LAA Sywell 31-8-2019

[LondonEye]

I went on Saturday, and the event was affected by the weather front crossing the UK. Broken cloud thickened during the morning, and just after 2.00 started raining. Also, there was a fair old wind blowing. So visiting aircraft well down, compared to previous years.
A few more restrictions this year on access. We already lost based hangarage last year because of usual idiots behaviour. This year, no access on main apron. Probably because of problems last year when an HA-1112 came to refuel, and the area was swarmed with folks looking or taking pics. The Air Leasing hangar (where you might see warbird restorations) had it's windows papered up.
So onto a taste of the rally. As my norm, what I regard as the rarer types of interest. Types on the picture tags.

Pete.



Arrow Active G-ABVE Sywell


Druine D53 Turbi G-APBO Sywell


Druine D62C Condor G-ASRC Sywell


K&S SA102.5 Cavalier G-AZHH Sywell


Cadet III Motor Glider G-BCYH Sywell


EAA Biplane G-BPUA Sywell


Wittman W8 Tailwind G-BPYJ Sywell


Hatz CB-1 G-HATZ Sywell


Sequoia F8L Falco G-HCBW Sywell


Percival Mew Gull Replica G-HEKL Sywell


Steen Skybolt G-SBOL Sywell



One of my favourites this show. Latest by Ivan Shaw who designed the Europa and Liberty XL2.


Shaw ISA180 Seeker G-SEKR Sywell


Super Marine Spitfire RAF RB142 G-CEFC Sywell


MH-1521M Broussard French AF 255 G-CIGH Sywell


PA-18 Cub Italian Army MM52-2392 G-HELN Sywell


Heliopolis Gomhouria G-TPWX Sywell


Still allowed to wear New Zealand reg -


DH83 Fox Moth ZK-AGM G-CIPJ Sywell


Skystar Kitfox OE-AMJ Sywell


Safplanes Safari PH-JOO Sywell


Vans RV-6 F-PDXB Sywell


Vans RV-6 HB-YLL Sywell



First seen last year - this unusual delta to finish.


Verhees Delta 2B F-PDHZ 1 Sywell

[mustang5861]

That's a great selection of GA and quasi-military types - it reminds me of the wonderful variety of types seen at past PFA rallies, all without cordon-ropes around them. Sad to read about all the restrictions and 'off-limits' areas this year - a case
of the many being penalized for the actions of a mindless few. When will they learn?

[Mike]

That's a nice set of shots, I used to love going to the PFA Rallies at Sywell in the 70s.

[Cessna954]

Certainly a good variety of types and colour schemes.

The Shaw 180 is a new type to me.

I used to enjoy camping at the PFA Rally back in the day but times change.

Neil

[waghorn41]

I used to go to the PFA rallys. Popped over on the Friday thinking I'd have coffee and some cake in the Pilots Mess café - a public area - only to find it was closed off. They wanted £12 for a 3 day pass when I only wanted to go for a coffee. That sort of money is beyond me on my pension, the coffee and cake was going to be an extravagant treat. My fault as I should have checked as I knew the rally was on at the weekend

But then I remember the days when I used to cycle up to the tower and pop in for a chat with the Controller (a Mr Ashburner, former Spitfire pilot). He took me for my first flight in a light aircraft a Bolkow Junior.

[LondonEye]

Thanks everyone.
The first rally I went to was Cranfield in 1990. I drove through a gate, stopped and said to somebody "Where do I pay?". They replied "Just go in".
Don't know if the early one's were free, but I have paid ever since !
I enjoy the general freedom to wander, see the aircraft up close and ask pilots questions.
A rally certainly tests your light aircraft recognition and it's fun.
Pete.