Liaison Aircraft.

 Developed in 1945.

The four seat aircraft came too late at the end of world war-II, since the helicopter would replace it as was then thought, but this was proved untrue, when in the 1950's many nations developed their own and Cessna came to the fore with a series of types that met the role required.

Today the survivor of the class lays in the Cessna 172 and its variants around the world that fulfills many roles both military and civil and despite it being replaced by drones pr the larger Cessna Caravan-II it remains very popular?

Many poorer or small nations have maintained the type for civilian usage, police and training before moving on to more complicated aircraft.

Demise of motorbike Clubs!

 Possibility for Wales?

A revival is underway as an appeal for younger people is made to give up the computer games for the real thing of riding with the oldies on the roads of Wales and the SW-England too!

But will they come out and join the throng and keep something of a tradition going or not?

Apart from the thrill of riding, there also comes years of experience and tips on every area of the subject, if not to get to ride others bikes, cheap spare parts and supplies if not much more in chat and friendships that will last a life-time!

Newer Types?

 Up to LHR, London Heathrow!

One had the opportunity in the last few weeks to get up to a very changed capitol for me, but one wanted to seen some of these big birds up closely and we were not disappointed! 

But almost shocked by the real size of the Airbus A380-900, followed by the A350-1000 and the Boeing 777-300 and 787-8,9.10 Dreamliner's as well as the A330'!

These are the main types that have replaced the good old Boeing 747, Jumbo and the Airbus A340-600?

Meanwhile the shorter haul Airbus A319-100, A320-200 are now being replaced by the A321 Neo's and Boeing has moved up to introduce the MAX version of the 737, after delays in it updated computer software!

The Airbus A220-200 and 300 series look cool as well as the many business jet conversions for smaller operators and it was nice to see Flybe back in operation with a very reduced fleet.

Italian deployments for COVID-19.

IVECO .

At this time most of us across the globe cannot escape the serious requirement to stay indoors because of this virulent virus that is spreading and worsening as it has in both China and now Italy?

It is noted with the deployment of the army to maintain a lockdown some vehicles deployed came from the Iveco range, Trakker At190T, LMV (2) Light, the MUV utility M40.is Torpedo and the WNS Ambulance version.

These type are the basis of a paramilitary support to the Police and are the versatile end of a successful range of good quality military hardware!

We tend to only know Iveco for limited number of heavy goods vehicles in which they are employed in the building industry, but Italy has its own manufacturing base for many important types and their own equivalents the Jeep?

More Drones?

For Now!

It would seem that there are limitless roles for all the new high flying drones and glider types that are available on the market, over that of conventional propeller types?

These new aircraft are unmanned, agile, light and can stay up now for days rather than hours and with the various sensors and optics provide 24/7 coverage!

This does not mean that we are done with conventional commercial aviation, since people still need to get from A to Z and so does cargo! Despite the much protest world-wide one does not think that aviation will slacken off since we are now comfortable with it?

Mid-sized and small airlines may be the short future, but the long haul will continue, despite the demise of the giant Airbus A380, the ageing Boeing 747 Jumbo and the problematic 737-MAX?

Many new types are coming to the fore from Japan, China and Russia, along with Brazil, while others are being maintained to extend their operational lives!

Night Displays WNAS 2019.

Something Different?

The fireflies were different and could be seen for many miles away, there were some disappointment's, for the younger folk who got beyond their bed time?

Again the Wales National Air show was able to pull it off with the Catalina, wing walkers, Battle of Britain flight and all the ground stands! The Red Arrows made their appearances, but the weather was not always favourable!

One has taken several films and hopes to gradually get them up in the next fortnight or so? Sorry I did not get everything, but on the You Tube you can refer to films from years past which cover nearly all the regular visitors!

BBC 4 and Plane Spotting?

Three nights of Boredom!

One has to say thanks to my dad, who at age seven introduced me to aircraft spotting and identification, because after watching John Snow last week I would not bother taking up the hobby today!

Wither you film of photograph or just watch with binoculars and note with pencil and pad it is a great hobby to learn many things that might be one day invaluable, if we were in a war situation?

Apart from that its a worth while hobby and there is plenty to see, if you just take your time and look up? 

One was disappointed with the lack of types and no mention of the Dreamliner along with some of the new types, perhaps time was not on their side?

Getting good aircraft guides and registration books with tail colours and a good camera with easy access to You Tube, if not similar platforms is today's forte. 

There are many others aspects to this hobby and that of radio communications between the tower and the cockpit, something that can be developed as the hobby progresses since many transceivers are expensive and difficult to operate

But just sitting and looking up with binoculars is as pleasurable since not everyone is photographic?

New Aircraft Types.

Over Southern-Wales, U.K.

Aviation, shipping and train spotting remain great hobbies for the choice of designs or types to be seen. Many countries have varied types of stock still in active operation for years past their date of service?

But with aircraft there are many new types coming into service or some are already in mainstream service, but are replacing some older types in this region of operations.

When I heard that Irish airlines Aer Lingus was going to purchase two Sukhoi Super Jets, I was not sure if this was a practical joke, but now that they are in service on the Dublin-Cardiff and other routes one awaits the opportunity to film the type.

Meanwhile the Embraer 170/190-5, Airbus A350 and Bombardier 6000 (being used by Swiss Air) is over flying the region. Some older types such as the McDonnel-Douglas MD-11F, Boeing 757 and 767 remain in service.

Airbus. Part-One.

From A319 to A380/350.

The story of Airbus is the story about European Union co-operation in building a new family line of commercial aircraft, to compete with the U.S. manufacturer Boeing and this has now been achieved.

The Airbus story began with the A300/310 and from one design all the other aircraft have followed in their varying sizes and options. Initially a civil programme, it has now ventured into military conversions and the design of the A400M, to replace the Lockheed Hercules C-130.

Almost all European partners use one or several of the types that are available with the A320/321 being the most common in medium haul. The A330/340 has seen widespread use world wide and there are many versions available 100-600.

The smaller versions are now being converted to neo, which is that they are driven by bio fuel rather than pure aviation oil. The development of the Super Jumbo A380 has taken the market off the long standing Boeing 747-100/SP-300/400 and 8-market world wide.

Helicopters. Part-One.

From R-22 to CH-47 Chinooks..

I love helicopters, they are perhaps one of the most complicated flying machines and yet they have become so essential in modern society. From search and rescue to transport. helicopters are essential machines.

Many types today are available from the smaller to the large and I have had the privialage to film some of them that pass by from the Robin R-22 to the massive military CH-47 Chinooks.

AW-109, Aw-101 Merlins, Lynx, Sea Kings, Sikorsky S-76, Eurocopter EC-135/145. These are the types of helicopters you will find filmed on 121jaykay.