To the connoisseur of light aircraft, the following account of the Gil Layt's Cessna C150 (x) VH-UGI will be of some interest

This aircraft is now registered VH-UGF as a result of a recent request from "our" Dick Smith, who is the proud owner of a 1920's Westland Widgeon undergoing restoration

The Widgeon had the letters VH-UGI issued when it was first registered here in OZ

For authenticity's sake, Dick asked Gil for the C150's registration, and Gil obliged

The same Cessna C150 to-day with Archerfield's "ace" aviator and CFI of Gil Layt's Flying School, Steve (I flew with Bob Hoover) Taddeucci in an authoritative stance

Don't let looks deceive you, Steve is a nice bloke, ..really!

Click HERE for an "animated" view of "ace" trying to get his lunch

Note:- Large file, about 2 minutes download time

• and yes, it was "The" USA's Bob Hoover, who was here for an AF airshow a few years back

A Scottish Aviation, Twin Pioneer called into the 'field during the week alerting the keen ear with that "round" sound only radials radiate instead of the normal "flat" sound heard from the four and six cylinder horizontally opposed engines of the later, more modern aircraft

Also via the "grapevine", another enthusiast of round engines, Kim Rolph-Smith of T28 North American Trojan and T6 warbird fame has relinquished his interest in these aircraft

Also mid-field during the week was another large radial undergoing testing

The DC4, still stranded in Townsville, is expected back to the airfield any time now

That's assuming all goes well with these "new" engines!

• Note; that's a person behind the engine, is this a large radial, or could it be a small person!

The local operators on the airfield combined to-day in a rare display of unity to bid farewell to Gordon & Jean Jenkinson in a surprise "this is your life" style party held at the R.Q.A.C. clubhouse

Over 300 people, who got to know Gordon and Jean in 3 decades of operation as Sunland Aviation Service, attended the afternoon gathering which, coincidentally, also included a "who's who" of Australian "general" aviation

And of interest to those who have a few dollars to spare and are prepared to spend it in pursuit of their dreams

Word from the "front line" is that there is a rare collection of Kiwi aircraft looking for a new home

A small number of the 'fields aviation enthusiasts are showing serious interest, flying to Kiwi Land early next week to look over the offerings

• It may well be that this airfield becomes the new home for some of the world's rarest aircraft
  
  Standby for details

An interesting aircraft returning to the airfield last Saturday is this 1944 constructed Grumman Goose which had been based around the central northern Pacific area

The aircraft spent some time here at Archerfield a few years back undergoing major repairs and has now returned to the 'field after a drama filled flight across the Pacific Ocean flown by the "chief" ferry pilot, Barry Hempel

Of interest also is the "Joint Ownership Scheme" on offer for a part ownership of a small, but very fast, Lancair 360

Contact Peter Farquharson on 0416 198 973 if you need further details

• Several aircraft group ownership schemes are available, the most successful one to date is the 40 member Brisbane Flying Group now in it's 26 th. year of operation from Archerfield