T
his month’s flight test is a little
different. For most Pilot features
I usually only fly the aircraft for
an hour or so but I already have
a reasonable amount of time in
SF 25 variants. Another interesting aspect
is that this particular machine may well
have been flown by many Pilot readers, as
it flew with the ATC as XZ560 for some
fifteen years. Even if you didn’t fly XZ560−
or the Buckminster Gliding Club’s other
Venture, ZA665−there’s a good chance
that if you were in the ATC between 1975
and 1990 you’ve flown a Venture. If you
haven’t, well... In most of my flight tests
for Pilot I’m being introduced to the
aircraft; for this one let’s change the style
slightly and I’ll introduce the Venture
to you.
Familiar to ATC members, the
Venture certainly teaches basic
training and airmanship skills
but is stuck somewhere between
glider and aeroplane
Words Dave Unwim Photos Keith Wilson
High Plane
Drifter
56 | Pilot September 2017 http://www.pilotweb.aero