Palm Bay
PALM BAY: Seasonal joy-riding base
Note. We have Mr Michael T Holder, a great friend of this 'Guide', to thank for unearthing this location. He provided the first three items and I have added the Google Earth © picture. The article was published in Flight magazine on the 20th September 1923.
Operated by: Essex Aviation Company
Location: On the beach, about 1nm ENE of Margate town centre
Period of operation: 15th August to 10th September 1923
NOTES: The first question, I suppose, is if other operators used this site? If anybody can kindly offer advice, this will be most welcome.
The aircraft Essex Aviation used was the three-seater Avro 504K G-EBCK, built by Parnall at Yate near Bristol and which served with the RFC/RAF as E3379. It was registered for civilian use 29.04.1922 and was WFU (Withdrawn From Use) 01.02.1928.
After WW1 a substantial number of surplus military aircraft flooded onto the market, almost decimating the aircraft manufacturing industry. The Avro 504, typically the 'K' and 'N' variants soon became the aircraft of choice for most concerns involved in, especially, joy-riding activities. And indeed, Avro themselves were heavily involved for the first few years.
The main reasons for it being so popular are several. Perhaps the main reason being that it could relatively cheaply be converted to take two passengers. Plus of course spare parts, from engines to wings, were cheap and plentiful. Another important reason is that there were plenty of ex-services mechanics and riggers around to maintain and repair them.
A lot of this work, during the season, (which could last all year), but much busier from April to October - was undertaken in the open with minimal tools and equipment - and very basic accommodation, often just tents.
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