PHOTO of the DAY...

[PB]

"Photo of the Day"
06/10/22

The past plucked from the great diary in the sky tells that on this day in 1908 Wilbur Wright got airborne with a French writer achieving the first passenger flight of over one hour. On this day in 1993 Larry Walters passed away. He was the 'lawn chair' aviator who created a flying machine out of a patio chair and 45 helium filled balloons. He reached 16,000ft and drifted from San Pedro, CA, into controlled airspace near Long Beach airport..

Having major internet delays right now making photos a problem, so we'll have a NO POTD morning. One thought for today... Any idea how many Dakotas are still flying after 80 years of operation? An estimated 164 of all variants DC-3 and C-47 are still in regular operation. The bulk of them, 89, are in the USA, 19 in Canada, 6 in Australia, 16 registered in South Africa, and apparently 3 in the UK. Grateful to "Flight Aware" for this information..

See you tomorrow,

PB

[PB]

"Photo of the Day"
07/10/22

Trying to find some good news today is not dissimilar to hunting that elusive pot of gold at the rainbow's end. Globally, news media material is stacked with material that rarely brings much joy to the breakfast table - or any other meal for that matter! However, we're here and focused on our hopes for Blackbushe's future as so many airfields continue to be placed under threat of housing and conversion to leafy green suburbs. When was a new airfield last opened in the UK? Economic stress and strains won't help the General Aviation world, political stress and strain cannot be helping high level focus on the needs and purposes of GA in this country. The All Party Parliamentary Group on General Aviation appear to have lost their drive with nothing heard for weeks on end, the General Aviation Awareness Council's reports on airfield in the UK makes depressing reading..

Seems to "POTD" that in the south of England there is still one airfield that is investing very large sums of money to tackle the obstacles placed by local government, that is fully determined to ride the storm of misplaced local political comprehension as to the benefits an airfield represents, that has a very positive 'vision' for tomorrow, and with the shrinking number of viable aerodromes will provide an affordable anchor for tomorrow's General Aviation needs. You and I both know where that airfield is!

Yes, having spent sixty years of endeavour navigating a pathway through a political jungle Blackbushe retains her determined attitude toward becoming a jewel in the GA crown, providing the south west London area the perfect option of an airport to be proud of serving the General Aviation fraternity's needs, business flying, ongoing flying training, and that is environmentally hard to beat in such a highly populated sector of the UK. Employment and the local economy will benefit too. Why have sixty years passed by during which the airfield has fought her fights for survival but never been given encouragement from those who are elected to serve the area and its people? We know only too well how vast sums of public money have been employed - and wasted - by public bodies dragging the Blackbushe case for putting up some hangars through the highest courts in the land. For sixty years hope has prevailed for the light to shine on Blackbushe in the quest for a common sense conclusion. That hope still rides high!




Give enterprise a chance! This product of enterprise at Blackbushe being the Avro 504 replica built by Robinson Aviation in the lock-up hangars we constructed in the sixties.




Canvas days. The sixties witnessed the canvas covered age of light aeroplanes convert to the increasingly popular metal skins of machines imported across the Atlantic. The photo is dated by the piles of concrete rubble piled up to the right as the parish council continued its policy of destruction...




A taste of the future. Dramatic new shapes from the USA pointed the way aeroplane designs would be going, were going.. Believe me, to see such machines land at Blackbushe was close to being in heaven after the many months of 'troubles' that had done their best to ruin Blackbushe's chances of a new life.




A rare event! Smiths Aviation popped in with their 748 one morning. The sound of those engines carrying across the airfield was music, if slightly shrill, the aroma of those turbo prop engines doing their business was another transport back to the aromas of Blackbushe Airport when big piston radials and turbo props would sing their song every day across the marvellous airport built on the Hartford Bridge Flats.



Another drift into days gone by, back to today and whatever it has in store..

PB

[PB]

"Photo of the the Day"
09/10/22

A few issues this morning slowing down operations at "POTD" HQ.

However, here's your homework.. this link to the General Aviation Awareness Council spells out the parlous state of General Aviation in the United Kingdom.

Take a look at this, hot off the press... >>> www.gaac.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/AERODROMES-UPDATE-300922.pdf <<< READ THIS!

Maybe some comments might follow as to our Members' thoughts??

The GAAC also offered this comment yesterday, "As we publish the latest Aerodromes Update there has been disappointing news from Redhill where the Pilot’s Hub cafe is to close, the airfield owners having given notice to the lessee of Hangar 9, Aerospace Resources Ltd.

Often the cafe is the beating heart of an airfield and in this case there has been a massive response on social media as locals and pilots and others alike responded to the news.

Let’s hope the high prices streaming services and storage companies can pay for hangars doesn’t continue to undermine the viability of general aviation in the UK. It is in a parlous state!"



Happily Blackbushe Airport is one airfield not under any form of construction plans other than her own to build hangars and create a more permanent and modern infrastructure..




There she is, Blackbushe Airport, nestling amid forest, the most environmentally friendly airport you could wish to meet, and within easy reach of London. Unique, a gift horse that must surely be no longer looked in the mouth?


PB

[PB]

"Photo of the Day"
09/10/22

A pleasant autumn Sunday beckons, the changing colours of the countryside to seasonal reds and golds sure indication of the year's passage through time.

A couple of times yesterday conversations via the wonders of WhatsApp and email lead to questions about Blackbushe's past and a potted history of her years. I wrote a one pager for "GABuyer" magazine back in September, 2017, to coincide with the time we were marking the Hartford Bridge Flats' first 75 years of life as an airfield, an airfield we cherish today known as 'Blackbushe'. It's below for anyone who might wish to brush up on a highly compressed history!



Since 2017 when we celebrated the Airport's 75th Blackbushe has travelled through a Public Inquiry the highest courts in the land in the process of finding an agreement to suit all parties that would permit necessary construction work that would enable Blackbushe to function as a viable and valuable General Aviation centre. The Airport continues to gather momentum as an affordable, valuable, and convenient location for business flights where jets up to Gulfstream size enjoy her benefits.



In the past five years since the potted past above was written, the Airport continues to prove a valuable location for the motion picture industry, is now home to the annual 'Twilight Runway Challenge' whereby many thousands of pounds are generated for local good causes and schools, another excellent flying school SEMET Aviation has moved in alongside Air First and Blackbushe Aviation, business flying booms while issues concerning an answer to the question of Common Land have seen a Public Inquiry that found in favour of the necessary de registration of a section of the Airport's Common - but over ridden by Hampshire County Council's objecting - thus necessitating further endeavour to achieve what must be achieved, an airfield that suits not only General Aviation but benefits the locality with work and an enhanced local economy.

The story of Blackbushe is far from over, her future will no doubt be subject to further chapters in the history books of tomorrow!




Dan-Air's phonetic "two sugars" at a very early Gatwick after Blackbushe had closed. Old friends had to find new pastures..




Gone, but not forgotten. Days such as these might never be replayed at Blackbushe....




But, six decades later, the spirit of Blackbushe is very much alive, her heart beats steadily, Blackbushe means business....



Wishing you a peaceful Sunday, stay safe!

PB

[PB]

"Photo of the Day"
10/10/22

This morning it is the Forum's duty to relay the very sad news that Harold Bamberg CBE, Founder and Chairman of Eagle Airways has passed away, a great name in British civil aviation, a life of achievements for which he will long be remembered, we send our deepest sympathy to his family and friends.



Harold Bamberg CBE, 1923-2022, a champion of the skies, few people achieved more for post war British independent civil aviation, and a name always synonymous with Blackbushe.. Thanks to Phil Johns for the photograph.




At the Blackbushe 75th Anniversary weekend Harold Bamberg was a guest of honour. Seen here with six of the Hungarian refugees Harold's Eagle Airways rescued from the hands of the Russians during the 1956 Hungarian Uprising. Eagle provided free flights to bring them to the safety of the UK arriving at Blackbushe.




Reunited, Harold Bamberg and an emotional moment as he shares memories with one of his Hungarian refugees..




The last approach.. One of Harold's one time DC-6 fleet G-APSA flies back to her old Blackbushe base, painted in Eagle Airways colours she lands to pick up non other than Harold Bamberg, the year was 2008.




Harold and his faithful flock, on a misty morning long ago he and some of his team join G-APSA for a photo moment.




The Eagles have landed! Glorious days at Blackbushe in the 1950s..




Arrived from Blackbushe! Harold on arrival at the 2008 Farnborough Air Show having flown in aboard G-APSA. Harold Bamberg's last flight from Blackbushe.




Eagle's vast Blackbushe hangar. The Lancaster was operated by Eagle on behalf of the Ministry of Supply. Harold Bamberg's business flew in many directions!




A wet and breezy day in October, 2013. Nine years ago! Having produced a salute to the airlines who operated from their Blackbushe base in the form of the "Airlines" sign with the help of Mike Biddulph's Prestige Signs, it needed to be officially unveiled. Who better than Harold Bamberg? Having removed the veils, the sign is christened by the rain on that blustery morning while Harold addresses the gathering who had come to witness the moment. I asked him later what he would like to do at Blackbushe if the opportunity presented. "Start a small airline, small aeroplanes - regional traffic", was his response..



Never to be forgotten, Harold Bamberg's passing must surely place emphasis on the Blackbushe Heritage Trust's endeavours to return a Viking to Blackbushe for permanent display. Painted in Eagle colours, and perhaps with the name "Harold Bamberg" inscribed upon her nose where all the Eagle Vikings proudly carried their name.

Rest in peace Harold, your name will never be forgotten..

PB

[PB]

"Photo of the Day"
11/10/22

06.00, outside air temp nudging on zero C, winter's icy fingers beginning to flex. Out there an uncertain world, one that does not fill the soul with joy or optimism. The nation north of Hadrian's Wall hell bent on breaking up the Union, a new King planning a 'cut price coronation', our government suffering inner turmoil and uncertainty, while V Putin fires barrages of missiles into the homes of innocent peace loving people.

Is there any good news? Well, yes over at Blackbushe Airport, that well placed and affordable airport within easy reach of London continues to log business flights in ever increasing numbers. Cities served by aircraft such as PC-12, the PC-24 and other business jets continues to expand. After so many years of hope and frustration, the logic of Blackbushe Airport as a totally convenient easy to use, easy to access flight centre would appears to be getting around!!



T7-DAT by wokinghampaul, on Flickr
A wide variety of aeroplane shapes and sizes benefit from Blackbushe's convenient location nowadays, this from Piaggio is certainly one of the more adventurous designs! Note the new Airport fence in the background neatly separating the airfield from the overgrown Blackbushe 'east' that continues to grow under the guidance of our County Council. Another great photo from Paul!!



October. Go back to 1942 for a minute. The Hartford Bridge Flats, a perfect plateau, had been converted from many acres of scrubby wasteland into the nation's latest airfield from which to conduct wartime operations. The new RAF station had not yet been opened but since July it had been very busy with glider trials due to the arrival of Airborne Aero Flight from Farnborough whose operations had to dovetail with the feverish activity of building a new air base.. Farnborough was necessarily busy with development flying of aeroplanes designed for war, Hartford Bridge offered the perfect and convenient place for glider development.

Referring to Stuart Marshall's "The Wartime Years" once again, his section headed 'October 1942' reads as follows...


"...G/Capt Wheeler flew in to visit Airborne Aero Flight on 11th October, 1942, using Magister L5965 and on 17th October a Hudson visited the airfield from RAE Farnborough. Some of the most interesting trials from a spectators point of view would have been the steep descent trials carried out on the Hotspur glider. The intention was to release the glider from 3000ft in the vicinity of the airfield and then deploy a seven-foot drogue parachute from the rear of the glider. RAE Observer Doreen Howell recalled that the near vertical 8000 feet a minute descent was very spectacular and designed to give German ground forces a much reduced time to shoot at the gliders before they landed, but there were problems. One of the trials ended in tragedy on the 31st October 1942 when one of the gliders thought to be Hotspur BT615 failed to pull out of the dive early enough and hit the runway in what was described as an extremely hard landing and broke up. There were two crew members onboard, David Horner, a RAE Observer who was thrown out of the wreckage and was killed, while the other crew member who was similarly ejected from the glider landed on the grass, receiving serious injuries. Doreen had been flying aboard one of the Whitley tugs and saw the results of the accident after they landed. The trials also proved that the stresses being put on the glide airframes by this type of descent and recovery were particularly high and damage was being caused to the tailplanes of the aircraft."



All being well, back tomorrow...

PB

[PB]

"Photo of the Day"
12/10/22

In our seemingly increasingly turbulent world it's always good to have somewhere to go for a momentary escape and change of scene. Sadly, I've not been around there much of late but Blackbushe always provides a good place to unwind, inhale the fresh air that sweeps across the Hartford Bridge plateau, enjoy friendly service, yummy refreshment, and often good company at the Pathfinder Cafe, or simply sit back and enjoy the aviation going. Walks along the sprawling disused runways always await to burn off a bunch of calories, commune with nature, or simply recall the previous users of these sadly decaying reminders of the past. Reminders that could be memories of multi engined transport aircraft from one's youth, flying lessons and landings, the air shows when we used every bit of tarmac, or Farnborough Weeks when the disused runways suddenly became aircraft parks and were filled from end to end and on both sides with visiting aircraft.

Regular visitors will have noticed a significant upturn in the number and frequency of business jets enjoying the benefits of Blackbushe lately... Appreciation of Blackbushe's affordable benefits, easy access, and friendly professional service is spreading as are the number of international points on the map that are witnessing flights going to/from Blackbushe!

With great appreciation to Kevin Withers, below are four of yesterday's jet movements at Blackbushe the business airport..

















After sixty years of varied external obfuscation that has prevented serious improvement to the Blackbushe operation, one still dreams of how good it could be if a smart modern Terminal served her passengers, permanent hangars returned to protect precious aeroplanes, generous sized aprons awaited visitors, new lighting systems installed, and modern offices accommodated the excellent flying schools who today make the best possible use of their 'temporary' housing. Dreams perhaps, but it does no harm to hope...

Finally this morning, another chance for all who have any interest in Blackbushe Airport, the Blackbushe Airport Consultative Committee meeting delayed after the death of the Queen has been rescheduled. It now takes place on October 20th at the Pathfinder Cafe starting at 7pm. It's a public meeting, an ideal chance to hear what's going on at the airfield and also the chance to place a question to either the Airport management or the local councillors who will be in attendance.. Anyone who cares for Blackbushe should try and attend, always good to show the interest that's out there!!!

Thanks..

PB

[PB]

"Photo of the Day"
13/10/22

Yesterday witnessed the funeral of Harold Bamberg CBE at St Michaels and All Angels' Church, Sunningdale.




Having attended the funeral, these words were received later from Eric Tarrant, the devoted Eagle Airways archivist who conveys the massive respect held for Harold Bamberg from his staff and across the field of British civil aviation. "Having arrived early at St. Michaels Church in Sunningdale I witnessed the mist was slowly disappearing over the church and graveyard. The sun began to shine brightly and the autumn leaves on the trees showed their beauty with wonderful colours. It was a wonderful setting; it was the day of the funeral of a dear friend and employer Mr Harold Bamberg. As Harold’s coffin entered St. Michaels draped in the flag of British Eagle which had last flown at London Airport in 1968 the service began. As the archivist, for the Eagle Group it was a privilege to have been asked by the family to give a tribute on behalf of the employees of Eagle. It was a sad occasion as we said goodbye to the man who was a giant in British aviation".



One of British aviation's truly great men, from wartime RAF bomber pilot to founding the UK's second largest independent airline, he will always be remembered for remarks such as when questioned about his success, "There's no substitute for getting into business and learning the hard way."

The Forum will soon include a new section devoted to Harold Bamberg, Eagle Airways and Blackbushe. To the end his love for Blackbushe and its potential never lessened.

Rest in Peace, it was a pleasure and an honour to have known you Sir.

PB

[PB]

"Photo of the Day"
14/10/22

Looking back in time on this day, 14 October 1962, a USAF U-2 reconnaissance flight overhead Cuba detected launching pads for medium range ballistic missiles. The Cuban Missile Crisis was well and truly triggered.. The Soviet Union was secretly installing missiles to launch attacks on the United States of America. It sounds a long while ago, 1962, when Russia and the United States brought the world to the brink of a nuclear end of the story. Perhaps we forget how close it came, but 11th hour negotiations between President JF Kennedy and Russia's Krushchev returned sense to a threatened planet. By 28 October Krushchev capitulated and agreed to stop further missile build-ups while returning the missiles already placed in Cuba back to the USSR. Kennedy agreed to withdraw US nuclear missiles from Turkey and assured that the USA would never invade Cuba. The world could breath again, just Cuba's Fidel Castro was remained furious that Russia had pulled out...

Today's occupant of the Kremlin has opened up another window the consequences of which remain to be seen. But, POTD's point this morning is not nuclear events, but simply that while 1962 sounds a long while ago - it is - It was just before then that today's 'Battle for Blackbushe' was started. Because of a small number of political characters who saw fit to block Blackbushe for whatever reasons they could think-up this extraordinary 'natural' airfield has fought for survival for over sixty years. The vast majority of my life, and numerous others, has been lived with the shadow of oppression darkening the Blackbushe scene. The cost to the community as the authorities have waged legal wars in the highest courts in the land, lost employment opportunities, and lost economic support that would have come from a Blackbushe Airport permitted to build an infrastructure has been horrendous and unnecessary.

In retrospect, it's amazing how soon sixty plus years and a lifetime - can be consumed. It is to be hoped that the window of opportunity for Blackbushe Airport is opened soon, if not...............



Scenes such as this as varied business flights congregate on the apron that remains from 'old Blackbushe' are thankfully becoming quite routine..




A blissful moment from sixty years ago this month... Seems like yesterday when in October, 1962, the Great Blackbushe Airport Re-opening Air Display was held. A day like no other, by mid morning the sky filled with dots seemingly appearing from all points of the compass, dots that became more and more recognised as aircraft as they closed in on what the day before had been a deserted Blackbushe.



That October morning welded itself in my memory. I recall leaving home very early on my bike for the seven or eight mile trip to the airfield. It was mild, dead calm, with complete flat grey overcast sky, but happily a good day for aviating. The day showed huge support for the Airport, quite unusual for an airport that had served as a number two airport for London and then been closed to suddenly open-up and invite the flying fraternity to try her out. What a magnificent day, for this schoolboy who was right in the middle of it all day, the need to see Blackbushe Airport return to life was well and truly sown.

Sixty years are not very long, but you can fit quite a lot in!

PB

[PB]

"Photo of the Day"
15/10/22

A few weeks ago at this time of day, 0630, it was broad daylight, now t'is black as pitch out there and I can't believe another summer's been and come and gone. However, spring will follow one hopes...

POTD recently touched upon the seemingly troubled world that has emerged since Covid. Judging by events in Downing Street yesterday the turbulence is far from settled! Elsewhere in London 'demonstrators' glue themselves to major roads, inconvenient having your hands glued to the road when the Police offer you a cup of tea? But, as anarchy's smell rises from the Capital's streets one has to question why it is that such disruptors to life continue to get away with their anti-social ambulance blocking activities?

I suppose one of the benefits of getting older is that you tend to forget things. So I'm told, I can't remember what I've forgotten so no problem, but so far as I'm aware the cerebral cortex still offers snatches of yesterday. For example, I clearly remember visiting that nice aerodrome, you know, Blackbushe on the Flats. Hadn't been there for ages, or I don't think I have? Have I?

Joking apart (?) the benefit of memory and Blackbushe is that some of us cling onto memories that penetrate far back into the 1950s.




When shapes such as this - an old Sterling bomber in civvies - used the full sized Blackbushe. This bit of apron is now Hampshire CC's overgrown territory.




When Eagle were the largest of the numerous Blackbushe based airlines and whose colour schemes could be quite variable...




Or those years when the United States Navy had their very busy base at Blackbushe...



The above may be gone, but they're far from forgotten - for some of us.

Yesterday's trip to Blackbushe was very refreshing after some time away offering the chance to catch up with familiar faces.




Pleasingly, the apron yielded the nowadays anticipated offering of business aeroplanes as Blackbushe becomes increasingly recognised as a serious player in the London region's corporate business flying operations.




A vast improvement since my last visit to the Airport is the new fence where the Airport's main apron ends and County Council Common begins. Tragic that local politicians destroyed their share of a great asset to the County of Hampshire, one of the problems of having a long memory is remembering how the scene looked prior to the wrecking gangs employed by Parish and County..



FINALLY today, PLEASE do not forget the Blackbushe Heritage Trust's super raffle!!! First prize a unique experience of a flight simulation session at Heathrow under professional instruction flying the airliners of today! Hard to put an exact value on it, but we're talking hundreds of pounds worth of flight experience. Fantastic!! Second prize offers three prizes of flights from Blackbushe in a light aeroplane, valued at some £80 a go. Third prize, a framed print of an Eagle Viking at Blackbushe! Fourth prize, a £50 Pathfinder cafe token!! Don't delay.... Every ticket sold is another step in bringing the Viking back to Blackbushe. Please do pop into the Pathfinder and buy your tickets!! Do it today!

Finally finally, make a note of 22nd November, 2022. The Heritage Trust will be holding fund raising talks during the winter months at the Pathfinder Cafe. 22nd November will be the first of these evenings. Attendance fee will be £10 per head with free tea and coffee. Details will be posted very soon, keep an eye on here or on the BHT Facebook pages to keep up to date..

Blackbushe Airport needs that Viking to reflect upon glorious days gone by, your help in securing the aeroplane will always be appreciated, today and for generations to come...Every £ raised is another step forward..

Have a great weekend..

PB