|
Post by PB on May 19, 2023 6:21:03 GMT
"Photo of the Day" 19/05/23What is it that makes airfields/airports so endearing? It's a good question, not everyone would agree, there's the spectacle of heavier than air machines rising as if by some kind of magic, the sound of aero engines, and the examples of mankinds ability to create things of beauty confirmed in the assembled flying machines that silently await their next sortie. Airfields surely spike the imagination of any bystander who stands and stares.. Some airfields offer a great deal for the imagination.
Take Blackbushe, for example, you knew that was coming... Stand and stare. A lot of the site now consumed by nature's effort to reclaim any plot of land that has been abandoned, but joyfully many acres still play host to aviation's endearing appeal.
Very few airfields will encompass the swathe of history that this one holds before you, very few are quite so well suited to aviation, very few in this day and age can look to the future with optimism that they will still be an airfield in the coming decade. Blackbushe can. Very few airfields are located close to London with easy access to the Capital that also offer a valuable hard runway, Blackbushe is and does..while still being affordable for those who make use of her benefits.
Blackbushe's history is legend, the place where so many aircrews departed in war's necessity - never to return. That alone bestows a degree of spiritual sanctity across the airfield, while the struggle of the post-war airlines and their determination to spread the benefits of air travel is largely focused on Blackbushe from post war until the government's unfortunate decision to close the Airport in 1960.
The ensuing six decades have witnessed Blackbushe's relentless struggle to survive, another few chapters in the extraordinary history of this old airfield!
Survive she has, Blackbushe will surely be serving aviation long into the future, and no doubt many changes await, but Blackbushe's endearing qualities look set to continue for the enjoyment of generations to come.
Our most prolific member and commentator of the words of "POTD" is 'Rocky14'. In his comments on the Forum's 'Comments' section he reminds of the work provided by the late Stuart Marshall and stored in the Forum's pages. My thanks as always to Rocky14, he refers to Stuart's account of wartime days when Lancasters sought refuge in times of need. Lancasters have been much in our thoughts this week. Here's a link to some of the wartime memories recorded by Stuart.. blackbusheairport.proboards.com/board/5/hartford-bridge-blackbushe-goes-1942The latest edition of AVweb refers once again to problems with the B-17 and an Airworthiness Directive being issued by the FAA. Quote, "As expected, the FAA has issued an AD that likely requires a complex inspection of the wing attachment assemblies on all the airworthy aircraft. The FAA says an eddy current inspection of bolt holes in the wing structure is likely the most efficient method and will take about 25 hours. If issues are found repairs will have to be done and that might be expensive.
The FAA was notified when a pilot on a walkaround noticed that the left wing on a B-17 he was getting ready to fly had a two-inch gap between it and the fuselage. “This AD was prompted by a report indicating that the left front spar lower fitting had completely separated at the wing-to-fuselage joint, and the equivalent joint on the right side of the airplane was cracked,” the AD says. “This AD requires inspections of the wing terminal-to-spar chord joints, and repair if necessary.”[/i] F-HGJF by wokinghampaul, on Flickr Another great photo from Paul! You'll remember POTD's recent remarks on the Pilatus PC-12, its popularity and its increasing use of Blackbushe, here's the latest example relishing the use of Blackbushe's priceless acres..16 May.Modern jets..Flying machines with rotating wings..The return of old friends....or the numerous resident flying school aircraft where the pure joy of flight is discovered by the many students who rise to the challenge of gaining their precious PPL, or more..Those are just some of the things that make airfields so endearing, especially the one they call Blackbushe.
PB
|
|
|
Post by PB on May 20, 2023 6:48:01 GMT
"Photo of the Day" 20/05/23Looking back on the longest flight I've made that originated at Blackbushe and involved one engine and a degree of water crossing I guess Jersey involved the greatest reliability on the fan continuing to turn.. I mention that only because today marks a couple of significant water crossings..
On 20-21 May,1927, Charles Lindbergh flew solo from New York to Paris, the first solo transatlantic flight aboard his Ryan monoplane "Spirit of St Louis", the ordeal lasted 33hrs 29 mins covering 3,600 miles. He did pick up a prize of $25,000 so definitely worth the effort..
Must be something about the date, on 20-21 May, Amelia Earhart flying a Lockheed Vega became the first female to cross the Atlantic solo... Flying from Harbour Grace, Newfoundland, to Derry in Northern Ireland she completed the flight in 14 hours and 54 minutes. Being unable to stay awake in front of the TV for more than a few minutes it's hard to imagine staying focused for so long - on your own.Crossing the pond - Blackbushe style. Long time ago when hangars were granted at the west end of Blackbushe and before the BCA era where cars have replaced aeroplanes.If you're at Blackbushe today, pop into the Pathfinder, have a bite to eat and buy your Blackbushe Heritage Trust Raffle tickets.. Amazing prizes, flight simulator sessions at LHR courtesy of British Airways, flights in light aircraft, Pathfinder vouchers and BHT mechandise.. Buy tickets, support the Viking!!!
PB
|
|
|
Post by PB on May 21, 2023 6:19:26 GMT
"Photo of the Day" 21/05/23Time flies, time has flown, we're entering a couple of very important weeks for the Blackbushe Heritage Trust and the future of the Viking that has been the Trust's focus for the past months..
By the time today is over somewhere between two and three hundred visits will have been made to these words so it's pretty certain that from within the good folk included in today's readers there will be a number who would enjoy becoming involved in the coming restoration programme for G-AGRW...maybe quite a number?
Without more ado, PLEASE make a note of this date and time, 23rd MAY...At 7pm the VOLUNTEERS MEETING will start in the PATHFINDER CAFE. If you wish to join us and just listen to what we have to say you will be more than welcome!! A great variety pf voluntary pursuits await, many on the aircraft, but also plenty of opportunities for other duties be they in the field promoting the BHT, or one of the various organisational and promotional opportunities that await. Please come and see and meet on us Tuesday evening, we look forward to welcoming YOU!!Perks of the job! Yesterday's volunteer team who took the Blackbushe Heritage Trust 'road show' to the Abingdon Air Show yesterday. An example of team work within the Trust...and then it's only a couple of weeks to the fantastic Blackbushe Air Day. Tickets are selling fast, but our volunteers on duty will be given tickets!
Please consider joining us on Tuesday evening, the evening air at Blackbushe at this time of year is very agreeable...
Just think when the Viking eventually rolls out resplendent in her airline colours, while press and TV cover the 'roll out', how good it will feel to have been part of the team who have returned our piece of aviation history to the public eye!! A piece of aviation history perfectly matched to Blackbushe Airport's history that will tell the story for generations to come!
SEE YOU ON TUESDAY.....
...and don't forget your Raffle tickets!! Buy them at the Pathfinder Cafe....every penny goes toward the Viking, and great prizes await!!
PB
|
|
|
Post by PB on May 22, 2023 7:34:37 GMT
"Photo of the Day" 22/05/23YOUR VIKING needs YOU!!!!...and here's why!! The Viking was a staple part of the Blackbushe diet in the fifties, many were based here flying the flag of numerous Blackbushe based airlines, it was also the backbone of British European Airlines operations out of Northolt after the war. We only have one Viking at Blackbushe, but with your help she will carry the proud and brave story of the many who, along with our "RW", brought air travel to the many, sowing the seed of today's mass air transport..Tomorrow evening, 23rd May, the path to restoration begins with our Volunteers Meeting at the Pathfinder Cafe starting at 7pm. You are cordially invited, just come and listen to the plans, meet the Trustees and our already well proven volunteers, take a look at the "RW" and consider how good it will feel to have played a part in her restoration when the happy day arrives and she is rolled out resplendent and ready to tell the world the story of Vikings and their operators... The Viking needs you, we need you!! Please give up an hour tomorrow evening and join us at Blackbushe...As a reminder of Blackbushe and her lost past, below are the words from "Flight" dated 30th October, 1959, when her resident airlines and businesses combined in an attempt to save the superb and well proven asset to aviation that was Blackbushe Airport. The last thing they wanted was for Blackbushe to be dragged from under them. It was...THE BATTLE FOR BLACKBUSHE.
Held at Blackbushe Airport on October 15th was the first meeting of a number of companies who have formed themselves into a Blackbushe Airport Tenants' Association. In parallel with a similar association formed to fight for the airport at Croydon, their aim is to keep the airport open. Those represented included Claydon Aviation (Pegasus Airlines); Orion Airways; Continental Air Transport; Blue Air; Falcon Airways; Danair; Heather Light Engineering; Morton/Shell Aircraft; Racal Instruments; Ingleby Oddy and the Blackbushe Car Collection Agency.
After electing a chairman it was decided to write to the newly appointed Minster of Aviation to request a discussion about the closure of Blackbushe and to remind him of his predecessor's to meet the operators in September (a promise he had been unable to keep due to the intervention of the general election). As first steps in their campaign the Tenants' Association have sent a copy of this letter to Sir Eric Errington, the local M.P., and a made a close assessment of the reasons which the M.T.C.A. had given for closing down the Airport in mid-1960 (see Flight, August 21, 1959, page 57). The Committee of the Tenants' Association agreed that the reasons given could, without exception, be categorically refuted. Flight 30 October, 1959.It's a long and tragic story, but at least Blackbushe has survived six decades of post closure endeavours under the ownership of AVM Bennett, Douglas Arnold, British Car Auctions and latterly the investor group of owners who have taken her forward in so many ways. The Airport is now closer than ever to overcoming sixty plus years of jumping over the hurdles placed by various parties who failed to share an appreciation for Blackbushe's value to aviation and the national 'runway infrastructure'... Blackbushe Airport can never be the way she was in the fifties, but she still has the making of the most excellent General Aviation centre, close enough to London to be described as a 'London airport' or an airport for London, with excellent surface connections and undeniably superior environmental and operational benefits.Interim times, Blackbushe in the BCA days. Hampshire County Council were still to demolish two thirds of the Terminal, but it's clear to see how the Airport's appearance has improved in the Terminal area under today's management!!SEE YOU TOMORROW EVENING 7PM PATHFINDER CAFE......come 'n' join us!
PB
|
|
|
Post by PB on May 23, 2023 6:02:23 GMT
"Photo of the Day" 23/05/23Tonight history is in YOUR hands.....One small aeroplane, one giant leap for British civil aviation! She's now at Blackbushe, the place where you and the team of volunteers will - under strict guidance - bring her back to show condition telling the story not only of Britain's hard working Viking airliner, but also the story of Blackbushe where so many Vikings played their tune...This evening the Volunteers "Restoration" Meeting will start at 7pm in the Pathfinder Cafe...This is the time when the restoration programme is revealed and how our volunteers will be grouped and whose guidance they will work under. There will be no individual 'going it alone' activity, above all personal safety must be addressed! More on that this evening, but to repeat that tonight is when the restoration programme gets it wheels! It will not be a fast rushed operation, but huge satisfaction will be awaiting the team when the Blackbushe Heritage Trust's Viking finally rolls out of the hangar looking every bit the Viking of yesteryear at Blackbushe..
The door is open, the way ahead is clear, but that way ahead depends on the strength and support of our volunteers once they have the guidance and support of the Trustees and everyone knows exactly what their duties will be.
Yesterday's "POTD" notification about this evening was read 263 times, no doubt a similar number of hits will be made today.... PLEASE do your best to join us this evening, Blackbushe on a warm late May evening can be very inviting!!!
See you at seven!!
PB
|
|
|
Post by PB on May 24, 2023 7:59:00 GMT
"Photo of the Day" 24/05/23Well... what a great evening at Blackbushe!
To all who attended the Volunteers Evening, a massive "THANK YOU" for taking time out to support the Viking's restoration programme, with eternal thanks to Blackbushe's support for use of premises in so many ways.
Last evening spelled out the programme of restoration and how teams will be formed pertaining to the numerous directions and skills that the work will require. It is going to be a lengthy job make no mistake, but it will be an exercise where volunteers will form a strong bond and cometh the day the satisfaction at having played a part in the return of a Viking to Blackbushe's acres will be immense.
Full details will be on the Blackbushe Heritage Trust website, it's not going to be easy, but it will be fun and a very satisfying and worthwhile use of the talent that surrounds us!!Trustees unveiled!! Right to left, Chris, Peter, Pat, Becky, Phil, Mark, and David....The Magic of the Night.... Our Viking looks toward the skies where once she roamed. Her thoughts are known only to herself... Thanks to Flo for these and the many other fabulous photos of the night..
PB
|
|
|
Post by PB on May 25, 2023 7:26:28 GMT
"Photo of the Day" 25/05/23Many things fly at Blackbushe, beyond dispute she is one of the busiest GA airfields and one with the brightest of futures too.. The one thing that flies faster than anything else is time. One thing I have learned is to make the most of time, it slips by, one minute you're "young" zipping round the world feeling that this is gonna go on forever, the next you find yourself in a situation where time's value presses home and there is perhaps not as much left as you'd wish!!.. Discussing flying instructors at Three Counties Aero Club back in the early sixties recently, those exceptionally happy days where only just a little over twenty years since the Battle of Britain...it's now 83 years since the Battle! Where'd the time go? I don't know, but there's a lot more Spitfires and Hurricanes flying now, something perhaps we would not have dreamed of back in the sixties. Happily representatives of today's Spitfires and Hurricanes will be on view at Blackbushe for the Air Day on June 3rd.
Time's passage can only be remembered for so long before we move along, but were you 106 years old today you'd remember this as being being the day when in 1917 an air raid by no less than twenty-one German Gotha bombers attacked Folkestone, 95 residents were killed with 174 injured casualties. This was the first of twenty-two raids on England by German 'heavy' bombers. On this day the reported 74 British fighters sent to intercept the raid only claimed one Gotha...
On this day in 1951 I would have been five and have no recall of the event, but today marks 72 years since the first English Electric Canberra B2 aircraft were delivered to the RAF at Binbrook to replace the Avro Lincolns of the day..Three Counties days. When "KC" and "GB" were our two much loved Auster 6 aircraft, aircraft I used to wash on Saturday mornings to earn free flying lessons.. Such memories as Blackbushe hosted the new Three Counties club house (the Pathfinder Cafe today) and dear Derek and Elsie Johnson were the backbone of the new flying club. Sadly, there are few I see at Blackbushe nowadays who go back to or remember 'the days'... A memory of Three Counties days. Poised before Tri-Pacer "XP", left to right Reg Venning, Mike Tunnicliffe, self, Terry Jones, and Jack Smith. Photo by "Benjy" Wilmer, four us had were about to pop across the Channel for a couple of days. Sadly Reg, Jack and "Benjy" are no longer with us..Much missed Reg Venning and "Benjy" Wilmer investigating Reg's long term Blackbushe resident Taylorcraft G-AHUG's world behind the cowling. I think we were about to launch on a multi aeroplane mission to the IoW or somewhere..1962/3 time.Reg and HUG in flight...Pleasure flying with "Pretty Louise" as we called Prentice G-AOPL. David Lowe was our CPL who drove the pleasure flights, I enjoyed flogging tickets in the car park and getting passengers in and out of the aeroplane. Like a little Lancaster, PL was fabulous to fly in, and kept busy with pleasure flying during her Three Counties days.My little chum Peter Johnson around mid 1960s.... While Mum and Dad ran Three Counties Peter and I were great mates playing and having fun. Peter and I are still in touch, he works for Grumman Aerospace in the USA..How the years fly by!! Seemingly sitting and writing about them runs a movie show in the mind of days gone before. Back then nobody had any idea how Blackbushe would evolve under private ownership or whether she would indeed survive at all. Six decades later I think we have an idea of how the evolution has gone, and more importantly we can see the way ahead to when Blackbushe is able to add to her port folio of hangars and airport infrastructure.
Patience has indeed been a virtue!!
PB
|
|
|
Post by PB on May 26, 2023 6:24:42 GMT
"Photo of the Day" 26/05/23The time is getting close.
June 3rd, Blackbushe Air Day, the point where one looks at the weather charts and wonders - will the high pressure hang about, will it collapse, what's brewing over the Atlantic or will nature's refrigerator send essence of polar bear winds from the north? Have gone through the pain so many times over the years but have to say only once has the met man screwed things up, and then it was only one day out of the two 50th Anniversary show back in '92. This year it's gonna be just perfect!!
Hopefully you have now purchased your Air Day tickets, obviously excellent weather is anticipated as are 90 aircraft, 120 classic cars, loads of things for kids to enjoy, and a much wider choice of dining delights.. Take a pleasure flight by jet helicopter or in the gentile DH Rapide, or maybe book yourself a trial lesson with one of the Blackbushe flying schools? It's all here >>> www.blackbusheairday.com/ just click on the "buy tickets" to make sure you're in time before they sell out.
Now, when you're at the Air Day you must come and visit the Blackbushe Heritage Trust with the Viking awaiting restoration. You could join the volunteer team, you will be only too welcome and we need all the help and expertise we can muster to get G-AGRW ready to go on show to add to our already growing army of volunteers.
Did I mention Raffle Tickets? They're £3 each, every penny goes toward the Viking restoration project, they come in books of five, and if you buy a book you get the five for £10 saving a few quid and increasing your chance of winning a Flight Simulator experience with British Airways at Heathrow, one of three flights from Blackbushe, or a £50 voucher to use at Blackbushe's Pathfinder Cafe! You can buy tickets over the counter at the Pathfinder any time or on the Air Day in the Pathfinder or over at the Viking hangar.. We have raised significant amounts of money in the past year - hence getting the Viking to Blackbushe from Austria. The work toward restoration will soon begin, we need cash, and we need YOU! Show time, fabulous weather, a moment from the "75th" back in 2017...The 100th gets closer.PB
|
|
|
Post by PB on May 27, 2023 9:34:46 GMT
"Photo of the Day" 27/05/23It's Saturday, happens quite often, but this one is notable in that it marks just one week go to the Blackbushe Air Day 2023!! Half the year has mystically disappeared, and much has happened - like the Blackbushe Heritage Trust's Viking arrival at Blackbushe - and a week today Blackbushe will be the place to be!! Tickets are going so fast, and limited in numbers - NOW is the time to buy them if not already in hand!! www.blackbusheairday.com/tickets
The weather this Saturday is bright and sunny, this time next week - the first weekend in June - the weather will decide how it will be! The long range forecast this morning suggests that Saturday 3rd June in NE Hampshire will see temperatures of +22C by 12.00, and +26C by 18.00! Some fair weather cumulus midday and clear skies by the evening. Gentle breeze from the E or NE... Sounds ideal!
The great thing to me about Blackbushe events is not just the aeroplanes, they're important naturally, but it's the people that maketh the event either volunteers, guests, exhibitors, aircrews, all go to making the day, and at the end of the day pictures of aeroplanes are very nice but the spirit of the day comes from the atmosphere and the people who make it.. Next weekend will be no exception. For now I'm going back to people and our events over the years.."Picnic by the Planes" proved very popular, always blessed by good weather and a great atmosphere!!One of our two Varsities performing at the 1977 Air Festival. The inevitable 'ticket free guests' gathered on the disused east end of Blackbushe, not such a good place this year if the wind is from the east!!!Blackbushe's 75th! Party time, fun and games, and sunshine!British Airways crew ready to welcome you!Music and song are always good company, the Rock Choir and Champagne at the Blitz entertained at the 75th..."Champagne at the Blitz" provided songs from the past!OK, sometimes aeroplanes steal the scene..The Reds and a Rapide.The much missed and late Stuart Marshall (seated) and Sandra amid the the Blackbushe "History Hub" in 2017. The History Hub, first launched at the 75th, is now an essential part of Blackbushe events and telling the Blackbushe story.The all important atmosphere!!People moments. The late Harold Bamberg back at his much loved Blackbushe for the Airport's 75th meets one of the Hungarian refugees he rescued from the 1956 uprising. Harold, Chairman of Eagle Airways, sent some of his Vikings on rescue missions to gather up fleeing Hungarians.An historic moment. Harold and the Hungarians, back at Blackbushe sixty-one years after those momentous flights..Volunteers. Where would we be without them? The pre-event briefing before the 75th, the erstwhile Pete Vickery took on the task of keeping the volunteers focused. His fractured wrist when falling off a truck showed how you just cannot be too careful!!At the end of the day, nothing speaks more words than a Merlin coming to life and our precious Hurricane from Peter Monk's collection at Biggin Hill preparing to take to the wing...Oh, and tomorrow's pilots maybe getting their first moments in the cockpit - all here again next weekend!!PB
|
|
|
Post by PB on May 28, 2023 6:53:48 GMT
"Photo of the Day" 28/05/2307.00 and a beautiful day, the sky blue with artistic swirls of high altitude cirrus, obviously preparing for next weekend's Blackbushe Air Day...
Yesterday witnessed a degree of work in the garden. When I was very young and in the garden aircraft in the Blackbushe traffic pattern would regularly fly over home. You know, Yorks, Vikings, Freighters, various Douglas products, US Navy etc etc. That all stopped in May, 1960. Yesterday while in the garden international inbounds to Blackbushe flew directly overhead, sounded very different to the ponderous props of the fifties, smaller too, but what a great feeling that the old airport cut off in her prime by the men from the Ministry still lives and her business of providing a convenient and environmentally perfect destination is still providing entertainment over my garden! Different garden location to the fifties I would add, now to the south, previously to the north!! Typical of the Blackbushe trans-garden traffic of the fifties!!Today's Blackbushe inbounds offer an entirely new range of sounds, but the great thing is that they are there at all!!With those thoughts I'll leave you to enjoy the day!
PB
|
|