Dear Member,
Lots of important information from the HAC! Please take time to read.
HAC SOCIAL – WED 6th APRIL
I am delighted to announce the first HAC Social since the start of the Pandemic. Mike Tetlow (former HAC member) will be giving a very timely presentation on the ‘Sky Echo 2’ Electronic Conspicuity (EC) device. Use of ADSB-based EC is mandated from RAF Halton on 1 Apr 22 and this evening will provide a fantastic opportunity to learn about out chosen product.
FLEET NEWS
KI – We have ordered a zero-timed Lycoming O-235 for KI which should be delivered for fitting in approximately 4 weeks.
SPRING CLEAN – SUN 8th MAY (1000-1230hrs)
Put this important date into your diaries now. This event prepares our fleet and infrastructure for the coming season. In addition, it helps to combat corrosion on our aircraft and adds a couple of knots in the cruise! A list of tasks (as well as specialist tools such as a carpet cleaner) will be published nearer the time. YOUR Club needs you – please be there.
MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL
The process of membership renewal is running to schedule and my thanks goes to Mike Russell for completing this complex task. To manage expectations, we are oversubscribed for Associate Members and will almost certainly have a waiting list.
FUEL PRICES
You will have noticed the forecourt prices rocketing over the past 2 weeks – the same is happening with aviation fuel. We saw a 20p/litre (+VAT) rise in wholesale prices in just one day this week – to put this into perspective, that one rise alone has added £6/hour to the operating cost of GA! Unfortunately, this increase will need to be reflected in hire costs. We will monitor the situation and make the change on 1 Apr 22.
MOGAS TRANSITION TO UL91
Over the coming weeks we plan to replace MOGAS with UL91 due to lack of a suitable MOGAS supplier. The prices are broadly similar (stand-fast current rises) and UL91 has a number of vapour-lock and hygroscopic advantages. We will continue to use AVGAS for Lycoming-engined aircraft. UL91 will be used for Rotax-engined aircraft.
BENSON MET OFFICE
I recently conducted a Flight Safety visit to RAF Benson in my primary role. Whilst there, I took the opportunity to call into the Met Office and personally thank them for the time and effort that they take on producing a bespoke forecast for RAF Halton. They were delighted at the feedback on the accuracy of the forecast, having always wondered what happens to it after the FAX machine has transmitted! We are incredibly lucky to have this facility which is largely generated through goodwill. I plan maintain a relationship with them by inviting them to the HAC over the coming months.
FLYING ORDER BOOK (FOB)
The update to the HAC FOB is complete and it is currently at Station Reprographics for printing. A separate email will be sent providing a link to a PDF version over the next few days.
Stay Safe!
Mark
M T MANWARING
Gp Capt
HAC Chairman