[quote=“tmmorris” post=2944]I can’t remember if the props are metal or composite (should know that!)[/quote]From pictures available from the August incident it woudl seem that they are a wooden core with a sheath of some material.
Hoffmann props are wooden composite i.e. wood (hardwood root, spruce blade) coated in ‘fibre reinforced epoxy’ (whatever the hell that is!).
Not a total geek btw, I found that out through an internet search. 
Plastic basically.
‘Fiberglass’ is actually GRP - Glass fibre reinforced plastic. Fibre matt encapsulated in a polymer resin (commonly polyester).
‘Carbon fibre’ is a similar composite material which uses carbon fibres as reinforcement to the resin.
This will be something of that genre.
Potentially yes, but do that and the sunset jobbers at HQAC are out of “a nice little earner my son”, to paraphrase Arthur Daley, as the flying aspect of the AIR Training Corps is it’s main draw. [/quote]
The problem there is HQAC don’t run the AEF flying. If savings were required and the correct set of circumstances were in place, UAS and AEF flying could be, and always have been, vulnerable.
[quote]
It’s my understanding that this landing was in the same field as last time a blade detatched, and had actually started out as a practice emergency… What timing![/quote]
Not quite the same field, but only a couple of fields away.
The main reasons for being so twitchy now is that in the Nimrod inquiry people were individually named and shamed. People in the command chain can be held personally responsible. That’s the reason we get three of four groundings in 12 months whilst issues are thoroughly resolved (or, maybe not in this case).
It looks like there have been a few other issues as well but with the electrics.http://ad.easa.europa.eu/ad/2013-0017
So lightning can strike twice. I’m no aerospace engineer… No wait, yes I am… It is missing a blade!
http://www.sleafordstandard.co.uk/news/local/inquiry-after-trainer-emergency-landing-1-4685447
Definitely wasn’t lightning!
Wasn’t it somebodies mission to put the “Air” back in the Air Cadets?
[quote]20130124-Reduced Vigilant availability due propeller Hub cracks-U
3FTS have advised HQ ACO that the following Volunteer Gliding Squadrons (VGS) may have limited aircraft availability due to an ongoing servicing issue. ATC Sqn OCs and CCF(RAF) SC are advised to contact the relevant VGS before travelling.
613 VGS – RAF Halton
616 VGS – RAF Henlow
618 VGS – RAF Odiham
624 VGS – RMB Chivenor
631 VGS – RAF Woodvale
632 VGS - Ternhill
633 VGS – RAF Cosford
635 VGS – RAF Topcliffe
642 VGS – RAF Linton-on-Ouse
645 VGS – RAF Topcliffe
[/quote]
[quote=“Batfink” post=3546]Wasn’t it somebodies mission to put the “Air” back in the Air Cadets?
[/quote]
Non-powered gliding? :lol:
[quote=“Batfink” post=3546]Wasn’t it somebodies mission to put the “Air” back in the Air Cadets?
[/quote]
I thought the “A” in ATC stood for Admin…
My guesswork would be that this will be due to increased inspections of the propeller and hub’s due to the issue with the Grob Tutor as both hubs and blades are made by the same company.
If it does then the “T” is definitely not for Training…
T for Tedious sounds more like it!
I’m afraid I don’t know what has been communicated to yourselves from Cranwell so apologies if this is already common knowledge, but the word “on the street” is that Tutors will be grounded for a quite a few more months to come, possibly even up to 8 months.
As I say, this is from the grapevine so it’s not an official, backed up estimation, but either way you look at it, it seems we may be grounded for the long run.
…Sad face 
Quick…to the Viking squadrons!!!
You could always recreate the AEF experience* locally…
Get a bunch of cadets to turn up at the appointed time.
Chase the cadets who forget/have family parties/homeweork etc etc etc.
Load them onto a minibus.
Spend an hour driving around.
Unload them from the minibus.
Show them the AEF brief.
Show them the old AEF “jump jump john” brief, just for giggles.
Sit them down in front of the TV, watch Topgun.
Watch Hotshots.
Watch the first 5 minutes of Full Metal Jacket before someone realises most of the cadets are too young.
Announce that due to weather/visibility/serviceability flying is off.
Back on the minibus, drive around for an hour.
Offload.
Home for tea and medals.
- Personal experiences may vary.
not much of a variation my experience although replace Hotshots with Cool Runnings and your bob on!
I suspect it more due to cracks being found in the Vigilant prop hub…
…as opposed to being related to the Tutor at all. Very different engines, very different propellers. There’s a chance that the recent Tutor issues aren’t related to the hub too.
I remember seeing a cartoon in one of the old Air Cadet Magazines (maybe around '95?)…
Group of cadets being addressed by an instructor all sat around one of those ‘ride machines’ you find outside the supermarket. “Right, you’ve had safety breifing, been fitted with a parachute…now get your 20p’s ready!”
If only I could find it again, it would be so relevant now!
Might be time to raid the loft…