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Aviation History
1953
1953 - 0052.PDF
50 FLIGHT HAVE the FLYING CLUBS FAILED? A Plea for a New Approach to the Needs of the Younger Enthusiasts t By CAPT. R. E. G1LLMAN, D.F.C., D.F.M. DURING the close months of winter, when the com forts of a fireside draw one indoors, the subject of private flying seems neither topical nor stimulating; but what better topic for the hearths of flying folk than the prospects for this year's activities and the misfortunes of last ? However keen and optimistic we may feel, it must be admitted that the private-flying world is suffering from a long bout of sickness, the main symptoms being apathy, general lack of energy and fits of depression, the malady having been contracted while the patient was suffering from financial malnutrition and occasional twinges of legal arthritis, which cramps the joints and at times restricts freedom of movement. To compare the present set-up with the gayer and more active club life that existed before the war would not be strictly fair; but there is little doubt that many of our present ills really result from introspective mutterings that have developed into hypochondria and pathetic appeals to the Government for help. This last is a popular line of approach these days, but I can't help feeling that our case would attract much more sympathy if we did a bit more to help ourselves. For instance, most of the flying clubs of which I have experience are simply flying under false colours by adopting that title. They are nothing more than limited companies engaged in hiring out aircraft and giving lessons to interested members of the public, who remain, generally, quite unknown to one another and thus unable to enjoy the real pleasures of mixing socially with folk having a common interest. I know that I am sticking my neck right out in making such a generaliza tion, but I believe, that in the main, it is quite a true one. The average youngster learning to fly sits waiting patiently for his appointment—which is invariably late—and, having spent an hour at the appointed task, departs some three pounds the poorer, though no doubt a little better off technically. While the novelty is still fresh, the recruit is fairly satisfied with this new activity; but once the coveted P.P.L. has been slipped into the pocket, and a few more hours flown locally, or on straight and level cross-countries, the expensive urge begins to wane, until increasingly rare visits to the airfield for short trips indicate that the original enthusiasm has been deflated, leaving only the vague desire to enjoy a fuller life in the flying fraternity. Just to provide the wherewithal for the budding aviator to satisfy his urge to fly is not enough. Something more should be done to encourage the comradeship that is to be enjoyed in the freemasonry of the air, methods being adapted to suit the shortened purses with which many present-day pilots are afflicted. Most airfields have club-houses, and most club-houses have bars, where those inclined can enjoy talking shop over a pint of honest brew. Many folk, if they drink, cannot afford to fly, and, if they fly, cannot afford to drink; but that's no reason why they should be left to wander off home when they have spent their money on a flying lesson. How about some hospitality ? Among members of any club one finds a number of friendly, sociable folk who would be more than willing to give their time and energies to making things cosier if club managers and C.F.I.s would give the lead by forming active club committees. There is more to be got out of this flying business than circuits and bumps. In the winter, a full programme of entertainments could include talks by those qualified to enlarge on such subjects as weather reading for the pilot, aerodynamics for the amateur, and reminiscences of the early days—put over, not with the formality of the evening school, but in an atmosphere of mutual interest and specially t WHILE we go all the way with the author of this article in recog nizing the latznt enthusiasm which exists, and in wanting to see it given an outlet, we think that most people with experience of club flying and private ownership will consider him over-optimistic (this is not to imply that Capt. Gillman lacks such experience; he is chairman of the Vintage Aeroplane Club). His suggested cost figures, for instance, seem unduly low in present circumstances, and not sufficiently comprehensive. And can his ex-R.A.F. instructor always be available "to give dual just for the pleasure of flying for nothing" at all those times when members are wanting to fly? In other words, while each facility he mentions might be practicable in itself, the likelihood of all being available at the same place and same time appears to us remote. But we are all for disciplined enthusiasm, and therefore we willingly accord space to our contributor's ideas. presented for the private pilot. Question-times and quizzes would do much to increase the general knowledge of those subjects which are covered all too sketchily by the P.P.L. syllabus and, to any pilot genuinely interested in the art, such talks will be of absorbing interest. Other items of the winter programme might include film shows—featuring pictures from the many fine libraries which include the subject of flying—and informal gatherings during which "shop" would be encouraged and line-shooting provide the laughs. The pilot's world can be endless to explore, but too little is being done to show the newcomer around it, and he is going away dissatisfied. Once the social side of the club has been warmed, keener interest and local pride should soon appear, inter-club activi- • ties being welcomed and eagerly followed, and the sporadic outbreaks of breakfast patrols taking their place in a fuller programme of more competitive events. One of the main complaints of pupil pilots at the moment is that there is little more for them to do once the cross-country stage has been reached, for most clubs are equipped with non- aerobatic aircraft, and the syllabus ends with the acquisition of the licence. What about an advanced course for those who are keen enough? Formation flying could easily be arranged with groups of three enthusiasts; pilotage com petitions could be staged, during which an entrant would be asked to perform a series of manoeuvres and be marked on his performance in a competition for technique; and a forced-landing spot should be a permanent feature of every club field, so that at the end of any solo trip the enthusiast could have a crack at the circle, the winner each month taking the kitty. The gist of all this is—let the keener flying types get together and enjoy more of the pleasure that this following has to offer. But the clubs must give the lead by encouraging friendly rivalry and, in so doing, raise the general standard of private pilotage. But how about the private owners? A small, privileged section of the community ? No access for the man of modest purse? It isn't true ! Given leaders with sufficient drive and ability, a syndicate can be formed, acquire an aircraft, launch it into the air, and enjoy flying instruction for a little over £i per hour. Let's get down to cases. We will assume that 20 keen types band themselves together. At least one, and preferably more, must have had some aircraft experience, and there are plenty of ex-fitters and riggers who would weigh in just for the pleasure that the smell of dope and fabric can bring, and possibly with an eye to the cheap flying to be had once the aeroplane was a fait accompli. Numbers of old aircraft without Cs. of A. are known to be lying about the country, and they can be bought for a comparative song, say, £4 a head initial outlay among the 20 members. A shed or barn must then be found for the initial stages of the reconstruction, and a licensed engineer paid to oversee, and inspect, the
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