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.
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