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G-AVEF
The Jodel is now back online following the recent engine rebuild, however the following restrictions will apply until a considerable amount of further running in has taken place. No circuits/touch and gos at least until the next oil change and check ( 15hrs ). All pilots to be rechecked with special attention to engine management and mechanical sympathy. (23/09/11)
Tales From The Tiger Rag - A new anthology compiled and edited by Michael Jones – Reviewed by Neil Jensen
“How do I love thee? Let me count the ways” wrote Elizabeth Barrett Browning and, for many of us who have enjoyed our own love affair with that unique organisation that we call The Tiger Club, Michael Jones has provided a delightful reminder with this little gem of just 91 pages, Tales from the Tiger Rag. I consumed it in one sitting being unable to put it down. It recalls days before our landlords tried to impose mandatory radio upon us and the CAA insisted that Turbulents required Public Transport Cs of A despite their lack of passengers. Click here for the full review of this not to be missed book
The Tiger G-ACDC which has been indisposed with engine problems is now flying again with a new engine. (03/05/2011)
The Cub G-LCUB has had the fuselage recovered and should be back flying in about two weeks. (03/05/2011)
Tiger Club Flying Rates as from 1st April 2012
Tales From The Tiger Rag
A new anthology compiled and edited by Michael Jones – Reviewed by Neil Jensen
“How do I love thee? Let me count the ways” wrote Elizabeth Barrett Browning and, for many of us who have enjoyed our own love affair with that unique organisation that we call The Tiger Club, Michael Jones has provided a delightful reminder with this little gem of just 91 pages, Tales from the Tiger Rag. I consumed it in one sitting being unable to put it down. It recalls days before our landlords tried to impose mandatory radio upon us and the CAA insisted that Turbulents required Public Transport Cs of A despite their lack of passengers.
To some we may have given the impression of irresponsibility but that was so far from the truth. Check Pilots and Duty Pilots had eagle eyes and missed very little. Knowing that one would have to answer to the Committee for some misdemeanour or worse, some form of unsound airmanship, was a powerful influence upon our behaviour and I have no doubt remains so today.
Michael takes us from the formation of the Club through events that today’s authorities would be most unlikely to smile upon. But those involved knew what they were doing and proved themselves to be wiser than the over-controlling and self-important bodies that now govern our flying. However, before I allow my feelings towards today’s regime to spoil this review, let me tell you more about Tales from the Tiger Rag.
Michael explains how the Turbulents became such a feature of the Club and the Stampes too. As the title suggests, he quotes numerous passages from the Tiger Rag that include highlights such as James Gilbert landing his Turb on a remote island in the Orkneys resulting in damage to his prop and how he extricated himself from his predicament. Interspersed with accounts by other names we know well like Neil Williams, Brian Smith and of course the inimitable Benjy himself, Michael provides fascinating background on “Ballerina”, now safely in the hands of Pete Kynsey. He also tells us of a Stampe’s unauthorised departure from France when in the true spirit of the times, with French petty officialdom choosing to block the departure runway with fire engines, a take off from the dispersal area was called for. Amazingly there were no repercussions. Other highly enjoyable contributions come from Barry Griffiths, Jonny Seccombe, Steve Thompson and Maxi Gainza.
Sadly Michael did not have room for one of my favourite Tiger Rag stories, namely the occasion when the Director General of Orly closed the airport simply to enable CDC to take off from where she was parked.
This book really brings home to the reader just how much times have changed. Did Rollasons really offer completely re-built Stampes with zero engine hours for just £3900? Indeed they did and in 1972 we at Sportair at Biggin Hill exchanged one for a new Fournier RF4 G-AYHY plus £400! But have times changed for the better? This book should remove any doubt about the answer. I just hope that I have whetted your appetite sufficiently so that Tales from the Tiger Rag, short as it is, will leave you wanting so much more and thereby lies much of its appeal. A copy should be handed to every person applying to join the Club and all existing and past members could not possibly regret ordering a copy at £5.99 plus £1 p&p from Pen Press on 0845 108 0530 or online at orders@penpress.co.uk. Happy reading.
Neil Jensen
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