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Fenland flings

Fred Davis drops in on some aero competitions on 30 July

After a bright start, it was a cool, grey and overcast morning when our reporter went out to Holbeach St John in Lincolnshire for the The McAulley and Fenland Trophies 2005 Aerobatics competition.

Adjudicated by the BAeA (British Aerobatic Association), the flying Association responsible in the UK for scheduling and running aerobatic competitions for powered aircraft and gliders to internationally approved FAI/CIVA rules. About fifteen events are held each year throughout the UK and Eire, with National champions declared in four power and three glider classes. The BAeA also sends teams to all three annual international aerobatic championships.

The morning session was a pre-planned series of manoeuvres. In the afternoon there was an 'unknown' session, with each pilot given the flight manoeuvres after the lunchtime break, with only a limited time to plan before flying, and no chance to practice.

Dark clouds seemed to be forming over the airfield, and the wind got up. A mini-tornado was reported by one of the pilots after landing. But although it rained, it didn't stop the thrills and enjoyment of the day.

A full set of results can be found here.

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