Summer Fly-In, North Coates Flying Club

TWO Cessna 172s from the Galway Flying Club made it to North Coates airfield, near Grimsby for the summer flying meeting in June. According to club secretary, Brian Stafford, "It's the first time we've had visitors from the Emerald Isle and they came especially to attend our event."

The early sea breeze developed into a 25kt crosswind on the Saturday, which was a bit much for some pilots who cried off when given the details. "Because of this, arrivals were limited to nine," Brian told LOOP.

"Notable were three Europas, a Piper Tri-Pacer and a Zlin Trener Master."
The Zlin is a 1960s Czech import used by the country's Air Force and latterly as an aerobatic aircraft. Brian says there is only a handful of the type current in the UK.

Sunday benefited from calmer winds and although everyone got covered in dust from nearby agricultural vehicles, the visiting aircraft figure was up with 34 aircraft at the airfield.

Allan Petherbridge, part-owner of Europa G-OGAN based at North Coates, contacted the Europa Club before the event, resulting in an unplanned Europa Club fly-in. A total of 12 Europas made it to North Coates over the weekend.

Derek Caffrey flew his Piper Cub, complete with USAF colours and there was also a "powerful" Taylor Titch. Among the others, a Husky, Thorpe T-11, Glastar, RV8, Savannah and a trio of Blade 912 flex-wings.

Brian added, "A bit of drama occurred to a Fornier RF4 motorglider, which drifted slightly on landing and caught its wingtip in long grass resulting in an impromptu groundloop and sudden stop.

"No damage to man or machine though and all was well."
The event coincided with a World Cup fixture and the Grand Prix so it was a good turnout for the club despite the odds.
"It was a very enjoyable (and sweaty) weekend!" said Brian.

W: www.northcoatesflyingclub.co.uk

Words: Kirsten Corrigan