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I've lost touch with it all now. Things have changed a lot over the last 40 years. Don't forget this is a much smaller country than Canada & airspace is extremely overcrowded & getting worse by the day. Not many places you could enjoy the relatively unrestricted VFR flying we were used to even in the early 60s. There is a very active light aircraft community run by the Popular Flying Association & also the Microlight clubs. These organisations hold various fly-ins & similar events throughout the year. There are also small airfields like Popham & Headcorn that encourage these & other activities.

One event I never miss is the G-VFWE (Great Vintage Flying Weekend) which is the biggest gathering of vintage light aircraft in the UK, if not the whole of Europe. This is last years event where I finally met my schoolboy hero Neville Duke. http://www.aeroplanemonthly.com/news/news_archive/GVFW_2003/gvfw2003_gallery.htm
I must also try to visit the Moth Club rally at Woburn Abbey this year. http://www.dhmothclub.co.uk/woburn2002/

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You never know what the weather will be like in this country. This means that we never get bored. LOL

I've been to G-VFWE for the last 3 years running & last year was the worst for weather. This was strange as we had a fantastic summer - the hottest for many years. The previous 2 were really beautiful, like the middle of summer & I have the photos to prove it.

Here's something really weird. Last August the Red Arrows were due to display at my home town for the first time in many years. This used to be a regular event. One of the team lives here & it was going to be something really special. This was in the middle of the heatwave & I was looking forward to getting some great photos. Guess what.....? It poured hard with rain the whole weekend & visibility was so bad they couldn't even take off from their base. Meanwhile, I was getting soaked through hoping they would turn up. The following day, back to the heatwave & clear skies. That's British weather for you. We're used to it.

On second thoughts G-VFWE might not be such a good idea for the family. It's not a display, simply a fly-in with an opportunity to have a good look round the aircraft & take photos. The aircraft are mainly vintage types, not home-builts or microlights. I haven't been to the Moth Club rally but assume that's much the same. The home-builders & microlight enthusiasts have their own organisations which I don't know much about.

As for the weather, that's a matter of luck. It varies in different parts of the country & can change throughout the day. Last summer was exceptional with record temperatures & clear blue skies for months on end. The good weather lasted into November with very little rain. I have no idea what this year will be like & wouldn't dare to recommend the best time to visit.

Have looked at all photo's from friends...can not seem to find one of this aircraft....please feel free to leave me some ideas where else to look...Have a line on the VW powerplant...my contact has two...both new and still crated!!!!I only need one but they are a good deal.

Cheers...Happy Landings...Doug

I know the feeling well but don't lose hope. Sometimes it makes you doubt your own memory. ???

Wish I could find out the name of the tiny aircraft I saw at the International Air Pageant at Gatwick in 1949. At least Charlie confirmed that this event actually took place.
http://www.simviation.com/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.cgi?board=gen;action=display;num=107...
Although I was only 6 years old at the time I'm sure it was designed & built by the employees of a major US aircraft company in their spare time. I've never seen it mentioned since & everyone thinks I'm mad but I just know I didn't imagine it. 8)

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Going through Bjorn might be a good idea. Most Germans speak excellent English like everyone else in Europe. They put me to shame.
Light aviation is alive & well in Germany & I'm sure they have their own association. I don't think it would be called the EAA but it might be associated. Maybe there would be a link from the EAA or PFA (British Popular Flying Association) sites. Did you check out the SimV Real Aviation links?

Hi Doug

No never thought of SimV Real Aviation Links will try them also.

Much Thanks

Cheers....Happy Landings...Doug

Hey Rifleman:

The aircraft sat in the second row facing Major McKenzie Road (Drive) not sure which.

It was about half way down the row between the office and the North South Runway.

I am sure it was made of tongue and groove lumber, it looked very well built and had the engine mounted above the wing.  Can not remember whether it was a pusher or tractor.
I do know there were only two seats side by side with no bow hatch.
It had a tailwheel and was no larger than I think a Cessna 172.
It had to be there for at least three years that I can remember.

Any help would be GREATLY APPRECIATED!!!!

Thanks for reply..Cheers...Happy Landings...Doug