Blue Eagles

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

Blue Eagles Team Displays – The Sunderland Air Display – 30th July 2001

With the Sunderland Air Display over, the Team remained overnight before transiting back to Middle Wallop on the Monday. However, before they left the area, there was a photo-call of a most unusual nature! First, a number of players from the highly sucessful Newcastle Falcons had the opportunity to fly into their home ground, then there was an opportunity for players, family and visitors from local schools to get a close look at the Blue Eagles helicopters while they were at the rugby ground. The event was partly a celebration of the new gold and black colour scheme for the Falcons, and partly for Rob Andrew and the Falcons’ new initiative to take the sport into the local schools and colleges. Falcons players visit education centres in their area, and hold coaching sessions as well as demonstrating the skills of the game. This has been a great success and has raised a great deal of interest in rugby among the young people in the Newcastle area. After this, the Team took off to make the long flight home, during which Keith Draycott captured a number of new air to air shots of the team en-route.

Monday 30th July – The Sunderland Air Display

At the range, where the aircraft remained guarded by ATC cadets overnight…..	….the Lynx caught interesting highlights in the hazy early morning sun

Two of the cadets were flown in the Lynx as thanks for their vigil, while the Gazelles were pre-flighted	An unusual view of a Gazelle at Newcastle airport, the Lynx’s shadow just visible to the right

Newcastle airport gets some unusual visitors, such as this unmarked Tupolev Tu-154	The home of the Newcastle Falcons, Kingston Park, showing the new stands and buildings

The Team, with the Manager’s Gazelle, on approach to Kingston Park, all it needs is ‘Ride of the Valkyries’!	The Team landing in the carpark made a dramatic sight

The Gazelles coming in behind the Lynx….	….cleared the carpark completely as the Team landed

Richie was delighted to show the Falcons players over the Lynx	The visitors included Falcons players, their families, local shoolchildren and TV crews

Ray, Julie and Andy with Rob Andrew and a suitably zapped Falcons ball!	The Teams together for a photo-call at the Lynx

The Falcons players were given the opportunity to try all the kit….	….in both the Gazelle and the Lynx, including the TOW sight and helmets

Two views from the Managers Gazelle of the Lynx….	….in flight on the way home over the Yorkshire countryside

Julie’s Gazelle in transit formation….	….follows Terry’s on the left of the Lynx

Two views of Bill’s Gazelle in transit….	….and crossing the M1 on the way south

Click here to see the highlights from the display on Sunday 29 July.

Archived news is available by clicking here.

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