LAA Sywell Rally

Bill McCarthy · Post by **Bill McCarthy** » Wed Sep 08, 2010 10:52 am

I'm still feeling the effects of the very long drive and am getting a bit long in the tooth to repeat the trip by road. If it was not promulgated already would it be possible nearer the time (next year) to squeeze in some direction on how to get to the field say, from Gatwick or East Midlands. There again, I might bum a lift and fly in (to see how its done).

Bill Scott · Post by **Bill Scott** » Wed Sep 08, 2010 4:03 pm

Sorry to say that I didn't make it, due to business pressures and illness.
Just want to say congratulations to all who contributed to the event.

There have been a few understandable criticisms, but I get the impression that it all went very well on the whole. Bearing in mind that such events are totally dependent on the goodwill of volunteers, then it is even more praiseworthy.
I gather the interesting new D-Motor was in the LAA tent and is entering production. Looks like being a worthy (lighter) alternative to the Rotax 912. The market certainly will benefit from such competitive choice.
I Hope to make it next year, rain or shine.

Rod1 · Post by **Rod1** » Wed Sep 08, 2010 4:28 pm

Bill,

Make it as far as East Midlands and I will pick you up.

Rod1

Bill Scott · Post by **Bill Scott** » Wed Sep 08, 2010 4:35 pm

As Sywell is nearer to me than E Mids I shall assume that invite applies to t'other Bill

Bill McCarthy · Post by **Bill McCarthy** » Wed Sep 08, 2010 5:18 pm

Thanks Rod. I could learn an awful lot flying in.

Nigel Hitchman · Post by **Nigel Hitchman** » Wed Sep 08, 2010 7:15 pm

Bill,
if you want to fly down commercially both Birmingham and Luton are closer than East Midlands. Either case just get on the M1 and head for Northampton, less than an hour from each (actually not that much more from East Midlands and probably only an hour and a half from Heathrow- dont go to Gatwick thats another hour past Heathrow-when the M25 is ok!!)

Nigel Kerr · Post by **Nigel Kerr** » Wed Sep 08, 2010 11:18 pm

Due to work and family commitments could not get there until midday Sunday, by m/cycle.

There were a few interesting a/c still there but obviously much thinned out as people headed home.

Went airside to take a look at a few a/c that I never found the time / space / money to build.

Always amused by the startled looks of people near to a/c that suddenly start without warning and aircraft taking diagonal short cuts across the airpark. Line one of the airside safety leaflet: "Always expect the unexpected".

Interesting moment when a classic high wing a/c taxied past the flightline with port wing overhanging the taxyway cones. Photographers concentrating on images do need to keep alert.

After an hour or two happy snapping wandered back to the emptying exhibition area, dodging white vans and people pushing exhibition aircraft airside.

Even at the back end of the rally I had forgotten how inspiring and interesting it could be - well enough to renew my m'ship. Hopefully next year I can get there a little earlier....

Rod1 · Post by **Rod1** » Thu Sep 09, 2010 10:27 am

“If you want to fly down commercially both Birmingham and Luton are closer than East Midlands. Either case just get on the M1 and head for Northampton, less than an hour from each”

???

EMA to Sywell is straight down the M1, about 50min. I think Bill is probably restricted on services from Wick. There was a direct flight from EMA, not sure if it is still running though.

Rod1

Bill McCarthy · Post by **Bill McCarthy** » Thu Sep 09, 2010 1:30 pm

I have to drive down to Inverness then get Ryanair to EMA. If I flew from Wick it would be cheaper to go to the EAA event across the pond !!

ivor · Post by **ivor** » Wed Sep 15, 2010 12:52 pm

The rally was fantastic and had no problem with the joining at pitsford.
I camped for the three days and with the exception of only three wash basins for everybody camping, totally inadequate in my opinion the rest of the rally was superb,
I also indorsed the many comments about the the airside safety leaflet,
Having a aircrew pass would have made it easier for everyone that flew in and reduced the amount of FOD from discarded sheets of paper,

Ivor

Ian L · Post by **Ian L** » Fri Sep 17, 2010 1:48 pm

I am a bit concerned about the comments of people discarding their sheets airside, surely everyone knows this is not the thing to do. However the same could be said for the person I saw smoking airside and who was not happy when I told him to put it out.
I am sure the MKAS guys will consider all the comments on this forum and do what they can for next year.

Bill McCarthy · Post by **Bill McCarthy** » Fri Sep 17, 2010 3:11 pm

I must admit I didn't see any litter at all.

Nigel Kerr · Post by **Nigel Kerr** » Sun Oct 03, 2010 2:00 pm

There was hardly any litter airside, just the odd escapee. The rubbish bins near the vending points were overflowing toward the end.

As exhibitors cleared the field odd pieces of paper/plastic film also made a break for it, to be caught in the fencing - as designed.

I have seen worse.