Adventures with a Bölkow 207
A fairly straightforward flight from Lelystad to Melle-Groenegau and a nice warm greeting when we arrived. Some beer, a trip to a motor museum, BBQ and more beer, what is there not to like. We had a couple of bikes with us so were able to take a trip into the local town (for a beer). I must thank our hosts for making us so welcome again, it was great to meet up with the other Bölkow owners who are so helpful. Pictures of the event are here.
Nice picture here taken by Jayson Cork at Northrepps, must get in contact to see about a print. G-EJBI has been in the hanger for a few weeks, Andrew busy with ATPL studies and myself waiting for an opportunity to fly her from the left seat. I am about half way through changing all the Scat hoses, should be done by the end of the week and hopefully there’s time enough to give her a good clean.
Between late April and the begining of May we had a few flights in G-EJBI from Tibenham. Andrew flew it in the main but I was allowed a few take offs and landings and with the drier weather we decided on a trip down to Clacton. It’s a nice place to visit, £10 landing fee, which included a couple of extra circuits coupled with a nice trip to the beach for some beach cafe food. Recommended as a relaxing destination, a bit old school, nice and quiet.
The day after G-EJBI had landed in Norfolk it was deemed time to go and fly her. Andrew had read the flight manual, had flown with the previous owner and had completed a tail wheel course. I was not much help, all I kept saying was the ATA pilots in the last war only had the pilots notes to teach them a new type. We were airborne just after 2pm and back on the ground at 3.45pm. The flight was pretty uneventful, Andrew did a great job, the roll out on landing was a bit too interesting. We learnt quite a bit about the tail wheel lock, namely that it didn’t work on our aircraft and it would be very useful if it did.