http://www.vintageaircraftclub.org.uk> Liz Inwood Taildragger Scholarship
Liz Inwood Taildragger Scholarship
Post scholarship report by 2021 winner, Alistair Lawrence.
I was very fortunate to awarded the Liz Inwood Taildragger Scholarship in 2021. This scholarship sponsored five hours of flying to assist me in transitioning from flying nose wheel aircraft to tailwheel vintage types. As soon as I had found out I was successful, there was only one place in my mind I wanted to complete this training; Goodwood Aerodrome. This airfield is steeped in history, and was previously known as RAF Westhampnett. It was active from July 1940 to May 1946 as a Battle of Britain station, and home to multiple squadrons, operating Hurricanes, Spitfires & P-51 Mustangs. My training was completed on Goodwood Flying School's Piper L21B Super Cub. The differences course was tailored to me based off of my previous flight experience. During my training flights we covered ground handling, general handling, PFLs, and circuits/landings. It is true what they say "stick and rudder flying, is the best kind of flying." A thoroughly enjoyable course, which I would recommend to anyone looking to further advance their flying skills. Growing up I spent a lot of time at Popham Airfield, attending most of their vintage fly ins, and this is where my love for old aircraft started. I have a real soft spot for "G-A . . ." registered taildraggers. In particular the de Havilland Moth series, which I have witnessed many great examples, restored by family friends at Aero Antiques, Durley. The VAC scholarship, has now given me the opportunity to gain the appropriate skills, to fly these aircraft. At the age of 23, I struggle to find people of my age with a similar passion for vintage aircraft, which is a great shame! With the help of the Liz Inwood Scholarship, it has already allowed me to get more people of my age exposed to vintage aviation, whether that is through me introducing friends/colleagues to taildragger flying, or through the means of different social media platforms. Since completing my tailwheel training I have started in a new full time operations role with a warbird operator at Goodwood. I have been fortunate enough to fly in the rear seat of two MkT IX Spitfires since joining the team, which has further fueled my passion for vintage aircraft. A big thank you to all at the VAC, LAA and Goodwood Flying School who have helped make this possible.
