Just found out about this event, and found out that the Beech 18 ‘Great Dane’ will be there (http://www.opmas.dk) – has anyone been before, and what’s it like? Looks interesting so might go along, especially as ‘Great Dane’ will be there.
Cheers, Rob
By: low'n'slow - 10th June 2007 at 11:43
I was presently surprised to visit Saturday and find there was quite a lot of “my” sort of aviation represented, as well as all the “plastic fantastics” and the expensive stuff you need to wear a white shirt with epaulettes to fly.
Ten out of ten to the organisers for having something for everyone, and to all the PFA volunteers for filling their marquee with “hands-on” demos of everything from propeller carving , to hand-rolling aluminium engine cowlings.
As an arrival by road, my only beef was the “Paris-Dakar simulation” that qualified as the route to the car park.
Oh and by the way, a pic or three of the “Great Danes” Beech 18………
By: BlueRobin - 9th June 2007 at 20:22
I took a bunch of photos today. I’ll try and up them to photobucket asap.
If you look in Historic, I have posted a few photos of the OPMAS Beech 18.
I’ve decided I’d quite like to set a group up around on a 118hp Citabria Aurora 🙂
By: Propstrike - 9th June 2007 at 19:39
Quite a good event today, with many aircraft having flown in to Booker, despite the grotty vis. This is in theory one of the regional PFA mini rallies but there was very little evidence of them or the ‘traditional’ PFA aeroplanes of old, ie homebuilds and vintage, and in that sense there was no PFA atmosphere, although a large PFA tent present.
Kitplanes were much in evidence, and some looked very good indeed, especially the CZAW Sportscruiser, which is taking the PFA by storm, with FIFTEEN projects registered this month. It looks fantastic, sips fuel, stalls at 35 knots and the complete kit is under £30 K ! At last UK General aviation is no longer defined by PA28 / Cessna 152.
Also on display was the born-again SAH-1/ Trago -Mills Sprint which appeared 20/25 years ago but never really got going, despite rave reviews for handling. It promoted was a contender for the RAF basic trainer though the prize in the end went to the Tuccano. It is available as a kit, or ready to go ( ex -Romania ) with 160 hp for an eye-watering £113,000. As we look towards the £2 litre, how attractive these bigger, heavier, thirstier trainers will be is debatable.
All in all, there was a good buzz at Aero Expo, and the traders I spoke to seemed quite up-beat. There did not seem to be any requirement to either have or buy a ticket. Its on again tomorrow (Sun) .
By: Rlangham - 1st June 2007 at 22:00
Cheers for the heads up about the free tickets (missed that bit!) looks like a cheap day out for me and the girlfriend/dad if she doesn’t fancy it. I’ll probably be wearing my new Beech Restorations shirt with my name on it blagging myself into the cockpit of something nice, so say hi if you see me
By: BlueRobin - 1st June 2007 at 20:38
Plenty of free tickets were distributed recently in the mags and your flying club may have received a bunch also.
By: Cliffair - 1st June 2007 at 10:14
Hi Rob,
register here http://www.expo.aero/visitor.asp also found on top of this forum!
site says FREE entry if you register in advance or £15 entry on the day!
enjoy
Cliff
By: Propstrike - 31st May 2007 at 22:55
Worth going to, yes. It seems to be the main UK trade event since the demise of Aerofair, and the ‘big’ PFA rally ( as opposed to the regional sub-rally gatherings). Last year saw all the usual suspects and other new ones in trade stands spread throughout two large hangars.
The forums are interesting , Owen Tudor last year gave a very good talk on the prosecution of pilots and what to do if you get your collar felt.
The event issues tickets but last year nobody at the gate took much notice of them, and certainly I did not see any money change hands. They seemed more interested in getting punters into the event. That is n ot to say that it will be the same this year, but who knows.
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May 31, 2007 at 9:06 pm