The Aviosuperficie (Air Hotel) at Ragusa-Giubiliana, Sicily. A 2 night break between the 1750 miles out, and then the long haul back home.
The library of articles published in Microlight Flying magazine
2003 - 2021
I have written some 20 articles in the 15 years I have been flying microlights. I have explored different styles and approaches, sought deeper meaning, and tried to be humorous. Sometimes all in the same article! I have used the persona of The Journeyman Balladeer (JoBa) at times.
The Journeyman Balladeer combines the technical aspects with the pleasure of dancing in a well ventilated aircraft.
The Journeyman was the intermediate of the medieval trades system, a competent worker at his craft.
The Balladeer was poet and musician who moved from town to town, seeking out deep and meaningful human experience, and they entertaining and moving his audience with his findings. The French have an expression '‘faire un ballade’. The word is descended from ballare, to dance. You will see it in relation to cycling, on a journey that has no purpose other than the journeying itself. A ballade is also a form of romantic medieval poetry, with its implications of the self-sufficient troubadour wandering across Europe.
I am interested in how the procedural aspects and the adventuring link to the emotional and mental aspects. As an example, "Pushing the bar forward on take off lifts not only the aircraft, but also the spirit." What is going on here? The three of us have never managed to capture or explain it in our writing, but we will keep trying.
To read an article, click on the image to the left. (Note: as of 20 June 2021, this function not workling)
To download the article, click "Download File" below.
The Journeyman Balladeer combines the technical aspects with the pleasure of dancing in a well ventilated aircraft.
The Journeyman was the intermediate of the medieval trades system, a competent worker at his craft.
The Balladeer was poet and musician who moved from town to town, seeking out deep and meaningful human experience, and they entertaining and moving his audience with his findings. The French have an expression '‘faire un ballade’. The word is descended from ballare, to dance. You will see it in relation to cycling, on a journey that has no purpose other than the journeying itself. A ballade is also a form of romantic medieval poetry, with its implications of the self-sufficient troubadour wandering across Europe.
- The two characters combined express both the satisfaction gained from developing a skill and the emotional and personal fulfilment of flying for fun. The Journeyman Balladeer is neither Dr Jekyll nor Mr Hyde, but a package of two sometimes conflicting opposites.
- The Journeyman knows what PVVS stands for.
- The Balladeer actively seeks empty beaches, open farmland and moors, so he can get sea spray on his wind shield and wheat ears in his mud flaps.
- The Journeyman can state the table of separation from clouds at various visibilities and altitudes.
- The Balladeer is at his happiest when skiing off the top of cumulo-nimbus.
I am interested in how the procedural aspects and the adventuring link to the emotional and mental aspects. As an example, "Pushing the bar forward on take off lifts not only the aircraft, but also the spirit." What is going on here? The three of us have never managed to capture or explain it in our writing, but we will keep trying.
To read an article, click on the image to the left. (Note: as of 20 June 2021, this function not workling)
To download the article, click "Download File" below.
MOST RECENT
Doing the Hard Yards May 2021
“Doing the Hard Yards” is a sporting term: the diffi cult, irksome, tedious,
boring and unglamorous work or effort needed to achieve success,
often out of the public eye.
This short article is about 300miles in Northern France. They proved to be some 500,000 hard yards. I was under pressure to get home, and this section took 33 hours from start to finish, with an average speed per elapsed hour of 9mph.
This one has the most enduring personal meaning for me.
“Doing the Hard Yards” is a sporting term: the diffi cult, irksome, tedious,
boring and unglamorous work or effort needed to achieve success,
often out of the public eye.
This short article is about 300miles in Northern France. They proved to be some 500,000 hard yards. I was under pressure to get home, and this section took 33 hours from start to finish, with an average speed per elapsed hour of 9mph.
This one has the most enduring personal meaning for me.
| doing_the_hard_yads_-_mf_may_2021.pdf |
In the Cockpit April 2021
'Microlight Flying', the magazine of the British Microlight Aircraft Association, ran a series on individual microlight pilots. Understandably, and perhaps unfortunately, the editor had been scraping the barrel for copy in this year of reduced flying. An interesting exercise for a writer, and I worked through many sections that were, while interesting for me to write, rather tedious for the members to read. So I settled on this as an appropriate mix of fact and entertainment.
'Microlight Flying', the magazine of the British Microlight Aircraft Association, ran a series on individual microlight pilots. Understandably, and perhaps unfortunately, the editor had been scraping the barrel for copy in this year of reduced flying. An interesting exercise for a writer, and I worked through many sections that were, while interesting for me to write, rather tedious for the members to read. So I settled on this as an appropriate mix of fact and entertainment.
| mf_0421_in_the_cockpit.pdf |
Rotax Engine Thefts Mar 2021
Many clubs and owners clubs in UK are facing investments in security in response to thefts of Rotax Engines. In this article I try to provide some facts to support the discussion and decisions.
It is a Europe wide problem, and is classified as SOAC (Serious Organised Acquisitive Crime).
The quotes should have been in highlight side boxes, but space on the page means that their effect is rather lost. However, they are the words of people who have lost engines.
Many clubs and owners clubs in UK are facing investments in security in response to thefts of Rotax Engines. In this article I try to provide some facts to support the discussion and decisions.
It is a Europe wide problem, and is classified as SOAC (Serious Organised Acquisitive Crime).
The quotes should have been in highlight side boxes, but space on the page means that their effect is rather lost. However, they are the words of people who have lost engines.
| mf_0321_rotax_thefts.pdf |
|
20 Years on...and on...and on Feb 2021
In 2020 I flirted with the idea of trading up to a 600kg sports aircraft. In this article I work out why I should end the affair before it started. I look back on my first 20 years and realise why I love flex wing touring. "Heated, leather-seated, cockpit coffee holder comfort can wait. Give me the wind in my face, feeling the ripple in my biceps from the wind in the wing, a deserted airfield on a summer evening, brewing tea at dawn, the unrestricted panorama before and beneath, trailing fingers through clouds." Five tips for Flex Wing Touring - Nov 2020
Lee McIlwaine and I did some 450 miles together in July 2020. We had met at the Weston Zoyland 'Scrumpy 'N Cheese' event in 2019. I was impressed by his trip to Blois, despite his low hours. Fortunately, he felt that there were some good hints and tips to be found in my touring experience. The article consolidates some of the things we both learnt. Behind the reported exchange was a very enjoyable 4 days adventuring together, Island Flying 2018
I love flying to islands. Only once have I set it as an objective (Shetlands 2018) but if there is an island that is convenient to the route then into the route it goes. It grows in your vision as you approach. There is often golden sand and blue water. It has a distinct character. The material for this article took 15 years to collect. Treasure it. I do. A Matter of Life and Death 2013
THIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT ARTICLE I HAVE WRITTEN... PROBABLY. This was written with GASCO (General Aviation Safety Council) for their Flight Safety magazine. It is about the closest I have come to death. It relates a 'VFR on top" situation. Without being over-dramatic, my life was saved by an Air Traffic Controller. I wrote my side of the event, and GASCO, who had identified the actual controller, added her/their view. This is their original version from 2013. I re-wrote it for the April 2020 edition of Microlight Flying. (But can't find it). Read and Learn. Norway....No Way. 2012
Confidence and courage was high after Italy. However, I somewhat over-reached myself here. I wanted to fly the Hardanger area, where I had spent three winters in the Army. As it turned out I only just made it over the Norwegian border. While border crossing within Europe was much simplified by 2102, Norway adds an extra twist: you must give 4 hours advance notice to customs. Not easy when there were only two brief weather windows to make the final 54 miles. This was all REALLY HARD WORK. I had to divert off my intended route 7 times. However, there were some great periods. I think I capture both in this article. | ||||||||
| mf_1212_norway.pdf |
Adventuring 2012
I was asked by the editor to respond to a letter to MF from Andy Campbell. He sought advice for his first tour in France. I admire pilots who seek to stretch their wings, so I was similarly "Up for it" in sharing my experience. It is a joint production by us two Andy's, mediated by the editor.
| adventuring_mf_0512.pdf |
To Sicily and back 2011
This was a 3,500 mile round trip in 14 days. The best of my out-and-back tours. The weather was consistently good. I can't remember a day against a headwind. It was hot; early morning start up engine oil temperature of 25Celsius hot. I spent quite a few days flying in shorts. It was here that I got out of the habit of flying with a helmet.
I like this article. As I re-read it while building this library, it does capture the scale of the trip, the glorious experiences I had, and some of the views I had. I got into a very good groove on both the flight and the write up. I felt that I could have written double the length. This does not mean that I could have done double the distance. But I will, dear reader, now that I am retired and have the triple whammy: Time, Energy and Money.
The photo to the left is a typical stop. It is between Rome and Naples. Many of the small Italian strips I used were decayed and deserted. Unfortunately, in this case, for G-GEMX blew the front tire. Easier to fix than the rear, but you need tire levers and I was. as they say in the REME, 'Tire Levers (two) - Deficient. My lucky fix is in the article.
This was my first article for the new editor, Geoff Hill. He took over from David Bremner in March 2011. I really like his treatment of the text, side panels, map and photos I sent him.
This was a 3,500 mile round trip in 14 days. The best of my out-and-back tours. The weather was consistently good. I can't remember a day against a headwind. It was hot; early morning start up engine oil temperature of 25Celsius hot. I spent quite a few days flying in shorts. It was here that I got out of the habit of flying with a helmet.
I like this article. As I re-read it while building this library, it does capture the scale of the trip, the glorious experiences I had, and some of the views I had. I got into a very good groove on both the flight and the write up. I felt that I could have written double the length. This does not mean that I could have done double the distance. But I will, dear reader, now that I am retired and have the triple whammy: Time, Energy and Money.
The photo to the left is a typical stop. It is between Rome and Naples. Many of the small Italian strips I used were decayed and deserted. Unfortunately, in this case, for G-GEMX blew the front tire. Easier to fix than the rear, but you need tire levers and I was. as they say in the REME, 'Tire Levers (two) - Deficient. My lucky fix is in the article.
This was my first article for the new editor, Geoff Hill. He took over from David Bremner in March 2011. I really like his treatment of the text, side panels, map and photos I sent him.
| microlight_to_sicily_-_andy_oliver_mf_jan_2012.pdf |
The Bleriot Celebration 2009
My report on the gathering of UK microlights at Calais, attending the commemoration of the 1909 Channel Crossing by Bleriot. A major event with 94 UK aircraft and 140 crew attending. The finale was a crossing of the Channel, with the majority landing at Headcorn.
This is one of my favourites. I found a really innovative style and voice, with much humour. The MF editorial team matched it with a novel layout.
As ever, I tried to get as many people in it as possible, and added individual stories from three attendees.
My report on the gathering of UK microlights at Calais, attending the commemoration of the 1909 Channel Crossing by Bleriot. A major event with 94 UK aircraft and 140 crew attending. The finale was a crossing of the Channel, with the majority landing at Headcorn.
This is one of my favourites. I found a really innovative style and voice, with much humour. The MF editorial team matched it with a novel layout.
As ever, I tried to get as many people in it as possible, and added individual stories from three attendees.
| my_bleriot_commemoration_article.pdf |
|
Converted, not convinced 2009
In early 2007, into a 2-3 year project that had me commuting weekly to Geneva. I sold my GT450 G-JOBA. I have always regretted losing that custom callsign - JOurneyman BAlladeer. Within 12 months I was gagging for flying, and was thus vulnerable to joining a C42 syndicate. It was pretty good, to be honest, but not a long term option. One can't disappear for 2 weeks in a syndicate aircraft. This piece is the most technical I have written, a genuine attempt to distinguish between piloting the two types of microlight. Not a bad attempt at that. I might have over indulged myself on the two personalities, and just trying to be witty. However, it was well received, in that I did not receive death threats. I got back into flex wing via a 50hr bargain GT450 in April 2009. | ||
GO WEST, young man! 2007
MF ran a series of articles on visiting and touring in specific parts of the country. This by way of encouraging flyers "to get out more". This is my contribution.
It is 13 years old and I note some changes. RNAS Yeovilton no longer operates fast jets, and there is now relatively little helicopter. IMHO using their LARS when in the AIAA is not necessary.
Plymouth has closed, and is now a housing estate. Exeter had a regular set of waves through the day, but Covid and the collapse of Flybe has reduced this considerably. If you feel the need for some level of ATC then Exeter is probably your best bet. When things return to normal I recommend using the listening squawk of 5077 on 125.650 MHz.
I can no longer guarantee any cake availability or quality recommendations made in 2007.
MF ran a series of articles on visiting and touring in specific parts of the country. This by way of encouraging flyers "to get out more". This is my contribution.
It is 13 years old and I note some changes. RNAS Yeovilton no longer operates fast jets, and there is now relatively little helicopter. IMHO using their LARS when in the AIAA is not necessary.
Plymouth has closed, and is now a housing estate. Exeter had a regular set of waves through the day, but Covid and the collapse of Flybe has reduced this considerably. If you feel the need for some level of ATC then Exeter is probably your best bet. When things return to normal I recommend using the listening squawk of 5077 on 125.650 MHz.
I can no longer guarantee any cake availability or quality recommendations made in 2007.
| go_west_young_man.pdf |
|
And God looked down....Spamfield 2006
My first report formally commissioned as a record of the event. I took it very seriously, and tried to get as many names and photos in as possible. Probably the most comprehensive report of the annual BMAA gathering ever. It was the largest ever, with 426 aircraft signed in (and paid up) for the Saturday night. A further 60 appeared on the Sunday, making a total of some 480 microlights. The Song of the JourneymanBalladeer 2006 I state my thoughts as I pass the 450 hour mark, having landed 155 airfields. I recognise that I will never be more than a recreational pilot. I tell of a flight across France to achieve the objective of reaching the Mediterranean. I explore the two characters of The Journeyman and The Balladeer. I share two 'songs'. The first is running out of daylight. The second tells of a panic about running out of fuel, and the related unforced forced landing. | ||||
| song_of_journeyman_balladeer.pdf |
Opening the envelope 2003
"With disarming frankness Andy Oliver chronologues his first 12 months of development as a licenced pilot - from cock-a-hoop to cock up, and everything in between."
I set out the 12 months of my first year in the 12 steps I went through to improve my flying skills, build my confidence and extend the ways in which flex wing microlighting can be enjoyed.
Looking back In believe that this approach, structured self directed development, made me the pilot I am today.
Not counting the spirit of inquiry, desire to know what lies over the horizon, an ability to imagine and focus on a specific flying objective, a willingness to meet a challenge, and a degree of stubbornness.
"With disarming frankness Andy Oliver chronologues his first 12 months of development as a licenced pilot - from cock-a-hoop to cock up, and everything in between."
I set out the 12 months of my first year in the 12 steps I went through to improve my flying skills, build my confidence and extend the ways in which flex wing microlighting can be enjoyed.
Looking back In believe that this approach, structured self directed development, made me the pilot I am today.
Not counting the spirit of inquiry, desire to know what lies over the horizon, an ability to imagine and focus on a specific flying objective, a willingness to meet a challenge, and a degree of stubbornness.
| opening_the_envelope.pdf |