The Grumpy Gang

The Grumman Aircraft Pilots Association European Branch

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High Flight

Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of Earth
And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;
Sunward I've climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth
Of sun-split clouds, -- and done a hundred things
You have not dreamed of -- wheeled and soared and swung
High in the sunlit silence. Hov'ring there,
I've chased the shouting wind along, and flung
My eager craft through footless halls of air. . . .
Up, up the long, delirious burning blue
I've topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace
Where never lark, or ever eagle flew --
And, while with silent, lifting mind I've trod
The high untrespassed sanctity of space,
Put out my hand, and touched the face of God

John Gillespie Magee, Jr

In memory of our friend and fellow Grumman pilot

Paul Vickrage (1946 - 2006)

We lost Paul in a tragic accident on the 22-07-2006, his pilot Kevin Crossley also suffered fatal injuries in the crash.
He will be forever missed by his wife Kay, family and friends.Paul died doing what he loved...flying

Deep sympathy also to Kevins partner Tina, family and friends.Kevin was an excellent instructor and a brilliant controller.
He will be sadly missed by all.

Paul flying N31RB        Paul in Portugal 2002   Paul in Hungary 2003   Paul in France             Paul in Denmark             Paul in Belgium                                                                       

In memory of our fellow Grumman pilot

Norman Whisler

Norman was a regular attender of  European Fly-Ins.

He died from a stroke after a forced landing accident in his AA1B EI-CCY  at Galway Airport

Ireland in the winter of 1994.

Five years later in 1999 a new award "The Norman Whisler Trophy" has been presented for the first time to

his wife Colette in recognition for the efforts he and Colette made in attending past events. Many of these flights were made in IFR conditions in their little plane.

This award is to go every year to the person who has made the most meritorious flight in attending the fly-in, not necessarily the longest flight.