Newsletter December 2008

 

 

INTRODUCTION

Almost another year has flown by (unbelievably!) and we have been busy both behind the scenes as well as making changes you can see for yourself!

AFC continues to strive forwards to improve on already high standards, and to keep up to date with personnel, premises, aircraft and procedures. In this newsletter, we’ve highlighted some changes, and brought you some news that you may not have heard of (or forgotten)!

 

CLUB HOUSE

Oh yes, it has changed again! We have had another change around with the club furniture. This was done to allow more room for the general gathering of people with better sight of notice boards, and to allow the instructors better visibility of the coming and going of aircraft, PPLs and students. In addition, it also makes the front desk environment a little quieter so people can be heard on the phone when they ring!

We’re sure you’re all aware that the club house has a Wi-Fi network available for members. Recently upgraded, the service now boasts greater speed and improved reliability. In addition the network is now secure. The access password is available from the front desk.

 

AIRFIELD UP-KEEP

Bill has worked hard in all weathers to keep the airfield up to its present high standard. Work has been carried out on the grass section of the runway (improved drainage), painting of the runway markers, various hard surfaces cracks filled and new cat's eyes installed to make taxiing at night easier. A further two concrete parking pads have been installed. Any one wishing to re-locate to a concrete pad please speak to Bill.

It’s a credit to all who have helped whenever possible by landing on the hard runway. This maintains the grass in the best possible shape for the winter season and also keeps the aircraft clean, not just on the outside but the inside as well! It makes a big difference in the way the airfield and aircraft look.

 

AFC CREW

Firstly, (and we’re sure you’ll agree), a big thank you to Victoria for all the unfailing work she does throughout the year to keep us all in order, and the club ticking along. Many of you probably don’t appreciate the logistical nightmares that sometimes takes place juggling students, PPLs, aircraft, maintenance checks and instructor availability!

Secondly, a big thank you to all the crew (fire and ground staff) for their continuous support throughout the year too.

Speaking of the fire crew, they continue to train on a regular basis. We have been fortunate to have had the Rougham fire crew join us on some training nights, along with some of the Essex Air Ambulance personnel. A first aid course is being organised and will be held in the new year by Keith Charlwood.

A few of the ground staff recently passed their RT air/ground theory and practical exam, meaning they can officially operate Earls Colne Radio!

 

INSTRUCTORS

Thank you to all the instructor's for their continuous support and patience with our British weather through the year. We welcome Dave Trouse, Simon Curtis and Adrian Willis on board.

AFC now additionally offers the services of 2 CRI (Class Rating Instructors). So if you would like further training, a check ride, type conversion, differences training, biennial 1 hour dual P/UT flight, or someone just to come and keep you company on a flight then book either Nigel Willson or Brian Alton. The role of the CRI is to free up the normal instructors time for ab-initio training where possible. Both Nigel and Brian can be contacted though the club and are generally available “as and when” required.

Instructor availability
Monday:	John Pickering, Simon Curtis
Tuesday:	John Pickering, Dave Trouse
Wednesday:	Simon Curtis, Robin Rudderham
Thursday:	John Thurlow, Dave Trouse
Friday:	John Thurlow, Digby Dogherty
Saturday:	John Pickering, Robin Rudderham, James Stock
Sunday:	Digby Docherty, Robert Devereux, Adrian Willis
As arranged:	Nigel Willson, Brian Alton

 

GROUND SCHOOL

1-1 ground school is available from any of your instructors (CRI as well as full).

Adrian Willis hopes to start up some ground school in the new year. Watch the notice board and website for more details.

 

AIRCRAFT

G-JEET (soon to be G-ECAD) C152 aerobat has joined the fleet and is available for training and PPL hire. If you are the more adventurous PPL then perhaps some gentle aerobatic manoeuvres with an instructor might be in order! Or, why not even set yourself the goal of completing our new Aerobatic course. We can train you to the AOPA syllabus and competency standards right here at the club. Speak to Nigel Willson for more information.

Staying on the subject of aerobatics (and not for the faint hearted), Adrian Willis is also available to give aerobatic lessons in his Extra 200. If you are interested please contact Adrian direct: AdrianWillis@JamieGroup.com.

G-SAAB (Rockwell Commander) arrived earlier this year too. This is a complex aircraft and is available for advanced differences training and hire.

The interiors of both G-BZET and G-JEET have also been refurbished. Thanks go to Michael Seagal for his work and time.

All the club aircraft can now been seen sporting the new club logo.

Anglian Flight Centres are once again sponsoring the Yak 52 (yakdisplay.com), so happy yakking guys! We’re glad the club is being advertised at both local and wider-afield venues on the display circuit!

 

NEW PROCEDURES

A few months ago a new system was introduced, enabling us to better manage flight times and expenditure. The tacho recording system (in conjunction with the normal brakes on/off times) has proved its worth now every one is remembering to record their tacho times! If you’re unsure which numbers to read in the aircraft, you’ll see a yellow strip underneath the correct dial to record. Thanks to Phil Ryder for working on this and updating the front desk system.

September also saw the arrival of the mandatory new flight planning system (AFPEx). Pilots will still need to complete their flight plan forms in the usual way, but the flight plans now have to be entered on-line into AFPEx by AFC staff. Consequently, please allow good time for your flight plan to be entered – especially during busy periods at the club.

 

STUDENT BUDDY SCHEME

A new initiative (started by a Jonathan Miller) is now in place to help and assist students in their quest for their wings. Rather than go into details here, we’d just like to draw it to your attention for you to enquire further about. There is a place in the scheme for everyone; students, PPLs and instructors – so please take the time to find out more from the notice board, forum or web site.

 

SOCIAL EVENTS

The Christmas party is organised for 10th January 2009 and there are only a few places left. For more information speak to Victoria at the club. Raffle tickets (proceeds to the Air Ambulance) for various prizes are available £1 per strip! See Victoria for details!

Kev Drage has been busy organising the monthly social nights at the “not so local” hostelry. The next event will be on 12th December at the “5 Bells” in Colne Engaine. Every one is welcome. On the social side, there have been fly outs to Ostend, Deauville, and Elmsett open day, as well as the Red Bull races, Newmarket races, quiz nights, and much more! Oh, as well as chatting in the pub that is! For more information on social events, keep an eye on the clubs *new* social notice board, the forum and the website: www.anglianflightcentres.co.uk

 

OTHER NEWS

For those interested, keep your eyes peeled in the February issue of “Today’s Pilot” (out in January!) for a big write-up about the club and Earls Colne!

One or two members have been more “further afield” than most during this past year. Paul Young successfully ferried a twin from Earls Colne to South Africa(!), and Nigel Willson ferried a Yak52 from Lithuania to Little Gransden via Earls Colne! If you’ve done something out of the ordinary, please let us know!

Finally, we also need to mention our international media star! We speak (of course) about James O’Neil and his most remarkable flight that made international headlines. We wish James well, and a speedy, steady recovery from his ordeal. However, in the same breath we congratulate him on some excellent airmanship, and are proud to have him as a member of AFC!

Seasons Greetings to one and all,

Mick Manders

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