September – Page 8 – Airscene News

Canberra PR7 to receive some TLC

Newark Air Museum Canberra PR7

Earlier in the summer Newark Air Museum was approached by Canberra cockpit owner Darren Green about the possibility of forming a restoration team to work on Canberra PR.7 WH791.

This particular airframe is on loan to the museum, so the museum trustees put Darren in contact with Terry O’Halloran a member of the 31 Squadron Association. Several years ago Terry worked on behalf of the aircraft owner to co-ordinate work on the airframe, which was undertaken by members of 31 Squadron Association and cadets from 1237 (North Hykeham) Squadron, Air Training Corps (ATC).

It has now been agreed that Darren Green and Terry O’Halloran will combine their resources and they are leading a group of Canberra enthusiasts who now plan to refurbish and repaint the airframe.

The museum trustees have recently agreed to fund the cost of paint and materials for the project. As part of this agreement it is understood that the Canberra PR7 will retain its distinctive 31 Squadron markings, but it will revert to displaying its correct serial number of WH791.

The recent spell of good weather has allowed some de-corrosion work and paint removal on the nose section of the fuselage to commence in preparation for the application of primer and paint. A detailed structural survey will be undertaken on the airframe in consultation with the museum’s Restoration Manager.

Canberra PR.7 WH79, which arrived at Newark fifteen (15) years ago in autumn 1998, is one of six Canberra airframes and cockpit sections displayed at Newark Air Museum’s site on the former RAF Winthorpe airfield in eastern Nottinghamshire.

http://www.newarkairmuseum.org/

Battle of the aerobatics at The Duxford Air Show this weekend

Patrouille De France

There’s an array of amazing aerobatic spectaculars in store at The Duxford Air Show this weekend (Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 September)!

Opening Saturday’s flying display in gallic style is the Patrouille de France, the precision aerobatic display team of the French Air Force, who are one of the world’s most skilled demonstration teams. They’ll perform in the flying programme on Sunday, too.

On Saturday, Pete Kynsey flies the Levier Cosmic Wind, the only aircraft of its type flying anywhere in the world. This aerobatic air racer is called Ballerina II and is as nimble in the air as its name suggests.

There is no greater exponent of the Bucker Jungmann acrobatic aircraft than Anna Walker. Performing classic and competition-style aerobatics, including a challenging inverted low-level pass over the IWM Duxford airfield, Anna will be wowing the crowd on Saturday 7 September.

Also flying on Saturday, and not to be confused with the famous aerobatic act which will be closing the weekend’s flying display, are The Red Sparrows, four de Havilland Chipmunk trainer aircraft which will be flying in close formation displays.

Mark Jeffries controls the skies from all angles in his Extra 330SC aircraft. Mark is nine-time British aerobatic champion and his dizzy aerobatics will have a jaw-dropping effect on air show audiences on Saturday and Sunday.

The Aerostars have been thrilling air show visitors with their tightly choreographed aerobatics, roaring radial engines and striking smoke effects for 17 years. They are a perennial favourite at IWM Duxford air shows and their imaginative displays will no doubt be a hit on the Saturday of The Duxford Air Show.

Sunday’s flying programme concludes in grand style with The Red Arrows, the world-renowned and instantly-recognisable aerobatic team of the Royal Air Force.

Alongside the eye-popping, head-swivelling aerobatic thrills and spills is a range of diverse and exciting flying displays.

One of the highlights of Saturday’s flying display will be the arrival of the Boeing 747-8F, operated by Stansted Airport-based Global Supply Systems Limited and leased to British Airways World Cargo, in its debut UK air show appearance.

On both Saturday and Sunday, the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Avro Lancaster, Hawker Hurricane and Supermarine Spitfire pay tribute to the 70th anniversary of the Dambusters Raid.

The historic jet-powered pairing of the North American F-86 Sabre and the CT-133 Shooting Star will contrast with the thunderous contemporary engines of the Eurofighter Typhoon, which can be seen later in the flying programme on Saturday and which opens the show in ferocious style on Sunday.

The daredevil Piper Cub truck-top landing is an amazing feat of skill and precision that will entrance audiences on Saturday and Sunday.

Sunday’s flying programme sees a demonstration of Royal Air Force capability with a search and rescue demonstration by the Westland Sea King operated by 22 Squadron at Wattisham Airfield and a display by the Shorts Tucano, operated by the Central Flying School at RAF Linton-on-Ouse.

Visitors to The Duxford Air Show will also enjoy the piston-engined power of the Grumman Bearcat and Wildcat duo; the elegance of the B-17 Flying Fortress Sally B; the powerful B-25 Mitchell, two de Havilland Vampires and a range of Supermarine Spitfires in a classic Battle of Britain tail chase with a Hispano Buchon (Messerschmitt Bf 109).

Entertainment continues across the museum throughout the day, with 1940s living history groups, children’s rides, the chance to clamber aboard Duxford Aviation Society’s retro airliners, fun history activities and the chance to explore the whole museum.

You can also meet Colonel Richard Graham, who flew the SR-71 Blackbird which is now on display in the American Air Museum. Colonel Graham will be hosting fascinating walk-around tours of the SR-71 Blackbird in the American Air Museum at 10.30am and noon on both days of the air show. He will also be signing copies of his new book, SR-71: The Complete Illustrated History of the Blackbird.

Join us for The Duxford Air Show, a fantastically fun flying weekend for all the family!

Advance booking has now closed but you can pay on the gate as you join us this weekend.

www.iwm.org.uk

Record-breaking Bournemouth Air Festival draws to a close

Bringing the biggest ever number of people Bournemouth has ever seen in one day, the sixth Bournemouth Air Festival scaled new heights, with an incredible 1.3 million festival-goers visiting the UK’s leading seaside resort.

The Festival got off to a great start on Thursday with more than 200,000 visitors enjoying glorious sunshine and seeing displays from the Red Arrows, Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and Royal Navy Black Cat helicopter.

Friday saw the return of the RAF Typhoon display to the Bournemouth Air Festival; its first appearance in four years. Crowds of up to 235,000 watched with mouths open and ears covered as the ear splitting jet roared over the shore in an astonishing display. More than 55,000 people attended the Night Air programme on Friday, with fantastic live music at the two pier stages and a sparkling dusk air display featuring the Red Devils, complete with glow sticks and incredible pyrotechnics.

The glorious weather continued on Saturday, and with the Red Arrows opening the flying with their third display in Bournemouth, huge numbers of people packed the beaches and cliff tops before noon.

By the time the Typhoon had closed the flying displays, a record-setting 400,000 people had visited the Festival site. The people just kept on coming, with a further 42,000 witnessing the final evening of Night Air, making it the busiest day in the history of the town. And it wasn’t just the beaches and cliff tops that saw record crowd levels; out to sea almost 1,000 boats were anchored amongst the Royal Navy vessels.

The Festival drew to a close on Sunday with another impressive crowd. Joining the 275,000 people ashore were more than 500 boats taking in the fantastic displays and unbroken sunshine. Whilst the Vulcan didn’t display due to technical issues, the crowds enjoyed a fantastic variety of entertainment including powerhouse helicopter performances from the Royal Navy Black Cat, the hulking Royal Navy Merlin and a stunning Chinook display.

Also impressing were Festival newcomers Patrouille Reva, with their tight display packed with Gallic flair, British heritage jets the Vampire and Meteor, aerobatic aces The Blades and, drawing the flying to a close, an absolutely screaming performance by Bournemouth favourite Jonathon Whaley in the elegant Miss Demeanour.

This was followed by the Royal Navy delivering a booming eight-gun salute from HMS Northumberland, before all six of their vessels departed in a coordinated formation. Accompanied by a Merlin helicopter hovering overhead, the ships moved west in unison, sounding their horns while HMS Northumberland fired off more shots from her gun before an enchanted crowd.

Hundreds of thousands lined the East Overcliff and seafront across the four days, keen to score pole position for views and images. Aviation action came from the Red Arrows, RAF Typhoon, Chinook, Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, Royal Navy Black Cats, The Blades and European Freestyle Champion Gerald Cooper to name but a few.

The Royal Navy and Royal Marines joined forces with the Army to create a must-see interactive military village area, with a 20-foot climbing wall, weapons display dome and Challenger tank among the highlights.

Out to sea was the Royal Navy’s largest ever presence at the event, with six vessels appearing including the Type-23 frigate HMS Northumberland, which was open to visits for members of the public.

The stunning Dusk and Night Air displays on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights saw combined crowds of 136,000 treated to fantastic aviation action by the SWIP Team Twister Duo, fearless Red Devils, O’Brien’s Flying Circus and the Rolls Royce Spitfire.

Some of the UK’s favourite tribute acts wowed crowds at the Corona stage at Bournemouth Pier, including the Beach Buoys and Elvis Presley act Ben Portsmouth. At Boscombe, Wave105FM presented headline acts including Blue, Stooshe, The Feeling, Lisa Stansfield, Kodaline and Newton Faulkner who performed to crowds of more than 12,000 people.

Two magnificent firework displays on Friday and Saturday brought Night Air to a close with style.

Jon Weaver, Air Festival Director, said: “It has been an amazing event this year, the sun shined, the entertainment was superb and more than a million people came to enjoy some of the world’s best aviation teams perform spectacular displays.

“It was fantastic to see the Reds flying in their classic nine ship formation across Bournemouth’s skyline, the magnificent Typhoon roaring through the skies and seeing the Royal Navy’s eight-gun salute ending the Festival on a high. Like many Festival-goers we were disappointed that the Vulcan was unable to fly due to technical difficulties but people didn’t let it dampen their spirits – there is always next year!

“It’s been brilliant to have had such appreciative crowds, helping to make it one of our biggest and best ever Festivals so far.”

The Royal Navy and Army Village gave prime vantage points for an incredible amphibious demonstration by the Royal Marines.

Commodore Jamie Miller CBE of the Royal Navy said; “The best show yet with so many people seeing their Royal Navy and Royal Marines, our ships and aircraft, meeting the men and women who serve and being enthused.

Thank you Bournemouth. More of the same next year – that is an order not a request! See you next year if you invite us!

The RAF Village was buzzing with Festival-goers delighted to meet members of the display teams including the Red Arrows pilots and members of the iconic Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF).

Flight Lieutenant Leon Creese, pilot of the BBMF Lancaster said; “It is always an honour to fly the wonderful aircraft of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. Our aims are to remember the past and inspire future generations and I take great pride in playing my part in achieving both of these aims at the spectacular Bournemouth Air Festival.”

The dates for the 2014 Air Festival have been confirmed Thursday 28th August – Sunday 31st August.

http://bournemouthair.co.uk

Museum Makes Appeal to Black RAF Personnel

RAF Museum appeal

In two World Wars black people from the Caribbean, Africa and from Britain volunteered to serve in the Royal Air Force. These volunteers fought, and died, for the ‘mother country’ and for freedom, and thereby helped to preserve the values and the heritage they shared with their white comrades. The tradition of service to the Crown continues today, and the RAF is proud to welcome new generations of black volunteers into its ranks.

In the exhibition ‘Pilots of the Caribbean: Volunteers of African Heritage in the Royal Air Force’, the Royal Air Force Museum will tell the inspirational story of these volunteers, commemorating and celebrating their vital contribution to the defence of Britain, her Empire and the Commonwealth.

The exhibition will also highlight the Royal Air Force’s success in embracing diversity and also demonstrate how the rich, cosmopolitan nature of modern Britain owes much to the black men and women who wore air force blue.

Peter Dye, Director General of the Royal Air Force Museum states:

‘From First World War pilot William Robinson Clarke, to the young volunteers of today, Afro-Caribbean men and women have played an integral part in the development of the Royal Air Force and the defence of our freedoms and liberties. In this exhibition, the Royal Air Force Museum aims to celebrate their contribution to the development of modern Britain, while providing all young people with a series of role models to inspire and guide them in realising their own ambitions and dreams.

Although, we have a wealth of archive materials to draw from we would welcome stories and photographs from former, and serving, black Royal Air Force personnel and their families. If you are able to assist in the Museum with this appeal, and would like your story to be told, please email the Museum’s Research Department at research@rafmuseum.org, in the first instance, or call us on 020 8358 4873.

‘Pilots of the Caribbean : Volunteers of African Heritage in the Royal Air Force’ will open at the Royal Air Force Museum London on 1st of November 2013 before transferring to the Museum’s sister site at Cosford during Summer 2014. Both sites are open daily from 10am. Admission to both sites are free of charge.

http://www.rafmuseum.org

Royal Air Force Museum Appeals to Airfix Fans

The Royal Air Force Museum London will be launching in Summer 2013 a signature exhibition commemorating and celebrating the national institution that is Airfix. This exhibition will chart the history of this Great British Institution by displaying original Box Art as well as Airfix’s most popular models from the 50s, 60s and 70s in the Museum’s Art Gallery.

An important part of the exhibition will be the examination of how Airfix has permeated the social fabric of the United Kingdom and how it has influenced the leisure activities of generations of young men and women since the company’s foundation. Accordingly, the Royal Air Force Museum is today launching an appeal to ask members of the public who have any original paintings which were produced as artwork for packaging to contact the Museum. The Museum would also be interested in hearing about models from 1950s, 60s and 70s with their original packaging.

Andrew Cormack Keeper of Visual Arts, Medals and Uniforms at the Royal Air Force Museum and Curator of the Airfix Exhibition states:

‘Over the last 9 months I have had the pleasure of working closely with the team at Airfix, whilst curating this exhibition. Although the Museum does have a plethora of materials to draw upon, it was common practice when staff retired from Airfix for them to be awarded original artwork as a thank you from the team.

This means that in terms of the proposed exhibition there are a couple of minor gaps in the artwork we would like to hang. These include artwork from the Historical Personalities series, the Sailing Ships series and Airfix’s military vehicles series during the 1950s and 60s including the work of Roy Cross and Michael Turner. And although we will doubtless show some superb models, it would be interesting, if possible, to find any models that still survive that were made by young children also from this period. After all, the pleasure of making a kit experienced by an eight year old – the majority of purchasers in the 1960s – was more about imagination and inspiration, perhaps even emulation, than it was accuracy.

If any members of the public have in their possession any original Airfix paintings or models from the 1950s, 60s and 70s and would like to offer to lend their items to be displayed in this exhibition please contact me by calling 020 8205 2266 or by emailing me at fine-arts@rafmuseum.org ‘

This Airfix exhibition is scheduled to commence June 2013 after the exhibition that is currently on show in the Museum’s Art Gallery ‘Fresh Air: a new perspective in aviation art’ finishes. This exhibition is a retrospective on the work of Artist in Residence to the Red Arrows, David Bent.

Entry to Fresh Air is free of charge to visitors; as is entry to the Museum. The exhibition will be shown daily from 10am to 6pm. For further details please visit www.rafmuseum.org/whatson or dial 020 8205 2266.

Autumn Air Show celebrates the 70th anniversary of the mighty Mustang

The Autumn Air Show on Sunday 14 October closes the air show season in relaxed style.

One of the highlights of the Autumn Air Show will be a display by P-51Mustang Ferocious Frankie alongside Spitfire IX from the Old Flying Machine Company, presenting the might of the Merlin engine in these legendary American and British fighter aircraft.

Also flying will be North American TF-51 Mustang Miss Velma from The Fighter Collection.

These thrilling displays commemorate the 70th anniversary of the first flight of the Merlin-engine Mustang, a pivotal moment in aviation history which was initiated by events at RAF Duxford.

During the Second World War, the Air Fighting Development Unit (AFDU) was based at RAF Duxford. The AFDU provided technical intelligence to the RAF, developing operational tactics and testing captured enemy aircraft.

It was a phone call from Wing Commander Ian Campbell-Orde, Commanding Officer of the AFDU at RAF Duxford, to Ronnie Harker, Rolls-Royce service-liaison pilot, which started the sequence of events which would result in the matchless combination of the Mustang aircraft and the Rolls-Royce engine.

Harker was offered the opportunity to fly one of the new Allison-engine Mustangs that had recently arrived at RAF Duxford. He flew the aircraft on 30 April 1942 and was clearly impressed with its manoeuvrability, speed and agility. In his report, he commented “The point that strikes me is that with a powerful and good engine like the Merlin 61, its performance should be outstanding, as it is 35mph faster than a Spitfire V at roughly the same power.”

A subsequent visit to RAF Duxford by Willoughby Lappin, Personal Assistant to E W Hives, Director and General Works Manager at Rolls-Royce, ensured that the proposal was taken seriously and soon thereafter a meeting about the Mustang took place between Rolls-Royce and the Air Ministry.

After much backroom research, performance investigation testing and correspondence between Rolls- Royce, the American Embassy, North American Aviation (the aircraft manufacturer responsible for the Mustang) and the Air Ministry, the first aircraft was assigned for conversion. This, together with subsequent developments in the aircraft’s propeller and fuel injection, resulted in the definitive American long-range single-seat fighter and an enduringly iconic aircraft that continues to amaze spectators with its aerial dexterity.

IWM Duxford air show favourites displaying at the Autumn Air Show include the Black Cats Lynx Pair from 702 Naval Air Squadron, RNAS Yeovilton; the Apache helicopter from the Army Air Corps at RAF Wattisham; BAE Systems Hawk from 208 Squadron at RAF Valley; Shorts Tucano from the Central Flying School Flight at RAF Linton-on-Ouse; Beechcraft King Air from 45 Squadron at RAF Cranwell and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Douglas DC-3 Dakota.

Showcasing historic aircraft based at IWM Duxford, there will be displays by B-17 Flying Fortress Sally B; North American F-86 Sabre; two Spitfires; two Curtiss P-40 Warhawks and a Goodyear Corsair.

Join us for the Autumn Air Show as we commemorate the innovation that led to the formidable Mustang fighter aircraft and celebrate another fantastic air show season at IWM Duxford.

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 28 September for overseas postal delivery

5pm on Wednesday 3 October for UK postal delivery

Duxfords Autumn Air Show concludes the 2011 air show season in style

IWM Duxford’s Autumn Air Show (Sunday 16 October) will conclude the Museum’s 2011 air show season with an exciting flying participation which will be Remembering the Korean War.

The Korean War (25 June 1950 to armistice signed 27 July 1953) was the first major conflict in which jet aircraft sought air superiority alongside the final-generation propeller-driven piston fighters.

The Autumn Air Show pays homage to this uniquely international air battle, with an exciting flying participation which sees iconic piston-engine aircraft take to the skies alongside the first generation of jet aircraft.

Korean War-themed flying participation includes:

· North American F-86 Sabre – a transonic jet fighter aircraft which is best-known as America’s first swept-wing fighter. It effectively countered the similarly-configured Soviet MiG-15 in high-speed dogfights over the skies of the Korean Peninsula.

· B-17 Flying Fortress Sally B – post-war, B-17s were used by the USAF Air Rescue Service, in 1948 being re-designated SB-17G. Some SB-17s were used by the Air Rescue Service in Japan during the Korean War.

· Consolidated PBY-5A Catalina – a twin-engine patrol flying boat used by the United States Air Force for air-sea rescue during the Korean War.

· Piper L-4 Grasshopper – a two or three seat, single-engine liaison aircraft that was used by the United States and Republic of Korea armies and air forces during the Korean War.

· Douglas AD-4 Skyraider – a piston-engine single-seat attack aircraft that was designed during the Second World War to meet requirements from the United States Navy for a carrierbased, single-seat, long-range, high-performance dive/torpedo bomber. It formed the backbone of the United States Navy aircraft carrier-based attack effort in the Korean War.

· The P-51 Mustang -redesignated as the F-51 Mustang, it gained a new lease of life during the Korean War, having greater endurance than most of the new jet aircraft to which many American fighter units had already converted. It performed a valuable role in Korea as ground-attack aircraft, although it suffered heavy losses to ground fire during the conflict.

· Hawker Sea Fury (x2) – the last propeller-driven fighter to serve with the Royal Navy, the Sea Fury FB.11 served throughout the Korean War as a ground-attack aircraft, flying from the Royal Navy light fleet carriers HMS Glory, HMS Ocean and HMS Theseus and the Australian carrier HMAS Sydney. The Sea Fury was one of the few propeller-driven fighter aircraft credited with the shooting-down of a jet-powered fighter, a Soviet MiG-15.

· de Havilland L-20 Beaver – a single-engine, light utility aircraft used by the United States Air Force during the Korean War for liaison and light transport duties. The Beaver was noted for its ability to operate from very short fields and in all types of terrain.

· North American T-6 Harvard (x2) – a two-seat, single-engine advanced trainer that was used by the United States Air Force and the Republic of Korea Air Force during the Korean War. Korean War T-6s were most famous for their role as Forward Air Controllers, designating targets for, and co-ordinating, United Nations air strikes throughout the war.

· Douglas C-47 Skytrain – a twin-engine medium transport aircraft used by the United States, Republic of Korea, Australian, Greek and Thai Air Forces and also by the United States Marine Corps, during the Korean War. Its primary role was to fly cargo into Korea and to evacuate casualties.

· Gloster Meteor – the first British jet fighter and the Allies’ first operational jet. Meteors saw extensive service during the Korean War with No.77 Squadron of the Royal Australian Air Force. It served well – by the end of the conflict the squadron had flown 4836 missions, destroying six MiG-15s, over 3500 structures and some 1500 vehicles. Approximately 30 Meteors were lost to enemy action, the majority shot down by anti-aircraft fire while serving in a ground-attack capacity.

In addition to the central theme of Remembering the Korean War, the Autumn Air Show presents even more exciting aerial action, with flying displays by the Belgian Air Component F-16; aerobatic masters Alister Kay and Andy Hill in their role as the RV8tors Duo; the BAe Hawk, flown by Flight Lieutenant Juliette Fleming of 208 (R) Squadron, RAF Valley; Spitfire IX; the Shorts Tucano from 207 (R) Squadron, RAF Linton-on-Ouse and the Black Cats Lynx Pair from 702 Naval Air Squadron.

The Tiger Nine Team will perform a thrilling display with nine Tiger Moths in celebration of the 80th anniversary of the first flight of the de Havilland DH 82 Tiger Moth.

First flown on 26 October 1931, the de Havilland DH 82 Tiger Moth was, for many years, the primary trainer aircraft used by the Royal Air Force. It entered service at the RAF Central Flying School in February 1932 and, by the start of the Second World War, 500 Tiger Moths were in service. A legendary aircraft, it was only replaced in 1952, when the de Havilland Chipmunk came into service.

With further fantastic flying participation to be confirmed and with activities happening across the Museum throughout the day, the Autumn Air Show will provide a thrilling conclusion to Duxford’s air show season for 2011.

The IWM Duxford Air Shows App 2011

Following the launch of the IWM Duxford Air Shows App at the Spring Air Show and some enthusiastic feedback from users at The Duxford Air Show, the Air Shows App will again be available for the Autumn Air Show.

The App will now run faster and more seamlessly, providing real time, up-to-the-minute information about what is flying at the Autumn Air Show, as the aircraft display.

Available for both Android and iPhone platforms, the App also includes an extensive library of photography, statistics and information about classic aircraft you can see flying in the 2011 air shows and where in the Museum you can find out more about them.

The App is currently FREE to download. It will be available for download prior to the Autumn Air Show and on the day itself – IWM Duxford will be providing wifi access at the museum for live downloading.

This dynamic guide to the Autumn Air Show, and our other air shows throughout 2011, is a first for Duxford and demonstrates the Imperial War Museum’s commitment to innovation in new technologies. It aims to be the most innovative air show app around. For further information go to www.iwm.org.uk/duxfordairshows.

Less than 3 days to go

Final reminder… the Airscene 2012 Calendar Competition AND the Photobook competition both close at mid-day 30th September.

If you haven’t entered yet (or not submitted your second entry) please do so ASAP. This is a strict deadline and any entries received after will be deleted.

To enter please visit http://www.Airscene.co.uk/competitions.php

To those who have already entered – Good Luck.

Charitys inaugural flying scholar takes to the skies for first solo flight

A teenager, who became fly2help’s inaugural flying scholar, has taken to the skies for his first solo flight, thanks to the support of the programme.The scholarship, which is supported by the Royal Aeronautical Society, aims to provide a young person with the chance to achieve the first milestone in any pilot’s career – the chance to get airborne by themselves.

Following a selection process, which involved a formal application and an interview, Sam Jacques, 18, was chosen to be fly2help’s first ever scholar.

And earlier this month, the excited teenager, who was awarded 15 hours of lessons as part of the programme, enjoyed his first solo flight in a Cessna 152 at Cotswold Airport.

Sam, from Cirencester, says the experience was a “dream come true” after setting his heart on becoming a pilot as a youngster.

He said: “The scholarship has been fantastic. I love flying – you get a real sense of freedom. It’s also great to be part of an elite few who have been able to fly an aircraft by themselves.

“It was the most amazing experience of my life. It was gusting at around 25 knots at times and I had to compensate for that but it went really well.

“I’m in the application process for joining the Fleet Air Arm at the moment and I’m sure this will help. It’s such an asset to have it on my CV.

“I’d never have been able to afford the cost of the lessons but this has helped me so much.”

Thanks to the support of the Royal Aeronautical Society, the scholarship is run at zero cost to the charity and in parallel to the charity’s core aim, which is running Air Smiles events to give beneficiaries, including people with life-limiting and chronic illnesses, the chance to experience the liberation and freedom of flight.

Sam received expert tuition from Flying Club Kemble instructor Bob Hopper and learned the basics of flying, such as take-off and landing, as well as more complex manoeuvres, including engine failure practices and ascending turns.

He says a previous place on Cotswold Airport’s own Aviation Scholarships programme two years ago encouraged him to apply for the fly2help scheme.

He is now looking for further sponsorship to enable him to complete his solo hours and achieve his Private Pilot Licence.

Chris Hadlow, Chief Executive of fly2help, said: “We’re extremely proud of Sam and are delighted that the scholarship has helped him achieve his first solo flight.

“As a pilot myself, I remember what a thrill it was to have total control of an aircraft for the first time and Sam did exceptionally well in some challenging conditions.

“I hope he will now go on to have a very successful career in aviation and the charity will very much look forward to inviting applications for our next scholarship early next year, as part of our continuing programme of encouraging young people to take up careers in the aviation industry.”

Details of how to apply for the scholarship will appear on the fly2help website www.fly2help.org.

Brought to Life

Saturday 22 to Sunday 30 October

AirSpace

Tales of wartime endeavour are Brought to Life during October Half Term.

Every day between 10.30am and 2.30pm, visitors have the opportunity to handle items from the First World War and Second World War, looking at the changing role of the soldier and comparing and contrasting uniforms and equipment from both periods.

By getting hands-on with military equipment, visitors can learn more about warfare as it was fought on the front line.

Visitors can learn more about how bravery in the field of conflict is recognised through the awarding of medals and decorations, making their own individual medals and then finding out the history and meaning behind such honours.

On Wednesday 26, Thursday 27, Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 October between 11.00am and 1.00pm, veterans from a wide range of military conflicts will be chatting to visitors about their experiences and sharing their own personal memories of their time at war.

Veterans from the Royal Air Force, Royal Navy, Army and the Home Front from the Second World War will be present, together with ex-servicemen from the Royal Anglian Regiment and the Parachute Regiment who served in the Malayan Conflict, the Falklands War and Northern Ireland, in addition to veterans of the Korean War.

Men and women of varying ages, backgrounds and experiences, they have fascinating and individual stories to tell about their own personal war. Veterans will have artefacts and photographs with them, which they are happy to discuss with visitors.

Veterans attending include (different veterans will be attending on each day):

· A member of the Royal Anglian Regiment (1986 to 1994) who served in Germany, the Falkland Islands, Northern Ireland, the UK and Canada.

· A member of the Parachute Regiment (1971 to 1974) who completed four tours of Northern Ireland and who also carried out Jungle Warfare Training in Malaya.

· A telegraphist in the Royal Navy during the Second World War, who served on HMS Uganda, took part in the Battle of the Atlantic and was part of an escort that took Winston Churchill to the USA in 1943.

· A member of the British Resistance Organisation (Churchill’s Secret Army) (1940 to 1943) who then joined the Royal Air Force and was a Flight Sergeant until 1947.

· A Petty Officer in the Royal Navy during the Second World War who served in the Atlantic and the Mediterranean and with Russian Convoys on Motor Gun Boats and on submarines .

· A Flight Lieutenant in RAF Bomber Command during the Second World War who worked as a bomb aimer and as a navigator in Halifaxes and Mosquitoes, and spent 5 months evading capture in Holland and Belgium.

· A National Service conscripted serviceman who served in Trieste and then in the Korean War from 1951 to 1952.

· A member of the Royal Anglian Regiment and the 2nd Northamptonshire Yeomanry.

· A Sergeant in the Army during the Second World War who served in Sicily, North Africa, Italy, Austria and the British Isles.

· A member of the Home Guard from 1940 to 1942, who then became a platoon commander in a rifle company of an infantry battalion. He served in France, Belgium and Holland, and was wounded in Germany. He was awarded the Military Cross.

· A member of the Royal Navy, from 1952 until 1964, who served on a variety of ships as a Leading Radio Operator and who witnessed H bomb testing near Christmas Island in the South Pacific.

· A member of the 1st Battalion of the 3rd East Anglian Regiment (1959 to 1961) who served in the Malayan conflict.

· A Sergeant in the Royal Marines during the Second World War who provided bombardment support to the Land Forces at major landings.

· A Royal Marine (1978 to 1982) who was in 41 Commando and did a tour of duty with the United Nations in Cyprus in 1979.

· A Royal Marine during the Second World War whose ship was one of the first to land at Sword Beach during the Normandy Landings in June 1944.

· A Gunner with the Royal Artillery during the Second World War, who served in India, Changi, Taiwan and Japan and was held in a Japanese Prisoner of War camp.

· A member of the Royal Air Force (1944 to 1953) who flew with Bomber Command just after the end of the Second World War, then with Fighter Command from 1949 and who flew some of the earliest jets, including the Vampire and Meteor.

· A Second World War schoolchild who enjoyed playing on the bomb sites and later joined the Royal Air Force.

· A Second World War evacuee.

· A member of the Royal Anglian Regiment (1973 to 1979) who was stationed in Peterborough, driving Land Rovers and 4 tonners to transport personnel and equipment for use on deployment.

· An Able Seaman in the Royal Navy during the Second World War.

· A Second World War evacuee who later served in the Royal Navy.

· A member of the Royal Navy Volunteer Reserve during the Second World War who served in Bomb Disposal and on escort duties for submarines and shipping.

Different veterans will be attending on Wednesday 26, Thursday 27, Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 October. Attendance by veterans is subject to availability.

Spitfire Stories Tour

Monday 24 to Friday 28 October

A new FREE tour, Spitfire Stories looks at RAF Duxford’s synonymous relationship with the Spitfire, through the eyes of the pilots and ground crew who worked and lived with this iconic aircraft.

Learn more about the mental strength and aptitude needed to be a successful Battle of Britain fighter pilot.

Find out more about the personal stories behind the operational role of the Spitfire at Duxford, taken from the memories of the men who flew and maintained this legendary aircraft, from its first days in service and throughout the Battle of Britain.

This tour is included in standard admission to the Museum and runs on a first-come, first-served basis. The tour will last for approximately 30 minutes and booking is not required.

War Memorial by Richard Walker

In addition, local artist Richard Walker will be showing his latest work, War Memorial, in AirSpace.

This large-scale painting took two years to paint and a year and a half to research. It is made up of 35 separate canvases, brought together in five panels.

The painting is a war memorial, dedicated to the people who served in the GreatWar.

The images in the paintings are of objects and ephemera from the different branches of the military services, including uniforms, medals, medical kits, signal flags and some weapons. In addition, there are private and personal objects included, which were found in many family archives, such as personal letters, postcards, photographs, memorial plaques, newspapers and commemorative items.

They are arranged in such a way that they imply a sense of cause and effect with personal objects from the Front balanced against objects that reference warfare.

Richard Walker lives and works in St Neots, Cambridgeshire, where he teaches art and art history at Kimbolton School. He studied Fine Art at the Central St Martin’s School of Art, London, graduating in 1989, after which he worked in the medium of sculpture, until about ten years ago, when he started exploring military objects and aircraft through the medium of complex ink drawings.

War Memorial will be on display in AirSpace throughout the October Half Term.

To see examples of Richard Walker’s work go to http://picasaweb.google.com/113993138387162629653

www.iwm.org.uk/duxford

Brought to Life presents the experiences of war through the first-person stories of those who fought so valiantly for their country throughout 20th century conflicts. It gives visitors the opportunity to learn more about the ordinary people who experienced extraordinary circumstances, through a range of inspiring activities.