Chairman’s Message
Dear Member,
A slightly belated ‘Happy New Year’ to you all! Although the weather is not currently conducive for flying, the Committee and Staff are working hard in preparation for a successful 2023. So, please take time to read and action the following:
HAC FOB UPDATE – JAN 2023
The HAC FOB has been reviewed and amendments incorporated. All changes are printed in bold purple typeface for ease of reading. All members will be placed in the RED and are to read the entire FOB, sign in the Signature Book and place themselves in the GREEN (noting that it may be more than the FOB that has placed you in the RED). The attached Word Doc summarises the major changes. The revised FOB will shortly be available on the HAC website.
PRE-SEASON DINNER – SAT 22 APR 2023
Ticket sales have gone well for this black-tie event and we will be closing the book soon. If you have not already secured your place, please email Buster ASAP at bustjeffrey@gmail.com to reserve your tickets – names and menu choices can follow when able.
100 AIRFIELD CHALLENGE
The 100 Airfield Challenge has begun! The prize will be a bottle of Champagne for the pilot with most airfields visited in 2023 (only the first pilot to visit an airfield counts) and a bottle of Champagne for the pilot who lands the furthest from RAF Halton (non-Exped). Follow the rules on the Planning Room Board. The Chairman’s decision is final!
UK BORDER FORCE – TUE 7 FEB
The first Tuesday Social of the year is on 7 Feb. We are lucky to secure the UK Border Force to come to speak to us and so maximum attendance is essential. More detail to follow, but get this into your diary now.
AIRFIELD WATERLOGGED
Whilst the Airfield has been waterlogged for the past few weeks (along with most of Buckinghamshire), the number of flyable days has been very few. However, we are exploring the move of one C-152 to a local airfield should the situation change. If/when this becomes an option, we will email all members and request a pledge to fly under these circumstances.
Stay Safe,
Mark
M T MANWARING
Air Cdre
HAC Chairman
8 Jan 23
All HAC Members
SUMMARY OF MAJOR HAC FLYING ORDER BOOK (FOB) CHANGES – JAN 23
The HAC FOB has been reviewed and amendments incorporated. All changes are printed in bold purple typeface for ease of reading. All members will be placed in the RED and are to read the entire FOB, sign in the Signature Book and place themselves in the GREEN (noting that it may be more than the FOB that has placed you in the RED).
The following sumarises major changes only:
- After Orders dated 1 Apr 22 are incorporated into main body of the FOB.
- All reference to MOGAS has been changed to ‘AVGAS UL91’.
Order No. 2.8 Practice Forced Landings and Mitigation of Engine Failure
2.8.4 All pilots are to remain aware of the dangers and presence of CARB ICING. All pilots are to refer to the CARB ICING GRAPH prior to flight – if there is any doubt, they are to consult with a staff member before flying. All pilots are to report incidents of CARB ICING at the earliest opportunity and are to submit an INFORM.
Order 2.13 Aircraft Checks After Flight
2.13.3 Aircraft are to be returned to the hangar unless required by another pilot who is present or the aircraft is booked for a subsequent slot. PA-28 and TECNAM aircraft left outside the hangar are to be left with the parking brake set on. C-152 aircraft left outside the hangar are to be left with the parking brake set off and chocked. The control lock is to be installed in actual or forecast windy conditions to prevent control surface damage. Pilots are to check that they have left no loose articles in the aircraft. In adverse weather conditions the aircraft is to be moved into the Hangar.
…. Chocks in place if in Hangar for all HAC aircraft.
Order No 3.6 Overdue Action
3.6.1 When a Club or privately-owned aircraft is overdue (on a long flight, this would be ETA plus endurance, but on a short flight could be much sooner, or could be approaching airfield closing time), action is to be taken as follows:
- If able, attempt to trace aircraft through Flight Radar 24.
- If unsuccessful, attempt to contact the pilot using the mobile contact number annotated in the Remarks Column in the Authorisation Sheets.
- Telephone the departure airfield to verify time of departure and ascertain any revision of the pilot’s intentions, such as ETA, destination and route (if known). Consider whether further overdue action is appropriate.
- If unsuccessful, inform Airfield Manager and a HAC staff member for advice.
- If the outcome is unsatisfactory, seek advice and/or assistance from any experienced personnel available. Inform D&D – telephone number 01489 612406.
Order No 7.8 General Administration
7.8.6 The use of ‘Wingly’ or other flight sharing schemes is forbidden from RAF Halton.
7.8.7 Cost-sharing is allowed with family, friends or other HAC members. Pilots are personally responsible for following extant national rules and Pilots are personally responsible for maintaining accurate records of cost-shared flights in accordance with extant national rules. Engineering flights are at a reduced rate and are not considered cost-share. If flying with another licensed pilot, only the PIC is to log P1 hours.
