So that leaves just the Spitfire with the OFMC. Are they winding down their operations?

I don’t think they are winding their operations down at all.

I believe the Mustang is owned by a syndicate, and is registered as owned by Pelham Ltd on the CAA G-INFO record, of which OFMC pilot Alister Kay is a director.

(I seem to recall reading somewhere that Nigel Lamb had part ownership of the Mustang, but it’s worth bearing in mind he has now sadly retired from display flying, so that might have changed).

But there is always a chance that if the Mustang finds a buyer that is UK based and wants to base it in the UK, then it might well end up being looked after by OFMC/ARC!

(Keeping fingers crossed!)

Cheers

Paul

I just found the footage from an American TV show (probably the one I saw it on first), although I’m sure someone posted the original footage as well.

Cheers

Paul

I last saw it at Old Warden when attending the Oct 2015 ‘Uncovered’ show.

Cheers

Paul

Thanks AF.

Cheers

Paul

Another YT video, this time a sequence of stills: –

Cheers

Paul

I caught the radio call from the pilot of Miss Velma on the display frequency.

I’m sure someone will post a video on of the incident with the radio calls on it, but I seem to recall the pilot started with “Mustang Three – I’m Bailing Out” which at first I took literally, but it became obvious he meant the formation.

A few seconds later, he responded with “Mustang Three – Engine Failure”.

I couldn’t see which Mustang it was or it’s position, but a few seconds later, it appeared, heading roughly towards crowd center (I was in the TFC Friends tent in front of the American Air Museum), with the engine very quiet.

The pilot then elected to join the left hand downwind leg (keeping in quite tight), and during the tight turn for final, started to put the gear down.

It looked at this point if it would depart if the turn continued (a rather heart stopping moment I must say), so it was a relief to see the pilot able to turn away from the airfield, and head for one of the fields at the eastern end of the M11.

Of, course, another heart stopping moment ensued, as Miss Velma disappeared out of sight behind the HFL/ARC hangars!

Thankfully, there was no explosion or fire visible, and it was a relief to hear a few minutes later over the radio (and finally the PA system), that the pilot was out of the aircraft, and on his own two feet!

Not the ending anyone would hope for, but very glad that no one was killed or injured.

Despite this incident, it was a fantastic and thoroughly enjoyable day as usual!

Cheers

Paul

Whilst it’s easy to remind ourselves of past Flying Legends with say, a 10 plus Mustang tailchase or a record 39 ship balbo, I think we have to say to ourselves that we are lucky that the event is still going all these years on, and that we are very lucky that it can still command such a line up of historic piston aircraft, pilots, (and of course) spectators, from around the world!

Over the years, increased bureaucracy along with increased costs for both operating historic types and laying on an event on the scale of FL (especially post the Shoreham accident), could well have put off both the organisers and operators that participate, for good!

Thankfully though, they have stuck with it, and we can again look forward to a one of kind show next weekend.

But as with anything in life, we shouldn’t take it for granted, because in a few years time, we might not be having this discussion at all!

Cheers

Paul

Britain and the EU: In or Out – One Year On

A recent lecture by political historian Professor Vernon Bogdanor: –

A clear and balanced analysis showing that there is indeed no such thing as a ‘soft’ Brexit, if the UK are to fully leave the EU.

And it’s interesting to hear his analysis on what it would mean if we were to adopt a Norway or Switzerland EU membership model.

Cheers

Paul