I hope its not “breaking” news …

Yes, they are FAA Avengers almost certainly going to Speke rather than Burtonwood. This shot is new to me at least although I have seen a similar one from IWM. Which site did you find it on, Scouse?

Yes, I don’t doubt that but it was probably also a reference to the Skyraider being a bit of a throwback in an age of jets.

I thought that War Below Zero, co-written by Colonel Bernt Balchen, Major Corey Ford and Major Oliver La Forge, might have some mention of early landings on the Ice Cap. I’ve just found and checked my copy but it only describes the wartime incidents covered in Wieeso’s interesting link.

Max Conrad, the remarkable solo long range pilot, crash landed an American-registered Picchio on the Ice Cap in the 1960s and was fortunately rescued. I remember listening to him on VHF flying the Amber One Airway over northern England en route to Prestwick or Iceland.

Ten best airshows? Hmm. Will they be at Legends?

Steve, the Halfpenny Green incident didn’t quite happen like that. A Rapide and an Islander were dropping a total 16 parachutists from 10,000ft to attempt a link up. Somehow, two of the Islander’s occupants dropped onto the Rapide. One bounced off and sustained a broken leg, but managed to open his parachute. The other parachutist went through the Rapide’s roof and lodged inside, suffering broken wrists. How do I know this? I was in the tower at the time!

I’ve heard that story too but it may be a myth. However, the correct word for the report was actually “funnels” which might explain the “finals” call used by many older private pilots who were trained by wartime veteran pilots. It should be “final” singular of course.