2007 Ercoupe 'Get together' Air-Britain Fly-in
by Tony Smith, UKThe Air-Britain Classic Fly-in 2007 was held once more at North Weald Airfield, Essex on the 16-17th June. Although this year's theme was "Cubs, Nippers and Pups" (but with all-comers welcome), the event was used, as in years past, to try to get together as many airworthy UK Ercoupes and Aircoupes as possible, with invitations sent to other European owners thanks to Robert Rombouts, who successfully organized the first European Ercoupe fly-in at Antwerp back in May.
The weather prospects were not good for the Saturday of the Fly-in with thundery, squally rain showers forecast for the whole day but a somewhat better outlook for Sunday was promised. Beating the poor weather across from mainland Europe, the first airborne arrival on Friday 15th June was Robert from Antwerp, Belgium with his Ercoupe 415-D OO-PUS; he had arranged to stay for the weekend at a local hotel. His aeroplane, now named "Sweety II", looks very smart in its new colour scheme of light grey with dark blue cheat lines and registrations.
Also on Friday, by road, Derek Tregilgas brought his RV to stay on the airfield. Normally Derek works out in Singapore but had rearranged his work pattern plus a few days leave to make the event. The rebuild of his Ercoupe 415-C G-BZNO has almost been completed and its first flight should be fairly imminent! Among the twenty or so aircraft that braved the storms on Saturday the only other Aircoupe to arrive was G-ARHB from Earls Colne, a relatively local airfield, flown by Sid Turner. The aircraft's co-owner Keith Peacock had arrived earlier in the day by road. So, although only two 'coupes had arrived, there was quite a gathering of 'Coupers which made for an entertaining time, particularly in the 'Squadron' club-room for an evening "noggin & natter" session which included the necessary sampling of the local beer.
Sunday dawned a much better day and joining the party from Goodwood, Sussex, was Mark Gerrard with his Ercoupe 415-C G-COUP 'Jenny Lin'. Mark has been a supporter of this event for quite a number of years and it is always good to see him! Next arrival was Mike Willis with Aircoupe G-HARY from Bourn, near Cambridge. Mike is a relatively new owner, having purchased G-HARY about 9 months ago; this had become quite a rare aeroplane having had an owner for the last seven years who apparently only used it to fly around his farm strip circuit. Mike however intends to get out and about with it as much as he can, and it was certainly very nice to meet up with him and catch up with this Aircoupe again!
We ended up on the Sunday with three aircraft on the ground together. I don't suppose this has happened since the Forney F-1A's were imported into the UK in the early '60s! There should have been one more; Andrew Gardner with his Forney F-1A G-ARHC was also inbound after refueling on the way but suffered radio failure and had to divert as North Weald would not allow non-radio aircraft to land during the Fly-in for some reason.
The event came to a close with the usual prize giving and Ercoupes too were among the event winners! The John Cook Memorial Trophy went to Robert Rombouts. This trophy is awarded to the pilot who represents the 'spirit of the Fly-in'. In Robert's case it was for braving the weather across the English Channel to be with us, and for the immaculate condition of his aeroplane! He went home very cheerfully with the trophy and a bottle of wine!
All in all, a superb weekend despite the weather, enjoyed by all who attended (I hope, I know I certainly did). I am looking forward now to next year when it looks as if we may be able to at least double the number of Ercoupes/Aircoupes with at least one 'new' one gracing the UK skies! It certainly bodes well; of the ten airworthy aircraft in the UK, in total four attended and three were prevented from doing so by outside circumstances. It would be good to get the other three 'on board' for a full house!
The Fly-in organizer, Phil Kemp, has christened this gathering the 'Ercoupe Squadron', a name that may stick! A thanks is due to all those Ercoupe and Aircoupe owners who flew in and came by road to share their enthusiasm and to make to event a memorable experience! I should also like to convey thanks to Phil and his team for taking on the task of putting Air-Britain's Fly-in together for us all to enjoy. I know from personal experience what hard work it all is!
Tony Smith
