MG Motoring 2018 December 2018 - opt | Page 16

MG Car Club of South Australia THE MGA/MAGNETTE COFFEE RUN TO ALDINGA AIRFIELD 21 OCTOBER 2018 A wonderful cross section of the Club and MG’s headed off the Aldinga in what can only be described as perfect conditions. We had two TC’s, one TD, eight MGA’s, four B’s and a ZR. At our last run we had two junior mem- bers, William Jeanes and Ned (who navigated for his Dad) . We had another young navigator on this run. Alexis Har- ris(8 years old) did the hard work for her Dad, David who is a new member to the club. His Dad handed his MGB over to David so it was great to see a new member on the run. Hopefully they en- joyed the experience and will come out again. It was good to see Kevin Roper’s green MGA. I always thought it was white. Thanks for the photos Kevin. Once on Main Road we picked up Ian Buckley and Thane Martin, with passen- ger Andrew Willington at Corromandel Valley. Graham and Linda Byass joined us at Aldinga. They live at Aldinga Beach so had the short run only. Once at the airfield, we staggered the coffee orders so as not to overwhelm the volunteers who run the café. I think we probably put them under a bit of pressure with 27 MG Car Club people along with other locals there for a Sun- day morning coffee. It is a popular des- tination with local residents. The volun- teers were very kind and hospitable though and there was not a bad report on the cakes, all homemade. We were able to see quite a lot of planes taking off, including a US Army trainer, a beautiful 1942 Stearman in vintage US Navy colours, blue and yel- low. The Stearman is owned by Ade- laide Biplanes and is powered by a 220 Hp continental radial engine. It sounds and performs beautifully and it is the choice for most commercial airline pilots – their version of an MG purchase by our members. But, it might just cost a touch more than your MG, they can cost up to $A500,000. We also glimpsed the WACO bliplane that has uniquely side by side seating for two passengers in the front cockpit – the pilot sits in the rear cockpit. These are great planes to take a joy flight over the Fleuriu region as they can fly low safely, with mild aerobatics if you are up for it. Most of this technical information was provided by Gary Algate who carried out his refresher training and check flights out of the Aldinga air strip. Gary had an amphibious aircraft during his time in Canada. Thanks for the help Gary. Quite a few training planes took to the air and also a sky diving plane with brave people aboard, all decked out with parachutes. No door on the air- craft though so it would have been a bit breezy up in the wide blue yonder. Main comment from our group was – “not for me, thanks”. All in all it was a good run, the only hic- cup being that Alan’s navigator, me, missed the gate to the airfield. Still its not a good run without at least one U turn. Thanks to everyone who came on the run. Hopefully all enjoyed the drive and chit chat at the airfield. 14