July 2002
Welcome to New Members:
J. Dyer
S. Guy
C. Edwards
D. Spencer
M. Thorpe
M. Hadley
E. Halls
PPL Achieved!
K. Dhese
1st Solo Achieved!
J. Dyer
1st Solo with Skyline!
S. Guy
Solo Cross Country!
J. Hudson
IMC Renewal!
A. Dunkley
and for Brian Walsh and Gavin Chapman …
Cracked The Solent, cracked
The Channel …
The Atlantic next ?
Aerobatic Competition Day: Sat 27th July
Look out for more details.
Accounts:
Cheques are still arriving with the wrong company name, or with all invoices added together into a single cheque.
Please … we need separate cheques to match the company name on the separate invoices.
From the Instructor …
As full time instructor, I have been asked to include a note in the newsletter.
Finally, after almost two years, a feeling of nagging obligation, and numerous
threats on my life, I have conceded and put pen to paper.
At long last we have seen some better weather, and although it hasn't exactly felt like the Algarve, we have had fewer weather cancellations on training, so most of you have enjoyed some continuity. For the time being anyway, we have broken out of the one step forward, half a step back syndrome we were fighting in the winter. It has also allowed a fair amount of solo flying to take place, which is great.
There are a few points of an operational nature which I want to discuss below,
namely:
· starting
· engine fires
· noise abatement and the Caxton arrival
· the gliding nationals.
1. Starting
From cold: Prime 3 to 4 times, pump the throttle once and just crack it open.
From hot: Pump the throttle 2-3 times and just crack it open.
It appears that most starting difficulties are due to the throttle set too far open. If it starts and runs at about 800-900 RPM you have got it right. It can then be advanced to slow running speed.
Press the starter for no more than 5 seconds. By continuing, you risk damaging the starter motor or mechanism. If it does not start, stop and think - there is no point in just spinning the prop. Also, do not pump the throttle at the same time; it usually floods the plugs.
If you have primed 3-4 times, and/or pumped the throttle perhaps 3-5 times, and had the propeller spinning for more than a total of 10 seconds, it will be flooded. Continue starting with the mixture lean, otherwise you risk a fire.
If you have any doubts, please ask. We will be happy to assist.
2. Engine Fires
The club has experienced a few starting-related fires during the past eight months, which is quite worrying. As long as the propeller is spinning with the starter motor, fuel is being induced. Have a look at the paragraph above and don't flood it. (Cabin air controls should be closed for starting).
The best way to put a fire out is to start the engine. An exhaust fire will
extinguish almost instantaneously after spitting the flame out. On large engines
it can be quite spectacular. With an intake fire, the engine will suck it
in where it belongs.
If it has reached the stage where you are poised with the extinguisher, do
not panic. Fires normally put themselves out. Do not douse the whole engine.
Use a very localized blast if you have to at all.
MOST of the damage is caused by the fire extinguisher, not the fire. On average, it results in half a day's work and up to £400 to put the aircraft back into service.
3. Noise abatement and the Caxton arrival
During the airfield enquiry period, we used a Caxton arrival to Lt Gransden. Since then, Bourn has licensed their runway 24/06. The gliding club also uses the Eastern edge of their Zone quite extensively. I would very strongly recommend that you do not risk flying through that narrow funnel. I have experienced a few close calls there myself.
I would suggest joining as per the noise abatement map. Position to the West to fly between Gamlingay and Waresley for a Downwind 28 or Final 10, or position over Wimpole Hall if an easterly arrival is required. I will be happy to expand on this if you ask.
Please study the noise abatement procedure map and avoid sector Alpha just
East of Hayley Wood. There are still pilots over-flying Gransden Lodge Farm
and Model Farm. The approach to Runway 28 is offset from the South, and the
departure from Runway 10 requires an immediate turn to the right. A heading
of 150 is required with a southerly crosswind.
4. Gliding Nationals
The gliding Nationals take place from 27th July to the 4th August. I have been liaising with the gliding club and the following points are worth noting:
· They will be launching about 50 gliders by aero tow, all in the space of 1 hour and they will all be following the same task route.
· Many will soar locally to gain height from their 2000ft launch before heading off. The plan is for the launch to take place through sector Bravo, but the wind may dictate sector Alpha.
· As the gliders return they will be doing up to 140kts. We will be notified of the launch time and the task set for the day. Details will be on the notice board in the Cabin.
· They have also given an open invitation to anyone from Lt Gransden to go and watch. The finishes are normally quite spectacular.
· There is also an aerobatic competition taking place at Lt Gransden on the 27th July.
That's enough from me for one month. I wish you all safe flying, and may
all your landings be greasers.
Ian Austin
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And finally …
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