Flying Officer Kite

Fascinating stuff Phil. Brings back memories of my old employer, British Eagle (RIP), which, as Eagle Airways, was one of the many airlines which took part in this massive operation. Just a little before my time though!

Terrific job Jim! Will we be seeing it at YCAB soon?Mike

There's also another good read by Wing Commander Ira "Taffy" Jones - the best-selling "Tiger Squadron - The Story of 74 Squadron RAF in Two World Wars". Long out of print now, but used paperback and hardcover copies occasionally pop up on eBay, Amazon, Abe Books and other sites. The book was actually ghost-written by my late father, John Oram (Jack) Thomas, and while they were working together Jones was a frequent visitor to our house. I was about 12 at the time and he became something of an adopted favourite uncle to me. Sadly, like "Aircraftman Shaw" (T. E Lawrence), having survived more scrapes with death than most of us would ever experience, some years later he was killed in a motorcycle accident.

Sadly, onetrack, it's worse than that. Proof-reading in most printed and online "journalism" is no longer bothered with. Sub-editors were among the first casualties of cost-cutting by national and local newspapers and journalists are now required to sub their own copy, a task for which far too many are totally ill-equipped, having little, if any, detailed knowledge of spelling, grammar, punctuation and syntax (not that such ancient arts seem to matter much to many in today's media). Anyone seen an ad for a Sub-editor lately? FULL DISCLOSURE: In an earlier life I was a print journalist and although "sub-bashing" when a sub-editor dared to "improve" or correct our carefully-crafted prose was a daily pastime, we grudgingly recognised that only the sub's vigilance and skill not infrequently had protected us from at least the odd irate complaint from someone whose name we had mis-spelled or, thank God, some expensive litigation.

Your wish has been granted Kasper! See Gold Coast Bulletin link above....

Later Gold Coast Bulletin report contains interview with pilot, Mark Waterford, and cites aircraft as Drifter 415. https://www.google.com.au/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=11&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwjrgMKdvp_YAhVJybwKHa98AKIQFghOMAo&url=http://www.goldcoastbulletin.com.au/news/gold-coast/an-ultralight-aircraft-has-made-and-emergency-landing-on-a-surfers-paradise-beach/news-story/b38fa2ce87247d1074eeed65e78de36a&usg=AOvVaw1NAr9p4Rc82YemPR7Vx_Tk

Seems so, according to the ABC radio news report at midday

Powered glider makes emergency landing on Gold Coast beach Thankfully, no injuries and no damage!

Wow! Another former Eagle bod - like me! We've been in contact before in connection with the archives. Always look back on that period of my life with great affection - best job I ever had (publicity and PR). Those were good times, such a shame they ended the way they did. - Mike

Maybe slightly off-topic, but does anyone else of "a certain age", and probably British descent, remember a 1933 aviation adventure serial, "The Mystery Squadron" shown on the fledgling BBC television service in the 1950's? US-made and obviously dated even by the time it made it to the British 9-inch black and white screens, I fondly remember sitting with my dad as we watched the full 12 weekly episodes together. Apart from the incredible actual and studio-recreated biplane aerial sequences, I'll never forget the thrill of hearing the villain's radio call - "Black Ace calling station A". Seems a few others have fond memories too, as a Google search brings up quite a few references. For those who enjoy a bit of flying nostalgia, some restored episodes are available on DVD and streamed, free, at The Mystery Squadron DVD. - Mike

Thanks a lot BP, will take you up on that. - Mike

Thanks for that info bp. I'd love to play with a good sim, but cost being an important factor for me (like most aspiring flyers I'm sure), I've decided that rather than blow $$$ on a more powerful pc I'll keep spending it in hands-on training - at least until I get the hang of getting the flare right so I can finally move on to solo! - Mike

On ABC radio news a few minutes ago. Very sad.

Impressive! Fully expected the canopy to open after landing and the pilot to step out!

Out of interest - anyone know if this is for real or photoshopped?