A mixture of construction sites and some local landmarks have been the backdrop of this Spring’s aerial photography.  Canon Professional Services have awarded me their new Silver grade professional membership and are keen for me to try the new EOS 5D Mk II which has HD video capability.  It will be a great experiment as soon as I can get my hands on the camera body.  To qualify for the Gold and Platinum status now, photographers have to invest in up to 3 current Canon camera bodies depending on what they already own and to continue to own Canon's current and qualifying lenses.  This is fine but they will keep reinventing everything and making perfectly good gear obsolete or discontinued.  That's the imaging business for you - continuous improvement in small steps! Sounds like the TQM I used to promote in my previous employment. For general commercial and aerial oblique photography we have a great setup here and things are getting better all the time as technology improves.  The sky shot on the right, was taken on a safety pilot trip and like the one below of some of my Canon gear, it was also taken on my Samsung mobile phone.

A selection of Canon cameras and lenses for oblique photography

 4,000 ft over Bedfordshire - No ash yet?

Visits to airfields at Charlecote Wellesbourne, Meppershall near Henlow and Peterborough Conington along with some aerial work over Milton Keynes have each provided some remunerated flying recently and good bacon sandwiches into the bargain.  The Cessna 177 Cardinal is available again but minus the photo window that was regrettably challenged as an unapproved modification when the window needed a repair.  This is a big blow because the 177 is so smooth and roomy benefiting from the strut-free cantilever wing.  Flying training is being carried out as usual.  Ferry flights in PA38 and Cessna 177 added to the variety and served as useful refreshers in these models.  The recent low cloud gave an opportunity for some IMC flying and the view above shows how a gloomy day can be transformed by climbing a few thousand feet to get above the clouds in the old “VMC on top”.  There is no sign of volcanic dust here yet, fortunately.  Getting to the airfield recently has been a bit more exciting using the Honda 650 Deauville.