HAA meeting opens to enthusiasts - a chance to meet test pilots and display pilots

The Historic Aircraft Association is opening up its AGM and Safety Forum to non-members. The event will be held at the RAF Museum, Hendon, on Saturday March 15, and admission is free — so if you want to learn more about how historic aeroplanes are operated, from the people who actually do it, this is a great opportunity.

Founded in 1979, the HAA promotes the safe flying of historic aircraft in the UK and supports the restoration and preservation of these aircraft. Initially the Association was aimed specifically at active pilots and engineers, with around 150 members making a major contribution to promoting the safe flying and display of valuable historic and heritage aircraft, maintaining a register of suitably qualified and experienced operators. This vital function continues and the HAA acts in an advisory role to ensure a disciplined and careful approach to air displays across Europe.

The HAA also recognises the massive expansion of “hands-on” interest in the historic aviation sector from the wider range of historians and enthusiasts. The Association is therefore welcoming all historic aviation enthusiasts to play their part in ensuring that our flying heritage is kept alive.

Attendees are invited to arrive from 0930hr for the AGM to commence at 1030hr in the museum's Halton Room. Lunch will be available at cost in the museum restaurant.

After lunch, a Safety Forum starting at 1330hr will include former BAe test pilot John Farley leading a discussion on continuation training in historic, vintage and veteran aircraft. John Thorpe from the General Aviation Safety Council (GASCO) will lead a study of stall spin awareness; display pilot and mentor Barry Tempest will raise topics arising from the recent ICAS Convention in the USA and Display Authorisation Evaluator Colin Dodds will discuss lessons to be learned from aircraft accidents.

“As always at HAA events, this will be an interactive forum giving an opportunity for members and guests to exchange information and views on the chosen topics”, says HAA Chairman Wally Epton.

“There are substantial benefits in sharing safety knowledge and experience with each other for the benefit of the older aircraft community. Membership of the HAA costs just £15 a year and our regular forums give members the opportunity to quiz acknowledged experts including former senior military pilots, test pilots and those who simply gain pleasure from being around older aeroplane types. Seen like that, £15 must make it a rare bargain in the aviation world!”

For further information on the Historic Aircraft Association, visit http://www.haa-uk.aero/ or e-mail HAA Secretary Stuart Powney at stuartp46@tiscali.co.uk