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/

More than 20 members of the Junior Ranks based at RAF stations across the UK and Cyprus have been told they are to receive scholarships to learn to fly and achieve solo standard in a light aircraft.

They were among a record 367 applicants who applied to the RAF Junior Rank Pilot Scholarship Scheme (JRPSS) 2016.

The scheme was first launched last year as a joint venture by the RAF Flying Clubs’ Association and the RAF Charitable Trust (RAFCT). It proved so popular that an initial grant of £20,000 to fund eight scholarships was doubled by RAFCT Trustees to enable more Servicemen and women based at RAF stations across the UK and Cyprus to benefit.

This year, 24 scholarships were on offer thanks to an increased grant of £60,000 from the Trust. RAFCT Chairman Air Marshal Sir Kevin Leeson said Trustees have been overwhelmed by the popularity of the scheme.He said: “Clearly the word is out there among the Junior Ranks who recognise the many benefits, both personally and professionally, that learning to fly can bring. We’re making a difference to the lives of serving personnel in the UK and abroad by funding a wide variety of projects and are particularly keen to support initiatives that promote airmindedness.

“The popularity of the scholarship scheme among Junior Ranks may well result in even more support from Trustees in the future.”

Flt Lt Chris Hives, an RAF Flying Clubs’ Association executive and JRPSS project officer,said: “As soon as the application window opened, the popularity of the scheme was obvious and by the deadline period for applying we had received more than twice the number submitted last year.I was delighted with the response and, moreover, the fact that the JR cadre were clearly competing for a place on the JRPSS, as evidenced by the high standard of their applications. The job of the JRPSS Selection Board certainly wasn’t easy.”

Corporal Amy Foster, from RAF Brize Norton, who was awarded a scholarship in 2015, said learning to fly under the scheme was an experience that would stay with her forever.

She said: “I achieved solo flight after 14 hours. My instructor just hopped out of the aircraft with the engine running and told me I was on my own – I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. The experience was a real confidence booster. If I can fly an aircraft solo – I can do anything!”

The successful applicants are: Cpl Anthony James Barnes, RAF Cosford; SAC Scott Brown, RAF Marham; SAC Liam James Conway, RAF Lossiemouth; SAC Grant Cowe, RAF Lossiemouth; Cpl Graham Dacres, RAF Coningsby; SAC Kieran Ashley Dinsdale, RAF Waddington; LAC Ryan William Durnall, RAF Coningsby; SAC Neil Dennis Foard, RAF Odiham; SAC Aaron AmerjeetGarcha, RAF Akrotiri; Cpl Sarah Halsey, DMRC Headley Court; SAC Michael Harrison, RAF Coningsby; SAC Jack Oliver Stratford Holmes, RAF Marham; SAC Elliott Hunt, RAF Waddington; SAC Shaun Kenrick Jamieson, RAF Wittering; SAC Charlotte Louise Lord, RAF Brize Norton; SAC Joshua Brandon Enzo Lyons, RAF Scampton; SAC Samuel Thomas Mear, RAF Benson; SAC Steven Nicholas Moseley, RAF Akrotiri; SAC Ben Richard Perfect, RAF Waddington; SAC David Charles Rainbird, RAF Brize Norton; SAC Thomas David Shepherd, RAF Lossiemouth; AC Andrew Shane Teece-Lockley, RAF Cosford; SAC Joshua Wardman, RAF Lossiemouth; Cpl Charlotte-Marie Williams, JHC HQ, Andover.

For more details visit www.JRFLY.co.uk

With only three weeks to go to this year’s Flying Legends Air Show on Saturday 30 June and Sunday 1 July, The Fighter Collection and IWM Duxford are delighted to announce some of the stunning aircraft that will be flying in this year’s extravaganza event.

Flying Legends sees the air show debut of The Fighter Collection’s Republic P-47G Thunderbolt 42-25068 ‘Snafu’, one of only two Curtiss-built examples left in the world.

The Sikorsky S-38makes its UK debut at Flying Legends. An American twin-engine eight-seat amphibious aircraft, it was sometimes called ‘The Explorer’s Air Yacht’ and was Sikorsky’s first widely produced amphibious flying boat. In addition to serving with Pan American Airways and the United States Army, the Sikorsky S-38 was owned by numerous private individuals, including aviators Howard Hughes and Charles Lindbergh.

Making a welcome return following their debut UK air show appearance at Flying Legends last year is the Flying Bulls’ Lockheed P-38 Lighting and the Chance Vought F4U-4 Corsair. The Flying Bulls’ stunning aerial performances will no doubt wow the crowds at Flying Legends.

Flying Legends is famous for presenting a unique combination of remarkable aircraft in superb aerial displays and this year is no different.

Over fifty aircraft will be participating, including two Hispano Buchon; eight Spitfires covering various marques, including two Mark One variants; three Hawker Sea Furies; three Hawk variants including the Hawk 75, the P40B and the P40F; threemarques of YAK fighters; a Fiesler Storch and a Lysander. Three First World War aircraft – the Nieuport 17, Fokker DR1 and Sopwith Triplane – will fly together for the first time. The ever-popular Breitling Wingwalkers will performas a two-ship display. And of course, there will be displays by the famous IWM Duxford-based B-17 Flying Fortress, Sally B and the PBY Catalina Miss Pick Up.

The legendary Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Supermarine Spitfire, Avro Lancaster and Hawker Hurricane will display on Saturday 30 June only, while on Sunday 1 July only the Aerostars perform stunning aerobatics.

The Vintage Village

Don’t forget to visit our nostalgic Vintage Village at the Flying Legends Air Show. You can enjoy a glass of fizz or two fromthe Prosseco Bar and relax as you listen to the romantic sounds of Harry and Edna’s Revolution 78, as the dapper DJs play 1930s and 1940smusic in all its original atmospheric splendor on period gramophones.

Look out for the Manhattan Dolls, whomake a welcome return after their debut at last year’s Flying Legends. This glamorous New York-based Andrews Sisters-style group will be performing those instantly-recognisable hits of the thirties and forties in their own inimitable style.

Enjoy a unique living history experience aboard the Home Front Bus. This classic double-decker bus contains detailed reconstructions of a 1940s living room, a wartime shop, a bombed-out street and an air raid shelter. Containing period features and artefacts, the Home Front Bus replicates the sights, sounds and smells of the Home Front – an authentic trip back in time.

Past to Present Historical bring the Second World War Home Front to life with an Anderson air raid shelter, an evacuees’ display and costumed interpreters. Look out for our iconic wartime leader Winston Churchill – if you are very lucky, he may even accompany you for a photograph.

Complete your vintage experience by ordering an IWM Duxford Picnic Hamper. Soak up the atmosphere in the Vintage Village as you enjoy a perfect ration-free picnic lunch for two, including the Duxford sausage roll, homemade sandwiches, hand-cut crisps, seasonal salad, a refreshing Pimms summer berry jelly and traditional elderflower presse, all served in a disposable hamper including cutlery, plates and glasses.

The IWM Duxford Picnic Hamper for two costs £21. To order, please email duxfordevents@elior.com or call 01223 497 501. Please give aminimumof three days notice for your picnic order. Picnic orders are collected fromWing Co Joe’s Café on the day.

Flying Legends Hospitality Packages

If you’d like tomake your experience of Flying Legends evenmore special, do hurry to take advantage of our air show hospitality packages. Our Gold Pass package is almost sold out for Saturday 30 June. To find out more about our hospitality packages go to http://www.iwm.org.uk/commercial/venue-hire/iwmduxford/airshow

Tickets for the Flying Legends Air Show 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 9.30amto 4.30pm.

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

Advance tickets will be available until:

For overseas postal delivery – 5pm on Friday 15 June
For UK postal delivery – 5pm on Wednesday 20 June

The Fighter Collection and IWM Duxford are delighted to announce Flying Legends 2012 with the release of a thrilling clip of a trailer which will whet your appetite for this year’s extravaganza event. See the clip at http://www.iwm.org.uk/events/flying-legends

This year, Flying Legends will be held on Saturday 30 June and Sunday 1 July.

A knowledgeable worldwide following has ensured that Flying Legends is the air show event in the aviation calendar.

Each of the historic aircraft on display at Flying Legends is a living tribute to the outstanding skills of the people who designed, built,maintained and flew themand to the dedication of those who have restored these stunning aircraft back to life.

Flying Legends presents these iconic aircraft in a spectacular display that honours their history and aerial achievements.

The flying display promises an unmissable fusion of power, sound, excitement and nostalgia as a series of rare and unique piston-engined propeller aircraft performtheir breathtaking flights over the historic airfield at IWM Duxford.

On the ground, there will be a whole section devoted to vintage nostalgia with a fabulous forties wartime atmosphere. There will be livemusic, including a welcome return by The Manhattan Dolls, who will be bringing their Andrews Sisters-style show direct fromNew York. The Manhattan Dolls were hugely popular at Flying Legends 2011, performing those instantly-recognisable songs of the 1930s and 1940s.

The whole museum will be open to explore throughout the day, with eight fantastic exhibition spaces and over 200 aircraft to see. Our award-winning exhibitions take you on an unforgettable journey through aviation from the earliest flights to present-day jets – all part of a rich and unique collection.

For just a hint of what to expect at Flying Legends 2012, watch the filmclip at http://www.iwm.org.uk/events/flying-legends

Buy your tickets in advance and save 10%. Hurry, the offer ends at 5pm on Friday 15 June for overseas postal delivery and at 5pm on Wednesday 20 June for UK postal delivery.

VIP Hospitality

Go For Gold at Flying Legends

Enjoy a very special Flying Legends experience with our Gold Pass, offering admission to Flying Legends with priority car parking, access to a luxury hospitalitymarquee with cash bar, café-style seating and a private garden enclosure. Gold Pass also offers access to the thrilling flight line walk, giving closer access to those wonderful historic aircraft, and a complimentary souvenir programme.

A pre-bookable two course lunch is also available as part of Gold Pass.

Tickets can be purchased online at iwm.org.uk or by calling the Box Office on 01223 499353. The Box Office is open Monday to Friday from9.30amto 4.30pm.

The Flying Legends Bremont Flight Lounge

Experience Flying Legends fromthe VIP Bremont Flight Lounge hospitality suite.

The Flight Lounge offers priority parking, private luxurymarquee and garden located on the flight line, morning coffee and biscuits, garden access to the flight line walk (9amto noon only), champagne reception with canapés, gourmet buffet lunch served with red and white wine, Flying Legends souvenir programme, luxury toilets within the private enclosure, luxury indoor seating area with television viewing , daily newspapers and magazines, event hostess and bar table service, finishing with a traditional English afternoon creamtea.

To discuss your Bremont Flight Lounge individual requirements please contact Jane Larcombe at The Fighter Collection on 01223 834973 or larks@fighter-collection.com

All flying is subject to weather, serviceability and operational commitments.

www.iwm.org.uk

Thousands of visitors enjoyed a spectacular day of flying and forties nostalgia at the first day of the Flying Legends weekend, on Saturday 9 July.

The Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire Lindy Hoppers danced up a storm on the Hangar Base, teaching visitors how to dance the ‘Lambeth Walk’.Living history groups brought the Second World War to life at Duxford’s historic airfield. Ops 1939-45 represented Battle of Britain-era pilots and ground crew and re-enacted Bomber Briefings, giving visitors a taste of the preparations for Bomber Command raids during the Second World War.

The 42nd Field Hospital portrayed US Army medical personnel from the Second World War, while the Screaming Eagles Living History Group represented servicemen who served with the 101st US Airborne Division, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 2nd Batallion, Easy Company during the Second World War.

A stunning aerial display commenced with seven Spitfires alongside a Hurricane and three Hispano HA-1112 MIL Bouchon aircraft in celebration of the aircraft of the Battle of Britain. This was followed by a display of US Navy aircraft, comprising a rare appearance by three Skyraiders, a Bearcat and a Corsair. B-17 Flying Fortress Sally B flew escorted by her ‘little friends’, six P-51 Mustangs. Two DH-84 aircraft, including the debut appearance by Aer Lingus’Iolar aircraft, flew alongside a de Havilland Dragon Rapide. The legendary Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Lancaster performed a majestic display, followed by the Fokker tri-plane. The German Luftwaffe were represented by a Junkers ju52 and a Jungmeister, and were followed by a display of Curtiss aircraft, comprising a P36 Hawk 74 and three P-40 aircraft.

A stunning display of Hawker bi-planes featured two Nimrods, a Hind and a Demon breezing around the Duxford skies. The heritage of the Royal Navy was represented by three Sea Fury aircraft and the Royal Naval Historic Flight’s Swordfish.

In their first appearance in the UK, and at Flying Legends, the Flying Bulls’ P-38 Lightning and F4U-4 Corsair wowed the packed crowds. In homage to the aircraft of the First World War, a Fokker dr1 and Nieuport 17 took to the skies. This was followed by a display by an Ms 406 accompanied by a Yak 9; two Dakota DC3s and the grand finale which is the traditional Balbo, comprising an encore display by many of the aircraft which presented such a stunning flying performance.

Flying Legends proved yet again why it is one of the world’s finest warbird air shows.