Good fortune with the weather favoured us on this, our first fly-in for 2001, and this visit was to be something special - for the first time we were going 'overseas' !

Maurice Hynett, squadron member, was our host at this most attractive Isle of Wight airfield which is the production centre for Britten-Norman Islander, Trilander and Defender aircraft. These aircraft are utilised all round the world and over 1200 have been built.
Squadron members were privileged to be shown round the factory after an introductory talk by Bob Wilson who has been employed by Britten-Norman for over 40 years and is currently the Executive Director. Maurice Hynett was to have given a talk about the Britten-Norman group but was unavoidably delayed on a flight from Saudi Arabia.
A highlight of the walk round was to see the brand new specially equipped Defender 4000 which has been bought by the Hampshire Police. The aircraft is named after Sir John Hoddinott the former Chief Constable. It is claimed to be the best equipped aircraft in respect of speed, fuel consumption and low noise considerations of any police force in the country. It is powered by twin Rolls Royce Alison 250 turbo-prop engines.
After an excellent buffet lunch, volunteers were called for to fly in the piston engined Islander which had been traded in by the Hampshire Police for the new Defender. Eight passengers were taken up each time by Maurice and his son William for a trip round the bay. William is more familiar with flying Harriers.

Members attending:- Tony & Jill Ashmead (G-BJYL), Michael Bonham Cozens & Dennis White (G-MAPR), Roger & Carol Richardson-Bunbury (G-BZZD), Nigel de Candole & Ron Dobree-Carey as co-pilot (G-AVLY), Neville & Gwen Duke (G-WFFW), Colin Ferbrache & Mike Tidd (G-PADS), Jeremy Holland (G-RCHA), Peter Lovegrove, Phil & Sue Moore (G-ASZE), D. & Monica Murray (G-AKTO), Tim & Fiona Nicholas, Arthur Record (G-MVSJ),Michael & Charmian Ryan (G-BOIT), Richard & Mags Roberts (G-MVXN).

Association members and guests:- Dickie & Jean Bates, Mike & Joan Crosley, R.A.Elliot and Eric Downing (pilot of G-TOBA), Marion Payne, Keith Harris, P.I.Normand, John Pretty (guest of Michael Ryan), Leonard Thomas and Mr and Mrs. J.W.Johnson and Mr.J.Lenthall, Mr B.H.Wright, Mr T.Peppitt and Mrs B.A. Bruce.