Shackleton 63 makes noise

We were invited down to Coventry this weekend to visit our friends at Shackleton WR963. We were lured down by the promise of much noise being made! As mentioned in Rich’s thread time was against the team in the run up to the event, so only 3 engines could be run on the day. That’s still plenty though!

She looks excellent with her full compliment of props fitted now

Prior to running there was a curious ritual carried out in front of each engine that us jet aircraft types don’t have to indulge in; it was likened to morris dancing but with a Griffon rather than a Maypole!

And then the Griffons spoke

Some shots of her running while we were waiting to step aboard

Leading light of the SPT and absolute gentleman Sdn Ldr John Cubberley with ‘his’ machine

Rich hard at work

After the run there was a very special ceremony. In the nose of the Shack 1 VP293 also in the SPT’s care there now resides a very special item

This co-pilot’s seat was formerly the late Gp Capt Dave Hencken’s office chair. After he passed away his family decided it should return to the cockpit of a Shack, and on Saturday the seat was officially dedicated.
A view of the fully propped port side form the nose turret

I also paid a visit to some of the other aircraft on site before they migrate

The Nimrod seems to have gained a problem with its flaps since our last visit

Many thanks to Rich and the team for the day (and the post-run beers and banter!), I’ll put some pics up from Sunday’s visit to the neighbouring Midland Air Museum soon too.