Yet again the circus gathered for a second or was it third attempt at Lydd. To be truthful just getting in the air was the main aim for the day as we headed for the airfield.

The North Weald group were going to Lydd and had kindly asked whether we would like to join them. Those of us who hadn’t been out on the booze the night earlier (Wingco and safety pilot) decided it would be good to meet some of the North Weald pilots with the intention of having some more group outings when the weather improves.

The Jab at Andrewsfield. XK at North Weald

Bob, Robert, Peter and myself headed for Andrewsfield while Nick Shane Paul and Darren headed for North Weald where their trusty 172 is now based.

I arrived at Andrewsfield first and unfortunately had the great job in the cold of prepping our faithful PA28 ready for flight, while Peter and Robert were relaxing in the comfort of home. The battery on our aircraft is going home and with some luck but more skill I got our engine started and taxied the long way to the fuel pumps to warm the old girl up. I must state though that as I taxied past, Bob was standing over his brand new Jabiru with the bonnet up and the cowlings off, and what looked like a very comprehensive tool kit by his side. I couldn’t help but feel a bit smug.

Bob finishes building and lines up

Fuel in our plane, time for a coffee and a check on weather, nav, notams etc. Bob then appears freezing cold, blood running from a cut in his head muttering something about bloody batteries and engines and don’t wait for me when you’re ready to go! I rang Nick down at North Weald, with an ETA of 10.00hrs, where we were going to land, have a chat and go on to Lydd.

We jumped in our aircraft started up and taxied past Bob whose engine was now running and we both departed for N/Weald. Robert flew the first leg and landed closely followed by the Jabiru. The N/W group had plotted a route following the coast to Lydd. I had plotted the direct route and decided to stay with that plan and meet everybody at Lydd.

Jinks and Japes at North Weald

Due to Shane not ever being able to find Lydd, the 172 crew decided to make him a passenger in the back whilst Paul piloted and Nick navigated. According to them nothing eventful happened apart from Shane not seeing the airfield until they were on final. Every one down safely it was time for the regulation circus bacon sandwich, always a must. Darren and Paul however elected for the Full Monty Sunday roast. The North Weald group started to arrive and I think there was about 6 aircraft altogether on this mini fly out.

Kingsnorth. Romney marshes

Manston. Dover Castle

After all the usual chat and discussion about the flight down it was time to depart. The 172 crew decided that Shane would be allowed to fly the aircraft to Southend because you can’t miss it and then change pilots so Darren could fly back to N/Weald. Shane by now was busy checking the weight and balance mainly due to Paul and Darren’s food intake!

Bob Chapman in the Jabiru decided to fly straight back to Andrewsfield, due to Tottenham playing that afternoon. We flew back to N/Weald as Nick had jumped in the back of our plane for a change and that’s where his car was.

Bob departs. Pre-laser canal design

As flights go it was uneventful returning to N/Weald, with Peter flying. As we parked up and walked to the squadron hut we were treated to a close encounter with a Spitfire that had just been forced into a go-around, landed and was taxiing back to its hanger. That alone for me made it worth landing at N/Weald.

Steve's chariot of choice

After a bit more chat we departed for Andrewsfield with Robert at the controls again. We landed put our plane to bed and headed for the clubhouse for even more coffee.  Having since seen the photo’s taken by the pilots who took the scenic coast route means I will be going that way in the future. Overall it was just nice to go flying after all the bad weather and enjoy some good company and excellent flying.

[Text: Steve R (as always excuse the poor grammar and spelling! )]

[Photos: Shane, Pete, & Rob, click here to see the them all]