The RAF Flying Clubs’ Association (RAFFCA) has announced that the application window for its Junior Rank Pilot Scholarship Scheme (JRPSS) 2017 is now open.

The Royal Air Force Charitable Trust (RAFCT)sponsored scheme is open to serving RAF Regular and Reserve Junior Ranks (JR) across the UK who have been invited to submit their applications before 31 January 2017, after which 30 lucky candidates will be selected to receive flying training.

The scheme has received an £80,000 grant from Trustees who recognise the huge benefits it has had on previous scholars. The annual grant, which has increased year on year, will enable the select 30 to each receive 15 hours of flying instruction on a light aircraft, which may count towards a Light Aircraft Pilot Licence (LAPL). All necessary equipment to undertake the training at selected RAF flying clubs will also be provided through the scholarship, including flying suits and study packs.

RAF Flying Clubs’ Association Project Officer Flight Lieutenant Chris Hives said: “Since its launch, we have received a tremendous response to the JRPSS. We had more than 360 applications in 2016 and received submissions for 2017 before the application process had even opened!

“This is an extremely generous grant from the Trust, which negates the need for any personal contribution – it couldn’t get any better for our JRs! Some of the lucky JRs may even get to learn to fly in the new Tecnam training aircraft, based in Scampton, which was purchased by the RAFCT last year to enhance the delivery of the scheme.

“This support means that our young personnel can gain the experience and support they need to pursue a career in aviation.”

Once candidates have successfully completed the scholarship there is also the opportunity to apply for the JRPSS Top-Up-Scheme which provides additional funding for those selected to continue their flying training and achieve their LAPL.

RAFCT Director Amanda Butcher added: “The JRPSS presents a fantastic opportunity for aviation minded JRs to achieve a flying licence, which has so many benefits, both personally and professionally. The number of people benefitting from the scheme has increased each year and is on track to reach 100 by the centenary in 2018. We are thrilled to be able to provide this level of support to help secure the future of aviation.”

The 30 successful applicants will be announced on Monday 13 February 2017. Any applications made after the closing date will not be accepted. All training for successful candidates must be completed between 1 April and 30 September 2017.

The JRPSS was launched to improve the airmindedness of Junior Ranks by offering them flying experience and the opportunity to increase their knowledge and understanding of the technologies used in aviation.In just two years, the scheme has already benefitted 40 serving personnel.

To apply,or to find out more information, please visit http://www.jrfly.co.uk/

The excitement is mounting as the date of Monday 25th November approaches and the Yorkshire Air Museum prepares to mark the 20th Anniversary of the arrival of Handley Page Victor V-bomber XL231 “Lusty Lindy” with a high speed (120 knot) dash of the aircraft down Elvington airfields long runway! This will be timed to coincide with the exact moment XL231 touched down at 14:20pm on 25th November, 1993. To add to the spectacle, the braking parachute will be deployed at this moment, to slow the aircraft down from its near take-off speed dash, as occurred when the aircraft landed 20 years ago.

“Lusty Lindy” will first be started up on a dispersal point, conduct some high power throttle ups of the four mighty Rolls Royce Rco 11 turbo fans, each capable of developing 17250 lbs of thrust, and then circle the dispersal before making a slow initial taxi down the runway, for the benefit of viewers and photographers, then turning to make the fast run. After the run, there will be opportunities to get a closer look at “Lusty Lindy” when she is safely parked up and shut down.

To add to the party on this special day, the Museum’s similarly ‘live’, ground operational Nimrod MR2 XV250, the ‘Mighty Hunter’, will also make a fast taxi down the runway prior to the Victor’s run, symbolising the service relationship between the aircraft types.

A special voucher will be available on the day to allow visitors to see this awesome spectacle of power at close quarters on the airfield itself, with proceeds contributing to the fuel for these aircraft runs.

The saving of HP Victor XL231 as an icon of British engineering design and technology, is the result of a unique collaboration between the Yorkshire Air Museum, the Handley Page Association and the Tempest family. The ball was started rolling in 1992 by Harry Fraser Mitchell of the Handley Page Association, who lobbied the MoD on behalf of the Yorkshire Air Museum, to secure one of the 55 Squadron Victors, then based at RAF Marham, for Elvington on their imminent retirement from 35 years service.

It was disclosed that some aircraft would be disposed of to suitable aviation museum’s and organisations, through a ‘sealed envelope’ bidding process, and so the Museum duly mounted a fundraising campaign from amongst our members and supporters to raise the funds envisaged. By October 1993, with the retirement of the aircraft looming and the window of opportunity closing, it had become clear that insufficient sums had been raised. At this point, local businessman Gerry Tempest came in, after being persuaded by his son and YAM member Andre, that it would be a ‘good idea’ to buy an aeroplane, namely the Victor. Gerry reached an agreement with the Museum that he would put up the funds to purchase the aircraft, to be owned by his family, but classed as a Museum exhibit and purchased under the Yorkshire Air Museum name (to meet MoD requirements) in return for free standing for the aircraft at Elvington.

The bid was successful, and Gerry and Andre Tempest went to RAF Marham at the end of October 1993, to select the aircraft, with XL231 being ‘the one’. The Museum made the final arrangements with the MoD, RAF and local residents to facilitate the flying in of “Lusty (perhaps Lucky) Lindy” on 25th November 1993. Andre Tempest and a team of volunteers have maintained XL231 in ground operational condition ever since.

HP Victor B.2 V-bomber / K.2 Tanker XL231

Built in 1961, with maiden flight 28th December, and joined 139 Squadron, RAF Wittering, 1st Feb. 1962. To carry ‘Blue Danube’ Nuclear bomb or 35 x 1000lb iron bombs. Converted to Mk 2 status in Nov. 1963 and re-joined RAF Wittering Wing in July 1964. To carry the Avro ‘Blue Steel’ nuclear warhead missile.

Converted to K.2 Tanker (air to air refuelling), the FIRST prototype, on 23rd Jan 1972.The aircraft was fully converted to K.2 specification, zero fatigued to as new.

In 1977, XL231 was taken on charge with 57 Squadron, RAF Marham. In the build up to the South Atlantic campaign, XL231 was chosen for trials to convert Nimrod and Hercules aircraft for in flight refuelling.

In this role, the aircraft saw service in support of the Falklands War and also saw action in the Gulf War, in 1990, after being transferred to 55 Squadron (Marham). It was during Operation Granby (Desert Storm) that XL231 was given the “Lusty Lindy” decal, in honour of the Crewchief’s wife! XL231 returned to the UK in September 1993, but 55 Squadron was disbanded in October 1993, with XL231 making her last service flight on 15th October, as part of the disbandment flypast.

The Victor was the longest serving of the V bomber generation, which included the Avro Vulcan and Vickers Valiant.

www.yorkshireairmuseum.org

This year’s Cockpit-Fest ‘migration’ has started with the first cockpit already on site at Newark Air Museum’s site in eastern Nottinghamshire; close to the border with Lincolnshire

Newark Air Museum is a registered charity located on part of the former site of RAF Winthorpe and its two day Cockpit-Fest event attracts exhibitors from across the UK and Europe, to sample what one aviation magazine editor calls “grass roots aircraft preservation”.

From its humble beginnings, when a few like-minded enthusiasts first displayed the cockpit sections at the museum; Cockpit-Fest now regularly attracts, many more visiting cockpits and associated displays. This year twenty-five (25) visiting cockpits are already booked to attend. It has also developed a word to describe the participants – ‘Cockpiteer’; many of whom have lovingly rebuilt and restored these projects at home, Cockpit-Fest giving them the chance to display them in public.

The event is supported by a range of organisations and individuals; with the public being encouraged to have a say in deciding, which is the best cockpit by voting on their favourite display and from these results prizes are awarded.

Cockpit-Fest also attracts other visiting displays like the Raptor Foundation with its owls; local history / archaeological groups; book launches; and even more aviation related displays such as clothing and historical artefacts. As an added bonus this year’s event has flypasts by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight on both days.

Running alongside Cockpit-Fest is an Aeroboot aviation and avionics sale, which allows Cockpiteers and the public to search out those aviation artefacts, books and models.

This year’s event takes place on Saturday 15th and Sunday 16thth June; and full details can be found on the News & Information page of the museum website at www.newarkairmuseum.org 

After several failed attempts the Newark Air Museum has finally been able to secure a long-term acquisition target in the shape of a Bloodhound surface-to-air missile.

This recently acquired missile was transported to the museum’s site on the former RAF Winthorpe airfield in Nottinghamshire; close to the border with Lincolnshire on Tuesday 21st May, 2013.

After refurbishment the Bloodhound missile will be displayed alongside the museum’s Type 86 Radar Cabin, which recently underwent an external repaint. This is a complete cabin that was acquired several years ago from the Royal Radar and Signals Establishment and is believed to have carried the codename ‘Indigo Corkscrew’.

The museum also displays a Thunderbird surface-to-air missile, which was acquired several years ago.

Some key items are missing from the new acquisition and the museum is hopeful of sourcing these items in the coming months.

www.newarkairmuseum.org

First cockpits & displays booked in!

The first wave of cockpits participation bookings has now been received in for the 2013 Cockpit-Fest event at the museum. The two day event provides a focal point for cockpit owners from across the UK and takes place each June at Newark Air Museum’s site in eastern Nottinghamshire. This year the event takes place on Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th June at the museum site off Drove Lane, Winthorpe.

Special thanks go out to Scale Aviation Modeller International and Farlam Airframes who have both generously agreed to support Cockpit-Fest 2013. The museum is currently in discussion with several other individuals and groups and the trustees are hopeful of being able to announce further support in the coming weeks.

Any company or organisation that wishes to support Cockpit-Fest, an annual charitable event, is asked to contact Howard Heeley at:

Newark Air Museum

Drove Lane

Winthorpe

Newark

Notts

NG24 2NY

Or via Email at enquire@newarkairmuseum.org

Cockpits

Lightning F.6 – XS922

Chipmunk T.10 – WZ869

Lightning F.6 – XS932

Hunter FGA.9 – XE597 (Sat Only)

Lightning F.3 – XP757

Canberra B.6 – WT319

Hunter F.1 – WT684

Scimitar F1 – XD235

* These cockpits are totally new to the event.

** A cockpit rig is a term used to describe a cockpit either without its shell, or fitted with an alternative shell. These are used to good effect when original materials are not available.

Instrument Panels & Aircraft Interiors

Assorted Instrument Panels from Victor and Trident

Phantom Instrument Panels

Meteor F.4 Instrument Panel Display

Spitfire Instrument Panels

Special Guest & Displays

Airfield Research Group

Owls from the Raptor Foundation

Crusader 80 BAOR Living History Display

Model Display & vehicle display

Lancaster W4270 Display

Helicopter Simulator Display

Book Launches & Signings

The Phantom in Focus – A Navigator’s Eye on Britain’s Cold War Warrior is a new book by
David Gledhill

Riding In The Shadow Of Death – a new book by Chris Keltie (book launch Sunday only)

Battle of Britain Memorial Flight flypasts

Saturday 15th June – Spitfire

Sunday 16th June – Lancaster, Hurricane & Spitfire

Photo Opportunities

A number of Exhibitors and Museum Volunteers will spend part of each day wandering around in period military clothing and flying clothing. Visitors wishing to make use of these as possible photo opportunities only have to ask.

Aircraft Opening

Museum volunteers will endeavour to open many of our operable aircraft for public visiting and viewing throughout the weekend. A small additional fee may be charge to access the museum aircraft.

Finally don’t forget the Aeroboot / Aerojumble Aviation & Avionics Sale that runs alongside Cockpit-Fest.

Opening Hours both days 1000 – 1700 hours last admission 1600 hours.

Special Notice

It should be noted by visitors that as some of these exhibits travel many miles to be here for the weekend, it must be expected that many will start to leave the site from 2pm on the Sunday. We therefore recommend early viewing to avoid disappointment.

Normal museum admission rates apply: Adults £7.50, Over 60s £6.50, Children £4.00 and Family ticket [2 adults & 3 children] £21.00.

http://www.newarkairmuseum.org

As the list of exciting displays and attractions starts to build momentum, RAF Cosford Air Show will begin selling tickets from public outlets on Wednesday (March 6).

Ashley Claber-Aikman, from RAF Cosford Air Show (pictured left), handed over the tickets to Dianne James, manager of Midland Air Museum (Coventry), one of the many outlets that this week will begin selling tickets to the air show on Sunday, June 9.

The announcement follows confirmation that RAF Cosford has been nominated to feature within the 2013 display season for the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows. Last year more than 38,000 people attended the air show and organisers are anticipating another bumper turn-out at the West Midlands’ largest aviation event.

Event organisers have tried to make it as easy as possible for the public to purchase their tickets to the Midlands’ premier aviation event. As well as the Midlands Air Museum, tickets can be acquired from the RAF Museum at Cosford, Tourist Information Centres in Stoke-on-Trent, Stafford, Solihull & Shrewsbury and selected branches of Midcounties Co-operative. Alternatively, people can choose to travel by rail and enjoy combined travel and admission when travelling with Arriva Trains Wales.

Air show tickets can also be purchased online at www.cosfordairshow.co.uk or by calling the 24-hour ticket line on 0871 230 1083. Advance tickets are priced from £20, representing a 20 per cent discount on tickets bought on the day (£25). There’s FREE car parking and FREE admission for all under-16s accompanied by an adult.

All profits made from the RAF Cosford Air Show are donated to local and service charities.

Organisers of the Royal International Air Tattoo have described news of the Royal Air Force’s plans for next summer’s airshow as an exciting, early Christmas present.

In a letter to the organisers this week, the RAF outlined an ambitious programme of involvement at the Air Tattoo, which takes place at RAF Fairford, in the heart of the Cotswolds, on July 20 & 21, 2013.

The RAF’s Air Command said it hoped to send a flying VC-10 transport aircraft and TriStar air-to-air tanker plus a C-17, A330 ‘Voyager’ and C-130J/K Hercules for either the flying display or static park.

Other RAF aircraft earmarked for the airshow include a Tornado, Search & Rescue Sea King helicopter, the Red Arrows and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.

The RAF said it also supported plans by the airshow organisers to bring together all the Typhoon operators of the world in line with its operational theme SkyGuardian.

A number of potential, exciting set pieces for the flying display were also suggested by the Royal Air Force, but airshow organisers said they were keeping these under wraps until next year.

Air Tattoo Chief Executive Tim Prince said: “Though we shall have to wait until spring to receive official confirmation of exactly which RAF aircraft will be attending, it’s great to receive such positive news so early.

“It is important for us to make sure that the Air Tattoo provides the most effective engagement opportunity for the Royal Air Force because of the incredible support they give us each year. Having knowledge of their plans so early on is fantastic and gives us a great head start with our planning. It was like receiving an early Christmas present!”

People planning to visit the Air Tattoo next summer have until Sunday, January 6 to take advantage of a specially-priced Super Earlybird ticket, which offers a saving of 33 per cent on the price of admission. For full details, visit www.airtattoo.com

People planning to attend next summer’s Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford, who purchase their tickets before January 7, will enjoy a saving of up to £14 on the price of admission.

Special Super Earlybird tickets go on sale tomorrow (November 21) for next summer’s event, which takes place on July 20-21.

In a bid to keep tickets as affordable as possible for its many supporters, organisers have decided to cap the price of the Sunday admission ticket, adding just £1 on to the 2012 admission price. This means that a Super Earlybird Sunday ticket will be available until January 6, priced just £30.

This compares with the £35 cost of a Super Earlybird Saturday ticket.

Between January 7 and April 3, Earlybird tickets will be available priced £40 for the Saturday and £35 for the Sunday.

After April 3, the standard advance ticket will go on sale, priced £45 (Saturday) and £40 (Sunday). Each order after April 3 will be subject to a £4 admin fee.

The Air Tattoo’s Head of Marketing Helen Webb said: “We’ve introduced the new pricing structure to reflect the growing number of people who are looking for extra-value in these challenging times.

“By introducing specially-priced Sunday tickets and enabling all accompanied under-16s to come in for free, visitors can enjoy one of the UK’s greatest outdoor events next summer at an extremely competitive price.”

The Royal International Air Tattoo 2013 will bring together air arms from around the world in a celebration of aviation excellence.

Helen added: “Last summer’s Air Tattoo was a great success with new aerobatic display teams taking part, stealth aircraft and three new countries participating. We’re planning to match all that excitement with an equally thrilling airshow in July.”

For full admission ticket details and to see the wide range of optional upgrades designed to enhance your enjoyment of the Royal International Air Tattoo 2013, visit www.airtattoo.com.

A unique piece of memorabilia from this summer’s Royal International Air Tattoo is being auctioned this month in support of the airshow’s Fairford-based charity – the RAF Charitable Trust.

The large, one-off framed print features the official 2012 Air Tattoo artwork created by renowned aviation artist David Bent.

It has been signed by many of those who took part in the airshow including the Red Arrows, the US Air Force’s B-2 ‘Stealth’ crew, RAF display pilots, the Vulcan crew, the South Korean Black Eagles team and the Polish Air Force MiG-29 Fulcrum display pilot.

Others signatories include the UAE’s Al Fursan team, the Japanese Air Self Defense Force KC-767 crew and the USAF F-15E Strike Eagle team. In total, more than 280 signatures feature as well a number of colourful squadron patches, pins and stickers representing air arms from around the world.

Giving his seal of approval to the venture, Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Dalton, the RAF’s Chief of the Air Staff, also signed the artwork during July’s airshow.

The framed print, measuring 1m x 1.2m, will be auctioned on eBay for a limited 10-day period this month with the highest bidder securing the ultimate souvenir from this year’s unforgettable airshow.

Air Tattoo Chief Executive Tim Prince said the piece of artwork would create a talking point where ever it was hung.

“There is so much to look at and enjoy – it really is striking. Not only will the winning bidder own a highly collectable piece of aviation art with an historical provenance but the money they bid will help support the excellent work of our parent charity.”

Artist David Bent said: “As an artist inspired by aviation, I was delighted to have the opportunity to create the image for the Royal International Air Tattoo.

“The character Ace Mandala, featured on the RIAT poster, is a fictional fast jet pilot that I based on the boss of the Red Arrows during my first year as artist in residence with the team. The original painting featuring Ace is currently on display in Fresh Air, my solo retrospective at the RAF Museum, London – so he gets around!

“By signing and adding their badges to this poster, outstanding aircrews from all around the world have contributed to creating a totally unique item.”

To view photos of the framed artwork and to place a bid, visit www.airtattoo.com for more information. The closing date for bids is October 12.

The final flying participation has now been announced for The Duxford Air Show (Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 September) and it is an amazing line-up!

Just confirmed is a flypast of United States Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles on both Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 September.

On Sunday 9 September only, a pair of F-16 Fighting Falcons from the Royal Norwegian Air Force will fly alongside a pair of de Havilland Vampires from the Norwegian Air Force Historical Squadron.

This exciting combination has never been seen before in the UK. It brings together the Royal Norwegian Air Force’s first and most contemporary jet fighter aircraft.

Also from the Norwegian Air Force Historical Squadron is their newly-acquired Lockheed T-33 Shooting Star, an American-built jet trainer aircraft, which will be flying on Saturday 8 September only.

The presence of the Royal Norwegian Air Force and the Norwegian Air Force Historical Squadron at The Duxford Air Show commemorates the centenary of aviation in Norway, celebrated this year. It also acknowledges the long-standing historical connection between the Royal Norwegian Air Force and the Royal Air Force.

From New Zealand come two rare replica First World War aircraft, the Albatros DV.a, a German single-seat biplane that sustained aerial combat in the skies over France for longer than all of the more famous Fokker models combined; and the RE.8, a two-seater reconnaissance biplane.

Also representing the bold and brave innovation of the First World War era are replicas of the Fokker DR-1, the type of aircraft in which the Red Baron gained his last 19 victories, and a Nieuport 17, a French biplane fighter aircraft of the era.

The world-famous Red Arrows will perform on Sunday 9 September only, while the Aerostars will be performing stunning aerobatics on both days of The Duxford Air Show.

Flying on Saturday 8 September only is Avro Vulcan XH558, which previously flew at IWM Duxford in September 2008. Vulcan XH558 performs a majestic flying display in the 60th anniversary year of the Vulcan’s maiden flight and the 30th anniversary of the Falklands conflict, in which the Vulcan played a vital role.

XH558 was the first Vulcan B Mark 2 to be delivered to the RAF and the last Vulcan to leave RAF service after a sterling 33 years. It is now the oldest complete Vulcan in the world.

A pair of Tornado GR4s from15 (R) Squadron at RAF Lossiemouth will make their debut appearance at IWM Duxford in the 30th anniversary year of the Tornado entering RAF service.

In scenes reminiscent of the Battle of Britain, five Spitfires, including a rare Mark I Spitfire, will fly in a tailchase formation with two Hispano Buchons, representing Messerschmitt Bf109 aircraft, and a Hawker Hurricane.

There’s more superb biplane action with the Royal Navy Historic Flight’s Swordfish, the Antonov An-2, the largest single-engine biplane ever produced and still flying, and the de Havilland Dragon Rapide (flying on Sunday 9 September only).

Following its outstanding performance in striking Jubilee colours at The Jubilee Air Show, the Shorts Tucano fromthe Central Flying School Flight at RAF Linton-on-Ouse makes a welcome return at The Duxford Air Show on Saturday 8 September only.

Making only its second air show appearance is The Fighter Collection’s P-47 Thunderbolt Snafu which was a highlight of this year’s Flying Legends Air Show.

Even more exciting flying includes the BAe Hawk from208 (R) Squadron, RAF Valley; the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Dakota; the Gnat Display TeamPair; B-17 Flying Fortress Sally B; Douglas C-47 Skytrain; Bucker Bu 131 Jungmann; Curtiss Hawk 75; Grumman F8F-2P Bearcat; Consolidated PBY Catalina (flying on Saturday 8 September only) and the North American T-28 Trojan.

This has to be one of the most exciting flying displays seen at IWM Duxford in recent years!

There are plenty of activities to enjoy across IWM Duxford and themuseumis open to explore throughout the day.

Living history groups will be bringing Second World War history to life, with RAF Ops 1939-45 recreating an RAF Fighter Pilots’ dispersal position and giving visitors a glimpse of 1940s Bomber briefings in action.

The Military Equipment Collectors will be recreating the role of the RAF ground crew who kept Spitfires constantly at scramble readiness throughout the Battle of Britain and beyond. They will be displaying an RAF Mobile Mechanic Unit with early Second World War field equipment.

Colonel Richard Grahamwill be hosting his popular talks about the SR-71 Blackbird in the American Air Museum next to the SR-71 Spyplane that he flew. Colonel Graham’s talks will take place at 10amand noon on both Saturday and Sunday.

Children of all ages can enjoymaking and painting an Airfix model in AirSpace between 10.30am and 4pm and can then take their model masterpiece home as a souvenir of The Duxford Air Show.

Duxford Aviation Society’s The British Airliner Collection will be open to explore, including the iconic Concorde. Duxford Radio Society will be presenting radio equipment displays between 10.30am and 3.30pm.

On both days between 10amand 2pm, touch, hold and find out more about RAF Bomber Command historic objects in Air Space next to the iconic Lancaster. Learn about United States Army Air Force historic objects in the American Air Museum from 10am to 2pm.

There is still time to purchase your tickets in advance to save 10% and get a free child ticket, which is available with every adult or senior ticket purchased.

This offer is on advance ticket purchases only; it cannot be used on the day of the event.

Tickets can be purchased online at www.iwm.org.uk or by calling the Box Office on 01223 499 353. The Box Office is open from Monday to Friday from 9.30am to 4.30pm.

There is no booking fee but a postage and packing fee applies per transaction.

Advance tickets will be available until:

5pm on Friday 24 August for overseas postal delivery
5pm on Wednesday 29 August for UK postal delivery