Dennis Dickinson
It is with sadness that we have to report the death of Dennis Dickenson, who was the Director of Cheshire Air Training Services (CATS) for many years and from whom Rod Geeson took over.  Many of the senior members of SMAC were trained by Dennis, from the original Liverpool Airport, and which became known as the North Field when it closed and training moved to the new airport.  At that time, CATS premises were a large wooden building on the west side of the then new main apron. Club member Damien Walker attended Dennises funeral on 6th July. 06/07/07
Safety First
New on the web site is a page dedicated to Safety Briefings.  This follows the appointment of QFI John Gill as Safety Coordinator for the Club. John will update the safety information frequently, mainly via links to official sources, so that members know where to find all the important safety information they need (and ought) to know. 02/07/07
Close Encounter
On 24th May, Liverpool football fans returned from Athens in a variety of large aircraft.  They don't come larger than this 747, (yet) and you don't often get this close to one taxying, its port wingtip almost reaching the lamp standard (centre) as it passed. 25/05/07
Management Opportunities
The Club Committee welcomes nominations from members for the position of Chairman and for the appointment of two directors. Nominations in writing, including a proposing member, secnder and the consent of the nominee, should be sent to the Secretary at the address on the Contacts page.  It should be pointed out that although nominations may be received from any member, the Chairman is elected by the Committee. New directors are appointed by the existing directors. 16/05/07
She's Back - Go Fly!
Alpha Victor returned to Liverpool on Monday 15th May after a prolonged Annual caused by the need to obtain replacement mainwheels.  The original Manufacturer's parts were no longer available so the latest Cessna approved supplier's parts had to be purchased and fitted.  Of course you can't do just one wheel, and naturally the original brake discs and calipers don't fit the new wheels.  And now, after a brilliant, flyable April, the weather's no good.  That's aviation!
Annual Maintenance 2007
The aircraft went to Hawarden on Saturday 7th April for her Annual. Damage was found to the nosewheel and port mainwheel, plus some minor corrosion in the engine bay which meant that the aircraft wasn't returned to service until Wednsday 2nd May.
Smart Paint and Leather Seats - 2

Capturing all the admiring glances at Shobdon!

CAA Safety Evening
These worthwhile meetings, at which a talk is given by a CAA Safety expert, followed by general (and often entertaining) discussion don't always fall on a date and at a place convenient to local pilots. However, Roger Penney has reminded us that this year there is one in Liverpool. Apparently there is statistical evidence to show that pilots who have attended a CAA Safety Evening are involved in fewer "incidents". Not only for convenience then, but also for self-preservation, you now have no excuse not to go. (See the Notams page for full details). 26/02/07
From the Past
One of our members is also a member of a thriving Flight Simulator group run on flying club lines. A recent new member of that "virtual" flying club, John Crockatt, turned out to be an old Southport Aero Club member, and was taught to fly in 1961 by Dave Vernon - (see the History pages). 17/01/07
Whether the Weather?
We only managed to fly 1.5 hours in total in December because of strong winds and other bad weather for almost the whole month. January has already seen about 12 hours logged, which is slightly above average for the month. Doubtless everyone was getting withdrawal symptoms. 17/01/07
Faults and Fixes
The Direction Indicator failed in December and has been rapidly replaced. Radio box 1 continues to be troublesome. Transmission seems good, but reception is distorted. A new battery was fitted during the 50 hour check in December. Towards the end of January, Alpha Victor is being repoainted at Sleap. She is expected to be away for about 3 weeks. 17/01/07
Where is he?

You hear another aircraft on the radio reporting that he is approaching the same point in the sky as you, and that is your first question. There are lots of blind spots in light aircraft so he may well be hidden from view. To overcome this problem, the Club has purchased a PCAS - Portable Collision Avoidance System.

The PCAS MRX is the world's smallest collision avoidance device, and can be placed on top of the coaming without impeding vision. It displays range and relative altitude of the closest nearby aircraft (so long as that aircraft is transmitting on a transponder of course), with continuous monitoring of the 10 nearest aircraft within the adjustable range (normally 5nm). Altitude detection is similarly adjustable up to +/- 5000 ft.

Photograph courtesy of Zaon Flight Systems
The unit is smaller than a pack of cards and gives an audible annunciation for traffic advisories and alerts.The information is also displayed on a high-brightness dimmable LED display. The unit is powered by aircraft power (12-40 VDC adapter included) or 2 "AA" Batteries. Members will find links to the Users documentation on the Aircraft page. Please download your own copy..26/10/06
On Voillant en Avranches

Ed Byrne & Conall Garvey took Alpha Victor to the Annual Avranches (Normandy) Fly-in on June 24th/25th. John Gill, Peter Dodds, David Brant and Paul Ponting went in the faster Cessna 182 G-IATU, but didn't actally get there much sooner, except that while Alpha Victor was overhead planning their approach to Avranches grass 04, Tango Uniform nipped in on a tight final and landed first. There was a superb party in the hangar on the Saturday evening, at which almost an entire table was taken over by Scousers (CATS and SMAC) with peashooters - a frightening combination. While David was seen fraternising enthusiastically with a delightful Mademoiselle, the rest of us stuck to the fantastic food and just a little vin de table!

La Fraternité
Conall Garvey Goes Far

Members Conall Garvey & Ed Byrne took Alpha Victor to the beautiful island of Mull in 2005 (pictures). As well as an enjoyable flight, they also captured the President's Shield for the furthest distance flown from Liverpool in the year.
Conall receives the President's Shield from president Keith Levin at the AGM.
Annual Maintenance Update 2
The "starred" Annual was completed and the aircraft returned to Liverpool on Saturdady 15th April.
Annual Maintenance Update
The aircraft went into Hawarden for its Annual on Friday 3rd March and is expected to be away for about 2 - 3 weeks.
Anual Maintenance
The "starred" Annual is confirmed as due about the 10th May, but it can be done up to 2 months before that date, so it is hoped to take it into Hawarden a couple of weeks before the 10th March, so that downtime is minimised as the better flying weather approaches.
Oil Change
The aircraft goes in for a mandatory oil change on 27th January 2006. Shortly afterwards she goes in for the "starred Annual" so will be unavailable for about two weeks in late March.
New Host for the Web Site
Thanks to Andy Ambrose for the pointer to 123-REG, our new Website host. Transfer was simplicity itself, and the site down time was less than 24 hours.
Bumper Flying Year
At first count, it looks as if Alpha Victor has flown more hours in 2005 than for several years. Let's put her about even more often and further in 2006.
The Member's Bar is Filling Up
Our Yahoo Groups forum is a year old, and now has 27 members plus two non-flying "test" members. There are an average of 24 messages posted each month, and the calendar is being well used to indicate availablity (but remember that a calendar booking is not an official booking).
Another 50 Hours Flown!
In spite of having been granted a 10 hour extension, on 17th September, there were just 7 hours left before Alpha Victor needed her next 50 hour check. Such has been the pilot activity this summer, her previous 50 hour check was July 14th/15th, and before that May.
Royal Aeronatical Society Meetings
The 2005/2006 programme for the Chester Branch meetings has been kindly sent to us by John Issott. The Society and the
lectures are open to anyone who is interested. All they ask is that guests make a contribution to costs. See the letter which accompanies the programme. Download.
Message Forum - Further Update
We now have 20 members (almost 40%) who have joined our Yahoo Groups email group and there is a brisk level of traffic. If you haven't yet joined and read all the gossip, apply today.
Bumper Flying Time
In spite of the less than perfect weather, Alpha Victor has logged almost 20 hours since her 50 hour check a couple of weeks ago. More hours means cheaper flying in the long run, so lets keep it up.
50 Hour Check May 2005
The aircraft will be unavailable for the early part of week commencing Monday 15th May, but should be back by Thursday 18th. Utilisation is up this year, which is good news. We need to exceed 200 hours a year to be financially secure.
Members Bar - New Menu Option
A new menu item has been added to every page on the site now. Clicking on this option takes you to the Member's Bar page from where you can access the new message forum.
Alpha Victor is Back from Annual
On Saturday 12th March 2005, G-GYAV was returned to service after its Annual Inspection. the weather has GOT to improve now - surely - so get those bookings in!
On-Line Booking System Trial
The Club is starting an experiment from December 2004 with booking the aircraft via an on-line calendar service which is free from Hotmail. Check the "Bookings and Fees" menu option. Thanks to John Gill for setting this up. Please send any comments good, bad or ugly to the webmaster (email address on the Contacts page.
Return from the west
Alpha Victor returned from its enforced summer vacation on the Isle of Man on Tuesday 31st August 2004. Wasting no time, members Peter Dodds and Terry Stelfox took her for a spin round Cheshire and Staffordshire the following afternoon, a day which happened to have the best weather the region had enjoyed for weeks.
All Change
The web site is undergoing a facelift, so please bear with us while this takes place. Soon there will be:
  • Much more information for and about members
  • Information for other pilots in the North-west who may not know about about our existence and the benefits of being members of SMAC.
 
Wettest Summer On Record
This meant curtailed flying activities of course, but several members managed a significant amount of fl;ying in the Autumn, so that overall flying hours for the year looked reasonabvle when presented at the Committee meeting held in November. 30/12/07
Avranches 2008
This superb biennial International gathering of light aircraft from all over Europe takes place this year on 28th and 29th June. Plans are afoot for SMAC to take a number of members in several aircraft. Peter Dodds is co-ordinating this club actiovity, so if you want to take part, or have an aircraft we can hire or share please contact him at the email address on the Contacts page. 30/12/07
Sorry, but...
The cost of aviation fuel and aircraft maintenance continues to rise, so from time to time, the aircraft flying charges need to be adjusted to reflect this.  Following a comrehensive review of how the club's various income streams affect the overall financial health of the club, the rates were adjusted (upwards, sorry, but...) to ensure the club's financial health for the future. See the Charges page for details. 02/07/07
Magellan Moves!
The Magellan aerial found in the aircraft has now been moved to Liver Grease, since no-one has yet claimed it.  It appears to be a car-mount with an RS232 connector, so if it is yours, contact the secretary if you wish to retrieve it. 06/07/07
Magellan Found!
No, we haven't found the man who discovered Cape Horn and Tierra del Fuego, but an aerial belonging to a GPS unit of the same name.  It is in the aircraft, so would the owner please reclaim it. 02/07/07
New Leather
The aircraft had new leather trim fitted to the seats while it was being repainted.  Recently, the job was finished off superbly when the side panels were completed in the same leather.  Alpha Victor now looks (and smells) quite luxurious - an even better reason to go flying than ever.  Our grateful thanks are due to John Livens who procured this work for us. 20/05/07
Click on image for larger version
Never Mind the Width, Feel the Quality!
Management Changes

At the Committee meeting on Thursday 10th May, The Chairman, John Livens regretfully tendered his resignation as Chairman and Director for personal reasons. John has been Chairman and a Director for 11 years and has brought to the Club in that time many initiatives and benefits which will be with us for many years.  He expects to continue flying with the Club, naturally.

Vice Chairman Norman Balfour is at the helm, pending the election of a new Chairman.

At the same meeting Secretary Chris Wylie tendered his resignation as a Director.  Chris as been a Director since 1991, and felt that it was time for a change  He will continue in the position of Club Secretary. 16/05/07

Wanted - Volunteer to be Left Behind
The picture top right was taken as AV took off from Glenrothes in 2003 by a friend of the pilot who lived in Edinburgh and obviously didn't want to be taken back to Liverpool. What we now need, of course, is another similar photograph of Alpha Victor in her new colours.  So if any passenger fancies being left behind with a camera in order to get their photo on every page of the Club web site, now is your chance. 02/04/07
New Club Year, New Committee
Four new Committee Members were elected this year, Steve Baker, Andy Ireland, Roger Penney and Jason Rodgers.  As private flying becomes ever more difficult and costly, and the club seeks new ways to encourage flying and reduce costs, we particularly welcome these active flying members to the decision making of the club. 02/04/07  
Thanks For Your Contribution
John Barnes and Duncan Chambers stood down from the committee this year after many years service.  Our thanks to both of them for their input to the club over the years, John as our resident paint and coatings expert, and Duncan as a Flying Instructor. 02/04/07
Smart Paint and Leather Seats

At the committee meeting held on Thursday 15th February, the proposed modifications to the earlier committee approved paint scheme were adopted.

The aircraft remains at Sleap being brought up to scratch. The areas of corrosion in the tail and on the engine cowling have been repaired, and the tail tiedown replaced. The aircraft is expected to be sprayed overall white this week and the final colours are likely to be applied next week. The seats have also been reupholstered in tan leather at a good price, thanks to John Livens. We should soon have an aircraft to be very proud of. 26/02/07.
Annual General Meeting
The AGM will be held on 1st April at the Camponile Hotel,
Liverpool at 15:00hrs. The formal business will be the
Chairman's, Secretary's, Treasurer's and CFI's reports, adoption of accounts, appointment of auditors and election of committee, followed by any other business.

Any resolutions to be considered under any other business must be with the Secretary in writing, proposed and seconded, at least 4 days before the meeting. 26/02/07
Committee Meeting

Following members comments on the proposed paint scheme after the previous committee meeting, some small changes have been proposed. The committee meeting planned for late February has been brought forward to Thursday 15th February, 7.30p.m. at the usual venue, to discuss these proposals.

Butties and Bogs
Getting the hours in before the repaint, several members have been flying together exploring the "facilities" at a few airfields around the country. First sortie was round Wales. The second sortie is coming up soon.
Committee Meeting
At the last Committee meeting on 10th January, the main topic of discussion was the new paint scheme. John Gill and Peter Dodds produced several ideas, and amazingly the committee agreed on a nice modern design - which wasn't one that either member produced, but a hybrid.. 17/01/07
Alternate? Reserves?
You are inbound to Liverpool when the airfield is closed without warning. It is almost sunset in winter. OK, so you have a night rating, but where is your alternate aerodrome? Blackpool, Manchester? (Consider how long you may have to hold waiting for a landing at Manchester), East Midlands, Birmingham? Coventry? What reserve fuel do you normally carry - 45 minutes? Perhaps you need to revise this figure - by quite a bit. Just the result of a discussion between two members following the incident at Liverpool on Tuesday 24th October.
Dunkeswell for Breakfast
Anyone planning a flight south, possibly to Guernsey or Jersey or beyond, would do well to land at Dunkeswell for breakfast. Their "Megabreakfast" (no sausage, Sir? - have 4 eggs for the same price!) could well put the aircraft overweight! Although not the first place you might think of for a stop-over, we can recommend it highly.
An Aircraft with Attitude
The attitude indicator failed in early May during new member Steve's Baker's first solo flight in Alpha Victor - which was a bit naughty of it. The replacement was fitted in only a couple of days.
Annual General Meeting

The AGM was held at the Camponile Hotel, Liverpool at 15:00 on Sunday 2nd April 2006. Chairman John Livens unveiled the new Alpha Victor Trophy. The Secretary, Chris Wylie reported on a good flying year with hours up and finances healthy. There was discussion about repainting the aircraft within the next 2 years and member John Issott announced he was moving house - to New Zealand.

Archie Grice, Keith Levin, John Livens & Chris Wylie admire the new Alpha Victor Trophy
Katrina? This Aircraft Ain't Gonna Move!
Just before Christmas 2005, two new wheelie bin tiedowns were fitted. The idea has been very successful, but did we really intend to keep the old ones as well?. We also have a new set of shiny yellow chocks with posh red connecting cord.

Hurricane Katrina - photo sent in by John Issott
Another Committee Meeting
There was a Committee Meeting on Wednsday 21st September commencing at 19:30 local. usual place.
Mystery Members
Any member who can identify the unidentified mmbers in the 25th Anniversary Dinner photo gallery, could they please contact the webmaster (address on the Contacts page.).
Committee Meeting
There was a Committee Meeting on Wednsday 15th June commencing at 19:30 local. usual place.
Message Forum Update

The new Yahoo! Groups message forum is proving popular already with 10 members signed up. The calendar function is also being well used, although it is unfortunate that there is a lull in bookings at the moment due to AV going for a 50 hour check next week. Please don't forget, however, that the only official booking system at present is through the pager. A booking on the forum calendar only is not a valid booking.

Trial Forum/Mailing List
One of the disadvantages of a Club like ours with no premises is that some members rarely meet or talk to each other. To overcome this, we have been actively exploring the option of creating a members Mailing List. John Gill has now kindly set up a trial members forum and mailing list at Yahoo Groups. If you would like to join the group, please email the webmaster (see Contacts page)..
Anual General Meeting
The AGM is on Sunday 3rd April 2005 at 15:00hrs. Members will know that it is at the usual venue. Non-members wishing to attend should contact the Club Secretary, Chris Wylie - details on the Contacts page.
Interested in Joining the Club? Just Curious?
Any non-members visiting this site? Why not consider joining us. The only membership requirement is that you have either a PPL or NPPL. Why not have a chat with Chris Wylie? See the Contacts page for details.
Merry Christmas Everyone!
I hope members don't think it too early for the Chairman, John Livens, and all the committee to wish everyone a Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year for 2005 with lots of flying in AV!
The Wettest August since 1956
It's official! But September 2004 wasn't much better. It was wonderful weather where your webmaster and news editor was for most of October! (N43° 23', W70° 42') With annual flying hours down due to the mishap in June and the poor autumn, it would be good for the club if members were able to take advantage of any break in the weather to increase their flying hours for the remainder of the year.
Fly Alpha Victor on your computer
By chance, at the same time that Alpha Victor returned from the Isle of Man on 31st August 2004, Peter Dodds finally completed a Cessna 172 instrument panel for Flight Simulator 2004 which is closely modelled on G-GYAV. Download a copy.