Rotor and Tailplane

A link to the TCI article published February 12th, 2015 Thirty Volvos for CW Plant | Construction News | The Construction Index A total of 30 Volvo ECR88D reduced swing excavators will join the fleet of CW Plant Hire An initial batch of 10 machines has been deployed out of the company’s Crawley and Ashford branches. The remaining 20 units will be spread around the company’s 13 other UK branches during the first quarter of the year. The ECR88D is a 10-tonne compact excavator. Charles Wilson Engineers has eight tonne Bobcats and JCBs and 13-tonne JCBs in its fleet. The Volvos were supplied by dealer Capital Plant Solutions with hydraulic quick hitches. Deciding to purchase Volvo compact excavators for the first time and in significant numbers was a leap of faith for the company, according to general manager Damien West. “We were looking to augment our excavator fleet with a quality brand that could offer a sound return on our investment in terms of  total cost of ownership, relia...

The urge is rearing its head again, aviation is an insatiable drug!  Over the last few days my mind gas been buzzing with thoughts of flying and how to make it pleasurable in this pleasant land set to the west of Europe. Ownership is high on my thoughts; a helicopter, which would be VFR friendly and suitable for short hops around England, or maybe a fixed wing to adventure around Europe.  Of course the R44 is an obvious helicopter choice, but maybe the forthcoming Bell could be an option.  Currently the fixed wing options of a Cessna TT ( the old Columbia 400) or the Cirrus SR22T appeal more.  But is IFR flying in Europe a real option for a general aviation enthusiast? Could the aircraft generate any income through rental or training? Some thoughts for a future date.

Charles Wilson Engineers Ltd features in this new Royal Mail advert.  Charles Wilson Engineers Ltd is a family owned business with 13 depots in and around England with two more depots opening in the next few months in Barking and Southampton.  Since relocating to the UK I have been working for this family company with the title of "Commercial Manager". The company was started in 1979 by my father Charles Gallagher and David Wilson (hence Charles Wilson) and is currently on of the countries leading plant hire firms. You can checkout its website here for all your hire needs www.cwplant.co.uk . And below is the Royal Mail advert.  http://www.youtube.com/v/id3sfhA3wOM?autohide=1&version=3&attribution_tag=sMUgMPo9IGeyEmifj38zmA&autohide=1&autoplay=1&feature=share&showinfo=1

Just flew the twin today. A pleasant flight no glitches.  This is a great plane, but it is a shame that Tecnam North America is a hopeless organization.  I am sad to say that the aircraft is for sale at a very good price due to changes in my personal circumstances, and of course recommend it to all interested.  I am considering relocating it to Europe and am very keen to do so, but the head says sell.  So if you are interested a bargain is available. 

We have a new ATP helicopter pilot, and a happy kid on the block. Nerves were evident but, I did enough to satisfy the examiner. Had a dry mouth throughout the ride. A special call out goes to the team at Ocean Helicopters, West Palm Beach (F45), with a special mention for the great a proffessional attitude of Adam Hammond. Also special mentions for Terry Raber, Pam and Gill. A really good team an outfit. Thanks guys

Here is an interesting and scary letter from Matt Zucarro, president of HAI. I hope after you read it that you will support HAI. "We Get No Respect" Assaults on our industry have become interwoven into the very fabric that constitutes our daily activities. Don't get me wrong, I welcome discussions on relevant issues such as safety and noise issues, and appreciate the opportunity to improve in these areas. I am talking about in-your-face, no-compromise, take-no-prisoner assaults. For example, a community leader once told me, "You better get retrained; we are going to put you out of business." Good news here, other community representatives indicated they did not agree and looked forward to working with us. Or how about a congressman whose stated goal is to never see or hear another helicopter over his district? What can I say — maybe my new mission should be to make sure he does not get reelected. I tend to lose my sense of humor when I hear such things. Ev...

Oh how the night drags on! It is always a nightmare. Away from family, nerves on tender hooks. Have been putting this ride off for nearly two years. Well my written expires at the end of next month, time to bite the bullet. Weather isn't helping, the winds are strong; this is however not an excuse, since the rating is sort of supposed to cover this. Oh I forgot to say, this is an helicopter ATP ride. Well wish me luck.