From: 54327ds@cbnewsm.cb.att.com (david.smith)
Newsgroups: rec.aviation
Subject: Re: Tiger Moths in England?
Summary: Whereabouts
Date: 4 Sep 92 15:34:57 GMT
Organization: AT&T

In article <Bu13rF.B68@nntp-sc.Intel.COM>, jlo@gomez.intel.com (Jeffrey Lo) writes:
> I vaguely remember someone posting some years back about a Tiger Moth
> that they took some dual in while they were in jolly old England.  As
> I will likely be in England in early October, does anyone remember any
> of the details of this?  I would dearly like to try my hand at flying
> one of them.
> 
> Thanks!
> 
> -- 
> Jeff Lo - Jeffrey_Lo@ccm.hf.intel.com
> 1946 Cessna 120 N1819N

That could have been me.

When I'm in the UK I fly Tiger Moths (preferably G-ASKP when its not in
a state of re-build) at the Tiger Club, now based out of Headcorn. We were
at Redhill until being booted out by the owners/managers since we had become
an "inconvenience" to the "serious" aviation now going on - teaching people
to fly 152s etc. Headcorn is about an hour (?) ESE of London and is served by
rail. We also operate a Stampe SV4B, Turbulents (I've can't remember if the
Condor is still there), and in a nod to more modern
sporting aviation, an S2A.

We do not teach ab-initios, you ought to have at least a PPL. Some tailwheel
time is be helpful. I think we offer some form of temporary membership,
maybe even a one-day affair, but I may be confusing this with the
standard "blood-chits" we get people to sign if they just want a ride.
Of course if you're serious about Tiger Moths and sporting aviation
(with a definite British flavour) then you ought to consider becoming an
(overseas) member. You'll be kept in touch through the Tiger Rag, and
receive notices about various events that you probably won't be able to
attend such as the annual Tiger Ball, sorties over the Channel to spend
the day with counterparts in France and so on. You also get your name in
"The Book" (no not the one from Hitch-Hiker's Guide to the Galaxy)
that lists the many and varied members spread over the face of the Globe.

After a thorough checkout (the senior check pilot is one Peter Kynsey, former
British National Aerobatic Champion, occasional Spitfire pilot, and
current owner and operator of LeVier Cosmic Wind "Ballerina" - so the
checkouts are rather thoroughgoing) you will be permitted to solo our
machines, and yes, that includes the Tigers.
You are also encouraged to take them touring.  Bear in mind that
these are historic machines and you will not be well liked
if you bend them.

For a good perspective, past and present, I suggest you read Annette Carson's
book, "Flight Fantastic" which goes into some detail of the Tiger Club.
Its probably one of the few places where you can catch a whiff of the
nostalgia associated with between wars (I and II) sport flying in
Britain.

If you go to the TC, ask for Geoff Salt, and tell him Dave Smith sent
you. (Also tell him, I'm sorry for not writing - been busy, and that
I'll see him and Annie at Christmas - we *will* get the air-to-air shots of
me and 'SKP yet!)

As for other places - well, I know Clacton Aero Club offer Tiger Moth
exposure, and Cambridge Aero Club did some years ago (don't know if they
still do). I don't know if you can get solo priviledges though.