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Post by PB on Mar 2, 2021 7:45:43 GMT
"Photo of the Day"
02/03/21Sadly Blackbushe's disused runways have one again become a venue for illegal high speed motorbike use. The long arm of the law are on the case and asking for anyone's photos of these activities. It remains sad after so many years of neglect and slow degradation that these valuable surfaces are not employed for more useful work. For those with suitably ancient memories recall of flying from each and every runway and running events such as the Blackbushe Air Festival whereby every runway was spoken for continues to leave a desperation as to how the airfield has lost so much of its old self. But, happily the name Blackbushe Airport remains associated with a viable runway and her potential of becoming a prime General Aviation site remains as strong as ever.
Yesterday's POTD promised mention of unusual crew training procedures at Blackbushe during WW2. This too involved the use of motor cycles..but not on the runways!
A former navigator, Wynne Jones, with 418 Mosquito Squadron from Stuart Marshal's 'Wartime Years'... "Early in March, 1945, there was a strange sight on the airfield - 418 Squadron were detailed to take up motor cycling! There was sound reasoning behind the idea as it was felt that if the squadron were moved to the Continent and the Germans succeeded in a swift counter-attack, as in the Bulge, it might be necessary for the squadron personnel to beat a hasty retreat to escape. A few motorcycles might have to be 'borrowed' for the purpose! There was no formal training given but after a few very basic instructions those taking part were each required to ride once around the airfield perimeter. The sight of the machine weaving its way around the airfield was of some concern to anyone in the local vicinity. The crews who participated thought it nearly as dicey as going on some operations!" The journey around Blackbushe's original perimeter would have been quite a distance.. Down at the 'west end' in the 1950s. An Eagle Viking prepares to line up for 08, photo taken from the perimeter track where long ago it lead to Blackbushe's other side south of the A30. Still at the west end, a Viking departs runway 26. The initial climb performance is demonstrated to good effect.. At the other end. A Viking departs from 08. The Terminal may be seen to the extreme right, the land visible in now converted into the dismembered and overgrown Blackbushe 'east'.While Blackbushe Airport still lives, the powers of local bureaucracy and the supporters of ancient anachronistic rights have delivered six decades of bitter blows to her well being.. For this major asset to have been so treated is at the very least tragic.
PB
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Post by PB on Mar 3, 2021 6:56:00 GMT
"Photo of the Day"
03/03/21One thing about life, nothing stays the same for ever. The Hartford Bridge Flats are a good example, wilderness, wartime airbase, major civil airport followed by sixty turbulent years of beastly bureaucracy..  Now you see it..very soon you won't! From today the Bushe Cafe closes its doors in readiness for a significant refurb and complete change of management. The Bushe Cafe was very popular as a venue for those who wish to watch aeroplanes whilst enjoying refreshments or simply passing time chatting. Following the necessary and full refurbishment a new Airport cafe will be opening its doors. New name, new management, new everything. Some grouses (metaphorically) have been noted here and there regarding the forthcoming changes - the changes will hopefully be very acceptable to all - bringing an appropriate aviation atmosphere combined with comfort, excellent food choices, and new 'bathroom' facilities.. Views from the new facility will be just as good as ever, with lockdown due to end and freedom to go about our business once more there's every reason why Blackbushe's new eating establishment should be on your list of places to go!!PB
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Post by PB on Mar 4, 2021 7:28:31 GMT
"Photo of the Day"
04/03/21Pandemic conditions have put many things on hold, not least meetings of the Blackbushe Airport Consultative Committee whereby members of the local bureaucracy gather to be updated on the Airport's latest situation and reports from the Management. Somewhat 'late than scheduled' the BACC are meeting again on 23rd March, 2021, at 14:00. Because of the Covid situation the meeting will be conducted via Microsoft Teams. Once again, for those who feel sufficiently strongly about Blackbushe Airport's status they may submit questions to be asked during the 'any questions from the public' period... details are on the Forum and available here on the Airport's website www.blackbusheairport.co.uk/consultative-committee I would urge you to at least tune in on 23rd March or even better fire off a question for the BACC committee to play with. It's your chance to have a virtual face to face with the bureaucracy, don't miss it.
 A random moment, no details, just a very dynamic aeroplane on what should by now be a very dynamic airfield! Aerostar!!!... Bright sunny days gone by. Three Counties Aero Club and their gentle Cubs. Farnborough Week quite some years ago... 1974. The charming little SAAB Safari was a participant each day in the Farnborough Air Show programme and each day she departed and returned to Blackbushe having done her bit over Farnborough during the SAAB slot.. Blackbushe does not only provide aeroplanes to view, she also conjures up some magnificent sky scapes for those on the great Blackbushe plateau. Mother nature's artistry is unlimited, not always too pleasing on the eye when cells such as this wander across the stage. Look in the distance, new hangars being built!! in 2021 the Airport still cannot build new hangars on the other side of the runway... Covid news from Hart district indicates care is still highly necessary. Active cases as of today are up by 211 from last week, 374 active cases reported..
PB
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Post by PB on Mar 5, 2021 7:10:28 GMT
"Photo of the Day"
05/03/21Those bitter winds of March have found their feet once more, wonderful clear skies at 06.00 as that polar air sweeps across the south...for some reason one grey March morning around 06.30 many years ago awaiting the staff transport on Heathrow's north side comes to mind with its ice clad fingers grabbing all they could clutch and so create maximum misery. Perhaps it was the forthcoming evening's anticipation for which I recall that freezing morn? An altogether different subject, quickly back to Blackbushe...
Err, yes POTD was grateful for the feedback yesterday's error produced! If we have to make errors and get our Westwinds mixes with our Aerostars so be it if it generates that precious Member feedback. There is no intention to inject fake news or errors into our daily foray into matters Blackbushe, but 10/10 for those who came forth yesterday!! 
The current Forum 'header' produced the usual shudders portraying no less than three Bristol Freighters resting their laurels on Blackbushe's south side... Dear old girl, much maligned for her looks, but she was the result of British engineering providing a fast answer to the post war need for a rugged transport aeroplane where costs were kept down and cargo carrying capacity kept up. She may be a little rotund, even bulbous, a little ponderous maybe, but she epitomises the courage and determination of post war Britain and her efforts to provide an air transport industry independent of the state run monolithic carriers who spat contempt at the up and coming privateers, as did their unions when it came to selling state owned aeroplanes to the private sector.. No doubt shock waves will rattle betwixt the Membership, but for posterity here's the current 'header'. Three stately ladies of yesteryear... At least imagine them as you drive past Blackbushe's sad and abandoned 'south side'.. Big nose.. Stubby nose.. A set of wings were universally useful. The essential man in the left hand seat Bristol Freighter style. Sadly unidentified at the moment... The stubby nose concept did not always require wings.. Westland's WS-55 Whirlwind G-AOCZ seen on Blackbushe's south side September 1955 and 1956. Farnborough Week.If you want to really get a fix on the Freighter Stuart Marshal's account of the aeroplane at Blackbshe awaits on the Forum.. It's here > blackbusheairport.proboards.com/post/3802 Whatever folk say about the portly lady from Bristol, she had a voracious appetite!!Back tomorrow and not a Freighter in sight!!
PB
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Post by PB on Mar 5, 2021 9:55:04 GMT
..a case of beauty and the beast? In contrast to today's POTD machine.. 85 years old today! Happy Birthday to the aeroplane who surely resides in the hearts of all, first flight on this day in 1936...over 20,300 Spitfires followed!PB
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Post by PB on Mar 6, 2021 7:50:36 GMT
"Photo of the Day"
06/03/21Yesterday the Spitfire celebrated her first flight birthday, at 86 she's doing nicely! Today, also in 1936, the dear old Anson entered squadron service with the RAF, while also on this day a bigger beast recalls her first flight, the B-52 back in 1961. Still going strong and may years planned for her already long life. 6th March, 1990, the SR-71 made its last flight, Palmdale to Washington Dulles and the Smithsonian Institute. Nothing like breaking a world record on your last jaunt, the flight took just 1hr and 4 minutes averaging a slick 2,124mph.
Looking to the future if you look in our "Non Blackbushe Discussion" department you'll find a report on NetJets and their planned move to supersonic business jet travel.. blackbusheairport.proboards.com/post/15256Good to note elsewhere that Blackbushe continues to receive visiting aircraft, the Forum "movements" section always welcomes reports and photos from you guys, please keep the info coming if at all possible.. Random Blackbushe moments. Doug Arnold's Me109 in the hangars that Doug built. No idea where it went. That moment when you realise you slipped below the power curve and there's just not enough time left to do much about it.. BEA training flight, simulators have since been invented.. A Merlin moment. Neil Williams and "Just Jane" as she is today. The Lancaster, G-ASXX, spent a weekend at Blackbushe for air display participation. Delightful Annie. EKCO's G-ALIH during a Farnborough Week visit. As mentioned earlier it's 85 years today the Anson entered the Royal Air Force.Covid note from the Hart district, 215 active cases, up just 14 from last week, but the numbers are again slowly on the descent. If you log your vaccine it will help the NHS, join ZOE, covid.joinzoe.comPB
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Post by PB on Mar 7, 2021 8:04:32 GMT
"Photo of the Day"
07/02/21Covid has undoubtedly placed a blanket on aviation's progress, and I don't just mean the actions by Hampshire County Council and its cash snaffling antics aimed at grounding Blackbushe Airport. The future has not lost its appeal and demands, and aviation is by no means lagging in this respect. The words "green recovery" are often heard nowadays when the future is examined. As the Forum has mentioned during the past year of global shut down, alternative power sources are being examined to make flight more climatically acceptable. Sadly, aviation is so visible it's an easy target for the environmentalists who condemn the jet aeroplane's output whilst, of course, its ground based vehicles that produce the far higher degree of CO2 output. The Forum has provided various links in the 'General Non-Blackbushe Discussion' section pertaining to electric or hydrogen powered flying machines. This link gives some insight into how far small electric power units have travelled at Rolls Royce, the champions of aviation power units.
What are your thoughts regarding future alternative fuel to keep Britain flying? The "POTD Comments" section is crying out for your input!!
From a more immediate point of view we await the decision from the Court of Appeal as to their deliberations on Blackbushe's future, while on 23rd March we have the next Blackbushe Airport Consultative Committee Meeting. Your link to the details from Blackbushe's website.. www.blackbusheairport.co.uk/consultative-committee
Again, your contribution by way of submitting a question to Council members via the Meeting who have their names linked to the County Council's anti Blackbushe campaign would confirm that the Airport has an active body of appreciation. This next meeting is being held via Microsoft Teams, hopefully a chance for better attendance than the woefully sad public attendance in those days when meetings were truly 'meetings'...involving eye to eye contact?.jpg?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds) Today's "POTD".. Just the one, one that captures the joy of days gone by with three fins and one engine whilst in the company of another Blackbushe resident.. and aviation gasoline in your tank!Have a nice Sunday..
PB
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Post by PB on Mar 8, 2021 9:35:43 GMT
"Photo of the Day"
08/03/21The "POTD" service running late due to staff shortages. The staff have to admit an uncontrolled oversleep situation followed by further delays dealing with other matters.. So, where do we go today?
Looks like not very far....our photosource has caught a chill this morning and refuses to play! It's one of those days...
One snippet of data from the crystal ball that looks back in time.. On this day in 1974 Charles de Gaulle opened for business, happily their local authorities could see the benefits that come with aviation and approval of airport developments.
Today might be another day nearer the future, most days are, I note AVweb this morning have released details of Volocopters success in raising finance ($238 million) toward funding VTOL electric commuter 'aircraft'. Maybe such will become the norm on years to come and those images in Eagle comic in one's much younger years of Dan Dare and strange looking craft floating around will find their reality? Who knows, what do you think?? www.avweb.com/recent-updates/evtols-urban-mobility/volocopter-series-d-raises-238-million/
Back tomorrow, and back on schedule?
PB
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Post by PB on Mar 9, 2021 8:18:39 GMT
Photo of the Day"
09/03/21One feels a sensation of spring's approach, could be the day the trusty mower is awoken from its winter slumbers, I need to come out of winter & lockdown mind set to show the lengthening green blades just who's in charge. Support of this mindset demonstrated only yesterday afternoon including a long overdue drop in to the Airport just five minutes from Junction 4a on the M3.
The airfield sent out a hum of activity amid the many aircraft for whom Blackbushe in now home. Very sad to see the now empty premises vacated by Phoenix Helicopters, but a ready modern office facility for a business looking to locate to an airfield as well placed and environmentally suitable as Blackbushe. On the other hand the now redundant and discontinued Bushe Cafe premises are at last undergoing a complete refurbishment in readiness for what should be a busy summer under the management of Blackbushe Airport and rebirth as a much improved public facility offering great views and great food all under a new name...
Walking across the old Blackbushe 'east' confirmed quite a few swampy bits remain from the past 'wet season' and signs of activity too.. To the north and east of the old airfield some considerable clearing has taken place, be rather nice if the present eastern Airport boundary could be given a trim too to improve the overall outlook. A small section of 'Common Land' has been fenced in.... Thought it was illegal!! Alongside chunks of old Blackbushe debris that have spent sixty years languishing on the County Council's property one finds 21st Century debris too... Some forms of humanity are so removed from 'normal' behaviour they apparently think it's OK to leave their trash behind, pollute public places, and no doubt raise two fingers to anyone who should challenge them. At least they'd have good views of Blackbushe's aircraft whilst consuming the contents!Moving back to the days when heroism and self sacrifice were keywords describing activity on Blackbushe airfield, this link to the French Lorraine Squadron at work recently posted on social media pages is a graphic example of how RAF Blackbushe would have looked during those days when our nation's future was far from certain..... From the past to the future... Have you heard of NetJets planned move to supersonic business jet travel? The Blackbushe Forum recently carried this report from AVweb,
"NetJets has signed an agreement with supersonic aircraft developer Aerion that includes purchase options for 20 Aerion AS2 supersonic business jets. According to Aerion, the deal brings the value of its order backlog to approximately $10 billion. The company also announced plans to collaborate with aviation training provider FlightSafety International to develop a flight training academy for supersonic civil, commercial and military aircraft.
“Our strategy is to connect the very best partners in the world within a new mobility ecosystem optimized for speed and founded on sustainability,” said Aerion CEO Tom Vice. “In NetJets and FlightSafety International we have two such partners; both globally recognized leaders in their fields who share our passion for a new era of mobility that is both fast and at the same time kind to our planet.”
Aerion’s AS2 is expected to have a top speed of Mach 1.4 and supersonic range of 4200 NM. It will be powered by GE’s new Affinity engine and outfitted with an avionics suite that is being developed in partnership with Honeywell. As previously reported by AVweb, Aerion is aiming to begin AS2 production in 2023 at its planned facility in Melbourne, Florida".
NetJets tomorrow, or the day after... Blackbushe's surviving runway would no doubt be too short!
One final update before rushing out to the mower. "POTD" recently carried a photo of a pilot sitting in the left had seat of a Bristol Freighter, but was unable to provide identity. Well..
Thanks to our dear friend Bob Carter of Silver City fame we have confirmation that it's Captain Len Madeleine, Chief Pilot, Silver City.
..and on that, the first cuppa of the day followed by the year's first unveiling of the trusty Mountfield!
See you..
PB
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Post by PB on Mar 10, 2021 8:23:47 GMT
"Photo of the Day"
10/03/2107.00, the view beyond the window grey, dead calm and sombre, the recent level of excitement noted in TV weatherpersons' forecasting and body language indicative of something more exciting to come?
Reverting to history as one does when the present offers no major events in aviation except things like plans to sell off the Queen's Flight fleet, scrap the Hercules 130J and deplete the Royal Air Force to the bare bones, the old calendars reveal on this day... in 1936, the courageous old Fairey Battle first flew. In 1948 Henry Hoover became the first civilian pilot to exceed the speed aboard the Bell XS-1 reaching 703mph. Bell's technology, of course, stemming from the UK Government's decision to scrap the Miles supersonic M.52 project. The sad story behind this being the Government's subsequent passing on of Miles' technology to the USA giving birth to the Bell X-1 story. We were ahead of the curve for a while, sadly we climbed off the fence...In 1956 Lt Cdr Peter Twiss became the number one topic of conversation as aboard the Concorde like Fairey Delta 2, the FD-2, Peter Twiss became the first pilot to exceed 1,000mph at 1132mph. An account of the Miles/Bell situation found here.. apostlesofmercy.tumblr.com/post/142976015410/the-miles-m52-was-the-worlds-first-supersonic This was still the age when heroes were born and school boys talked about such things with true admiration. Boys, such as I so long ago, would spend hours of school hols watching steam trains or even biking up to the nearest airfield to soak up the atmosphere.. No digital age tech to keep me at home, far more fun going to Blackbushe and crossing off a few more airliners in my Ian Allan reggie book!!
Slipping back in time once more, back to March, 1945 and life at RAF Blackbushe... The 6th March, 1945, would have been interesting as no less than twelve Bomber Command Halifaxes diverted to Blackbushe with their crews being given overnight accommodation in the crew facilities provided by the then expansive air base. On the same day a Vickers Warwick, BV296, flown by F/Lt Heinz arrived making a belly landing following loss of both engines. March 8th witnessed a further thirteen RAF Halifax bombers divert to Blackbushe following their operations.
From today, 10th March until 15th, 1945, a cross-Channel shuttle of aircraft was flown as squadrons prepared to move to Coxyde in Belgium. The battle front was moving further and further into Germany.Sadly my photosource is having a funny at the moment, so today's "Not Photo of the Day Day"....just imagine a dozen Halifax arriving!
PB
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