Robin's Return/JP Walk Round

Hello again everybody! Apologies for the lateness of post number 7 of  the blog.

Starting from where I left off last time, I have been keeping very busy here at the Club, with the summer weather finally making an appearance, I was fortunate enough to take G-BSTP up for another 50 minutes of solo circuits the day after my first solo, giving me the perfect opportunity to refine some landing techniques without an instructor. To my pleasant surprise, the lack of an instructor meant I was able to develop my own mental train of thought for things like a glide approach, full flap landing, short field take off and approach which means I am now confident in the procedures when I'm with Clive.



Another exciting flight I took this week, was with a colleague of mine who works with me at the Club, Malcolm. Recently, we have had a work experience attendant who had not been flying during his placement with us and Malcolm had very, very kindly decided to hire the clubs PA-28 (G-EPYW) for a short local flight towards Dover.

The route flow by myself and Malcolm

 I'm happy to say the flight was extremely enjoyable, we took off and flew towards Ashford to fly over where Sam (work experience) lived, then climbed up to 3,500ft to play around in the clouds where we then descended towards Folkstone to take a look at the national Battle of Britain Memorial at Capel' Le Ferne. Finally, we headed back to Lydd via Ashford again for one more flight over Sam's house, before joining overhead for runway 21 on the return to Lydd.



The big news over the past week has been the very long awaited return of the aircraft I initially started my training in. The Robin HR-200, G-EOMI, the third training aircraft operated by Lydd Aero Club. For those who don't know, MI is a two seat, low wing alternative to the Cessna 152 I've been flying. My personal preference has always been the Robin because of the low wing configuration and the fact it has a stick control (a set-up that is extremely familiar from my cadet career). In terms of performance the Robin is very similar to the Cessna and the speeds are all pretty much the same, meaning that although I haven't flown this particular aircraft in nearly 3 months. With a little bit of practice it should all come back.

The cockpit layout of G-EOMI

Now, as I have mentioned previously I was planning on doing an 'Aircraft of the month' feature and although this particular machine arrived on Saturday, I have cheated a little bit and decided to make it my Aircraft of the month for May. The aircraft in question is, I feel a fantastic one to start with as it is part owned by one of the members of the Club and flown also by a good friend of mine, enjoy!

The Jet Provost T.MK3 XN-637 (G-BKOU)

The Armstrong Siddeley Viper jet engine

Built in Luton in 1961 this Mk.3 Provost entered service as an RAF jet trainer until 1963 when it was then moved to RAF Shawbury and put in storage. 15 years later in 1978, it was acquired at a swap meet and moved by road to Duxford for restoration, with the civilian registration G-BKOU. Then, after the company conducting the restoration moved to Cranfield and work was restarted, it was declared airworthy. Then in 1988 XN-637 it made its first post restoration flight and then its first display flight at the Biggin Hill Air Fair in 1989 and, after many years of successful displays, in 1995 XN-637 was moved to North Weald under new ownership where, after a brief stay at Cranfield, she now remains under syndicate ownership with "The Classic Jet Preservation Group" who acquired the aircraft in 2008 where the owners fly her regularly. She remains the last original Jet Provost T.3, that is still airworthy, in the world.

One very lucky apprentice

 For me personally, this aircraft represents everything that is and was great about the golden age of aviation. I know from my misspent youth that the aeroplane was built by Hunting Percival, a British aircraft manufacture who were also responsible for the Gull and Petrel. Being shown around this aircraft by it's part owner is not an experience I shall forget and I am envious of those who are able to fly these glorious machines.



As I clambered up onto the wing, the noise of the engine still 'clinking' as it cooled, I dreaded to wonder ever having to get to the cockpit in any sort of  hurry. Its quite high up and very awkward to get into, however once you're there it is surprisingly spacious. Granted, there is no in-flight entertainment system, but I'd rather go places in this than an EasyJet. (not a comment against anyone who might be reading who works for EasyJet)

From the pilot's seat

Once I'd lowered myself into the seat I felt as though I'd taken a leap back in time. All the instruments looked weathered and old, all of the finish on the control column and throttle   was slowly being polished off by hands using them. Being a classic car owner I'm familiar with the smell of a vintage machine and the JP was no exception.                            

But I hear you cry, what is it capable of doing. and to that I shall answer with another visual aid.