>I will even rejoin the club, UK-centric as it is<
The club might appear UK-centric because there is little support and
input from abroad. How many articles for the magazine come from outside
the UK? I would think about 10% at best. If you want a more
international club it is best achieved by contribution. I am sure that
our new editor would welcome articles from all corners of the globe.
There are also other ways that we could have a more united and
international club. Like the factory had a USA office we could look at
including a USA representative on the club committee. A successful club
needs people who think about what they can do for the club as well as
what can it do for them. I know that from within the committee, a lot of
time consuming unpaid work is done. If this is not providing the service
you would like then get involved and get it changed. Provided your
opinions are shared by others progress can be made.
Now that it looks like we have past the lowest point in the Europa's
history so far, let us all work together whether in the club, on the
forum or in any other capacity to ensure that this great little aircraft
has the support it deserves.
About 10 years ago Michael Burke (a TV presenter in both the UK and the
USA) did a series of programmes called 'Connections' looking at how the
best inventions were achieved by technologies coming together at a
critical point in time. In a minor way I believe that the Europa could
be considered to be one of these. The combination of composite
construction (from Rutan), modern engine technology (from Rotax),
exceptional aerodynamic expertise (from Don Dykins) and many areas of
development in electronics and computers enabled Ivan Shaw to design
such an outstanding aircraft. There are very few aircraft that can
take-off from grass strips, carry 520lb payload for over 4 hours at
120kts whilst only burning 15 litres/hr. This started as a concept about
15 years ago and whilst the product has been developed, the original
design still stands up against newer machines. I my opinion there is
still no better aircraft for this area of the kit built market.
I will get off my soap box now.
Regards
Nigel Charles
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