2022 Event Archive
Welshpool, the “Western Meet”
8th October 2022
This event was postponed from June due to gusty winds, and the forecast initially promised much of the same for this weekend. But… it turned out nice again, didn’t it, so 30 vintage Pipers plus two members arriving by road convened at this delightful airfield near Offa’s Dyke and the youthful River Severn to enjoy a last blast of fine weather flying.
Plaudits are due to Chris Winch who flew his Super Cruiser, G-AWPW, all the way from Jersey – a direct flight which took three hours. Well done him and to Frank Rothera who with John Dean came from Farthing Corner in the far southeast. Thanks are due to the airfield owner, Linda Jones and her team for making us so welcome there. Thank you all, especially to the girls who slaved all day in the kitchen and cafe, It was non-stop work for them since our gathering attracted many locals and spotters,
Beccles, the “Eastern Meet”
13th August 2022
19 vintage Pipers and their crews plus a handful coming by road, braved the searing heat to convene at this delightful airfield, the most easterly in Britain. The former USAAF Station 132, then HMS Hornbill 2, Beccles is today the very essence of what a good GA field is all about.
In weather reminiscent of the Summer of ’76, but tempered with cooling sea breezes, VPAC-ers enjoyed the quirky and convivial surroundings and sampled the fare in the outstanding café here. Some hardy souls even camped ‘neath the wing overnight. This was an event that will linger in the memory for the sheer pleasure of just having been there!
Pipers at the pumps
The VPAC flightline
Part of the café, tables made from old aircraft wings etc
there was even a newspaper to read….
The Beccles crew bus
Beverley “Northern Meet”
6th July 2022
20 members’ aeroplanes graced the green(ish) turf – the southern half of the UK was baked brown and looked like Spain – of this delightful strip beside the village of Leven. The weather got up to 25°C and was tempered by a gentle breeze. The aerodrome café provided sustenance all day and it is fair to say that a good time was enjoyed by all.
Beverley airfield looking very smart, even with high-speed turnoffs!
Goodwood “Southern Meet“
14th May 2022
65 vintage Pipers and other US Classics convened in glorious weather at this beautiful airfield, a new attendance record. Periodically, we were treated to the buzz-saw sound of Harvards or even better, the indescribable roar of Merlins from the Boultbee Academy’s Spitfires as they flashed past our flight line.
©BPBC
©BPBC
One of Boultbee’s 2-seater Spitfires departs down our vintage Piper parking area
Spitfire salutes VPAC flight line!