Tim is the envy of us all still down under in NZ and attending the Wanaka Airshow. It seems that after sipping a cold one he did a type conversion to a little red biplane!

WEATHER 2 SPLOT 0

I am beginning to think that Duncan wants the SPLOT job back so he is quietly organising the weather to ensure that my Squadron Flying Programme is unflyable!!

That said, we had 11 attendees in total. All arrived by car except Ted Mangion, our newest joiner, who flew in to VL, completely under my radar, on the Thursday. Well done Ted. Great initiative.

Ted Solo Mangion

We were welcomed and warmly hosted by ‘Mum’ Davis and the team at Navy Wings. Our sponsor, Mark Jameson worked tirelessly to smooth the admin and shepherd us in and out of VL, and Mr Bodnarchuck at VL Ops worked tirelessly to ensure the MoD Waivers came through in time.

We joined the Navy Wings Team at 1130 for presentations and discussions. As always, it is an immensely valuable ‘brain start’ for our season’s flying. Navy Wings have produced a superb document featuring hyperlinks to important CAA information that is almost impossible to find on the CAA website due to the nature of their indexing. I am promised a copy and will publish to members shortly. All of the briefings were interesting, entertaining and mostly relevant to GA flying. The F35B capability brief (though of necessity U/C) was especially enthralling as was the subsequent capability comparison with the FA2!

Our very own Chris Gilbert did the squadron proud with a superb, highly professional presentation on GA Aircraft Conspicuity which was extremely well received. I think he is going to be invited back to brief VL Ops and ATC.

Chris in full flow

The SkyWise quiz was a useful refresher and entertaining. Unfortunately, both myself and Tony Gibson were mysteriously unable to log in to the wifi so could not compete. Still, it probably saved other participants the embarrassment of seeing our likely perfect scores!

Deep in thought

We concluded the afternoon with a team photo, minus Ted Mangion, who dashed out to help stack some chairs? This resulted in me capturing his portrait separately for all to see.

We happy few

And so to The Blue Camel for the now traditional Curry and Beer Festival. I had earlier remembered that the Blue Camel has a couple of rooms so I bagged one early ensuring a very short walk from curry to cot! The evening was excellent. The food, company and general ambience was perfect.

Curry Galore

Again, many thanks to everyone who made it happen and to everyone who happened to be there.

Former CO Tim Nicholas is making the most of his trip to New Zealand by visiting Mt Cook in a Turbo Porter. This photo was taken at 8000' but still warm enough for him to turn up in the Sqn 'rig of the day'.

Our Buzz editor Brent is currently working on his latest project, a Tiger Moth in his hangar based in Pennsylvania. He still has a way to go and is awaiting the arrival two reconditioned magnetos and a few other parts. But as you can see, he is proudly showing off the Squadron crests that I'm sure will invite interest from our American cousins.

The FAA Squadron continued its links with Navy Wings when our SP, Steve Sykes headed to Yeovilton to present a cheque for £500 to Navy Wings CEO, Jamie Dible. The presentation took place at the Navy Wings Christmas bash.

The Sqn team model the 'rig of the day.'

More of the team.

Must be a winner. Best Christmas sweater. Honest!

The annual dinner/AGM marked the end of the 3 year tenure of Tim Nicholas and Duncan Matthews as FAA Squadron CO and SP. The Sqn is now in the very capable hands of 'The Two Steves', Robson and Sykes.

We all met at Steve Sykes's Wiltshire home on the 8th December for a very convivial brunch/ handover and 2026 planning meeting.

Tim hands over to Steve Robson. . .

and Duncan Matthews to Steve Sykes.

We wish them the very best for their 3 years in office.

The Squadron met at the Abbey Hotel, Malvern on the 15th November for the AGM followed by the Annual Dinner. The AGM was a relaxed run through of 2025's excellent series of events, followed by decisions on our 2026 plans, not least the succession of Boss and Senior Pilot. Then came the fun . . .

One Pint

Two Pints

Three Pints

Eight Pints

The Boss's speech

Our guest speaker keeps us enthralled explaining some of the more complex investigations carried out at the Air Accident Investigation Branch

The stalwarts celebrate the next morning after conquering the perilous east face of the Malvern Hills.

The final programmed fly in of the year brought us to Halfpenny Green near Wolverhampton. As ever, the arrangements were made by the SP whilst our 'man on the ground', 'Green' resident and Sqn Treasurer, Chris Law acted as our host for the visit.

The airfield has recently seen major investment with a complete makeover of Tower and restaurant, and total resurfacing of the airfields runways and operating surfaces. The Senior Pilot yet again used his gift for providing us with decent flying weather just before conditions went downhill.

The assembled team enjoying an excellent lunch at Amelia's restaurant

An excellent, (and impressively tidy) turnout of ten Sqn aircraft grace the grass outside HG Tower

Tim Mallorie prepares to return to Blackpool in his lovely Chippy

Volunteers reposition SP's Jodel prior to departure. Apparently it's easier to move once you take the brakes off!

On 24 September we were hosted at Walmer Castle by Lord Warden of the Cinque ports, former First Sea Lord and FAA pilot, Sir George Zambellas. As ever the Senior Pilot's magic weather finger was in force and we were blessed with 2 lovely days for this overnighter. The only fly in the ointment was a nagging north easterly affecting Kent which meant we had to change our destination from Manston to Pent Farm to allow for the crosswind. An excellent tour at the castle was followed by a convivial night in Hythe and for some some of us, a breakfast stop in Goodwood the next day.

Sir George with our guide David sporting some Sqn 'merch'

A couple of likely lads

Not a bad weekend retreat

Just like my garden

Evening meal in the White Hart, Hythe

Some of the 9 aircraft and crews that flew into Pent Farm

A quick detour on our way out to look at the Battle of Britain Memorial on the White Cliffs of Dover at Capel le Ferne

The FAA Sqn was proud to support the commemoration of 3 naval aircrew lost in World War Two. Sub Lieutenants William Appleby, Ernest Green and Joe Lupton were all killed when their 848 NAS Avenger hit the ground north of Lake Vyrnwy in a snowstorm on 3 February 1944 whilst on a transit from Gosport to Machrihanish. The site had not been marked until now.

Following a short service by Padre John Harrison the salute was given by the Senior Naval Officer RAF Shawbury, Cdr AJ Thompson . The wreath was presented by FAA Sqn Boss, Tim Nicholas and was later moved to S/Lt Appleby's grave in Oswestry. We were also delighted to receive a flypast from a modern day 750 NAS Avenger.

RAF Shawbury's Padre conducts a short service at the memorial site

The Senior Naval Officer Shawbury takes the salute

FAA Sqn Boss after presenting the wreath

S/Lt Appleby's grave in Oswestry Cemetery

A few stalwarts took advantage of the current run of good weather and headed to Haverfordwest in Pembrokeshire on Saturday the 10th August with the aim of buying that expensive cup of coffee and showing off their squadron merchandise. That part of the mission succeeded. However, a variable pitch propeller problem on the CTLS meant the aircraft had to be abandoned, unserviceable. Fortunately, the very accommodating Metal Seagulls Co, fortunately based in Haverfordwest, fixed it in short order allowing the aircraft to be picked up by the two Steves just 2 days later.

A selection of the 'good looking roosters'!

This Sunday, 8 June, saw the ‘annual’ Brown Shutters Farm BBQ Fly-in. The planned weekend event was slightly curtailed by the weather, and the overnight camping was scaled back significantly (RMs only). However, Sunday provided excellent flying weather and the opportunity to gather the team for barbecued pig with all the trimmings. The BBQ had been going at full boar since 2 am, and we were blessed with afternoon sunshine and stunning views of the Avon and Wiltshire countryside.

We had 4 arrivals by air and another 8 by land, not forgetting our resident hosts, Steve and Cazz. The aerial contingent had arrived from Sleap, Membury, White Waltham and Compton Abbas.

Steve S had his ‘Wing’ on display at Alert 5 in case of intruders.

Steve R and Alison had braved the elements by roughing it overnight in the airfield’s sumptuous shepherd’s hut, while Chris an d Regina were too close to fly so took the soft-top option instead. Tony and Kath elected to drive as it was ‘quicker than flying’, and former CO Bill and Penny took to two wheels to beat the traffic and enjoy the scenic Avon countryside.

The airfield owner’s wife, Tracey, was celebrating her birthday and was presented with a suitably adorned FAA Squadron birthday cake, courtesy of Cazz.

The residents of BSF, under head chef Andy and sous-chef Clair, generously fed and watered the intrepid travellers, allowing us to enjoy a great afternoon in the sunshine before taking to the skies and roads to head back to base.

Big thank you to Steve and the BSF Team for their hospitality and to our SP for coordinating.

The stunning run of recent flying weather meant that even without the attendance of our SP and normal guarantor of fine conditions, we were able to get 10 aircraft to Shobdon for a very convivial lunch, characterised by the normal level of banter and abuse! This from one of our disreputable attendees.

'Just a quick note to thank you and the FAA Sqn for a thoroughly enjoyable time today at Shobbers in the company of a thoroughly good bunch of scoundrels. Thank you for fixing it all up.'

The turnout - 9 of the 10 aircraft

Do the rest of us smell? Table for 1 for the Devon contingent!

The Squadron had an outstanding visit to Cambridge Airport earlier in the week to look around the East Anglian Air Ambulance. The weather was exceptional and eight Squadron aircraft made the journey in perfect flying conditions. Recent Squadron member and HEMS pilot, Tom Fineman, hosted us to an excellent tour of the facility with impeccable timing as the helicopter returned from a shout just as we arrived! We were treated to explanations as to how the air ambulance is run, and had a good look around the helicopter and all the highly sophisticated medical equipment that it carries. We then listened to some harrowing recollections of the sort of incidents to which the pilots, doctors and paramedics attend. A fascinating and eye-opening visit all round. After lunch at the Marshalls canteen and arrangement of a small loan from the IMF to pay the landing fees we made our way home after an excellent day out.

The range and capability of the onboard kit is impressive

Rapt audience

Dayglofest!

Some of the aircraft line up

...and the people

Nobody can resist a HEMS chocolate biscuit!

Friday the 11th saw the SP call a scramble to Sandown on the Isle of Wight to make the most of the phenomenal spell of good weather we've been having recently. 4 aircraft crossed the Solent to enjoy the top spring sunshine.

An excellent couple of days were had at RNAS Yeovilton. This year we held our annual standards event on a Friday/Saturday. This allowed us to link in with Navy Wings who were holding their own annual training session. There were a series of interesting and informative presentations, all of great benefit to those of us flying single engine piston aircraft. Of particular note were 'Mum' Davis's account of those mind concentrating few minutes following loss of oil pressure and subsequent crash in the Navy Wings Sea Fury T20 and our own Senior Pilot's tale of ferrying a Cirrus all the way from the UK to Denver in January this year.

A total of 6 aircraft flew in, 1 went 'tech' and 2 sensibly decided discretion was the better part of valour in what can only be described as a 'perky' breeze at Yeovilton. In all 14 of us made it in by air and road.

It wasn't as manic as it looked. Honest.

The boss and Steve celebrate getting the canopy cover fitted in the teeth of the 'breeze'.

Navy Wings Hangar

Winter maintenance and rebuild on the Swordfish and Fury.

'Sharpener' at the Podymore after the day's briefings.

Table for 30 please! A very convivial evening over a curry at the Blue Camel.

2 classics

The departure gaggle outbound to their home airfields.

Hot on the heels of the 2025 Sywell opener a good forecast weekend beckoned a scramble, this time to the airfield and race circuit at Thruxton, where a brand new race centre and restaurant had opened only 2 days before. 8 of us in 6 aircraft flew in.

The team enjoy breakfast at the new restaurant where the choice was large breakfast, small breakfast or breakfast bap. Eventually, and after much thought we all decided on breakfast!

SP's very fine Tiger Moth. He only needed 5 layers to stay warm on the hop from Compton! (To be fair it was -2c at 3000')

The rest of the line up.

Saturday 8th March saw us at Sywell for the season opener. We were blessed with a beautiful day and enough crosswind to concentrate the mind. The original plan had been Old Warden but soggy grass runways necessitated using the alternate. It was great turnout with 9 aircraft and 16 members and plenty of good scran in the 'Pilot's Mess' cafe. Well done to everyone who made it. We now look forward to Yeovilton on the 28/29th.

The team

Squadron 'merch' on show

Treasurer and Boss try to work out where the money's gone

Early arrivals

Soft runway at Old Warden!

Bob Neill's funeral took place on 23rd January at Great Glen near his home in Leicestershire. It was well attended by family, friends and representatives from the Squadron and the FAAOA.

FAA Sqn and FAAOA representatives

Sadly, I have to report the death of long term Squadron member Roger Richardson Bunbury. Roger was a great supporter of the Squadron and attended events right up to 2023. He will be missed.

This from Carol:

'At the end of September Roger was diagnosed with wide spread cancer and given months to live. He had no pain but declined gently, eating less and sleeping more but still very much himself, until he died peacefully aged 90 at home in his own bed on December 16th.

It is very sad but I feel lucky to have had 59 years of happy marriage with four splendid children and nine grandchildren, all promising well.

Aircraft were always Roger's first love and he was disappointed that his eyesight was not good enough to become a FAA pilot. However, he never regretted becoming an aeronautical engineer. After retiring from the navy, he acquired a PPL and we enjoyed 20 years flying GBZZD, in particular we both enjoyed being part of the FAAS. There were so many interesting fly-ins and the ones to RN & RAF Air Stations were always interesting and a great privilege. The summer flying holidays to France were a high light of the year.

Thank you to the members of the FAAS for a mass of happy memories and all the best to the Squadron for the future.'

Sadly I have to report the demise of long term Sqn member Bob Neill. Bob was heavily involved in the world of gliding throughout his life and ran the Squadron's involvement with the Portsmouth Naval Gliding Club. His first and last flights were made at the Midland Gliding Club at the Long Mynd in Shropshire, where he was chairman for a period. During his time in the RNVR he flew the Seafire, Sea Fury, and the Attacker. He was a loyal and stalwart supported of the Sqn and will be missed by all. RIP Bob.

With the FAAOA Gliding Course 2023

Monday 16th December a number of FAA members attended the Navy Wings Christmas Hangar Party to present a cheque for £500 to this fine organisation working to preserve our naval aviation heritage.

Cheque presentation

View of the hangar

Sea Fury restoration

Lynx converted to a bar. Inspired!

Climbing out of Yeovilton on return to Sleap

Another excellent dinner was enjoyed at the Abbey Hotel Malvern, preceded as usual by the AGM. Guest speaker was our own (not so ) tame submariner Steve Sykes who regaled us with tales of underwater derring do.

Tasty

Steve explains something only he understands - how submarines work

It was all going well until Rod Stewart turned up

Next day dawned sunny and bright whereupon the duty bootie made them yomp up the hill and smile for the camera.

Last Saturday we visited Halfpenny Green Airfield near Wolverhampton. The weather gods smiled on us (for once) and provided a lovely day, resulting in an excellent turnout of 9 aircraft and 20 people. Annoyingly I had to drive as the Jodel was still parked in 6'' of water at Sleap after the great flood of 2024, and those based at grass strips were also stuck on the ground due to waterlogging. However, it was all worth the effort to visit HG's very impressive and recently refurbished tower and restaurant. The bacon sandwiches were on top form and the company wasn't bad either.

Biblical amounts of rain in September meant that the planned fly in to Sandown on 28th September became a short notice lunchaway to Brown Shutters Farm. Flexibility is the key to air power and all that. The Sqn WattsApp group proved its worth after eagle eyed Steve R spotted the day before that Sandown was closed due to water logging. Steve S then came to the rescue and very kindly offered to host the visit at Brown Shutters instead. The day dawned beautiful, and this well drained site proved more than suitable, admirably supported by Steve's excellent cooking of a good old fry up for lunch. In all 6 aircraft turned up and a pleasant time was had by all. Thanks Steve.

August and September haven't been particularly kind to us weatherwise, although we have managed a couple of scrambles to Shobdon and Turweston. However, the met finally played ball for our overnighter to East Kirkby in Lincolnshire on the 18th/19th Sep. We were visiting Bomber Country to see Lancaster Just Jane ground running, with an overnight stay at the Petwood Hotel, once the Officers Mess of 617 Sqn. The hotel exhibits a host of interesting memorabilia. We had dinner at the Bluebell Inn, formerly the haunt of off duty bomber crews, imbibed a few of the local ales, and the next day watched the impressive start up and taxy of Just Jane, plus a pleasant trip to and from East Kirkby. A total of 8 aircraft made it, 2 just for day 1.

4000' over Lincolnshire en Route East Kirkby

The rest of the Sqn park up

The Taj Mahal goes up

You cross the Greenwich Meridian landing here.

Some people have to show off by landing at the hotel

The Petwood

Barnes Wallis

Pre dinner drinks

The Blue Bell Inn for dinner

There I was, nothing on the clock but the maker's name. . .

Lancaster Just Jane ready to go

4 Merlins sounding sweet

The Sqn has supported gliding scholarships for many years. The purpose is to sponsor young people on gliding courses to inspire and enthuse them in the professionalism and fun of aviation. Many have then gone on to join the services and become military aviators. This year we have sponsored 2 students who completed their courses at Middle Wallop this month. Our congratulations go to Philippa and Fergus . Both are interested in military careers and we wish them the very best for the future.

The plan was to provide a turnout of FAA Sqn aircraft to support RAF Valley Families Day. An impressive 11 aircraft were set to fly into Valley on Wednesday 7th Aug in preparation for the station open day on the 8th. However, the summer of 2024 had other ideas. With a dire forecast and those at Valley and the FAAS thinking alike, we cancelled on the forecast. Just as well, as the 8th proved every bit as bad as predicted with plenty of wind, rain and a stratospheric cloudbase that varied between 100 and 400 feet! Even the FAAS didn't fancy that. However, 2 days shore leave had already been granted by appropriate CincNavHomes, so not to be totally thwarted, a few of us were able to fly and drive into Sleap and join up for an impromptu gathering. A day out at Cosford museum and 2 pub nights meeting up with Vulture Sqn and I think we can say that the 'pink chits' weren't wasted.

July's FAA Sqn get together was at Sleap Airfield in Shropshire for Sleapkosh 24, a private fly in with evening airshows for visitors and their guests. The weather was cool (spot the coats), but generally kind, with just over 300 aircraft visiting for the 3 day event. These included the Navy Wings Stinson and Harvard, with cameo appearances from the Swordfish and Wasp on their way to Southport Airshow. Squadron turnout was also very good, with our furthest arrival all the way from the States.

A selection of the Sqn team

Now where did I put those keys

Airborne

The excellent Ravens RV8 display team

With a great display

What were they thinking of! Interesting use of colour on the Austrian Registered Shorts Skyvan paradropper.

A couple of classics

And three more

The insane Rich Goodwin Pitts Special

Aerosuperbatics wingwalkers do their stuff

Much rubbish was talked. . .

. . . well into the night

On 8/9 June the Sqn flew into Brown Shutters Farm near Bath for a BBQ and overnighter. Yet again the Gods had smiled on us, providing beautiful conditions and in particular a perfect Saturday evening for the BBQ. The hosting and hospitality were second to none. 6 aircraft and 16 people visited.

The maestro and host

HQ is established

Some of the visitors

Now that's a clubhouse

The long walk from accommodation to aeroplane

All mine

The Red Arrows try to muscle in. Some rubbish about the runway being too short!

It seemed like a good idea at the time!

We had an excellent turnout for our fly in to Sherburn in Elmet. This was originally supposed to be an overnighter, but Sunday's forecast was not looking great so we decided discretion was the better part of valour and made it a day trip only. 14 aircraft and 16 of us made it to the venue. Last to arrive was the SP, who still seemed to be on Dorset time, but we saved him some food regardless. All in all, a great day out.

Saturday's epic weather at Sherburn

Sunday's weather. Thunderstorm city. Not quite so nice!

20/21 April 2024 saw us at Yeovilton for our Annual Standards Weekend. We were blessed on Saturday with probably the nicest day of the year so far. The result was that all 14 aircraft and 19 flyers who'd booked in, plus those who arrived by road were able to attend the event. After the essential coffee and a biscuit (or two) in the Navy Wings building there were briefings on Airspace and Radio, followed by How to Cope with Partial Power Failure, plus a bit of merchandise selling by the SP. We're now all proud owners of a Sqn baseball cap! We then flew to Kemble for an afternoon coffee, where we practised joining a manically busy airfield, before returning to Yeovilton for a very pleasant evening meal and social at The Podimore Inn. Departures were on Sunday morning. All in all, a top weekend.

The 'team' outside Navy Wings. Something very unusual happened for us this year- clear blue skies.

The gyro twins

Serious stuff!

Chippy

STRV looking shiny outside the Kemble cafe

At last, the social.

On the way home. Just about to roll runway 04 Sunday morning

Yesterday, 9th April, was the funeral/celebration of life for long time squadron member Denis Woodhams. The service was held at St Nicholas church in his home town of Alcester. Not surprisingly, given Denis' larger than life personality and links with a huge number of organisations, the church was packed to capacity. As well as ourselves there was a large contingent from the Aircrewmans' Association, Royal British Legion, Hoteliers, Masons and of course his own family.

Sadly, our 6 ship fly past of light aircraft, including 1 from Navy Wings, had to be cancelled due to the heavy rain and gale force winds. Nonetheless, we did our best to mark the occasion and drink a toast, or two, to Denis.

The FAA Sqn contingent.

A top turnout for our first fly in of the year. With undoubted talent, SP had picked one of the best days of 2024. At the FAA Sqn mess table are Clive and Helen Baylis, Colin and Helen Tattersall, Tony Rex, Steve Hicks, Tim Nicholas, Steve Sykes, Chris Law, Wedge Turner, Richard Keech, Gerry Gerrard, Steve Robson and Duncan Matthews, Paul Chaplin plus a number of guests.

Chris looks happy. He's just secured a few more subscriptions.

Steve Robson and his trusty RV4

Steve Sykes and Chippy

Unexpected visitor!

As you can see from my hair it was a breezy day, or maybe it was just the speed that Steve flew down in the RV.

Richard Keech's Tripacer

On 9th February a team of nine of us visited Martin Baker in Denham for a tour of the iconic British ejection seat factory. Our tour guide was MB employee Tony Gaunt whose encyclopedic knowledge of ejection seat development and production had us hanging off his every word as we toured the plant. The visit was arranged by Sqn member Clive Baylis who’d used an MB seat when making an unplanned departure from his Sea Harrier some years ago.

The team arrive outside the Martin Baker building

Clive points out his name on the wall recording all those who've test flown a Martin Baker seat

Pilots like shiny things! Marveling at two of the CNC milled seat components. No souvenirs allowed!

SP takes it easy and tries a seat for size

One of the latest MB ejector seats

Our guide Tony Gaunt at the front with the rest of us holding our goody bags

The post visit washup in The Green Man, Denham

HISTORIC HELICOPTERS AT CHARD

Can I commend to all the open days shown below held at Chard to visit Historic Helicopters ‘hangar days’ and move amongst a varied collection of ex Military and civil helicopters at the equestrian centre. Yes, we share the ground with a show jumping and dressage venue. Coffee/tea are provided prior to an introductory talk, parties are led around the two hangars in an informal manner whilst being appraised of the vitals of the exhibits and war stories told aplenty by both staff and visitors. Lunch provided on completion. Children are very welcome. On display are 7 Sea King, being two Mk 3, two Mk 4, one Mk 5 and two Mk 48, one Wessex Mk 5, one Whirlwind Mk 10, one Lynx AH7, one Wasp HAS1, a Widgeon and sometimes an executive S76. Most if not all are available to view, along with pilots, crewmen and engineers to chat with and swap stories. These open days have proved very popular and interesting, and it matters not if you have or had a direct connection with the types or no connection at all, your interest is all that matters. Most of the aircraft have been designed, developed and served operationally within our lifetime but now put out to grass. All of the above are potential flyers and many do fly regularly, being used at airshows and in various films. One ex RAF Sea King Mk 3 sports the colour scheme of the US Presidential ‘Marine One’, to appear in Netflix films. The Widgeon is a bit longer in the tooth and was in ‘When eight bells toll’ back in 1971, dressed up as a Royal Navy rescue helicopter. She is currently a bit ‘careworn looking’ but is in the queue for a complete restoration to flying condition in due course. Both our Wessex 5 and Sea King 3 have featured in the ‘Warbird workshop ‘ TV series. Please do book to attend through Peter Williamson at: peter@historichelicopters.co.uk

Planned open days at the moment, but there may be more: 3 March 0930 – 1300 14 April 0930 - 1300 18 May 0930 - 1300 (plan to run and spread/fold a Sea King).

As expected it's been a slow start to 2024. Floods, gales and unusable grass runways have put paid to most of our flying ambitions. A few intrepid aviators seized brief weather windows for mini scrambles to Nottingham, Conington and Middlezoy. In the meantime, I've added a legacy photo from our visit to Shawbury in 2006. A great turnout for that visit plus a Sea Harrier and a Merlin in attendance. Those were the days. In the next post you'll see an advert for the Historic Helicopters Open Days in Chard, Somerset. Not a specific FAA Sqn event but I suspect a visit of considerable interest to us all.

SP, Steve Sykes and Colin Tattershall at Middlezoy

Conington

Nottingham Tollerton

The Nottingham Aero Club cake. Thoroughly recommended, (if you can lift it!)

Dear Squadron Member,

2023 has been a good year for the FAA Squadron, marked by multiple fly ins, fun socials, a successful dinner and the addition of new members bringing our squadron strength to its present level of 140. Sadly, it’s also been a period when we’ve said goodbye to long term squadron members Bob Beese, John Ford, John Marriott and Martin Holloway. They will all be missed.

Looking forward to next year, 2024 holds plenty of promise. Senior Pilot has put together a cracking programme of events, and these will be interspersed with ‘scrambles’, when we grab weather ‘windows’ to meet up for short notice fly ins. The fixed programme will be promulgated on our new website, with scrambles advertised via our WhatsApp group as well as the website.

If you haven’t yet logged into the members only area of this website, I would strongly encourage you to do so. Have a look at what's available, check your details and upload any information and pictures on your membership site. I’m hoping that in time we’ll move away from paper and make greater use of the website. You should have received an email on 6 November providing you with a temporary password, inviting you to log into the membership area. Amongst other things, the private members area has a booking in system for fly ins, and a weather link allowing you to check the synoptic charts and TAFs and Actuals using a map with the military colour code system.

A reminder that our Squadron bank account has changed. If you haven’t yet cancelled your old Standing Order, now is the time. Once you’ve done that, set up a Standing Order for £25 to be paid 1st February each year. Our new bank details are:

Account Title: FAA Squadron Sort Code: 30 99 50 Account no: 55970968

Finally, It just remains for me to wish you all a Happy Christmas and a New Year full of aviation.

Tim

Tim Nicholas Commanding Officer Fleet Air Arm Squadron Mobile: 07722 105474

Last Saturday 4th November saw us at the Abbey Hotel Malvern. Our guest of honour was Captain David Lilley RN, who entertained us royally, (if I can use the expression), with tales of his duties as Gentleman Usher to the King. An excellent evening was had by all, as confirmed by the 3am finish by some of our stalwarts. The Abbey provided an excellent meal and a great venue to complete our programme of events for 2023. Just the chance of a late season 'scramble' if the weather allows.

The end of the AGM. Relief!

The Boss warms up the crowd

JB and Brian Cornes blow away the cobwebs the following day in John's Chipmunk

FAA Sqn themed pork pie

The first part of September was hot. It was +36°c in the hangar during the day of the BBQ. By my reckoning that’s quite warm. One of the priorities for the BBQ was to get the draught beer settled and cooled. This needed 48 hours and was not being helped by the hangar temperature. Emptying the local supermarket of most of its ice supply seemed to sort the problem and brought the beer to the required clarity and temperature on the night. It was all drunk in 90 minutes, so something must have gone right.

About 50 people attended the do, with some Sleap Airfield office staff, engineering staff and a few members of the Vintage Piper Club who’d flown in the same day, joining the FAA Sqn for the fun. Roger Dunn emailed on the day to say that it was just too hot, ‘For the first time in 70 years of flying I am going to cancel due to good weather.’ I completely understood. A late afternoon thunderstorm cooled things down a bit. Steve Sykes and the Senior Pilot who’d arrived the day before for pre BBQ port, were camping in my garden and their tent proved a worthy match for the downpour.

An excellent BBQ meal was provided by a local farm who use their own beef and pork. This was supported by the above bespoke FAA Sqn themed pork pie, and as ever, some excellent desserts courtesy Fiona. All in all it was a good night. Beer was imbibed, rubbish was talked, fun was had, and the world was put to rights.

Vulture Sqn bar ... constructed around a Griffin cockpit!

Our Flypro closer at Turweston tuned out to be a great success with twenty members and guests as well as eight a/c flying in.  We were blessed with excellent weather, a good social and despite being short staffed, the café provided us with an excellent service!

Thanks to everyone who was able to attend and make this a special occasion.

Following the kind invitation from Sqn member Wg Cdr Chris Pote to attend the RAF Valley Fiends & Families Day, the Sqn manage to field a team of four, Chris Gilbert in his Cavalon gyrocopter, G-CLZV, Tony Gibson, Rans S6 G-CBTO, Chris Law C172, G-HSVI and myself, RV4, G-RVIV.

We had agreed that we’d all do our best to aim for the 1830 landing slot and It was good to hear familiar callsigns as we approached RAF Valley from the various directions and we were all on the ground within a few minutes of each other.  Having planned the route half to death I found myself with quite significant tailwind so rather than being early took a little wander around the Welsh hills looking for some interesting walks to do in the future.

On arrival we were met by Flt Lt Luke Bowman who, with his team of helpers welcomed us in.  Once all the visiting aircraft had arrived, they were put to bed in the hangar, apart for a couple of larger types that remined outside.  With the other invited guests, we had a very interesting mix of aircraft that formed part of the static display. Once installed in the mess we were able to enjoy a pleasant social evening and it was great to catch up with some of the students and instructors who hosted us on our visit in May. The following morning, we were briefed for the event, then arrange the static display aircraft on three outward facing circles that looked great and worked really well with the visitors.  It was a very hot day but our every need was catered for including sun cream as well as the usual food and drink.  The afternoon saw the air display that opened with the RAF Falcons and closed with the Red Arrows.  In between with the sky was filled with a variety of displays including a very spirited solo display from the Irish Air force in a Pilatus PC9 turboprop aircraft. There was a barbeque in the mess on Thursday evening and another chance to mingle and chat staff, students, and other pilots and guests. Prior to departure on Friday morning, we were given a comprehensive briefing before flying home in conditions that were as close to prefect as they’ll ever be. Huge thanks to Wg Cdr Christ Pote, Flt Lt Luke Bowman and the rest of the team that made our visit another very memorable occasion.

Thanks to Sqn member Paul Stone and the team at Old Warden, the Sqn were able to enjoy a rather special tour of some of the aircraft Shuttleworth Collection on Saturday 2 July.

Those who were able to attend were also invited to the BBQ courtesy of Tim Manna on Saturday evening.  This, combined with an invitation from Sue Eagles and the team at Navy Wings to watch the show on Sunday 3 July from the Ambassadors Marquee made a very memorable weekend.  Here are a few pictures from the event that it would be a shame not to share.

Our sincere thanks to Paul Stone, Carys Seaman, John de Main and the team at Old Warden, Tim Manna, Sue Eagles and the team at Navy Wings for making such a wonderful weekend possible.

We had the great good fortune to visit RAF Valley last week.  Sadly the weather prevented us from flying in but 17 members/wives were able to make the long road trip to Anglesey.

From the moment of arrival to departure our visit was an exceptional event.  This included succinct comprehensive briefings, visits to the Squadrons, tours of the aircraft, training facilities and wonderful social events where we were able to enjoy the company of students, staff and instructors alike.

Thanks to all those involved in organising the visit and to those who attended.