The Army Air Corps Historic Aircraft Flight

Associated sites:
The Blue Eagles | The Museum of Army Flying | Army Air Corps Recruiting

AHAF Latest News

The 2004 Team Displays – Sponsors Day at Middle Wallop – 8th July 2004

The Team, alongside their Middle Wallop based colleagues the Blue Eagles, had organised a day’s visit and flying display for the sponsors and supporters of the Team. The visitors were treated to a close inspection of the Team’s aircraft, being shown around each one by the pilot. The engineers were also on hand to answer any questions of a techincal nature as many of the sponsors are directly involved in the aerospace industry. The Team then flew a full display, just as the rain started! By the time the display was finished, the heaven’s really opened so the timing was just right! The excellent display, considering the conditions, was followed by lunch in the delightful surroundings of the Middle Wallop Officer’s Mess. The mess is full of paintings and memorabilia from the Army Air Corps history and is a fascinating place to visit. A great day was had by all and thanks must go to everyone on the Team who put in so much hard work to make the visit a success.

Major Penny Kitson, the AHAF Team Manager, began the day with an illustrated introduction to the Flight.	The sponsors are a wide variety of companies, from aerospace to watch manufacturers.

The Team had arranged the aircraft so it was possible to walk around each and have a close look.	Peter explained the charateristics of the Auster in terms of its role, such as the importance of being able to fly slowly.

The rotary winged aircraft attracted much attention being both rare and unusual.	Barry Mobberley and Chris Gill answer some searching questions about the Alouette.

Connor described aerobatics in the Chipmunk in detail.	Tony and the Sioux with its piston engine caused many questions, not least about the television programme MASH!

Alan was happy to let visitors into the Scout cockpit to get a feel for the controls.	Keith Reid is an ex-Scout pilot himself and explained the role and operation of the aircraft to Lamine Gueye and Lisa Duvar, both colleagues from RTM.

Bill explains the need for the size and power inherent in the design of the mighty Beaver.	The sponsors then gathered for the display as the rain threatened. The Blue Eagles also turned out to watch.

The opening manouevre made many gasp as the cross looked really tight!	This was followed by a series of crosses from Chris and Alan which were real crowd pleasers.

Not to be outdone, Peter and Bill opened the fixed wing section with a stormer too!	Connor was limited by the low cloud, but worked the Chipmunk hard….

….producing a fine display of aerobatics despite the grim weather.	A long shot of the final six-ship cross gives a true picture of the terrible weather. The Team pulled of an excellent display, seems they work best under pressure!

Archived news is available by clicking here.

[ Home ]