GS Aviation Europe Ltd. Flexwing and fixed wing (3 axis) microlight training near Marlborough, Wiltshire

Clench Common Aero Club and GS Aviation NEWS and Events

Trips to France, dates to be announced
We are hoping to do two trips with overnight stays in France this year. Open to students with instructors, share holders plus others by arrangement.

Saturday/Sunday 28/29th April 2012 FLY IN
We are planning a flyin at Clench. BBQ, camping. Live band. More info to follow.

Sunday 25th March 2012 FLY OUT
We are planning a flyout to Old Warden/Shuttleworth. As usual this is open to all members and students. We will probably be taking all the school aircraft ie both C42's, the QuikR, The Eurostar and the Gyrocopter. Contact Dave Slater to book a place. Should be a great day out with time to look around the collection of historic aircraft. See Airfield Information. More info to follow.

Tuesday 21st February LAA Strut meeting NEW
1930h for 2000h. Venue to be announced. Richard Rawes (4 x European Microlight Champion / 2 x World Champion) will be speaking. So may I begin by asking for a show of hands as to who will be in attendance please. Dependent upon numbers we need to make early decisions as to the venue so a speedy response (even if only as a show of intent) would be greatly appreciated. They can reach me on the following email: msims@mibtree.com. We’ll be charging £3 on the door for those that are non-members with an option to become Strut members for the additional £2

Saturday 4th Feb - RT theory course (plus a bit of practical) at Clench
Now fully booked. Starting at 1000h. £70 which includes lecture notes. However students should download their own copy of CAP413 from the CAA, 264 pages. CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD CAP413. Ring the office on 01672 515535 to go on the list for the next course.
RT refresher courses also available. Individual or group. Ring to arrange and book

NEWS 2012

Tuesday 31st January
Congratulations to Michael Hodge first solo C42.
Congratulations to Eric Potts passes GST at 79 years old, C42.

Saturday 28th January
Congratulations to Sandro 1st Solo crosscountry to Popham in a C42.

Monday 23th January
The 2011 Round Britain Rally was on BBC2. Did you spot Martin, Dave S, graham, Alex and Sue at the end?
Congratulations to Nick Sawyer on passing his GST in the C42. Nick only started learning in mid December and did his GST five weeks and one day later with under 30 hours. Just shows what you can achieve in winter.

Tuesday 17th January
Congratulations to Graham for completing 100 hours as a Gyroplane AFI, the final few hours were clocked up at Popham. He can now apply for the test to become an FI and operate the gyro from Clench for training and trial flights.
New gyro pupil Dave Cox seams to be getting on alright.

Monday 16th January
To celebrate getting his retract and VP prop upgrade Dave Slater, with passengers Graham and Eric, flew in a Piper Arrow to Peranporth and back. 135kts!

Saturday/Sunday 14th/15th January
Impromptu fly out on Saturday afternoon to Wadswick. Alan and Nigel in the Eurostar, Richard and Terry in the QuikR and Ken and Steve B in their Skyranger. Note this was Terry's first flight in a flexwing and it was a cold day! Also numerous voucher flights and some training.

Friday 11th January
Congratulations to Nick Sawyer on passing his Nav Exam.
Tom Farncombe was spreading his wings with some advanced nav training with Dave Cox, taking the QuikR to Sandown and doing all the radio including Solent.

Wednesday 11th January
Congratulations to Nick Sawyer, first solo in the C42, also on passing his Met Exam.

Saturday/Sunday 8/9th January
Another busy weekend. Radio course on Saturday with Terry, Richard and Dave L.
Sunday congratulations to Sandro for passing his GST in the C42.

1st January
0900h Met Office TAF and METAR service down due to website being unable to accept 2012 as the year. Millenium bug strikes again!
First flight of the year goes to Sandro and Dave Cox in WK closely followed by Nigel in the Eurostar.

NEWS 2011

Thursday 29th December
Pictures of the Christmas dinner, goto Gallery 1

Tuesday/Wednesday 27th/28th December
Despite some windy weather training and trial flights were back operational after the Christmas break.

Saturday 24th December
Happy Christmas and best wishes for good flying in 2012.

Tuesday 20th December
A busy winters day. It may be the shortest day but it didn't stop Robin Horne doing his 2nd Solo crosscountry to Wing Farm in the C42, congratulations.
Richard and Dave Slater on the QuikR and Terry and Nigel L in the C42 did a trip to Shobdon. The 25kt head wind meant a slow trip there but a very fast one back home.

Saturday/Sunday 17/18th December
A cold but busy weekend at Clench. Lots of flying, more solo time logged for several new pilots. Visits from two gyrocopters and a Dynamic out of Chiltern Park. Cross country flights by Ryan in his Q down to Popham, and Don and Lois went to Henstridge in the Eurostar. Nick joined us to start an intensive C42 course.

Christmas Dinner for Saturday 17th December at The French Horn, Pewsey
The French Horne put on an excellemt meal, well cooked, well presented and well served to a crowd of over 40 members, family and friends. After the meal we had an amusing recap of the year from Dave Cox particularly emphasizing all the successes of the busy year from our youngest first solo Alice at 16 to our oldest Eric at 78. Graham then presented all licence achievers for the year with framed certificates and also the first solos, yet to complete, got certificates as well. Graham thanked the instructors for their efforts Dave, Dave, "Bomber" Martin and the missing Chris. Several special awards were made in particularly to Brian, Nigel Leak and to Harold and Jean. For years Harold "ran" St Secondan for Graham and many of us will remember him and his home made grass cutter behind the Tata keeping the runways cut. Nigel made a short presentation on Skywatch and asked for anybody interested to contact him. Finally a toast to the Slaters and the instructors who together made such a great flying school and club for us all to be part of.

Tuesday 13th December HUMAN FACTORS SEMINAR Oxford
Nigel Leak and Terry Wheeler attended the GASCo ‘Human Factors’ Seminar followed by a GASCo/CAA Safety Evening at Kidlington. Lots to take in about how we handle ourselves and how it effects our flying. Good stuff although some of the psycological stuff was a bit high level. Other stuff was down to earth with a few entertaining vidieo clips. Well worth any pilot attending these and you get your log book stamped.

Saturday 10th Dec
A good winters day of flying.
Congratulations to Lee Still, first solo in the C42.
Congratulations to Robin Horne 1st Solo crosscountry to Popham in a C42.
Congratulations to Tom Farncombe 2nd Solo crosscountry to Wing Farm in the QuikR. This completes Tom's full licence.

Friday 9th Dec
The gyrocopter clocked up a couple of hours instructional flying at Popham with Martin as the pupil.

Sunday 4th December 2011 FLY OUT
Flyout to White Oxmead and Wadswick. Two C42s, the Eurostar, a Skyranger and the Tecnam headed west under lowish cloud and the threat of rain. However with a bit of dodging the clouds and patches of rain the first leg was acomplished. White Oxmead was very welcoming and was a new destination for all but one of the pilots. The second leg was only a few minutes long, helped by a strong tail wind to Wadswick. The cafe joined two tables together for us and we had a good lunch. The return trip was pretty brisk but with a weather dividing line running east west along the ridge. South of the line from Devizes to Pewsey was low cloud and rain. North was progressively clearer to areas of blue sky to the north. All agreed that this had been a good navigation exercise. The teams were Martin and Lee in a C42, Dave Leonard and Eric in the other C42, Nigel Leak and Terry in the Eurostar, Ken and Richard in Ken's Skyranger and father and son Slater in the Tecnam. Eric and Lee are both trainees and particularly benefited from finding what cross country flying was all about. For a picture of the aircraft goto Gallery 1.

Friday 2nd December
Congratulations to Robin Horne for passing his GST in the C42.

Wednesday 30th November
Please note that the monthly charge to shareholders will rise from £39 to £41 from January 1st. Please notify your bank to change the standing order.

Monday 28th November
Congratulations to Tom Farncombe for passing his GST in the QuikR.

Saturday/Sunday 26/27th November 2011 The Flying Show
NEC Birmingham. Brian was so agog about the new PulsR enclosed flexwing that he didn't really notice the new GTR flex wing that we are intending to buy for the school. For more info on the PulsR and GTR goto Aircraft Sales.

Saturday 26th November 2011
Congratulations to Duncan Poole for passing his Nav Exam.
Very windy at Clench so a good day to wash a C42 and the Willerby Caravan.

Friday 25 November
Anybody interested in starting a Clench unit of Skywatch - Civil Air Patrol? Could be good for the prestige and status in the community of Clench Common and allow us to give something back. "Sky Watch Civil Air Patrol is a charity providing air search, air observation and air to ground imagery to the emergency services and other agencies." To find out more see Sky Watch web site. Contact Nigel Leak on 01488 657888 if interested.

Thursday 24 November
Welcome back old friend. Thruster G-MZFU is back on the fleet to assist with trial flights. Several off us have fond memories of this drafty aircraft which many outsiders consider to be a real microlight.

Wednesday 23 November
Congratulations to Karl Lubieniecki for passing his GST in the C42.

Sunday 20 November
Three aeronautics undergraduates from Southampton University visit Clench as part of a third year project on microlight design.

Thursday 17 November
Congratulations to Dave Gwyther for passing his GST on the QuikR.

Monday 14 November
Congratulations to Karl Lubieniecki for passing his Met Exam.

Saturday 12 November
Congratulations to Dave Gwyther for passing his Met Exam.

Thursday 10th November
Congratulations to Eric Potts 1st solo C42
Congratulations to Duncan Poole for passing his Met and HPL Exams.

Saturday 5th November 2011 FLY OUT
Cancelled due to poor viz. Well done everybody for turning up early on Saturday. However this did free up a C42 for an extra training session resulting in....
Congratulations to Tom Savage first solo in C42 at the end of his week doing an intensive course.

Wednesday 2nd November
Graham held an instructors meeting at Clench to discuss improvements to the teaching of ground school, continued development for new and also more experienced pilots including more frequent club flyouts.

Tuesday 1st November
Congratulations to Tom Farncombe 1st Solo XC Popham in the QuikR.

Monday 31st October
Graham Jefferies sent in the following. "Our club mate, my good friend and flying partner Martin Chalk passed away peacefully today". Let us remember Martin and his Mistral and how despite his fight with cancer he flew upto the middle of October, allbeit with Graham J as safety pilot.

Sunday 30th October
Congratulations to Dave Gwyther for passing his Nav Exam.

Saturday 29th/Sunday 30th October 2011 FLY OUT/Overnight to Sandy
Four aircraft set off on Saturday afternoon. Great BBQ and fireworks at Sandy. The return flight showed the importance of being able to do a weather divert with one C42.

Friday 28th October 2011 Model Spitfire cross channel flight
"Fog in the channel, Europe cut off". Chris T and the Eurostar got stuck at Lashendon and had to abandon the cross channel flight.

Friday 28th October
Graham has decided that as the flexwing side of the school has been so successful over the past year or so, there was a need to increase the size of the school fleet to two aircraft. So he has to-day placed an order for a new flexwing from P&M for delivery in March.

Tuesday 25th October
Congratulations to Tom Farncombe for passing his Met Exam.

Sunday 23rd October
Congratulations to Tom Farncombe for passing his Nav Exam.
Congratulations to Robin Horne for passing his HPL Exam.

Thursday 20th October
Congratulations to Colin Moss 1st Solo C42.
Congratulations to Karl Lubieniecki 2nd Solo crosscountry to Wing Farm in a C42.

Saturday 15th October
Congratulations to Neil Perry passed his GST in his own Pegasus Q.
Congratulations to Tom Farncombe for passing his HPL exam.
Lots of flying including the C42, QuickR and Brians Quantum visiting White Whaltham and the Eurostar visiting Wellsbourne and Eastbach Farm in the Forest of Dean.

Friday 14th October
Congratulations to Ray Ashman GST In C42 (conversion from PPL).

Thursday 13th October
Congratulations to Karl Lubieniecki 1st Solo crosscountry to Popham in a C42.

Tuesday 11th October
Congratulations to Karl Lubieniecki for passing his Nav exam
Congratulations to Colin Moss for passing hisAir Law exam.

Sunday 2nd October
Congratulations to Matt Smith GST in the QuikR

Friday 30th September
Congratulations to Tom Farncombe for passing Air Law and Air Tec exams.
Congratulations to Robin Horne for passing his Air Tec exam.

Thursday 29th September
Congratulations to Duncan Poole for passing his Air Law exam and first solo in the C42

Wednesday 28th September
Congratulations to Tony Hazell second solo cross country to Wing Farm in the C42.
Congratulations to Robin Horne for passing his Met exam

Tuesday 27th September
Congratulations to Tom Farncombe first solo in the QuikR.
Congratulations to Tony Hazell first solo cross country to Popham in the C42.
Congratulations to Dave Hineson GST in the QuikR.

Friday 23rd September
Congratulations to Tony Saunders for passing his gyrocopter GST.

Thursday 22nd September
Congratulations to Neil Perry for passing his Nav exam.

Wednesday 21st September
Congratulations to Neil Perry for passing his Met exam.

Thursday 8th September
Congratulations to Eric Potts for passing his Air Tech.
Congratulations to Robin Horne for passing his Air Tech.

Tuesday 6th September
Congratulations to Karl Lubieniecki for passing his Air Law.

Monday 5th September
Congratulations to Graham Slater for successfully landing a Shadow in two fields after two engine failures on route StSecondin to Abbeville. Reminding us why we need to do those PFL's.

Wednesday 31st August
Congratulations to Dave Hineson for passing his Nav exam and 1st solo cross country to Popham.
Congratulations to Ian Miles for passing his Met Exam.

Tuesday 30th August
Congratulations to Karl Lubieniecki 1st solo in the C42.

Thursday 25th August
Congratulations to Robin Horne 1st solo in C42.
Congratulations to Ian Miles for passing his GST.

Tuesday 23rd August
Congratulations to Tony Hazel for passing his Nav Exam.

Wednesday 17th August
Congratulations to Andrew Barrett 1st solo in QuikR.

Thursday 28th July
Congratulations to Matt Smith 1st solo in QuikR.
Congratulations to Dave Gwyther 1st solo in QuikR.

Wednesday 27th July
Congratulations to Neil Perry 1st solo in QuikR.

Monday 25th July
Congratulations to Dave Hineson 1st solo in QuikR.

21st - 24 July 2011 Round Britain Microlight Rally
Well done to Clench teams Dave Slater and Martin Culley in a C42 and Graham and Alex Slater in the Eurostar, positions 6th and 7th overall. Flying up to 8 hours in a day they visted places as far afield as Scotland, Menai Staights (Anglesey), Skokholm Island (SW tip of Wales), Fenland Lincolnshire, Devon.

Wednesday 20th July
Congratulations to Tony Hazell 1st Solo for in C42.

Thursday 14th July
Congratulations to Alan Day and Conway Shields both passed their GSTs in a C42.
Alan also passed his HPL exam and Conway his Met exam.

Wednesday 6th July
Congratulations to Tony Saunders 1st Solo in the gyrocopter. This is our first student to go from ab initio through to solo on G-CFGY.

Monday 4th July
Congratulations to Sandro Desarro 1st Solo in a C42.

Sunday 3rd July
Congratulations to Matt Smith 1st Solo flexwing.
Congratulations to Nick Clements for passing his Met exam.

Saturday 2nd July
Congratulations to Conway Shields 2nd solo cross country to Wing Farm.
Congratulations to Eric Potts for passing his HPL exam.

Friday 1st July
Congratulations to Neil Perry for passing his Air Law exam.

Thursday 30th June
Congratulations to Alan Day 2nd solo cross country to Wing Farm.
Congratulations to Conway Shields 1st solo cross country to Popham.

Wednesday 29th June
Congratulations to Martin Culley passed his AFI Test.

Tuesday 28th June
Congratulations to Alan Day for passing his Nav exam and 1st solo cross country to Popham.

Monday 27th June
Congratulations to Ian Miles for passing his Nav exam.

Tuesday 21st June
Congratulations to Eric Potts on passing his Air Law exam.

18th/19th June 2011
Flex Wing and (fixed wing) Flyin at St Secondin, near Poitiers. Well done to the pilots that got there and bad luck to the pilots who got part way. The weather was poor resulting in a relatively small number arriving at StSec. However they were made welcome in the usual way.

Thursday 9th June
Congratulations to Seb West, first solo, in the QuikR.
Congratulations to Steve Bailey who did his second qualifying cross country to Wing Farm in a C42 to achieve his unrestricted NPPL(M).

Monday 6th June
Congratulations to Alan Day for passing his Air Tech Exam.

Sunday 5th June
Congratulations to Alex Slater for passing her Nav Exam and thereby completing everything for the restricted NPPL(M).
Graham took the Gyro off to York to give another intensive course up there.

Friday 3rd June
Congratulations to Conway Shields for passing his Nav Exam.

Tuesday 24th May
Congratulations to Dave Carter for passing his GST in the C42.

Sunday 22th May
A warm welcome to the new students on both the flexwing and fixed wing.

Friday 20th May
Congratulations to Dave Carter did his 2nd solo cross country to Wing Farm

Thursday 19 May
Congratulations to Alan Day did his first solo in the C42.
Congratulations to John Skelton did his 2nd solo cross country to Wing Farm.

Tuesday 17th May
Congratulations to John Skelton did his 1st solo cross country to Popham.

Thursday 12th May
Congratulations to Ian Miles for passing his Air Law

Friday 6 May
New C42 G-CGWK arrives at Clench.

Thursday 5 May
New C42 G-CGWK should start its flight to UK from Germany to-day with planned arrival at Clench tomorrow.

Wednesday 4th May
Congratulations to Nick Clements 2nd solo cross country to Wing Farm.
Congratulations to Alan Day passed his Air Law.

30 April/1 May 2011
Microlight Trade Fair at Popham. GS Aviation had a stand there as usual once we found it. Due to an organisational hiccup, by Popham, we ended up in the prime position of first stand at the start of the flight line. Despite strong winds on both days, trial lessons were flown in the C42, Eurostar and Gyrocopter. As usual lots of old friends dropped by to chat and several potential pilots discussed training with us. Well done to everybody that helped to make it all possible.

Wednesday 27th April
Congratulations to Ian Miles first solo, in C42 NI.
Congratulations to Nick Clements for passing his Nav exam and then for qualifying solo cross country to Popham in C42 BE.

Sunday 24th April
Graham returns in the Gyro after another week teaching up north at Rufforth.
Congratulations to Sandro De Sarro passed his Air law.

Saturday 23rd April
Congratulations to Steve Bailey for qualifying solo cross country to Popham.

16/17th April 2011
Weekend flyout to Abbeville. Nine aircraft made the trip. A great success despite some hazy conditions. Congratulations to Brian, Chris P, Martin, Richard, Terry and Tracy, plus passengers Ruth and Tony for first Channel crossing by microlight. Dave Cox looked after briefings and flight plans. Dave Slater, Chris Trow, Cliff, Gavin, Graham J, Ken, Nigel L and the Bradfords all added to a fantastic TEAM effort. Headcorn were fantastic as usual. An example of how a very busy airfield can look after its visitors. A flight to remember. Thanks particularly to Dave Slater and GSA for making this all possible.

Tuesday 12th April 2011
French charts now in stock ready for collection.

Thursday 7th April
Congratulations to Dave Carter first solo cross country to Popham in NI the C42.

Tuesday 5th April 2011
Life jackets have arrived. If you have one on order then please contact the office to collect.

Monday 4th April 2011
Our first day of Gyrocopter training. Graham is currently up at Rufforth working with Phil Harwood.

Saturday 2nd April 2011
Welcome several new trainees including Tom Miler, Alan Day and Terry Osbourne on the C42, and Rob Lockyer, David Hineson and Seb West on the QuikR.
Congratulations to Terry Osbourne on his first solo at Clench, he has been learning and solo at Blackbushe but wanted to compliment it with some short field training here.

Monday 28th March 2011
Congratulations to Dave Carter for passing his HPL exam.

Friday 25th March 2011
Congratulations to Tony Hazel for passing his Met exam.

Monday 21st March 2011
Congratulations to Paul Curnock for passing his GST in the C42

Sunday 20th March 2011
Congratulations to Steve Diboll for passing his GST in the Eurostar.

Sunday 13th March 2011
Congratulations to Alice Clarke, first solo, at age 16, in NI the C42.

Tuesday 8th March 2011
LIFE JACKETS. Graham has arranged a good deal on life jackets at under £60. Normal price £73 plus carriage. However he needs to order 10 to get that price. Contact the office with your order. For picture see (but do not buy) Fly-Safe Aircrew Life Jacket

Tuesday 8th March 2011
Subject to final CAA confirmation our new C42 registration will be G-CGWK. Delivery date TBA.

Sunday 6th March 2011
Congratulations to Paul Curnock for completing a qualifying cross country to Wing farm in a C42.

Saturday 5th March 2011
Talk by Colin Potter NATS supervisor on how to get the best out of the NOTAM web site. In addition one of Colin's colleagues talked on how to use the on-line flight planning system Afpex. Both guys enthusiastically presented what in both cases was quite a dry subject. Well attended by Clench members most of whom went on to a meal afterwards.

Saturday 5th March 2011
Congratulations to Greg Toogood for passing his GST in a C42.

Thursday 3rd March 2011
Subject to final CAA confirmation our new QuikR registration will be G-CGWZ. The wing is due this month.

Saturday 26th February 2011
French Trip briefing. Graham went through the various things that need to be considered and also took orders for French and UK charts for the trip. One seat still available for either a C42 share holder or pilot/trainee pilot who can navigate. If interested ring Graham.

Thursday 24th February 2011
Congratulations to Steve J doing his second qualifying cross country, to Wing Farm and completing his ground aural test for completion of his licence.
Julian and Alistair Leak who learnt flex at Clench and used it as the skill for the Duke of Edinburgh award attended St James Palace to receive their Gold award.

Tuesday 15th February 2011
Talk by Brian Milton at Chiseldon Scout Hall run by the Wiltshire Flyers, the local LAA strut.

Saturday 12th February 2011
Congratulations to Ryan Bull for doing his second qualifying solo cross country, to Wing Farm, in his Q to complete the requirement for his unrestricted licence.
The QuikR that we were selling on behalf of its French owner departed with its new owner to Western Zoyland.

Friday 11th February 2011
Congratulations to Tony Hazel, passing Air Law, Air Tech and HPI exams plus over 6 hours flying whilst on a five day intensive course in very changeable weather.

Tuesday 8th February 2011
Congratulations to Graham Slater for completing his Gyrocopter instructor training and test.
Congratulations to Steve Jones for his solo cross country to Popham and doing his GST in the QuikR.

Sunday 30th January 2011
Congratulations to Ryan Bull for doing his first solo cross country, to Popham, in his Q.

Saturday 29th January 2011
VHF Radio ground school course at Clench.
Congratulations to Alice Clarke passing air law.

Tuesday 25th January 2011
Congratulations to Conway passing Air Tech and HPI.

Monday 24th January 2011
Congratulations to Steve J passing Nav and to Steve B for passing Nav and Air Tech.

Saturday 22nd January 2011
Irv Lee at Old Sarum Airfield. Irv spoke on the subject of AIRSPACE INFRINGEMENTS.

Tuesday 18th January 2011
An LAA evening in the company of Dr Bill Brooks at the Cross Keys, Lower Wanborough. Talked about building and flying the "Aircraft Scrap heap Challenge".

Monday 3rd January
Impromptu fly out to Wadswick Strip. Both C42s, the QuickR and the Eurostar all made it out to Wadswick for a snack. Low cloud on the return gave some practical application of navigation at low altitude.

1/1/11
New years day flying. A good turn out but the weather was overcast with cloud base down to about 500ft in places. Making the effort and getting airborne were Graham in the Giro, Dave C in NI, Martin C in BE, Nigel L in RT and Ken C in his Skyranger, plus passengers.

NEWS 2010

Saturday 18 December
GSA Christmas Dinner was a great success. Despite freezing cold and icy roads 40 people made it to the dinner. Bill Brooks of P&M was the guest speaker and gave an interesting short potted history of his life in aviation. Thank you Bill. The Bell Inn at West Overton put on an excellent evening, very good food, well presented and a bonus of cheese at the end. Graham made a short speech included small presentations to Sheryl and Steve Bailey for persistence in getting through their training and to Brian Goldsmith as Club Member of the Year. Special mention was also made to congratulate the growing number of lady pilots at Clench. Thanks were also directed to the GSA staff who make the whole thing that is Clench possible.

Monday 13 December
Congratulations to Richard Johnson first of the flexwing shareholders to convert and go solo on the new QuikR.

Sunday 12 December
Fly out to Bembridge. A great day was had with eight aircraft making the trip. Both C42's and the Eurostar, with Terry Wheeler, Dave Leonard, Nigel L and Steve Bailey, Jim A and Chris B. Graham and Brian in his Quantum, Mark and Cliff in his Quantum, Ken plus one in his Skyranger, Graham J and Martin in his Mistral. And taking off from Lynham Dave S with Alex plus one in a PA28 Warrior. See Gallery 1 for pictures.

Saturday 11th December
Congratulations to Alex for passing her GST in the C42.

Friday 10th December
Fleet now back up to full strength. Eurostar and QuikR fully operational.
Congratulations to Tracey for passing her GST in the Quantum.

Thursday 9th December
Graham and Dave S flying up to bring back the Eurostar.

Wednesday 8th December
No mist, blue skies, so the new QuikR flies into Clench. Graham and Dave S then did several circuits getting the wing trimmed. At a distance the trike looks just like G-CERN. Closer up however the lack of king post, wing struts, larger instrument panel, black gloss inside the footwell and see through panel below the fuel filler to check fuel content become visible.

Sunday 5th December
Congratulations to Ryan Bull on passing his GST for his restricted licence in his Pegasus Q.
All shareholders and trainees please read the deicing instructions before your next flight or lesson.

Wednesday 1st December
The new QuikR is now at Manton. Should be with us Monday or Tuesday next week.

Tuesday 30th November
Congratulations to Greg Toogood for passing his HPL exam.

Monday 29th Nov 2010
The Eurostar is ready to come back to Clench, all we need is a flyable day. The new GT-450/QuikR should be arriving at Manton tomorrow and Clench later in the week.

Sunday 28th November
Congratulations to Tracey for doing her second solo cross country, to Wing Farm in the Quantum.

Saturday/Sunday 27/28 November
The Flying Show at the NEC. GSA was present in the BMAA schools area and quite a few Clench members were visitors. Attendance on the Saturday was pretty good, Sunday was quieter. Graham attended the British Rotor Craft Association instructors meeting Saturday evening.

Thursday 25th November
Congratulations to Steve Bailey for passing his GST in the C42.

Tuesday 23 November
CAA Safety Meeting at Old Sarum was attended by the Bradfords, Gary S, Alasdair G and Nigel L.

Saturday 20 November
Flyout cancelled due to bad weather. Thanks to all those who had intended to join us.

Friday 19th November
Congratulations to Tracey for doing her first solo cross country, to Popham in the Quantum.
Congratulations to Nick Clements, solo again.

Tuesday 16th November 2010
Congratulations to Lois Kelly for passing her GST in the C42 for full licence.

Monday 15th November
Congratulations to Paul Curnock first solo cross country to Popham in the C42.

Sunday 14th November
Congratulations to John Armstrong for passing his GST for his re-rating.
Congratulations to Tracey for passing Air Law and HPI exams.

Saturday 13th November
RT theory course at Clench.

Thursday 11th November
CAA Safety Meeting. Bristol International attended by Graham Jeffries and Steve Bailey.

Saturday 6th November
A great autumn flying day. Welcome new student Steve on the flex. Fairwell to G-CERN in the hands of her new owner Peter. G-CERN has helped many people achieve their goals over her life at Clench for the last three and a quarter years. Including two trips to France and many first solos and first cross countries. We look forward to her replacement, a brand new GT-450/QuikR arriving shortly.

Monday 1st November
Congratulations to Rob Speight for passing his GST in the Quantum.

Thursday 28th October
Waiting for update on delivery of new GT-450/QuikR.

Wednesday 27th October
Congratulations to Greg Toogood for passing his Met exam.

Friday 22nd October
Congratulations to Alasdair Goulden for passing his GST in the GT

Wednesday 20th October
Congratulations to Greg Toogood second solo nav to Wing Farm.

Monday 18th October
Congratulations to Steve Jones, first solo, in the GT450.

Wednesday 13th October
Congratulations to Dave Carter 1st solo in the C42.
Congratulations to Greg Toogood first solo nav to Popham.
The QuikR has been flown by several pilots and students as part of the evaluation as to which aircraft to buy as a GT replacement.

Tuesday 12th October
Congratulations to Greg Toogood on passing his Nav exam.
Graham has borrowed a QuikR from Pegasus for a few days evaluation as a possible replacement to the GT-450.

Saturday 9th October
Congratulations to Ryan Bull on passing his aircraft technical exam.
G-CERN has been sold (subject to completion) and will be leaving Clench in about a month. A new replacement will be ordered on Monday for delivery in November.

Monday 4th October
Congratulations to Tracey Rich, first solo, in the GT.

Saturday 2nd October
Congratulations to Ryan Bull, first solo, in the GT.
Dave Slater also did his first solo in the GT in differences training from fixed wing.

Thursday 30th September
G-CERN has had its new sail fitted down at P&M, due back at Clench this morning.

Tuesday 28th September
Congratulations to Alfred Prosser passing his GST in the C42.

Sunday 26th September
Congratulations to Alfred Prosser his second cross country to Wing Farm in the C42.

Thursday 23rd September
Congratulations to Conway Shields on his first solo in the C42.

Wednesday 22nd September
Congratulations to Lois Kelly, second cross country to Wing Farm in the C42.

Tuesday 21st September
Congratulations to Alfred Prosser passing his Nav. exam, and his first cross country to Popham in the C42.

Tuesday 21st September
Congratulations to Mike Jones on his second cross country to Wing Farm in his Pegasus Q.

Saturday 18th September
Congratulations to Colin Langley for taking his Shadow up solo for the first time.
Out and about C42 BE was down at Western Zoyland with Dave L and the Eurostar went to Sandown, IOW with Tim Smith and Nigel L.

Tuesday 14th September
Congratulations to Greg Toogood passed his Airtech.

Saturday/Sunday 4th/5th September, 2010. St Secondin Annual Fly-In and BBQ
The Blois weekend, had a BBQ on the evening of Saturday the 4th and included a LIVE BAND. Twenty visiting aircraft and about fifty people made it there.

Thursday 2nd September
Congratulations to Mike Jones on his first cross country to Popham in his Pegasus Q.

Saturday 28th to Tuesday 31st August
The 2010 St Secondin fly out. Six aircraft set off, three back on Monday having just visited Abbeville and two arrived back Tuesday, with the C42 being left down in St Sec. The Eurostar being the only aircraft to complete the full round trip. Several significant achievements. First channel crossing (P1) for Nigel B in the GT, Chris and Kay Bradford in their Escapade, Ken in his Skyranger, Cliff and Andy in Cliffs Quantum. First channel crossing P u/t for Alex. Longest leg flown P1 for Nigel L, 3h 30m St Sec to Abbeville in the Eurostar. Thanks for the French/English translations laminated sheets from Don. Thanks to Andy B for on the spot translations of menus and other stuff. Thanks to the three instructors Dave C, Dave S and Mark for bringing their experience along. Nice to have Kay and Alex along to add a female touch to the trip. In fact thanks to everybody who was either directly or indirectly involved for making it happen.

Friday 13th August
Congratulations to Alfred Proser first solo in NI our new C42

Tuesday 10th August
Congratulations to Greg Toogood first solo in NI our new C42.
Congratulations to Greg Toogood passed his Air law.

Sunday 8th August
Congratulations to Colin Langley on completing differences training to fixed wing on the C42. Congratulations to Messrs Carver and Sekree, non Clench pilots, who came in to take and passed their GSTs.

Saturday 7th August
Congratulations to Tim Smith solo qualifying cross country to Popham in BE the C42

Thursday 5th August
Congratulations to Tim Smith GST for restricted licence in BE the C42.

Monday 2nd August
Congratulations to Terry Wheeler passing his GST in C42 Bravo Echo.

Saturday 31st July
Congratulations Tim Smith on passing his navigation exam.

Wednesday 30th June
Congratulations to Conway Shields on passing his Air Law exam.

Wednesday 30th June
The new C42 for GS Aviation is in the UK at Pioneer Aviation in Abergavenny. G-CGNI should be permitted very soon but as this is the first C42 imported by Pioneer the CAA are being very thorough and we now expect delivery early/mid July.

Saturday 27th June
Congratulations to James Read passing his GST in the GT-450.

Friday 25th June
Congratulations to Terry Wheeler second cross country to Wing Farm in the C42, and also to Petra Barnes second cross country to Wing Farm, in G-CERN the GT-450 .

Thursday 24th June
The kettle, fridge and microwave have moved to the new clubhouse at Clench.

Wednesday 23rd June
Welcome new member Roger Young learning flex.

Tuesday 22th June
Congratulations to Terry Wheeler first cross country to Popham in the C42.

Monday 21st June
Congratulations to Paul Curnock first solo in the C42.

June in France
Congratulations to Anthony Harris and Keith Murrell GST and restricted licence on the Quantum.
Congratulations to Chris Parson GST and restricted licence on the P92.
Club house now nearly complete.

Saturday/Sunday 19/20th June 2010
A busy weekend at Clench. Congratulations to Alistair Mellor on passing his GST on Saturday. Congratulations to Petra on her first solo cross country to Popham in the GT. Thanks to Brian for hard work helping out particularly on strimming and assembling the new wooden table. Out and about the Eurostar went to Solcome, Bolt Head, in Cornwall with Nigel L and Graham J.

Saturday 12th June 2010
Congratulations to Richard Johnson, GST in the GT450 for full licence.

Wednesday 9th June
New C42 for GS Aviation due in UK later this week. G-CGNI should be permitted and operational soon.

Monday 7th June News from St Secondin in France
Congratulations to Chris Parsons first solo in Tecnam P92. Keith Morrell on his 4th hour solo in the Quantum, Anthony Harris coming on well on the Quantum.

Saturday 5th June 2010
Congratulations to Petra Barnes, GST in the GT450 for restricted licence.

Friday 4th June
Congratulations Nigel Murphy on passing his GST in the GT-450.

Monday 31st May 2010
Out and about, Nigel Leak and Graham Jeffries took the Eurostar to Eastbach Farm in the Forest of Dean to tackle the double ski slope airfield.

Thursday 27th May 2010
Congratulations to Sheryl on passing her GST for restricted licence on the Eurostar.

Wednesday 26th May 2010
Congratulations Richard Johnson on doing both of his solo cross countries, Popham and then Wing Farm, in G-CERN the GT-450.
Congratulations to Sheryl on passing her HPL exam.

Monday 24th May 2010
Congratulations Bryan Ireland his 1st solo in the C42.

May in France
Craig Bruce and Nancy Mellor complete 7 day course in May with nearly 10 hours each and 3 exams including ground school, this pushes them both on toward there licences in Scotland.

Saturday 22nd May 2010
Out and about, Nigel Leak and Brian Goldsmith took the Eurostar to Sandown.

Thursday 20th May 2010
Congratulations Nigel Murphy his 1st solo in the GT-450.

Wednesday 19th May 2010
Congratulations Lois Kelly her 1st solo in the C42.

Thursday 13th May 2010
Congratulations Alistair Goulden. First solo, GT-450.
Congratulations Tim Smith also did his 1st solo in the C42.

Monday 3rd May 2010
Congratulations Alistair Mellor passing his Met exam.

Saturday 1st May 2010
Popham Microlight Trade Fair. GSA was there in force with the GT450, C42, Eurostar and Gyrocopter present. Many trial flights done and a welcome to friends old and new. The forecast for Sunday was rain for much of the day and strongish winds. Consequently we did not attend.

April in France
Ian Macleod completes full licence during April on flexwing, including the two qualifying cross country flights and GST.

Thursday 29th April 2010
Congratulations Don Young and Lois Kelly for passing their HPL exam. This completes Dons requirement for the full NPPL(m) licence.

Wednesday 28th April 2010
Congratulations Don Young passing his Met exam and GST on the C42. Congratulations Lois Kelly passing her Met exam.

Wednesday 21st April 2010
Good news, our Eurostar passed its mandatory wing inspection to-day meaning that soon it will be back up to the original Vne. Note stick to the current restricted Vne until we have been formally notified.

Sunday 18th April 2010
Congratulations to Steve Bailey, first solo, C42. Clench Flyin, day two some had stayed overnight and were rewarded with egg butties in the morning. 12 visitors to-day, but also a great success.

Saturday 17th April 2010
Clench Flyin, day one, a great success with 60 visitors. Lots of people deserve thanks for all the help they put in. One person stood out literally most of the day and that was Matt Williams out on the airfield with a radio.

Friday 16th April 2010
Congratulations to Sheryl on passing her Navigation exam. Congratulations to Alex on passing her Met exam.

Thursday 15th April 2010
Congratulations to Mo on passing his Meteorology exam and his GST in the C42

Tuesday 13th April 2010
Congratulations to Terry Wheeler on passing his Meteorology exam.

Monday 12th April 2010
Congratulations to Don Young and Lois Kelly on passing their Navigation exams

Sunday 11th April, 2010
Congratulations to Nigel Barnes passing his GST in the GT450. Congratulations Don Young on first solo cross country to Popham in the C42.

Saturday 10th April, 2010
Congratulations to Petra Barnes, first solo, in the GT450.

Friday 9th April, 2010
Congratulations to Colin Langley completed his second solo cross country to Wing Farm in his Pegasus Q.

Thursday 8th April, 2010
Congratulations to Ben Wyatt passing his GST in the C42.

Wednesday 7th April, 2010
Congratulations to Nigel Murphy passing his Air Law exam.

Tuesday 30th March, 2010
Congratulations to Nigel Murphy passing his Aircraft Technical exam.

Tuesday 23th March, 2010
Congratulations to Ben Wyatt passing his Met exam.

Friday 19th March, 2010
Congratulations to Steve Bailey passing his Met exam.

Sunday 14 March, 2010
Congratulations to Sheryl, first solo in the Eurostar. Sheryl is our first student to do all her training on the Eurostar. Well done.

Friday 12th March, 2010
Congratulations to Ben Wyatt second solo cross country, to Wing Farm, in the C42.

Wednesday 10th March, 2010
Congratulations to Don Young 1st Solo in the C42.
Congratulations to Ben Wyatt first solo cross country, to Popham, in the C42.

Sunday 7th March, 2010
Congratulations to Nigel Barnes 1st Solo cross country, to Popham, in the GT450.

Saturday 6th March 2010
Clench flyout to Enstone. A great success. Day started overcast but as per forecast cleared up at noon. The teams were Nigel L plus Tania in the Eurostar, Terry W with Dave S in the C42. Nigel B and Dave C in the GT450 outbound, Petra and Dave C return, Richard J and Graham S in the Quantum, Martin in his Mistral with Graham J, Russ from Redlands in his Eurostar, Kevin L from Redlands in his Ranns. Ken C in his Skyranger possibly with Colin L. Julian M in his Mistral and Petra out, Nigel B return. Some went direct with a Zone transit of Brize. Some went the longer route via Oxford and Bicester. Thanks to Russ for helping out again after another Eurostar puncture. Thanks to Enstone Microlights for their hospitality.

Week 22 to 26 February 2010
Instructor successes! A very well done to Dave Cox for his upgrade to examining instructor. This means that Dave C can conduct GSTs and can now completely cover training from ab initio through to GST licence either in UK or in France. This skill level is no mean achievement and he deserves are congratulations. Another very well done to Dave Slater on passing his upgrade to full instructor rating. This again is a significant step forward and allows Dave S to be the instructor in charge of the airfield, to be able to send off first solos and first cross countries, and to supervise assistant rating instructors. Members please remember that instructors have a relatively tough time putting up with all us trainees and pilots so always be willing to help out, arriving on time or early, rigging, de rigging, taking covers off, putting on, fuelling, making coffee, looking after new visitors etc.

Saturday/Sunday 20/21 February 2010
Sunday, despite a misty start, became a good early solo day with Nigel B (GT450) and Alistair (Eurostar) both ramping up their solo hours. Congratulations to Mo first solo cross country on Saturday. C42 to Popham. Nigel L started to get some cross country in for this year with two trips to Brimpton and one to Popham. This gave the opportunity for a paragliding visitor and Richard (recently solo GT450) to get an idea of navigation from the passenger seat. Prospective new member Nigel (Not another one!) had his first lesson in the flex and seamed very impressed by the friendly nature of the instructors and members at Clench. This Nigel was a hang glider pilot years ago and found that it all came back very quickly.

Wednesday 17 February 2010
Congratulations to Alex, back to solo since doing first solo in France last year with a flight in the C42.

Saturday 13 February 2010
Congratulations to Jim on his successful conversion to the C42. Welcome new member Paul for his first lesson on the the C42. Also congratulations to Chris Bradford for the first flight during the week of his home built Escapade. A bit of a proud father!!

Tuesday 9 February 2010
Congratulations to David Leonard has passed his GST today on the C42, completed course in about 11 weeks.

Saturday 30 January 2010
Congratulations to Richard Johnson 1st Solo GT450. Congratulations to Dave Leonard second cross country, to Wing Farm, in the C42.

Sunday 24 January 2010
Another busy day at Clench. Dave Leonard first solo cross country to Popham in the C42. Colin and Brian G both airborne in their aircraft, Nice to see Cliff visiting us in his Quantum.

Saturday 23 January 2010
A busy day at Clench. At long last some flyable weather even though the cloud base was a bit low. Lots of newish (and oldish) students around. Lois, Don, Richard and Terry plus Sheryl, Nigel B and Petra. Nigel B is the first member to go for a GT450 share and is hoping that very few people will follow his example so that he can hog the aircraft in the summer. Colin and Brian G champing at the bit to get airborne after work being done on their aircraft. Nice to see Matt visiting us in his Thruster.

In the snow January 2010
Bill Brookes flies in from Pegasus in a QuikR with skis.

Friday 8 January 2010
Clench Christmas/New Years party. 31 people made the effort and a tremendous time was had until the early hours.

6 January 2010
Well done to all those that made the effort to check the aircraft after the heavy snow fall.

4 January 2010
Congratulations Mike Jones first solo. In G-CERN the GT-450

3 January 2010
Congratulations Terry Wheeler first solo. In G-CFBE the C42

1 January 2010
Fly out to Compton Abbas, Eurostar, C42 and Gyro. Well done for Julian coming out on a rescue flight after the Eurostar had a flat tyre at Compton. Many thanks to the other pilots that helped out particularly Russ for the inner tube. Graham and Nigel outbound in the Gyro, Dave Cox and Jo in the Eurostar, Julian plus sister in C42. Then after coffee and two hours of wheel changing Graham went back with Dave and Nigel flew back with Jo.

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