Dear Member,

A quick update from the HAC.

CHRISTMAS SOCIAL – TUE 12 DEC – 1900hrs
This annual event will take place in the welcoming environment of the RAFA Clubhouse (on the Airfield Gate). All are welcome to this end-of-year celebration including family and aviation friends. As well as the cash bar, food will be available and we will be trying the ‘travelling safari’ concept! This means, if you are able to, please select and bring something from the following list:

> Snacks – peanuts, crisps, savoury biscuits, etc.
> Cheese and biscuits.
> Festive sweet treats (mince pies, chocolate, sweets, etc).
> Cold quiche, pizza, olives, pickles, etc.
> Sandwiches.
> Samosas, pakoras, etc.
> Anything else that does not require cutlery or a cooker on site!

And something to serve it from – we will provide plates and serviettes. Making a special appearance will be the Weston Turville Micro Brewery Ale – HAC MAYFLY IMPERIAL STOUT (ABV 6.4%) – sold in half-pints only. We look forward a brilliant evening. See you then.

2024 HAC CALENDAR
The draft HAC Calendar for next year is packed with great events. Full details will follow before the end of the month, but includes:

> Annual Dinner (April)
> Flyouts (May/Sep)
> Overseas Exped (Jun)
> Airshows (Cosford Jun, RIAT Jul)
> Young Flyers (Sep)
> UK Tour (Sep)

The Tuesday Social Programme has just 3 slots left – if you would like to speak or organise a speaker, please email elliot.emery@haltonaeroclub.co.uk and mark.anderson@haltonaeroclub.co.uk

HAC WINTER INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECT
I shall be writing to the those that volunteered to run the improvements programme for this Winter over the next week. It will then be down to YOU to help and make light work. 

Whilst the weather remains miserable, let’s spend the time socialising aviation, planning aviation and supporting aviation. I look forward to your part in the above.

Regards,

Mark
M T MANWARING
Air Cdre
HAC Chairman

Dear Member,

Volunteers required – please give this plea (below) your consideration.

The Committee met on Halloween Night… The Minutes are still being finalised and much of the output will be communicated by email to you in the coming weeks. Please take time to read and action.

TUES 7 NOV – HAC SOCIAL – UNMANNED AIR SYSTEMS
The final Lecture Evening of 2023 will be delivered by Elliott Emery (HAC member and professional drone pilot). This is guaranteed to be a fascinating event. See you at 1900hrs (pre-drinks) next Tuesday – Food and Drink available – Bring Cash!

WINTER INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS
We have allocated up to £500 for infrastructure improvements this winter. I need a volunteer to lead the Projects and all HAC members will be expected to assist at some point. The broad plan is:
Nov – Staff determine prioritised requirements.
Dec – Walkthrough and confirmation schedule with Project lead and Staff.
Jan-Feb – Approx 4 weekend days allocated to complete work.
If you would like to LEAD this, please REPLY TO THIS EMAIL NOW.

NEWS IN BRIEF:
> RAFSA has gained funding for 30 Introductory Flying Scholarships for 2024. The HAC will deliver roughly 1/3 of these one-hour flights during induction days where the chosen RAF Junior Ranks/Officers will fly with Club Members. The usual 15-hour instructional scholarships will run in parallel. 

> CAA Declared Training Organisation (DTO) Audit. This 3-yearly event is scheduled for 4 Jan 24 and will be led by the Chairman (DTO Accountable Manager) and CFI (DTO Hd of Training) with all Staff supporting.

> HAC 2024 Main and Social Calendars are being compiled now. If YOU would like to volunteer to organise and run something (or present to a Tuesday Social) please REPLY TO THIS EMAIL NOW. The Calendars will be circulated in mid-December.

SERVICE AND CIVILIAN VOLUNTEERS REQUIRED
These individuals will be required to assist the Membership Sec in the admin of compiling Airfield Pass applications. This role is critical. We need these volunteers to be in-place when Sgt Carl Finch leaves the RAF in early-Jan 24. Both will be classed as ‘enablers’. Volunteers should REPLY TO THIS EMAIL NOW.

Stay Safe.

Mark
M T MANWARING
Air Cdre

Dear Member,

Please take time to read the following important HAC information.

TUE 3 OCT SOCIAL – AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY (& OCTOBERFEST!)
Famous aviation photographer, Keith Wilson, is visiting the HAC next Tuesday, so MAXIMUM ATTENDANCE PLEASE! This should be an outstanding evening, so arrive early enough to get a seat. Bar open and food available – bring cash. 1900hrs pre-drinks.

FLEET UPDATE
> KI – due to go for 100hr service tomorrow onwards (weather-permitting).
> TM – now ready for collection and will be swapped with KI. A few days later we will have 2 x C-152s.
> GA – Serviceable with 45hrs to next service.
> DK/BJ – these aircraft have gone to RAF Benson and RAF Waddington and have removed from the EBS TFN.

WINTER IS COMING
With just a month to the end of BST and Storm Agnes inbound, the weather is starting to change. We will write to you over the coming weeks with a reminder of winter considerations. Meantime, please ensure insects are cleaned off windscreens, leading edges, spats, cowlings and aft-face of propellers after every flight.

WINTER PROJECTS
At the next committee meeting we will look to allocate funds for some infrastructure improvements to be carried out in Jan-Mar 2024. I will be looking for a few volunteers to run these projects in a future email.

FLYOUT 15 OCT CANCELLED
With just one expression of interest following the last email, the Stow Maries Flyout is cancelled.

THE AIRFIELD
Refurbishment of the chalk markings is almost complete and are highly visible from the circuit. The Airfield surface is in excellent condition. Last landing is getting close to 1900hrs(L), so make the most of the remainder of BST – get booking.

See you next Tuesday,

Mark
M T MANWARING
Air Cdre
HAC Chairman

Dear Member,

I hope that you have enjoyed your summer holidays despite the weather! Please take time to read the following important HAC information:

TUESDAY SOCIAL – 5 SEP 23 – GASCo
Next Tuesday we will be visited by the General Aviation Safety Council Chief Exec, Mike O’ Donaghue. This Safety evening follows the UK national presentation format and will provide a fantastic safety re-focus for all aviators. Please bring your logbooks which will be GASCo stamped at the end of the evening. HAC Crewroom – 1900hrs pre-drinks. Bring cash.

FLEET UPDATE
> G-EDGA – Serviceable
> G-BNKI – Serviceable (will be on the UK Tour 7-9 Sep 23)
> G-BVTM – Awaiting £1500 flap motor to be delivered and fitted with £4500 door frames and £4000 rudder hinges. Expect back serviceable mid-Sep 23.
> G-BJ/DK – Despite an agreement that ran to end-Sep 23, RAFSA took the leased PA-28 from us with only a few days’ notice. I am very sorry that some members had to cancel bookings. We are looking at other non-RAFSA options.

Please note that aircraft remain available outside of peak hours/days – please be imaginative with your bookings and only book what you intend to fly.

AIRFIELD DINING-IN NIGHT
The RAF Halton Ops Staff are planning a traditional RAF Dining-In Night to be held in Halton House Officers’ Mess. It is likely to take place in November and will be open to all Airfield Users (and guests) – as soon as a date is confirmed, you will be informed.

STOW MARIES FLY-OUT – SUN 15 OCT
The end of season Fly-Out is planned to this historic WW1 airfield for Sun 15 Oct. If you would like to attend, please book your chosen aircraft for the entire day before Fri 8 Sep 23. Private aircraft owners should reply to this email before Fri 8 Sep 23.

Stay Safe,

Mark
M T MANWARING
Air Cdre
HAC Chairman

Dear Member,

Please take time to read this important HAC update.

SUMMER SOCIAL – TUE 1st AUG – 1930hrs
This Tuesday is the HAC Summer Social. Everyone is welcome for this BBQ and a beer. See you there.

FLYING OPERATIONS REMINDERS
The following is a reminder from the DCFI on how we look after our fleet of aircraft:

> Do not overtighten oil fillers – this can lead to the filler neck detaching from the engine.

> It is mandatory to clean aircraft after every flight – do not forget to clean undercarriage legs, struts, leading edges and front/rear of propellers.

> Do not apply aircraft parking brakes in the hangar.

IN THE RED
All members have been placed in the RED. The RAF Halton Defence Aerodrome Manual (DAM) has been withdrawn and replaced with the (much smaller) Aviation Safe Operating Environment Manual (ASOEM). Please read the copy attached and be ready to fly as soon as you arrive at the HAC next time. There are no mid-year changes to the HAC FOB.

FLEET UPDATE
> G-EDGA – Serviceable with 9 hrs to its 100 hr Service.

> G-EGBJ – Serviceable with 20 hrs to its 100 hr Service.

> G- BNKI – Serviceable with 15 hrs to its 50 hr Service.

> G-BVTM – U/S awaiting special-order door frame.

One of the towing arms has been damaged and is currently unusable. The remaining towing arm has been modified to tow both the C-152 and PA-28. Please ask a staff member to demonstrate how to change between aircraft types. Move aircraft with care and if in doubt STOP AND GET ASSISTANCE.

See YOU on Tuesday,

Mark
M T MANWARING
Air Cdre
HAC Chairman