided the opportunity for novice aero pilots to secure a lively aeroplane, with its guardian angel, and practice what he had learned, initially away from the field then overhead before a BAeA judge - who scored and then analysed the performance. In the afternoon the same programme was repeated but without the initial "play-away" rehearsal and, whilst it was never intended to be a contest, scores were compared such that at the evening barbecue Alan (Newton) presented some awards.

Day three, Friday: asked for a one line forecast of the days weather, Alan N played the safe "same as yesterday"; he was nearly right, for it was not till a little later that cloud rose to the 2,800ish feet required by BAeA rules. Yes, cloud base viewed from the ground is VERY deceptive, and its rise on a warm day is almost imperceptible, typically occurring just when one stops looking, as in a lunch break ... as happened on Friday!

Thus flying commenced at 12.30ish with eight Advanced pilots completing the "Q" programme in just 90 minutes, followed by five Beginners doing their sequence in about 45 minutes, the day finishing fairly expeditiously at 1700 after the ensuing Advanced Unknown.

Paul Tomlinson had fared so well in the Known that even his falling to third in the unknown did not prevent his finishing first overall... but only just, a meagre 1.09 percentage points separating the top three - all over 75%.

Awards were presented by On Track officer Stephanie Wall, which included the On Track Trophy. The Beginners event is - as is regularly stressed - not a contest, more an assessment, but scores for each flight are calculated and therefore compared, so it is felt appropriate to recognize such achievement with a token award: on this occasion it was presented to an absent but reportedly tearfully joyful Adrian Read in his Decathlon.

At Wellesbourne appreciation is due to even more facilitators than usual: Mick is the airfield principal but also proved himself an ace barbecue'ist, not only delivering the furniture but preparing the meal: Frankie and Jonny in the tower fully appreciated our needs and directing op's accordingly, and the cafe proved its quality by remaining perpetually busy. On Track meanwhile provided more than one might of a host airfield.

BAeA personnel were headed by Chairman and seminar leader Alan Cassidy, and judging and admin were executed flawlessly by Mr and Mrs British Aerobatics Nick and Jen Buckenham. It was good too to see the many visitors included Steve Greens parents from nearby Birmingham. New judging assistants included renowned hotelier Denis Woodhams, and Alison Hughes who had quit her grocery shop to assist Lynn Westnage ("What's a stilton?" ... "No no, not stilton, stall turn")!
Eric Marsh
Contest Director