Farewell Winkle Brown

Captain Eric Melrose “Winkle” Brown, CBE, DSC, AFC, Hon FRAeS, RN, the legendary test pilot (487 different aircraft types in his logbook) passed away on the 21st February.  He led the most extraordinary life.  Here are some links to obituaries that give the flavour of it.

Guardian: Eric “Winkle” Brown obituary
Telegraph: Captain Eric “Winkle” Brown obituary
Wikipedia: Eric Brown (pilot)

The latter part of his life was lived in Sussex and we were making plans, together with another organisation, for a talk from him.  Alas it will never happen.

Auster, Beagle, Miles Fly-In

This event is planned for Saturday 30th July 2016 at Shoreham Airport, the historic home of F.G.Miles Ltd. and Beagle-Miles Ltd.  The aim is to re-unite informally Beagle Pup, Bulldog, Auster (all types) and Miles aircraft at Shoreham to share a day with pilots, owners, club members and original workers at Shoreham to celebrate Auster, Miles and Beagle’s shared heritage.  See the Wikepedia entry for Miles Aircraft.

I don’t know if anyone in the strut will be bringing along their Miles, Beagle or Auster (or any other vintage aircraft, also welcome).  However there is another way to be in on the action; the Southern Strut is down to supply four marshallers for the event, so that’s three volunteers needed (’cause I’m certainly going: Ed.)

There will be talks and ground exhibits also.  If you are in touch with former Miles/Beagle workers they are particularly welcome so please spread the word..

Last month’s talk from Capt Bryan Pill, Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF), Bush Flying in Africa

Some photos from Bryan’s entertaining talk.

For more information about the Mission Aviation Fellowship (fancy working for them?) see their website: www.maf-uk.org/

Upcoming Events

For the latest list of events, go to the Events page on the Strut website.

Please suggest/volunteer to organize some more. 🙂