The Old Bus Flying Group was formed by 6 members in 1980. Originally operating a Cherokee 140, the group expanded in 1987 in order to fund the purchase of an Archer II. Today the group is operating its second Archer II, G-BMIW. There are 23 flying members drawn from all over Sussex and Surrey, with varying levels of experience and professional backgrounds, including airline pilots. Members have typically been flying between 5 and 35 hours per year depending on their individual needs. The aeroplane is used for pleasure flying, UK travel, and foreign trips, the furthest having been to the Canaries.

A private flying group run voluntarily for the benefit of members, Old Bus is organised with the aim of funding all planned expenditure from a combination of monthly subscriptions and hourly flying (wet) rates, including all maintenance and replacement engine costs. Whilst day to day operations are handled by volunteers, in the background the aircraft is owned by a VAT Registered limited company to protect members' investment.

India Whiskey is a Piper Archer II powered by a 180hp Lycoming 0-360-A4M (solid crankshaft model with few Airworthiness Directive problems). It was built at Piper Aircraft Corporation in Lock Haven, Pensylvania in 1981. Originally allocated US Registration N8301J it was sold to South Africa where it flew as ZS-KTJ. It was imported to the UK in December 1985 and is operated by the group on a Public Transport C of A. The main features are as follows:-

• IFR Avionics fit:
• Garmin GMA340 Audio Panel
• Avidyne IFD440 NAV/GS/COM/GPS
• Garmin GNC255A NAV/GS/COM
• Dual Garmin GI106A CDI/GS Indicators
• Garmin GTX345 ADS-B Transponder
• King KR85 ADF
• King KN82A DME (slaved to both NAV/COMMs)
• 2 axis Century 21 autopilot

• General:
• Piper Electric Pitch Trim
• Engine approx. 1690 hours as of February 2023 (Factory rebuilt engine fitted May 2015)
• New propeller fitted March 2011, overhauled May 2015.
• Airframe approx. 8600 hours in February 2023
• Paintwork strip and respray in 2012
• Upholstery completely refurbished in 2012 (leather)
• Approx 120kt cruise and 10.5 gph at 75% and std. temperature and pressure
• 110kt and 7.6 Imp. gph at 65% (leaned to peak EGT)
• 40 Imp. gallons usable (181 litre) fuel capacity
• Useful load 660lb with full tanks
• Rear hold takes 100lbs baggage

In addition to the aeroplane which is kept hangared at Shoreham Airport, the group also owns the following equipment which is kept in a nearby locker for members' use.

• McMurdo Fastfind MaxG Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) with GPS
• 4 Life jackets
• 3 David Clark passenger headsets
• Jeppesen VFR manual for central Europe

If you are interested in purchasing a share in the Old Bus Flying Group, or would like to find out more, please email us by selecting Request Further Information.