Fiat G46 almost certainly. Nice machine, up for sale not long ago for only £50K. Powered by a Gypsy Queen, I think, same as a Rapide.

Having reviewed my observation that turning back from 1,000 feet is no problem, I still feel it should be no problem, assuming you are not flying a Space Shuttle, or anything returning to earth with similar velocity.

As this is GA forum, if we consider very much average types such as Cessna 150/PA-28 they will descend in a glide at about 750 ft per minute on thereabouts (going from memory a bit ) if flown at best glide speed. Surely, in excess of a minute is sufficient time to execute a 180 degree change a heading – in a Cub I can do that in well under 10 seconds, probably 5-6 if really well-motivated.

Whether you climbed out steep, shallow or inverted doesn’t make a busting lot of difference- the fact is, you are there, close to the airfield boundary, at 1,000 feet, and I can think of no good reason not to turn around, at a good safe speed and nicely balanced, and return to the airfield with all the emergency facilities which are there if required. I would usually prefer a downwind/crosswind landing on an airfield than into wind ‘out in the rough’, unless it is somewhere nutty like Nayland, on a hill.

Of course if the airfield is beyond gliding range, there may not be much point in turning back, so if you happen to be flying a Bleriot, and it has taken you five miles to reach 1,000 feet, it is not an option anyway.

As FC stated, there are indeed many variables. Whichever way you go, the main thing is to still be in controlled flight when you return to earth.

Yesterday (Friday ) was the first day, and I popped along to take advantage of some complimentary tickets. Overall, I came away quite impressed, and there is plenty to see and do. I would say the indoor format works better than marquees at airfields, as the stands are bigger, better, and the atmosphere is generally more relaxed and comfortable.

There are a dozen or so full size aircraft on display, mainly modern, some helicopters as well as the wooden Spitfire, which one can sit in, and go ‘dagga, dagga, dagga’.
Many of the exhibitors have sophisticated simulators, with the Brietling Jet combat example probably the best. The r/c model flying displays are remarkable as well.

Value for money? Probably, if you are really into flying, but a reluctant partner might do better saving the money, and going round the shops instead. Overall though, pretty good, certainly more interesting than I was expecting.

Nice shot Consul! It looks a bit like Wales in background, so I would guess the Comper was perhaps in the custody of Alan Chalkley. Speculating further, it could have been taken from his Cub, although more usually the target formates on the starboard side, due to the open door.

There used to be a Tim Badham who contributed a lot to Control Column- Perhaps you are related?

Melvyn, The pleasure was all mine, and I can only apologise that the seatbelt appeared to suffer some temporary malfunction (Melvfunction). Kylie herself would have a job to fasten that tiny strap! Mind you, she would not have caused an eclipse in the back seat!

I’m no instructor, but I would say you pedalled the Cub round in fine style. Good luck on your ‘1st solo’.

Andrew.

BN352. There is quite a lot of good stuff here, if you know where to look. Tim Mills was one of the BoB pilots and if you do a search on this forum on his name, you will find it.
On the main thread which it pulls up , there is another link through to PPRuNe, which has a further very good film thread. You could just go straight to PPRuNe, and again search for Tim Mills. Good luck.

‘Jerry Gets A Pasting’ – selected memoirs of Sqdn Ldr ‘Buffy’ Tufton.

‘Fraid not . Not a Tiger, not even British.