The Twister Duo are delighted to welcome a new sponsor to the team, Funkwerk Avionics. Funkwerk Avionics is based in Waal (Bavaria) and Ulm (Baden-Württemberg). Funkwerk Avionics is an EASA approved production and maintenance organisation (EASA Part 21G and Part 145).

They develop, produce and sell avionics equipment and avionics system solutions in the areas of communication, navigation and displays. The company offers the “Filser“ product lines of TRT Mode-S transponders and ATR VHF voice radios for general aviation. The products are sold to aircraft manufacturers and via a comprehensive dealer network all over Europe.

Funkwerk Avionics also develops avionics equipment and system solutions for major OEM companies such as Airbus Deutschland, EADS Deutschland and public agencies such as Eurocontrol or the European Space Agency (ESA).

http://www.funkwerk-avionics.com/

Loop - March 2010

The Twister Duo have appeared in this month’s “Loop Magazine” as part of a flight test conducted by aerobatics guru, Alan Cassidy. Alan evaluates the Twister as a potential competition aerobatics aircraft. The article is accompanied by Dave Spurdens’ stunning photographs showing Pete Wells and Andy Preece flying high over the Norfolk coast. To view the article, click the magazine cover (left.)

Redesigned Team Logo

Pete and I met the legendary Display Evaluator Brendan O’Brien at Lashenden Airfield (Headcorn) today to get our Display Authorisation formation category upgraded from Intermediate to Advanced formation.

We have both renewed and upgraded our licences already this year, by lowering our base heights for aerobatics, but this was the last important step to permit us to perform as the ‘Twister Duo’.

Brendan was somewhat distracted with his new new toys – a clipped wing Cub and a massive smoke system, filling what was the front seat of the Cub. It was one of those enduring images watching Brendan test the smoke system and unwittingly engulf the Tiger Club’s clubhouse whilst waxing lyrical about the virtues of 1/4 inch injector nipples! – co-er!!

Flying into Headcorn

Brendan and his new Cub

Flying into Headcorn

Last weekend Guy and I had our first practice session with 2 identical UL260iSA powered Twisters. Sadly our propeller supplier delivered the wrong pitch propeller so we had a slight mis-match, but both engines are now fully aerobatic with inverted fuel and oil systems, so we have eliminated the power loss with negative-G suffered by the old engine.

Despite this slight set back we managed to do over 4 hours of intense aerobatic practice. Our training sorties were filmed by Matt Robain of Lifted Films both from the ground and onboard cameras. The footage is going to be used to produce a promotional film and is also a valuable training aid.

I would like to thank LAA engineering for their prompt help with certification and paperwork on both planes and also Matt Robain who has spent countless hours filming and editing reels of film for both for myself and the Swift Team.

We have also designed a new team logo.

Pete fitting the mini-cams

Mini-cams fitted to G-RIOT

Today I had the task of delivering one of our aircraft to White Waltham for a Loop Magazine flight test article.

If I’m honest it is a bit like being asked to sleep with the Queen, a great honour but not something you would look forward to!  Despite my anxiety, the test pilot could not have been nicer (or more highly qualified). Alan Cassidy is a legend in the aerobatic competition world, both for his own flying and coaching.

It was very interesting to get feed-back from someone so focused on Competition aerobatics. When he landed and opened the canopy, I asked what it was like to fly a real plane? – His instant response was “He hadn’t !”. He went on to say he judged a plane by its roll-rate and its ability to flat turn. The Twister was never designed as a 400 deg/sec competition aeroplane so it fell short of impressing Alan as a competition aerobatic machine, but I think like most people, it impressed him over all.

I look forward to read his article when it apears some time in the near future.

I performed the first flight with G-TWST today before the snow arrived. The new UL-Power 260iSA engine runs very smoothly and the flight went well despite not having the correct propeller fitted due to supply issues.

I will fly now at every opportunity to resolve all the small problems that such a big engineering project generates and hope to complete flight testing by the end of February.

I must thank LAA engineering for all their help and for turning the test paperwork around so quickly.  Also massive thanks must go to Guy who has completed a comprehensive operating manual for the SA1100 Twister, as well as helping in the workshop last weekend and doing the bookings for the team.

First Engine Runs

Fuel System Checks

Pete working on G-TWST

I’m happy to report that by the end of the week we will have two completely serviceable aircraft as G-TWST is now just waiting for flight tests after the new engine fit. Although we have to do all the flight testing and paperwork for the LAA I’m hoping to start our season work-up soon. Both Guy and Andy are flying G-RIOT to stay in practice.

I like to think that I learn from experience, and the lesson I have taken from the last 3 months is not to retrofit engines to Twisters. I cannot believe how difficult it has been! – But the end result will be worth it!

Now we are just waiting for some good weather….roll on spring!

G-TWST

G-TWSTs New Cowling

G-TWST

The Twister Duo are delighted to announce that we will be performing at the Airshow 100 event at Punchestown in Ireland. The event, which includes displays by other top acts such as the Swiss Air Force PC-7 team and the Breitling Wingwalkers, celebrates 100 Years of Aviation in Ireland. It takes place over Sunday 6th and Monday 7th June.

We are also pleased to be able to perform at the spectacular Windermere Airshow (24th-25th July) as well as the very popular Lowestoft Air Festival (12th-13th August.)

I was out today looking at a Cap 232 wing at Wickenby, base of Top aerobatic pilot Gerald Cooper and was given a quick tour of the place. To my amazement in the back of the hanger was my favourite pane of all time – a Hawker Tempest. Although not currently airworthy, it was rigged and on its wheels and if compared to the tiny bits of corroded schapnel that get turned into Spitfires – I hope one day to see it restored and in its rightful place in the air . I am amazed that something this rare and valuable is gathering dust in the back of a hanger? Something you might expect to find in India perhaps? But not in the UK!

Progress with the Twister  is good and by the end of the weekend I’m hoping G-TWST will be back on its wheels with all the new wiring completed. The rudder pedals and other parts are being assembled prior to final fit.

G-TWST Cockpit

G-TWST

New Parts for G-TWST

I must say belated thanks to Paul Johnson of Flightline UK for his great help with my web sites and the Photo book he has prepared  for Twister Aerobatics and Swift Team combined . The book is packed with stunning pictures from the last two display seasons, mostly taken by Paul himself. We gave copies to sponsors, team members and to a select few who have helped ‘above and beyond the call of duty’. The books have proved so popular we may get some more printed soon.

On the team front – the end is in sight! G-TWST has been completely re-instrumented with the Dynon system of glass screens that work so well in G-RIOT. We have also finished the fuel system for the UL260iSA engine and have totally rewired the plane. The last few parts have gone today for anodizing and then reassembly will start next week . A finish date of mid February now seems possible.

New Rudder Pedals

New Engine Mount for UL260iSA

Various New Twister Parts and the Photobook