A broad church…

Well, the Grass Roots fly-in may just be a memory, but for me it is a good one. And it was tremendous to see so many members at the show and talk to you all about a diverse range of topics. Turn to page 28 if you want to see some of the sights from the event.

One item discussed at the Grass Roots Fly-in at Speakers’ Corner was that of new types. Steve Slater tasked me with delivering an update on the RV-15, based on what I learned at Oshkosh; James Pittman from Sling Aircraft spoke about the thought process involved in developing the Sling Aircraft Highwing; Keith Wingate, a UK homebuilder who is involved with the team rolling the Scalewings SW51 Mustang kit out in the US briefed us on that exciting kit; and Michael Thompson and Bill Brooks spoke about the Skyfly Axe eVtol. Of those types, work has already begun towards seeking LAA approval for the Sling Highwing, while Van’s continue with testing of the RV-15, just as Skyfly is doing with the Axe. Keith Wingate tells me the Scalewings SW51 could be shown in the UK next year, if plans for a European demonstrator work out, at which time they will gauge the likely customer response.

I had a few responses to my request for new types that our members would be interested in if they were available to the UK market. A number were for the Sport Performance Aircraft Panther, which I can’t say was any surprise. Low build cost and the ability to fold the wings were strong factors in members desire for that particular aircraft.

One I hadn’t anticipated, but makes equal sense, was for a lowcost homebuilt autogyro powered by a Rotax 912, called the Gyro Technic GT-VX2. ed.hicks@laa.uk.com

On the flipside, one member pointed out he wasn’t a fan of more types, as he thought there was plenty of choice as things stood, and that the efforts of the Association would be better directed to improving the support to the existing fleet, particularly “… mod/ repair applications,” and, “…visible, active, effective support for expansion of the vintage fleet – one of the ways in which cost minimisation of recreational flying might actually be achieved.” It’s a fair point, and one I can see too. We are a broad church.

Finally a quick note about the magazine wrapping. Member Richard Pike wrote to ask if the clear film used is compostable? Yes, it’s an improved product of the previous semi-opaque film, but remains compostable.

Features

14 PROJECT NEWS

After four-and-a-half years a Van’s RV-10 takes flight, and Part 1 of the building of a Van’s RV-12iS. Plus, New Projects and Cleared to Fly

20 FLIGHT TEST

As Van’s Aircraft celebrates 50 years of producing the world’s most popular range of kitplanes, Francis Donaldson flies a single-seat RV-3 that was the first RV build registered with PFA…

28 SHOW REPORT

It may have been a change of venue, but the LAA Grass Roots Fly-in at Popham was a great success

36 COACHING CORNER

PCS Head of Training David Cockburn discusses the ‘block’ system of scanning. And looks at the problem of ‘muscle memory’…

38 ENGINEERING MATTERS

A corroded and failing rudder cable, battery retention devices, deteriorating fuel cap seals – and a reminder about propeller attachment bolt torques

44 SHOW REPORT

The 37th International Old Timer fly-in, which took place at Schaffen-Diest Airfield, Belgium 12-14 August 2022

48 MEET THE MEMBERS

LAA Engineering’s new Chief Inspector, Lucy Wootton, who has recently been appointed talks to the editor about her love of gliding and life in aviation.