CESSNA 172 FLOAT PLANE WINS THE GOWER CUP
An RV4 THE GOODYEAR TROPHY
Amazing weather at Llanbedr Airfield, shortlisted contender for UK’s and Europe’s first commercial Spaceport, saw 12 planes compete for The Gower Cup on Saturday 3rd and 11 for The Goodyear Trophy on Sunday 4th. The air race course took the planes, a mix of Robins, Pipers, Cessna’s, Grumman’s, a CAP 10 and several varieties of RV across bay to Pwllheli then Abersoch before a sharp turn back to the airfield. The breath-taking landscapes of Wales and the Snowdonia National Park are an aviators dream.
The Gower Cup was won by Scottish pilot Hamish Mitchel with his navigator Derek Pake in a Cessna 172 Float Plane, G-DRAM in this handicap air race which, as the slowest aircraft (handicap speed of 106.87 Kts or 122.98 mph), took off first. Second place went to Ian Harding in an RV4 and third to Australian Andy Hardy, with Sam Kidd navigating, in G-ATYS a 1966 PA28 Cherokee which they flew from London to Sydney in 2013 to raise money for the charity Oxfam.
After a very windy night brightened weather on Sunday saw Ian Harding in his RV4 and flying again without a navigator win The Goodyear Trophy, a huge silver seagull. This was Ian’s only second weekend of air racing in his 30 years as a General Aviation pilot. Having learnt at the UK’s eastern most airfield, Southend on Sea, he was now winning plenty of silver at one of the UK’s western most mainland airfields as well as being the fastest race entrant with a handicap speed of 167.69 Kts (192.97 mph). Second place went to an RV6 flown by Luton EasyJet Captains Jonathan Willis with first time navigator Gurcharan Singh. Third place went to another Australian, Derryn McMaster who flew a Robin R1260 with his also first time navigator flying instructor Christine Carlin.
To be a race pilot you will need a minimum of 100 hours P1 time in your log book, a valid FAI Competition Licence and access to a piston-driven aircraft that can maintain 100mph, in level flight. You will also need a check-ride with one of our Race Check Pilots who will familiarise you with race techniques, safe and accurate flying and turning at extreme bank angles. NPPL, PPL, CPL and ATPLs are all very welcome.
Navigators assist with look-out, turn/roll-out coordination or helping to stay on the best race line. They do not have to be associated with a pilot and can often team up with an experienced race pilot or with a new pilot who is looking for a Navigator.
Want to be involved in this exciting sport but keep your feet firmly on the ground? We are always looking for volunteers to help with the many organisational and race tasks it takes to run events safely.
NEXT AIR RACING WEEKEND 23RD & 24TH JUNE at SHERBURN IN ELMET AIRFIELD
Jude Wordsworth
Royal Aero Club Records Racing and Rally Association http://www.royalaeroclubrrra.co.uk
NEXT ROYAL AERO CLUB 3Rs AIR RACING WEEKEND IS
24th and 25th JUNE at SHERBURN in ELMET Airfield
One day, when I have are reliable aircraft, I want to participate…
Jude how is the handicap worked out? My SC90 officially can, and does, have a max level cruise speed of 100mph, but top of the green is a more realistic 90mph.
I believe Austers have won these races? A colleague races in an A-1 Yankee and seems to win quite often.
Robert the handicap is worked out by fly a pre race octagon at full throttle with 3Rs GPS units on board. Data then downloaded taking into account current wind, fuel on board etc/
Contact Cliff the Chief Handicapper via http://www.royalaeroclubrrra.co.uk/ or [email protected] who will be able to give you the technical details/info re working out a handicap.
Come along to one of our races Stickandrudderman Andy and Sam of your parish have just joined and even won some silver in their 1st race together.
