In terms of flying at Lydd, the past week has been a less than ideal one. Between Monday and Thursday, we saw winds varying between 30 and 40 Knots, at about 240˚ (giving about 12-15kts of crosswind on runway 21) Given that I am at the stage in my training where I'm refining my landings, flying for me this week has been somewhat stagnant.
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| The fate that became of G-BJ |
As this picture illustrates, the problem these winds have been causing has been quite severe. Thursday we saw an old C-172 (G-AXBJ) come a cropper, even though it had been tied down, on the Bravo apron. Luckily however, the aircraft has sustained nothing more than wing tip damage, and therefore has not caused the owner any huge financial grief.
Anyway, moving on. The main event of this week was a trip up to Biggin Hill (EGKB) in G-OPSL to attend the 'Elites of London Exhibition' at the RizonJet hangar. Basically this place is an opportunity for the rich to get hands on with the latest in exotic aircraft, cars, boats and luxury brands, perhaps with a view to indulging themselves. Kind of makes you wonder how someone like me got in? it must have be my impeccable charm.
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| TBM900 |
Personally, it was an experience I shan't forget in a huge hurry. As a massive car fan and keen aviator, with an expensive taste in watches, I had basically walked down a red carpet into my idea of heaven. While walking around the show, I had an opportunity to get up close to some of the aircraft that you really only ever get to read about. For example one of the most interesting to take a look around was the new TBM900 TurboProp. Featuring a full glass Garmin cock-pit, with fully integrated autopilot and weather radar, it was a lovely piece of kit! It's capable of altitudes up to, and above 30,000ft thanks to its pressurised cabin and very luxurious way for you and 5 friends to get from A to B without actually buying a jet.
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| Bruce Dickinson's Eclipse500 |
After I had finished pining for the TBM, I moved onto a lovely little business jet that belonged to a well known singer by the name of Bruce Dickinson (Iron Maiden). The jet in question was an Eclipse EA500, basically, the same as the TBM but with two jet engines that produce 900lbs of thrust each, propelling the aircraft, in the cruise, to 350kts. As if it wasn't impressive enough that it belonged to a famous rock star!
These were two of the most interesting exhibits I saw on Friday but by no means the best. I've added some photos below of the other bits and pieces that were at the show that, sadly, I can't find the words to describe properly. Enjoy!
As if these pictures don't give anyone a good idea of how the other half live? just look at the price of that watch!? This was just a small portion of the incredible machines that were being shown at this exhibition that I'd like to visit again one day.
Finally, to finish, no visit to a show like this would be complete without a photo
that shows exactly what sort of treatment one can expect from the Jetset lifestyle
Thank you for reading!
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