G-AJRB is probably the most famous and well loved aircraft that was overhauled and maintained by Blackstone Aviation. Known affectionately as 'Dear old RB', the aircraft is a well flown and well regarded pilot-maker from its extensive service throughout flying schools, primarily Brooklands at Sywell where it was based for 25 years.
Always known as RB rather than Romeo Bravo, Auster G-AJRB was built at the Auster aircraft factory at Rearsby near Leicester in early 1947. The full designation of RB is Auster V (S) J/1 'Autocrat' construction no. 2350. Her first test flight was on 21st May 1947, and lasted for twenty minutes.
RB then became the property of Brooklands Aviation Limited, and 23rd May 1947 a Brooklands pilot picked up RB and flew her to Sywell, then flew her on to Shoreham, another of Brooklands flying schools in her smart red/silver/black Brooklands ‘house colours’.
RB's long association with Sywell really began in 1951, when the aeroplane was officially received and accepted by engineers Frank Golding and Cyril Gross of Brooklands, Sywell. For the following 25 years RB was a flying school aircraft with several changes of ownership, ultimately with Paul Smith at Northamptonshire School of Flying. Those years through the 50s, 60s and early 70s were RB's busiest years. Many people who learnt to fly then would have flown RB at some point and many would also have made their first solo flight in her - a memory no pilot would ever forget.
It wasn't all plain sailing, though. The aeroplane worked very hard during this period with many students doing their best to inflict damage. A look through the many logbooks reveals some of the work undertaken by Cyril Gross and his team to keep RB airworthy: a replacement engine in 1952, repairing minor damage in a landing accident in 1966, a new undercarriage leg in 1970, and more landing damage inflicted in 1973.
In 1976 Trevor Booth bought the aeroplane from Northamptonshire School of Flying, which had gradually been modernising its training fleet. RB then moved to Doncaster where she was flown a great deal but eventually languished at the back of a hangar there.
Stewart Luck, who, a few years earlier, had learnt to fly at Sywell on RB and later taught people to fly on her, tracked her down and managed to buy RB in 1980. His persistence and persuasion enabled RB to return to Sywell, via stays at Rothwell and Audley End for repairs and maintenance work, in 1983. This six-year absence was the last time RB left Sywell for any length of time. Following this the RB Flying Group was formed at Sywell but by the mid 2000’s this eventually folded and RB was left outside looking rather sad and dejected. Subsequently purchased from the group she went through a comprehensive rebuild at Eggesford emerging in 2008 for owner Robin Vince. The Museum was able to supply a compass for her and some period Brooklands Aviation transfers to complete her new look in a smart overall red scheme. The Aircraft was then based in Kent for many years.
In 2022 the Aircraft moved North from kent to Northumberland and was thoroughly revitalized to airworthiness, guaranteeing its presence in the skies for years to come and is now owned by Tom and Will Stone. RB will make pilots once again. RB hopes to make frequent visits to Sywell and Sywell Aviation Museum who have been so enthusiastic and supportive.
Many Thanks to Sywell Aviation Museum and Nick Ravine for writing this piece.
Please get in touch if you have any memories or photographs of RB and feel free to come for a visit.
