Blue Eagles

Associated sites:
Army Historic Aircraft Flight | The Museum of Army Flying | Army Air Corps Recruiting

The Blue Eagles 2002 are formed!

The 2002 Team is now fully formed and today, Thursday 23 May, flew their first full display for the Colonel of the Army Air Corps in order to be awarded their coveted Blue flying helmets. Despite a shortened practice period for a variety of operational reasons and an extremely blustery cross-wind, the Team flew a superb display keeping the sky filled and the action crowd centre.

The four Gazelles landed to great applause from the invited Sponsors, Club members and reporters, then in a ceremony held at the Museum of Army Flying, the four pilots were presented with their Blue helmets by the Regimental Colonel of the Army Air Corps, Col. Paul Edwards.

Lunch in Hangar One included a chance to examine the new Team trailer stand supplied by Mobex. Paul Meaby and Simon Walker were on hand to show off the features of the new vehicle, which includes an extendable cockpit section of a Gazelle which members of the public will be able to be photographed in. Vauxhall have also increased their sponsorship of the Team, and have not only suppled the now famous Blue Eagles Frontera to tow the trailer, but a Vauxhall mini-bus to transport the Team at venues as well.

A second full display in the afternoon was followed by the chance for many of the sponsors and Club members to fly in the Gazelle and experience something of what it is to be a memeber of the world’s best helicopter Team.

Thursday 23rd May – Sponsors Day – Middle Wallop

Prior to displaying, the four members of the 2002 Team are introduced to the audience.	Team Manager Major Colin Dunscombe also introduced some of the ground personnel, including Captain Jennie Shaw, the Deputy Manager who will be commentating at the displays this year

As no-one had seen the 2002 display before, the audience of invited guests and press were quick to line the fence with cameras!	The new display starts with a solo Gazelle ‘threading the needle’ through a vic formed by the other three.

Keith Armatage and Lea Squire fill the sky pulling up for the heart manoeuvre, made very difficult by the gusty conditions.	The display ends with the team taxying back in in formation to land.

A close-up of Lea Squire coming in to land in the bright sunlight.	The Team walk in at the end of the display obviously delighted to have flown so well in the strong wind.

A proud Team Leader, Major Ray Turner, is congratulated by Colonel Paul Edwards at his success in readying the Team for the season.	The new Blue Eagles display stand from Mobex, a huge and superbly equiped trailer, including the Gazelle cockpit which extends to the right.

The second display began, and this year includes demonstrations of just how manoeuvrable the Gazelle is!	The finale includes the ‘Prince of Wales Feathers’ vertical burst.
The guests, which included broadcaster Mike Smith, were once again delighted with and fascinated by the display.	As ever, the 2002 Blue Eagles are both impressive and a certain crowd pleaser this season.

Archived news is available by clicking here.

[ Home ]