The Third UK Pulsar Fly-In at Belle Vue

Saturday August 20th 2005

Those who came:

This years' fly-in was originally scheduled for Saturday 13th August but as the day dawned it was obvious to all that it was going to be a wash-out. By midday it was pouring with rain as a front swept accross the country. After a few emails and phone calls however, it was decided to have another go one week later on the 20th. This was short notice for many but there was enough interest to make it worth trying.

As I looked out of my window at home, it did not look good, grey skies, blustery wind and heavy showers! By 11.00hrs at Belle Vue, it was looking a little better, Roger Watts had called to say he and Steve were coming and our spirits were lifted, perhaps it would be alright after all. Our old friend Alan Gill had arrived, still limping a little after his accident in a microlite last year but full of enthusiasm. A new friend, Daniel Shears all the way from New Zealand also came. He is in the UK for a few weeks on business and is very keen to build a Pulsar when he gets back home - even though he doesn't even have a pilots licence yet! We had conversed by email a few times and Daniel had driven down from Coventry the week before to see his first Pulsar. Finding himself in the UK a week longer than anticipated, he drove for another three hours to be with us again. Chris Moffatt, G-LWNG, and Robert Hemsworth, G-LEEN, joined us by road as they were unable to fly-in.

Well the day was getting better, the sun was coming out occasionally and it was almost warm. Pulsars were starting to land as well, Colin Smith was the first to arrive in his beautiful 582 tri-gear, accompanied by Paul Crosby. Not long after that Roger and Steve arrived in their 582 taildragger. With Joe Kynsaton and James Stringer turning up an hour or so later, we had four aircraft plus mine, not too bad really for a short notice event and a slightly 'iffy' forecast. And the day just got better. All the burgers were devoured, the chocolate cake went (well I finished it actually) and tea and coffee was drunk in large volumes.

By a little devious flying, Joe Kynaston took the longest distance award, an engraved pewter tankard, for his epic 269nm flight. Actually, it's not that far from his base but he took a rather novel route to get to us. Next year, the award will be won strickly on distance from base to Belle Vue by the shortest route. However, Joe richly deserved the win if only for his startling good looks! An email from James the next day said that Joe was last seen heading to the pub with his tankard in his hand ready to have it filled.

This year we were also supported by LAS Aerospace who provided some sweatshirts and a box of their catalogues of extensive supplies for homebuilders and general aviation. LAS are based not far from us and we greatly appreciated their help. Thanks also to Jojo at the Pulsar Aircraft Corporation for the link on their web site for this event.

Once again, many thanks are due to all those who tirelessly helped all day:

Maurice Bush who helped me get the BBQ set up and cut the airfiled grass, Alan Gill for his support, and our good friends Don and Gill Easterbrook who own the farm loaned us the BBQ and bought the burgers! Plus of course, my lovely wife, Kathryn who did the cooking.

Some pictures:

The first arrivals, Colin and Paul from Spilstead

They were followed by Steve and Roger from Cheddington

The Pulsars

Joe Kynaston, G-CBLA winner of the Pewter Tankard

Steve Bateman explains how it's done to Colin and Paul

Alan Gill, Daniel Shears, Steve Bateman and Maurice the Mower

Roger very kindly takes Daniel for his first flight in a Pulsar - strange that he sees fit to blindfold him first!

James Stringer eats chocolate cake faster than he flies!

Yours truly (centre) talking with talking with James and Roger - but look at the skies!

And all too soon it's time to leave...