Ahhhhh, the falling leaf.

A series of incipient spins, left then right then left etc etc, just enough to let the wing drop and then recovered but with pro-spin controls held in so as the aircraft then goes the other way, giving the impression of a falling leaf.

Skybolt will tell you more i’m sure, or the TP elite at Old Warden will give you more information on the aerodynamic aspects than you could possibly handle at this time of day.

According to Neil Williams, best done in an aircraft with relatively low wing loading, so the Tiger Moth is ideal.

When was the last time you saw a really good Tiger Moth solo aerobatic display?

I learnt to fly at Southend in the early 80s when commercial airline traffic was the norm. It was normal practice to be asked to orbit downwind when an airliner was on the approach, but as it was so common, it was briefed and demonstrated by an instructor before it was required as a solo student pilot. One wonders if the pilot had been more experienced, whether ATC would have dared to suggest a go-around to accommodate a faster following aircraft, albeit one just off the airways and with a late handover…

Sounds like a tragic accident which could have been avoided had the student been allowed to fly the aeroplane without the additional pressure.

I reckon if you were to be there between 1400 and 1500 on Sunday, you just might see the B17 and 2 P-51s…..

I’ll second Richard’s comments. Martin was a fine gentleman aviator and a good friend and I cant believe it’s 6 years ago.

Why is the gentleman in the back of the Harvard in the last pic asleep?

He fell asleep at 400′ on the climbout from 104, and only woke up when the wheels touched:D

First aircraft – Cherokee Arrow G-AWBC from Stapleford in 1973
First ‘proper’ aeroplane – Beagle Terrier G-ASAK from Southend in 1977

Y11F,

Obviosuly a quiet day there too……!:eek:

Maurice Hammond’s G-MRLL, ‘Marinell’….. Under restoration.