12 May 2024
Yarmouth Heliport Fly-out and BBQ
16 aircraft from airfields around Norfolk descended on Yarmouth Heliport for a BBQ. The much anticipated event was hailed a success by everyone.
Yarmouth Heliport Fly-out and BBQ
16 aircraft from airfields around Norfolk descended on Yarmouth Heliport for a BBQ. The much anticipated event was hailed a success by everyone.
5 May 2024
Spring fly-in at Priory Farm
Around 40 aircraft flew in for an excellent fly-in at the airfield.
Spring fly-in at Priory Farm
Around 40 aircraft flew in for an excellent fly-in at the airfield.
28 & 29 January 2024
Norwich Fly-out and visit to Norwich Aviation Centre and Air Traffic Control
David spent a lot of time & effort arranging these trips, with substantial input & cooperation from Rob Clarke of the Norwich Aviation Centre who took on the ‘handling’, which you have to have at an airport. Rob also managed the hospitality on both days for the PFA parties including the provision of lunch for our hungry aviators. Their CFI, Howard Barber is known to many of us as it one of their Flight Examiners/ Instructors - our very own Linda Smith.
The visit to ATC was arranged with Ian McDowell, the SATCO (Senior Air Traffic Controller) at Norwich, who also hosted our guys in the Control Tower and the Radar Room which was fascinating and informative for all.
So, apart from having a great time, what did we come away with in terms of enhanced knowledge and appreciation of how things work at a full airport ATC/Radar unit? I asked those questions of our guys and made many observations myself. I heard that at least one of our pilots did not appreciate that you cannot taxi without clearance, so got admonished for that! It’s obvious really - at an airport with commercial and public transport flights, you can’t have little aeroplanes wandering around unannounced! So, without wishing to create a ‘teach-in’, here are a few pointers that may prove useful.
Norwich Fly-out and visit to Norwich Aviation Centre and Air Traffic Control
David spent a lot of time & effort arranging these trips, with substantial input & cooperation from Rob Clarke of the Norwich Aviation Centre who took on the ‘handling’, which you have to have at an airport. Rob also managed the hospitality on both days for the PFA parties including the provision of lunch for our hungry aviators. Their CFI, Howard Barber is known to many of us as it one of their Flight Examiners/ Instructors - our very own Linda Smith.
The visit to ATC was arranged with Ian McDowell, the SATCO (Senior Air Traffic Controller) at Norwich, who also hosted our guys in the Control Tower and the Radar Room which was fascinating and informative for all.
So, apart from having a great time, what did we come away with in terms of enhanced knowledge and appreciation of how things work at a full airport ATC/Radar unit? I asked those questions of our guys and made many observations myself. I heard that at least one of our pilots did not appreciate that you cannot taxi without clearance, so got admonished for that! It’s obvious really - at an airport with commercial and public transport flights, you can’t have little aeroplanes wandering around unannounced! So, without wishing to create a ‘teach-in’, here are a few pointers that may prove useful.
6 December 2023
The John McLeod Trophy is awarded annually and goes to the club member who in the opinion of the Committee has made a significant or outstanding contribution to Priory Farm operations, or has made a flight or flying adventure which is out of the ordinary. Here are the Chairman, John Fielding’s words from his presentation....
This man has enjoyed a lifetime in aviation although like many on the committee, he doesn't have an aircraft to fly. No task is beyona nim. After years of the club putting up with an unrellable weocam and weather system, he set his mind to tinding a solution ... and made it happen. When we needed a new editor of Waypoint after Paul retired, he didn't hesitate to take it on with great gusto. Every year at our Father's Day fly-in, he operates the radio service with the trained professionalism and goodwill that is his trademark.
He is someone I have frequently turned to when there's been a sticky situation where his mature, informed opinions are invaluable. MORE IMPORTANTLY ... he wrote something nice about me in this month's Waypoint!
Raise your glasses for a toast please to a very kind man ... and this year's winner of the John McCleod trophy...ALAN MCNEAL!!"
The John McLeod Trophy is awarded annually and goes to the club member who in the opinion of the Committee has made a significant or outstanding contribution to Priory Farm operations, or has made a flight or flying adventure which is out of the ordinary. Here are the Chairman, John Fielding’s words from his presentation....
This man has enjoyed a lifetime in aviation although like many on the committee, he doesn't have an aircraft to fly. No task is beyona nim. After years of the club putting up with an unrellable weocam and weather system, he set his mind to tinding a solution ... and made it happen. When we needed a new editor of Waypoint after Paul retired, he didn't hesitate to take it on with great gusto. Every year at our Father's Day fly-in, he operates the radio service with the trained professionalism and goodwill that is his trademark.
He is someone I have frequently turned to when there's been a sticky situation where his mature, informed opinions are invaluable. MORE IMPORTANTLY ... he wrote something nice about me in this month's Waypoint!
Raise your glasses for a toast please to a very kind man ... and this year's winner of the John McCleod trophy...ALAN MCNEAL!!"
5 April 2023
The April 'Away' Meeting was at the 100th Bomb Group Memorial Museum this year. Around 20 members turned up for a very enjoyable evening there. Thorpe Abbotts Airfield was home of the 100th Bomb Group during WW2 and members were treated to some films on the history of the museum and the 100th Bomb Group as well as a look around the Control Tower and other buildings that form part of the museum.
Further info about the museum can be found here:
https://www.100bgmus.org.uk/
The April 'Away' Meeting was at the 100th Bomb Group Memorial Museum this year. Around 20 members turned up for a very enjoyable evening there. Thorpe Abbotts Airfield was home of the 100th Bomb Group during WW2 and members were treated to some films on the history of the museum and the 100th Bomb Group as well as a look around the Control Tower and other buildings that form part of the museum.
Further info about the museum can be found here:
https://www.100bgmus.org.uk/
April 2023
Priory Farm Airfield is now featured on the Netflights Airfield Guide section, link here:
https://www.netflights.com/airfields
Priory Farm Airfield is now featured on the Netflights Airfield Guide section, link here:
https://www.netflights.com/airfields
7 December 2022
The John McLeod Trophy is awarded annually and goes to the club member who in the opinion of the Committee has made a significant or outstanding contribution to Priory Farm operations, or has made a flight or flying adventure which is out of the ordinary. Here are the Chairman, John Fielding’s words from his presentation....
“When we were discussing who should be awarded this year's John McLeod trophy, none of us could believe that this man hadn't already won it.
We are fortunate to enjoy a relaxed, easy going atmosphere at Priory Farm Airfield which isn't an accident. The character at Priory Farm filters down from the top. And by the top, I don't mean me or the committee. There's really only one person in charge at Priory Farm and you know who it is. Mention Priory Farm Airfield to any aviator in East Anglia and they'll all know him.
The atmosphere at the airfield might be relaxed but there's very little that takes place on the that he isn't aware of. Have you ever heard a gruff little voice behind you when you're getting your plane ready for flight?
Do you think that tyre could do with some air?
Are you missing a screw on the cowling?
Are you going to put the oil cap back on?
Did you mean to leave the fuel cap on the wing?
Did you mean to put diesel in the fuel tanks?
And the way he tells you, is never accusing or unkind. Simply helpful and without an edge. By the way, those errors have nothing to do with me, but I've heard it said of others.
From training to work in air traffic control, to rebuilding Stearman and to developing an airfield operation aviation and Priory Farm Airfield have been his life and WE have have been the beneficiaries!
And it's blooming unfortunate that the one person who has been to almost every committee meeting, barbecue, group outing and Christmas party in our history isn't able to be with us tonight.
So we'll send him a video, wish him well and send him our love.
Please be upstanding to offer a toast: TO BOB SAGE !!”
The John McLeod Trophy is awarded annually and goes to the club member who in the opinion of the Committee has made a significant or outstanding contribution to Priory Farm operations, or has made a flight or flying adventure which is out of the ordinary. Here are the Chairman, John Fielding’s words from his presentation....
“When we were discussing who should be awarded this year's John McLeod trophy, none of us could believe that this man hadn't already won it.
We are fortunate to enjoy a relaxed, easy going atmosphere at Priory Farm Airfield which isn't an accident. The character at Priory Farm filters down from the top. And by the top, I don't mean me or the committee. There's really only one person in charge at Priory Farm and you know who it is. Mention Priory Farm Airfield to any aviator in East Anglia and they'll all know him.
The atmosphere at the airfield might be relaxed but there's very little that takes place on the that he isn't aware of. Have you ever heard a gruff little voice behind you when you're getting your plane ready for flight?
Do you think that tyre could do with some air?
Are you missing a screw on the cowling?
Are you going to put the oil cap back on?
Did you mean to leave the fuel cap on the wing?
Did you mean to put diesel in the fuel tanks?
And the way he tells you, is never accusing or unkind. Simply helpful and without an edge. By the way, those errors have nothing to do with me, but I've heard it said of others.
From training to work in air traffic control, to rebuilding Stearman and to developing an airfield operation aviation and Priory Farm Airfield have been his life and WE have have been the beneficiaries!
And it's blooming unfortunate that the one person who has been to almost every committee meeting, barbecue, group outing and Christmas party in our history isn't able to be with us tonight.
So we'll send him a video, wish him well and send him our love.
Please be upstanding to offer a toast: TO BOB SAGE !!”
3 June 2021
A new weather system has now been installed and is fully operational at Priory Farm. A video about it can be seen here:
A new weather system has now been installed and is fully operational at Priory Farm. A video about it can be seen here:
26 May 2021
RAF Priory Farm! Chinook HC.6A arrived and was on the ground for about 2 minutes at about 1245 on 26 May 2021. Image below taken by Bob Sage.
RAF Priory Farm! Chinook HC.6A arrived and was on the ground for about 2 minutes at about 1245 on 26 May 2021. Image below taken by Bob Sage.
4 December 2019
The John McLeod Trophy — awarded for “services to light aviation” — was presented at the December meeting of the PFA. Beforehand, Chairman, John Fielding had this to say:
“I'd like to thank you all for being here this evening. Before we go on, I'd like us also to give a thought to any members who would have loved to be have been here tonight, but for whatever reason ... couldn't.
“And so .... This year's winner has a history of undertaking some mammoth, inspiring flights around the UK. He's taken part in countless Fly-UK rallies and there's not an area of the United Kingdom and Ireland that he hasn't flown to ... including the Shetlands and Orkneys. He's anything but a 'fair weather' flyer and has over a thousand hours of safely flying in all conditions.
“Without giving too much away, this man has patiently put up with me for ten years as his aircraft syndicate partner. However ... the reason he particularly stood out this year is for an act of
kindness that represents the kind of good club member AND good person he is.
“At the end of this year's Fly-UK rally, one of our members had a minor but very unfortunate accident whilst parking his flexwing at an airfield near Carlisle. His aircraft was grounded and needed retrieving ... a return trip of 600 miles and 12 solid hours of driving.
“Tonight's winner ... a self-employed man who, after a holiday, probably should have been catching up with a backlog of work (and sleep) at home, didn't hesitate to hook up a trailer and take on the long drive north. I suspect there aren't many amongst us who would have given so much time to perform such a generous act .... and ... not only that, I know that in his mind .... it wasn't a big deal.
“It's for these reasons that I'm honoured to present this year's John McLeod trophy to ... John Mundy.”
The John McLeod Trophy — awarded for “services to light aviation” — was presented at the December meeting of the PFA. Beforehand, Chairman, John Fielding had this to say:
“I'd like to thank you all for being here this evening. Before we go on, I'd like us also to give a thought to any members who would have loved to be have been here tonight, but for whatever reason ... couldn't.
“And so .... This year's winner has a history of undertaking some mammoth, inspiring flights around the UK. He's taken part in countless Fly-UK rallies and there's not an area of the United Kingdom and Ireland that he hasn't flown to ... including the Shetlands and Orkneys. He's anything but a 'fair weather' flyer and has over a thousand hours of safely flying in all conditions.
“Without giving too much away, this man has patiently put up with me for ten years as his aircraft syndicate partner. However ... the reason he particularly stood out this year is for an act of
kindness that represents the kind of good club member AND good person he is.
“At the end of this year's Fly-UK rally, one of our members had a minor but very unfortunate accident whilst parking his flexwing at an airfield near Carlisle. His aircraft was grounded and needed retrieving ... a return trip of 600 miles and 12 solid hours of driving.
“Tonight's winner ... a self-employed man who, after a holiday, probably should have been catching up with a backlog of work (and sleep) at home, didn't hesitate to hook up a trailer and take on the long drive north. I suspect there aren't many amongst us who would have given so much time to perform such a generous act .... and ... not only that, I know that in his mind .... it wasn't a big deal.
“It's for these reasons that I'm honoured to present this year's John McLeod trophy to ... John Mundy.”
13 July 2019
Saturday 13 July presented an ‘iffy’ weather prospect, but four aircraft travelled hopefully from Priory Farm to Fenland. Adrian and Alan were the ‘pathfinders’ in the Robin; followed by John in his Nynja; Trevor and Michelle in the Thruster; and Paul in his Aeronca.
Cakes or a fry-up were the reward for perseverance, as also was a more benign weather scenario on the homeward journey.
Saturday 13 July presented an ‘iffy’ weather prospect, but four aircraft travelled hopefully from Priory Farm to Fenland. Adrian and Alan were the ‘pathfinders’ in the Robin; followed by John in his Nynja; Trevor and Michelle in the Thruster; and Paul in his Aeronca.
Cakes or a fry-up were the reward for perseverance, as also was a more benign weather scenario on the homeward journey.
4 April 2018
This year started with the annual PFA Away evening which takes the members to various locations and museums in the area. This year was a great evening out to the RAF Regiment Heritage Centre at RAF Honington.
Here we visited the Memorial Gardens, Gate Guard and the Museum where a lot was learnt about what the RAF Regiment do in their day to day role. We also learnt about some of the past deployments they have done and a lot about the history of them. A very well recommended visit.
Further details can be found here:
https://rafregimentheritagecentre.org.uk
This year started with the annual PFA Away evening which takes the members to various locations and museums in the area. This year was a great evening out to the RAF Regiment Heritage Centre at RAF Honington.
Here we visited the Memorial Gardens, Gate Guard and the Museum where a lot was learnt about what the RAF Regiment do in their day to day role. We also learnt about some of the past deployments they have done and a lot about the history of them. A very well recommended visit.
Further details can be found here:
https://rafregimentheritagecentre.org.uk
6 December 2017
Following a superb traditional Christmas meal, Chairman John gave a rousing speech and announced the winner of this year's John McCleod Trophy to Richard Flagg. Richard has served on the PFA committee for many years, practically never misses a meeting and is reliably enthusiastic, positive and kind. He runs the PFA website and even pays for the domain renewal, himself.
Richard has developed the internationally renowned website: “UK Airfields” covering airfields, memorials and aircraft in the UK. He's a fully-fledged aviation enthusiast who's as good at listening as he is at talking. Each year, he organises the April PFA members trip, utilising his wealth of aviation contacts and knowledge.
Richard gives a great deal to the PFA and its membership despite neither having an aircraft or pilot's licence. He's an all-round, good egg.
PICTURE : Richard Flagg (left) is presented with the John McLeod Trophy by John Fielding
Following a superb traditional Christmas meal, Chairman John gave a rousing speech and announced the winner of this year's John McCleod Trophy to Richard Flagg. Richard has served on the PFA committee for many years, practically never misses a meeting and is reliably enthusiastic, positive and kind. He runs the PFA website and even pays for the domain renewal, himself.
Richard has developed the internationally renowned website: “UK Airfields” covering airfields, memorials and aircraft in the UK. He's a fully-fledged aviation enthusiast who's as good at listening as he is at talking. Each year, he organises the April PFA members trip, utilising his wealth of aviation contacts and knowledge.
Richard gives a great deal to the PFA and its membership despite neither having an aircraft or pilot's licence. He's an all-round, good egg.
PICTURE : Richard Flagg (left) is presented with the John McLeod Trophy by John Fielding
7 December 2016
The winner for 2016 john McLeod Trophy is Chris Barnes for his inspired building of Chilton DW1A G-DWCB, first flown at Priory Farm on 31 August 2016.
It is no mean feat to construct an aircraft from a kit of parts, and we raise out hats to those who take the time to assemble aeroplanes from the providers of some of the better kits on the market.
We raise our hats — and, additionally, give thanks to providence for our own salvation — when we see fellow aviators wrestling with an ill-fitting selection of pieces supplied by one of the less helpful kit manufacturers.
What can we do except gape in admiration at the home constructor who carries a tree into his workshop and emerges years later with an aeroplane — and one constructed to the highest standards of workmanship, too?
Chris kindly took time out to give an illustrated talk to the February 2016 PFA meeting. Informative though the talk was, the following question time was lengthy, as members sought further detail of what they had seen on the slides. Without doubt, all were interested and impressed.
But even the worst kits are still kits. Chris started from basic materials and a set of plans for what is, hardly, the world’s best-engineered aircraft. And he succeeded. Just once he needed to cheat — when rudder control cables were fouled by a fault with one of the rear fuselage frames and he had to chop a small piece out of the frame to restore free movement.
At a later juncture, he had the opportunity to ask a judicious question of an owner of one of the pre-war, production-line- built DW1s. He hadn’t made a mistake: The original designers and builders had to cut a bit out of that frame, too!
There is doubt whether the sight of Chris’s DW1A flying out of Priory Farm will inspire other members to undertake their own scratch-build projects. However, that is their loss. Chris has shown the way and we honour him for demonstrating to us what is possible in the realm of light aviation.
PICTURE : Chris Barnes and his superb Chilton DW1A
The winner for 2016 john McLeod Trophy is Chris Barnes for his inspired building of Chilton DW1A G-DWCB, first flown at Priory Farm on 31 August 2016.
It is no mean feat to construct an aircraft from a kit of parts, and we raise out hats to those who take the time to assemble aeroplanes from the providers of some of the better kits on the market.
We raise our hats — and, additionally, give thanks to providence for our own salvation — when we see fellow aviators wrestling with an ill-fitting selection of pieces supplied by one of the less helpful kit manufacturers.
What can we do except gape in admiration at the home constructor who carries a tree into his workshop and emerges years later with an aeroplane — and one constructed to the highest standards of workmanship, too?
Chris kindly took time out to give an illustrated talk to the February 2016 PFA meeting. Informative though the talk was, the following question time was lengthy, as members sought further detail of what they had seen on the slides. Without doubt, all were interested and impressed.
But even the worst kits are still kits. Chris started from basic materials and a set of plans for what is, hardly, the world’s best-engineered aircraft. And he succeeded. Just once he needed to cheat — when rudder control cables were fouled by a fault with one of the rear fuselage frames and he had to chop a small piece out of the frame to restore free movement.
At a later juncture, he had the opportunity to ask a judicious question of an owner of one of the pre-war, production-line- built DW1s. He hadn’t made a mistake: The original designers and builders had to cut a bit out of that frame, too!
There is doubt whether the sight of Chris’s DW1A flying out of Priory Farm will inspire other members to undertake their own scratch-build projects. However, that is their loss. Chris has shown the way and we honour him for demonstrating to us what is possible in the realm of light aviation.
PICTURE : Chris Barnes and his superb Chilton DW1A
2 December 2015
At this year’s Christmas meeting of the PFA, the annual award of the john McLeod Trophy was made to Matthew Howe for his contribution to light aviation — specifically for reminding us that an occasional excursion to Fenland (even for a slice of the excellent cake available there at the weekends) does not make a Charles Lindbergh out of us.
Only by chance did I overhear a remark, some months ago, that Matt had made more than one visit to the Continent this year. And, on further enquiry, it emerged that two of those trips were within a week.
Planning and paperwork may deter some of us; and that 22 miles of water is a powerful disincentive to others. But some of you will know that Matt flies a flex-wing trike!
Congratulations to Matt for his prowess and modesty in exercising his aviation skills and reminding us that our N/PPL is there to be used while finance and health still permit. Go for it while you can — and thanks to Matt for showing us how it can be done.
PICTURE: Matt Howe (L) receives the John McLeod Trophy from the Chairman for inspiring PFA members to get more out of their flying in the year ahead.
At this year’s Christmas meeting of the PFA, the annual award of the john McLeod Trophy was made to Matthew Howe for his contribution to light aviation — specifically for reminding us that an occasional excursion to Fenland (even for a slice of the excellent cake available there at the weekends) does not make a Charles Lindbergh out of us.
Only by chance did I overhear a remark, some months ago, that Matt had made more than one visit to the Continent this year. And, on further enquiry, it emerged that two of those trips were within a week.
Planning and paperwork may deter some of us; and that 22 miles of water is a powerful disincentive to others. But some of you will know that Matt flies a flex-wing trike!
Congratulations to Matt for his prowess and modesty in exercising his aviation skills and reminding us that our N/PPL is there to be used while finance and health still permit. Go for it while you can — and thanks to Matt for showing us how it can be done.
PICTURE: Matt Howe (L) receives the John McLeod Trophy from the Chairman for inspiring PFA members to get more out of their flying in the year ahead.
1 December 2014
Congratulations to Simon Stoodley for his achievement in winning the John McLeod Trophy for 2014. This was presented at the Christmas meeting on 1 December and, as our Chairman said at the time, it very nearly was not awarded at all, because Simon has been backward in coming forward regarding his achievements.
The trophy is for ‘contributions to light aviation’, in this case recognising several long-distance, overseas flights Simon has made in his Skyranger without fuss or fanfare — and is also awarded ‘on account’ for more which may be in the planning stage. Speaking of which, we understand from the reports of others that Simon’s gung has never been hoed, and that he is always meticulous in both his planning and flying.
All in all, Simon has set an excellent example for us to follow, inspiring us to get more enjoyment and safe adventure out of our flying.
Congratulations to Simon Stoodley for his achievement in winning the John McLeod Trophy for 2014. This was presented at the Christmas meeting on 1 December and, as our Chairman said at the time, it very nearly was not awarded at all, because Simon has been backward in coming forward regarding his achievements.
The trophy is for ‘contributions to light aviation’, in this case recognising several long-distance, overseas flights Simon has made in his Skyranger without fuss or fanfare — and is also awarded ‘on account’ for more which may be in the planning stage. Speaking of which, we understand from the reports of others that Simon’s gung has never been hoed, and that he is always meticulous in both his planning and flying.
All in all, Simon has set an excellent example for us to follow, inspiring us to get more enjoyment and safe adventure out of our flying.
