20th Stourbridge Halfpenny Green Air Scouts

HALFPENNY GREEN AIR SCOUTS.

GROUP PROFILE and INFORMATION.

Air Scouts are an official branch of the Scout movement. All members follow exactly the same training schedule and do the same badge work as “ordinary Scouts” but in addition have the benefit of specialised training and participation in air activities. Air Scouts wear a distinctive blue uniform.

The Halfpenny Green Air Scout Group was started in 1963 by Mr. Ted Ashford, the then District Commissioner for Stourbridge, and a group of local business men who provided a Percival Proctor aeroplane for the Scouts to work on. Many of the Scouts were able to start the engine and taxi around the airfield. In 1969, through the hard work of Mr. Frank Flavell, then Group Chairman, the RAF donated a twin engine Avro Anson to the group. Good use was made of both of these planes until, in the early ‘80’s, they were badly vandalised and were donated to air preservation societies for restoration.

The Group have not been able to replace these aircraft but they do have a glider and much other equipment to aid the air training programme. The Group have an excellent relationship with Bobbington Estates, the owners of the airfield, who not only provide the Scout Hut and other facilities but grant ready access to the hangers, control tower and fire station etc.

In 1971 Halfpenny Green Air Scouts gained RAF recognition which is a great privilege granted to only 30 Air Scout Groups in the country. Standards have to be maintained and a Squadron Leader from the RAF makes an annual inspection to determine that the prescribed criteria for continued recognition is being met. RAF Recognition gives the same access to The Royal Air Force, i.e. visits to establishments and flying in service aircraft, as for the Air Training Corps. The Group makes considerable use of this facility, visiting a number of RAF sites throughout the year including holding their annual camp on an active RAF station.

The RAF sets the minimum standard for flying in service aircraft at 14 years old and holding the Explorer Award. The younger Scouts fly in light aircraft from Halfpenny Green and the Group normally ensures that every member gets at least one flight each year.

Camping, canoeing and hiking and many other non air activities are included in the programme to ensure a varied interest for every one. The Group participates in most of the district activities and competitions which gives contact with other Scouts in the area.

There are two sections to the Air Scout Group:

a) The Scout Troop  between the ages of 10 1/2 and 14 years.
b) The Explorer Unit for over 14 years.

The meeting time is every Sunday Morning from 10.15 a.m., until 12.30 p.m. Visitors are most welcome to visit and see both the Scout training, and specialised air training work, in progress.

HOW WE CAN HELP YOU.

We can arrange a visit to the Airfield.

Halfpenny Green Air Scouts are based at Bobbington Airfield. We can arrange a guided tour of the airfield for a visiting Group. The tour usually includes the hangers where there are approx. 70 aeroplanes, the control tower and fire station. The Police helicopter is based on the airfield and, if free, the Police are happy to show visitors around their helicopter.

We can offer training.

All Scouts can participate in the Air training programme and wear the Air proficiency badges on their uniform. Halfpenny Green Air Scouts will run a training course on Sunday mornings . for individuals, or groups of Scouts, for any of the Air proficiency badges.

We can arrange Air Experience flights.

We will be pleased to arrange air experience flights for your Group in either powered aircraft or gliders. We can also arrange for Parascending courses, from a beginners introductory day, right through to Scout wings.
Please remember that all air activities depend upon suitable weather conditions and serviceability of equipment.

AIR ACTIVITIES FOR SCOUTS

WHAT IS THE COST?
(correct as of December 2000)

PARASCENDING:

A one day course that includes a safety lecture, demonstration of the equipment, instruction in launching procedures, and normally two flights in either the single or dual harness: £13.50 per person for a group of about 15 people over the age of 14 years.

GLIDING:

An air experience flight with an aero-tow to 2000 ft ensures a flight of about 20 minutes duration depending upon the weather conditions, during which time the pupil will be given an opportunity to try the controls. Price: £28.00 per person. Groups of 4 -6 people are best for the gliding club.

FLYING:

Unavailable at present due to verification of recent changes in POR .

These prices are typical in March 1996 Please remember that all air activities depend upon suitable weather conditions and serviceability of equipment.

Contact via Stourbridge District H.Q. (see link below), e-mail roger@hgas.fsnet.co.uk or stourbridgescouts@blueyonder.co.uk headed "Air Scouts" .

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