YEOVILTON FLYING STANDARDS WEEK-END
24 - 25 APRIL 2004

Traditionally the start of the Squadron's flying season, dawn on Saturday 24 April broke to find a perfect day; clear blue sky and light and variable winds. At various airfields, Squadron members were busy gazing into little pots of fuel drained from the undersides of their machines to see if there was more fuel than water, checking dipsticks and cleaning windscreens.
These early starts were an essential part of the preparation for the initial test of these stalwart aviators. The arrival instructions were for an overhead join of the airfield at 3000 feet where a Forced Landing practice was to be carried out to a line across the runway marked by Dave Mackay's white Morris Minor. The proceedings began with the first arrivals at around 0900. About 9 aircraft had completed the exercise by 1030.
A combination of the light and variable winds and the daunting view to many of the `bush pilots' of a 2300 metre concrete runway produced rather variable results to the competition but 3 of the contestants managed to land within about 50 metres of the mark. It is suspected that a small number may have been aiming for Merryfield rather than Yeovilton.
Members were greeted by Sue Wilson at Yankee hardstanding outside the museum and invited into the Museum Briefing Room for coffee. At about 1030, Squadron members and prospective members of Yeovilton Flying Club were greeted by Lieutenant Commander Flying, Ken Docherty who welcomed the Squadron to Yeovilton. He emphasised how keen his Department was to see the aircraft at the station and the establishment of a successful flying club.
Michael Ryan, the Squadron Senior Pilot then gave an illustrated presentation to the Yeovilton residents about the aims of the Squadron and its achievements to date.
Charlie Ryan gathered up her team of ladies and departed for a trip to the National Trust's gem of a stately home at Montacute House followed by a pleasant lunch. Unfortunately, despite the fact that this visit was publicised in the op order for the standards week-end, the numbers were lower than expected as some squadron members had, unfortunately omitted to pass on the details of the non-flying activity to their spouses/partners.
The main business of the week-end started in earnest with a talk from the Squadron CFI, Phil Cardew on forced landings. Lots of worthy CFS stuff interspersed with `there I was taking off in my Seahawk when the engine flamed out' anecdotes. The subject was then opened up for discussion after which the results of the Forced landing competition were announced, much to the embarrassment of most. Phil showed no mercy and even the Boss was given a dog-watch re-scrub.
Dave Mackay then gave a presentation on the procedures for operating light aircraft out of Yeovilton. Bearing in mind that most of the Squadron members have been flying in a mainly civvy environment for many years, he gave some very useful `pointers' on the subtle but important differences in military procedures. He ran through various important landmarks on the airfield and stressed the difficulties of operating fast jets, helicopters, routine civilian traffic and light aircraft from the same airfield at the same time. He also discussed the problems for ATCOs in controlling traffic on both VHF and UHF. He then rounded off his talk by outlining the very valuable `perks' that would be enjoyed by those joining the Yeovilton Flying club and encouraged members of the Squadron to give serious consideration to applying for membership.
After the lectures, the museum catering manager, Kevin, invited the party to adjourn to Warnfords, the Museum’s restaurant where a large , varied and interesting lunch was served followed by an essential cup of coffee to sharpen the grey matter for the afternoon's flying.
The glorious weather continued through the afternoon allowing a number of flying details to take place including licence re-validation flights with the QFI's and a number of air experience flights for prospective Flying Club members and the offspring of Yeovilton's staff. New Squadron member Barry Woodhouse gave a demonstration flight in his stunningly beautiful `Stem' powered glider to the CO of Yeovilton, Commodore `Wiggy' Bennet.
After the airfield closed, Members retired to the museum for tea and stickies prior to changing for dinner. At 1930, the team re-grouped back in the Museum at the bar under the wing of Concorde for pre-dinner drinks. At around 2000 the diners sat down to a splendid three-course meal where they feasted on pear, stilton and walnut salad followed by rack of lamb. Those who ate up all their greens were allowed chocolate roulade. Large quantities of wine put paid to any thoughts of night flying. During coffee, in keeping with tradition, the Boss welcomed the three new Squadron members, Nicholas Muers-Raby, an ex Army Air Corps helicopter pilot, John Ford and Barry Woodhouse, both ex FAA pilots, He then invited each one to introduce himself to the diners. All did so with amusing anecdote and some more serious thoughts on the future of the military in general and, more particularly, Naval Air Power. Diners then retired to the bar for a gentle wind-down to the evening before departing to their billets.
The following morning, the Squadron re-grouped at the Museum for breakfast followed by some limited gentle aerial activity prior to departing for various home airfields.

Squadron members interested in joining the Yeovilton Flying Club should, in the first instance, contact Dave Mackay for further details at dave.mackay@virgin.net

Report by Nigel de Candole. Photographs by Nicholas Muers-Raby.