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Post by PB on Nov 2, 2020 6:48:16 GMT
"Photo of the Day" 02/11/20Yet another Atlantic front moves across the area under cover of dark, the local airspace was certainly busy at 05.00 this morning although the activity was purely that of nature's doing! October is securely handed over to history, and not bad history either so far as Blackbushe is concerned. For POTD's activity this morning perhaps we could draw your attention to Chris's "Airport Manager's Report" for October? It's on the Forum (thank you Chris!) and here's a link to take you straight there... blackbusheairport.proboards.com/post/14618Recall of a summer's day a couple of years ago... no virus, the skies were 'normal'. One of our loyal event supporters, the Ultimate Pitts from While Waltham. Hopefully it will not be too long before there will be another opportunity to invite then back for an occasion of some kind.Mustang, Merlin, Magic, memories... PB
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Post by PB on Nov 3, 2020 6:58:40 GMT
"Photo of the Day" 03/11/20Two days to "Lockdown 2". Sequels are never as good as the original, time will tell, meanwhile two days to Firework Night!! Indoor fireworks?
A decision on Blackbushe's activity during "Lockdown 2" is pending definitions from the DfT/CAA as to their official guidance as to what General Aviation activity is permitted. How, one wonders, does the power behind the rule writing decide on the risks to life and limb posed by GA in so far as spreading "it" is concerned compared with Joe Bloggs driving his car? The logic behind closing gathering places like restaurants is clear, but the wide open spaces of aerodromes such as Blackbushe? We await the logic from on high...
Meanwhile, "Global Britain", our island nation that has for centuries relied upon trading with nations across the oceans and far away seems set to venture down the plug hole. Banning international flights and curtailing airport movements will do untold damage to an already beleaguered aviation industry whether we're talking big jets or small ones.. The Government has to provide necessary support or we're sunk. MP Henry Smith, chairman of of the cross party 'Future of Aviation Group' stated categorically, "We can't have a global Britain without a thriving aviation sector". Can't argue with that.Meanwhile, as Blackbushe sails toward February 2021 and the consequences of her next and life dependent bout in the courts of justice, the aviation world continues with veins of optimism. The Forum has of recent placed various updates on the progress of new aviation power sources for the world of change that awaits, yesterday we noted a new turbo prob twin concept from Embraer, it's in the Forum's "General non-Blackbushe Discussion" section. One envisages the likes of FlyBe to once again provide the UK's vitally needed domestic air services, new aircraft equipment such as highly efficient eco friendly aeroplanes would be an asset perhaps?
Meanwhile Blackbushe remains resolute to serve...As Blackbushe faces the possibility of another silent month, we must not lose sight of the great work that goes on everyday at Aerobility who have delivered new found freedom to so many....or the pleasure of gatherings such as our "Picnic by the Planes". One day we'll surely meet again, picnics and planes brought together by the perfect catalyst of Blackbushe...or Blackbushe as host to the movie industry! Some very big names have played their role on Blackbushe's acres over the years.With new and hangars, and without....to serve the needs of business travellers..or the many hundreds who have learned to fly courtesy of her flying schools and magnificent runways whether for private flight or going commercial and flying the heavier metal.Blackbushe Airport has served the nation for almost eighty years, it's going to take more than an insolent virus or wayward bureaucracy to knock her off her perch.....
PB
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Post by PB on Nov 4, 2020 7:01:54 GMT
"Photo of the Day" 04/11/20Fireworks tomorrow? The freeworld not so free from tonight in England, while the leadership of the 'freeworld' is decided for better, or for worse, in the coming hours - or days - subject to extraordinary legal intervention?
The future is not something easily determined, what is certain is cars frozen as the temp dropped below zero last night... At least the conditions are good for those last flights before lockdown today while the forecast indicates fog tomorrow, the way ahead will be the harder to see? The Cold War years, 1950s. Blackbushe was home to the United States Navy's only UK land base, scenes like this were just the norm.. The world's a very different place today, Blackbushe is a bit different too, but at least she's still alive offering rays of hope for a future that offers just that.."hope". Enjoy today. PB
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Post by PB on Nov 5, 2020 8:50:11 GMT
"Photo of the Day" 05/11/20A blanket of fog...
How better to introduce "Lockdown2", the not looked forward to sequel to the year's earlier blockbuster that brought silence across the nation, emptied our skies of the nation's aviation lifeblood, cast thousands to unemployment, an early retirement, or worse. Less draconian is "Lockdown2", but it stills carries an air of unease and the long arm of the law outstretched to nab wayward behaviour.. Meanwhile, Blackbushe laments under a sympathetic first fog of the season, as if sensing the occasion she hides her face at having to face another month bereaved of the aviation activity that pumps lifesaving revenue into her precious arteries.. A little ironic in that Blackbushe provided a prime fog diversion for Heathrow in the 1950s, but nowhere is totally 'fog free', the future certainly is not....... Yesterday, the last day of freedom for the nation's healthy General Aviation heart for a month the skies were alive with the sound of motors. As if mother nature was working very much on the aviators' side, she gave resplendent blue skies, a perfect day of blue above and autumn gold beneath. Today it all feels so different!
Full lockdown notifications from the Airport follow............ The Department for Transport have now released their guidance for pilots during ‘Lockdown 2’: National Restrictions and General Aviation
National restrictions are in place in England to reduce day-to-day contact between people and help stop the spread of coronavirus.
Private pilots should not undertake any sport or leisure flying, in line with the requirement to stay at home without reasonable excuse.
General Aviation (GA) flying for the purposes of work, where it is not reasonably possible to work or provide those services at home, is permitted. Social distancing measures should be in place and observed at all times.
We recommend that flight training for private pilots not continue while the national restrictions are in place.
Flying training organisations providing training for professional pilots may continue to do so, and students undertaking such activity may continue to attend for these purposes. Social distancing measures should be in place and observed at all times.
Engine health and maintenance check flights and flights to maintain currency only, that would otherwise lapse during the planned lockdown period, should only be conducted where there is an urgent requirement to do so, and alternative options are not available.
Such flights, where conducted, must be kept to the minimum duration possible and should land at the same airfield from which they departed. The CAA has published advice on maintenance flights - under the heading ‘GA maintenance check flights’.
See: www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-general-aviation/coronavirus-covid-19-general-aviation
AERODROME OPENING HOURS FROM THUR 5 NOV
On Thursday 5th November, Blackbushe will be open from 07:00 until 16:58 local (SS+30) to accommodate flights that are permitted in accordance with the above DfT guidance and as listed below.
From Friday 6th November, aerodrome hours will be variable based on bookings received.
All operators are required to use the web booking PPR form to book their flights the day before so that staff coverage can be planned. Whilst we will endeavour to support all flights that need us, flight requests received on the day will be subject to staff availability and response times.
A NOTAM has been issued to this effect. TYPES OF FLIGHT THAT MAY USE BLACKBUSHE MEDICAL, SURVEY, and PUBLIC TRANSPORT FLIGHTS
Like during the last lockdown, we will continue to provide a service to these flights, with PPR. CPL / ATPL Flight Training
Throughout the last Lockdown, CPL training at other aerodromes such as Bournemouth and Oxford continued, with COVID-Secure measures in place. Some of the flying schools at Blackbushe offer CPL training, and it is our understanding that this is permitted to continue. FLIGHTS TO/FROM A MAINTENANCE FACILITY
Aircraft requiring maintenance may be flown to/from maintenance facilities, subject to PPR with Blackbushe and obviously subject to the other aerodrome being open. Engine Health Flights
These must be agreed with the Aerodrome Manager in advance, and should only be completed where absolutely necessary and in accordance with the EHF rules. IT is anticipated that we will not need to support such flights until early December as there has been ample warning for pilots to ensure their aircraft flew before the Lockdown. types of flight that may not use blackbushe gENERAL Recreational Flying
As per the above DfT guidance, this constitutes leaving home without a reasonable excuse and will not be permitted from 00:01 on Thursday 5th November 2020. PPL Flight Training
As per the above DfT guidance, this will not be permitted from 00:01 on Thursday 5th November 2020. General Public Access
The gates will be open when flights are operating, and also when the NHS-Drive-Through Flu Vaccine centre is open. However, members of the public not engaged in flying are asked not to come to the site.
We will continue to update this page as and when guidance is received from DfT / CAA...and there you have all the news straight from the bustling Management offices at Blackbushe Airport..As discussed, yesterday was a magnificent day in the skies of southern England.. Accounts indicate Blackbushe was "manic" with aircraft movements. I was away not too far from Thruxton all day and can confirm the sky pretty well buzzed down there... To illustrate yesterday's Blackbushe action POTD has borrowed John Varndell's masterly photos of the day, they follow below as Blackbushe's farewell to the life she loves - at least for a month...........Thanks to John the Blackbushe atmosphere of pre Lockdown2 can be inhaled by all who tread these pages...
POTD wishes you a safe month, after which it will be just a couple more months until Blackbushe may once again face local bureaucracy under the auspices of the Court of Appeal. We can but hope for clear skies to follow...
PB
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Post by PB on Nov 6, 2020 7:14:36 GMT
"Photo of the Day" 06/11/20"Lockdown 2, Day 2
06.00 and unmistakably Foggy Day 2. Forecast to clear later, perhaps at the same time the extraordinary political fog obscuring the USA will be seen to clear too? This photo serves as the Forum 'header' today..Taken during the sixties. The scene so typical of any weekend under the ownership of AVM Bennett, Bill Freeman was Airport Manager, and visits to the "Signals Square" were quite routine.. The square was located adjacent to the Anson, as you'll see we were on runway 14 at the time.. Photo taken climbing out from 14 most likely in one of Three Counties Aero Club's Auster 6 aircraft in which many a flight was enjoyed.. 14 demanded a long taxi to the hold, time to improve taxiing skills in the rudder and heel brakes combination as the taxiway had a mind of its own as to staying where you wanted it! Especially when the wind blew across your nose with any significance. Very different from the point and go nose wheel equipped aeroplanes...
Three Counties Aero Club's building, now the Bushe Cafe, stands proudly showing that Blackbushe could put up a new building albeit only on a 'temporary building' basis. Many hundreds of hours spent amid the regulars with Derek and Elsie 'in command'. Sadly neither are with us today, being a bit of a sprog at the time I'm happily able to recall many wonderful memories of those days. The Airport future was very much up in the air, but we'd moved into an era where Blackbushe life had settled into something of a day to day routine. Flying and fun.
Not so much fun east of the new eastern boundary, as you see Yateley's forward thinking Parish Coucil had decided to spend untold fortunes in destroying the east end of the Airport sadly under their ownership... Their vindictive activity still hurts every time I see the ghastly mess they made of one of the south's finest airfields.
Between Three Counties and the Terminal lies the blue/white striped 'hangar' erected by AVM Bennett. A store for Airport equipment and the AVM's Linnett aeroplane.
You'll note running from the main A30 entrance gate a gravel 'service road' running parallel with the road. Served well for non-aircraft traffic heading for the western lock-up hangars. Time has seemingly hidden the route as trees and the inevitable scrub consumes all in its tracks. In due course the scene will be very different along the boundary. Subject to events in court.
In front of the Terminal Building the Airport's vehicles!! Fire engine in red, bowser in blue, and the Land Rover in which your scribe learned to drive. The Airport cafe would by now have been situated in the Terminal's west end ground floor offices, entry being from an 'original' door at the building's front. The "temporary" Tower is seen in situ, relatively new at the time, another indication of the diabolical bureaucracy that has blighted Blackbushe for six decades..
But, the photo brings back memories of superb camaraderie, a great sixties social life, and aeroplanes very much at home again on Blackbushe Airport's waiting acres...
PB
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Post by PB on Nov 7, 2020 8:10:12 GMT
"Photo of the Day" 07/11/2078 and still going strong..Happy Birthday Blackbushe Airport!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Should you have forgotten to send her your good wishes, Blackbushe's 80th crept a little closer this week. On this day, 7th November, 1942, Royal Air Force Hartford Bridge officially opened under the control of 70 Group/35 Wing, Army Co-operation Command, the official opening ceremony having been conducted on November 1st, 1942. Some debate occurred as to whether the new air base should be known as RAF Hartford Bridge Flats or RAF Hartford Bridge. The latter was agreed upon until the later change of name to RAF Blackbushe.
The airfield was used prior to the official opening by activity origination over at RAE Farnborough.. In August almost 40 hours of flying were achieved by Farnbrough's Airborne Aero Flight from the still very incomplete airfield. The new airfield and its free airspace was perfect for Farnborough's trials with troop carrying glider development. The airfield was still in a fairly elementary condition at the time of being declared 'open', no electricity for a start, buildings to be be completed..meals had to be cooked and eaten before darkness consumed all! The first squadrons did not arrive until early December, Tomahawks and Mustangs of 171 Squadron. A Farnborough based Handley Page Heyford tows a Hotspur glider during a demonstration by airborne troops near Camberley. Date between 1940/41, the glider tugs at Hartford Bridge were primarily Whitley bombers.Tragic consequence. The RAE observer, David Horner, aboard this Hotspur became the airfield's first fatality following an air tow rope failure after take off and the very heavy landing that followed.A fresh and sparse RAF Hartford Bridge getting ready for war...the square block is the original Control Tower under construction...lost to Blackbushe 'east' sadly.Dignitaries and top brass arrived in warmer weather.. July 1943 visit of Sir Archibald Sinclair (the one not in uniform) hosted by G.C. Louseda OC 34wing, A.M. D’Albiac AOC 2ndTAF, and W.C. MooreSome of the "Heroes of Hartford Bridge", Douglas Boston BZ331 of 88sqn with G.C Mc Donald, station commander on the left who occasionally flew ops with the squadron.1950s. Peace. Blackbushe grew to meet the news of post war independent civil air transport serving as London's number two airport until May, 1960...1960s. While some fought to save Blackbushe other forces fuelled by vindictive bureaucracy laid waste all they could of one of aviation and the nation's finest assets.But, the airfield stuck to her guns..Sixty years later she still fights the same blinkered bureaucracy, but perhaps next year will ring the changes?The 75th!! Back in 2017 I was overjoyed to have instigated the Blackbushe 75th idea and worked with our fantastic team of volunteers to bring together a worthy birthday celebration despite the odd problem along the way!! ..and now, in 2020 Blackbushe Airport grows in her value and use, her runways remain primed with immense value and potential, assets that must not be sacrificed at the behest of they who would rather see an area of desolate abandonment...Happy Birthday Blackbushe!!
..and many of them.......... PB
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Post by PB on Nov 8, 2020 7:24:44 GMT
"Photo of the Day" 08/11/20REMEMBERANCE DAY. Little need to say more as we think of the sacrifices made for our today. Today we still live in troubled times, a different enemy harder to eradicate, but time to consider the alternatives that came so close to overrunning our precious isles in the 1940s. From Blackbushe's point of view the many Bostons, Mitchells, Mosquitoes, Spitfires and more who departed our runways never to return and the lives lost as a consequence.
WE must remember them.. hopefully with a permanent memorial in due course.
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Post by PB on Nov 9, 2020 8:00:12 GMT
"Photo of the Day" 09/11/20What better to way to start the week than the Red Arrows displaying at Blackbushe? OK, it was quite some time ago, during the 1960's in fact but still memorable! Seen here paying respects to the eastern end of Blackbushe, Common that had just been dug up the Parish Council, height limits were not imposed as they are in our 21st Century risk averse "oh do be careful" world...Another occasion involving the RAF aerbatic chaps. The Red Pelicans arrive, once again over the beleaguered Blackbushe 'east' ....They landed, the Reds were on a flying visit.Another joyful moment. Neil Williams flexes Doug Arnold's Spitfire during one of his many impromptu displays. A visiting Prentice, and Harvard on the ground and one or two 'familiar faces' turned skyward.. DA32 in its commanding position... Days when you could do this without reams of pre activity papers and expensive rubber stamped permissions from men in suits, but safety was never jeopardised.There were days when somebody might give you a surprise. He's Australian and the way up he's more used to.. Victa Airtourer demo abeam Three Counties Aero Club where again some very familiar Blackbushe players are seen with feet firmly on the ground. Note the piles of rubble beyond the apron, evidence of the well heeled Parish Council's ambition to eradicate and destroy all they could of Blackbushe Airport...Long lost loves..Three Counties Chipmunk wherein I was indoctrinated by Derek Johnson into the wonders of placing the world over your head, sending it spinning before you, looping, or rolling as dead flies and bits and pieces floated before you. No better way to spend heavenly Sunday evenings with Derek, bless him....Another lost love, Three Counties fabulous Comanche 250. Numerous flights in this powerful machine, including my very first time above the clouds on a flight to Culdrose in the sixties. Cruised at 7,000ft above 8/8 cover.. One of those flights you just don't forget. Derek was PIC, I comfortably in the back!First time 'on top'...Back underneath, short final for RNAS Culdrose. July, 1964....
Back to 2020 now..
PB
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Post by PB on Nov 10, 2020 7:03:26 GMT
"Photo of the Day" 10/11/20Was that a glimmer of good news emitted by the BBC yesterday? Perhaps a distant ray of hope that vaccines will bring a turn around in today's ghastly turmoil, too early to count chickens or eggs but possibly time the chickens gave some thought to laying a clutch or two of eggs for us to count before long? Fanciful imaginations of time when it's Covid's turn to die and a Blackbushe Airport with its legal situation finally cleared at the Court of Appeal next year? No matter which side of the fence you view the Blackbushe Airport situation, it's going to be a long winter for all... We've just got to keep heads above water, stay well by staying careful, and look ahead to the broad sunlit uplands rather as Winston promised in his 1940 "Finest Hour" speech...While we look forward we can also look back. This photo was submitted by one of the Forum's friends, it brings back vivid recall of Blackbushe 'south'. The winding Minley Road as it climbs up from Fleet used to suddenly reveal the magnificent sight of Hermes and DC-4s with their tall tails lined up while in the maintenance area of Silver City/Britavia's hangar. Located in the extreme south-east of the Airport the area is now just overgrown and left to its own devices.If you fail this test..... Details relevant to the 1960s when hopes for big developments were strong; she's still here, still waiting...PB
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Post by PB on Nov 11, 2020 7:28:06 GMT
"Photo of the Day" 11/11/20The eleventh hour of the eleventh day....Armistice day, World War One, "The War to End All Wars" was over...
November, 1944, Royal Air Force Hartford Bridge was at war. As was the world.. Since D-Day this year POTD has given account now and again of life at the airfield subsequent to the D-Day operations. By this time the airfield's Mosquitoes had become a regular sound and sight in the area. As many as fifty seven Mosquitoes departed Hartford Bridge when they deployed to Epinoy. Mid November some forty USAAF Liberators arrived at RAF Hartford Bridge unable to land at their bases due inclement weather. The following day they still could not depart due to weather so the 400 crew members were entertained to a concert show at the base cinema. It's hard to imagine these events looking across the wilderness that has consumed so much of the airfield in latter years.
Later in the month aircraft repair flight of 417 R&SU arrived from RAF Lasham while newly arrived 418 and 605 Squadrons began training for low level bombing missions and air to ground firing.
Field Marshal Montgomery arrived from the Western Front on 26th November aboard his personal RAF Dakota. He arrived at 1035 and departed at 1230 having met with Field Marshal Viscount Alanbrooke, Chief of the Imperial General Staff, at his home in Hartley Wintney to discuss policy regarding General Eisenhower....
Another visitor in November, 1944, was Air Marshal Sir Roderick Hill KCB MC DFC, Commander-in-Chief Fighter Command. He arrived to visit 605 and 418 Squadron wishing them luck on their transfer from Fighter Command to 2 Group TAF.However you to choose to view, save, or damage her, RAF Hartford Bridge/ Blackbushe Airport holds so much history, so much courage, and so much sacrifice, elements that are forever in her soil.Today we remember our war dead, the youth of the nation who gave so much, our appreciation for what they gave must never die. The varied work of RAF Hartford Bridge from aerial photography of enemy territory, to widespread bombing and tactical fighter operations, 'counter intelligence' work, troop transport and supply operations, all are aspects of our airfield hopefully not to be forgotten.
Sadly local bureaucracy chose to demolish what they could of this heroic and historic airfield, how sad is it that they chose not to at least place a memorial to the young men who never returned home? A token of local appreciation and awareness would have been fitting, but maybe that's a job we can rectify once the legal battles are over with those who still fight against Blackbushe and her service to aviation?
PB
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