As many of you know one of my passions is aviation. When I was in 4th grade I earned a cub scout merit badge explaining how a jet engine works. Ok so I'm really an aviation freak! Long before I went into meteorology my career track was aviation. If it wasn't for a chance meeting with a TV reporter years ago things might have been different.

If it has wings and a motor I want to fly it. I'm particularly interested with obscure and unique planes. Recently I've been flying a very rare bird, a Royal Airforce Auster Mk VI.

The Auster belongs to a very good friend, Hank Bullock. He bought the plane back in the 1980s. I shouldn't plane what Hank, actually purchased was a trailer full of airplane parts. It's now one of two flying in the United States and maybe one of 100 left world wide. It's won over a dozen awards at fly ins up and down the West Coast.

What I find really cool about the Auster is it's history. This airplane flew with the VF644, the famed flying dragon squadron of The Royal Airforce in Hong Kong.

Back when Hong Kong was a British Colony, Hank's, Auster flew the fence line that seperated Hong Kong from what was then known as Communist China. I've included a link below showing The Auster flying patrol back in 1962.

Mkhttp://www.grs.gov.hk/PRO/srch/english/imgdisplay.jsp?RecordKey=799767&s=HKPRO_Archive_web&version=internet&page=1

Just in case you're interested in seeing this piece of flying history, Hank and I will be flying the Auster to several Northwest Air shows this summer, including The EAA Northwest Airshow in Arlington Washington and the Northwest Antique Flyin In McMinnville Oregon.

Tally Ho!
Dave