This is amazing news. A chance for everyone to see two Lancs in the air is incredible, particularly for young(er) enthusiasts who have never had the oppportunity before. I will definitely be taking my lad to see them.

By younger enthusiasts I was refering to people my lads’ age (teenager) but have realised it probably qualifies anyone under 50!!

Thank you CIRCUS 6, I certainly appreciate what the crews do. Whilst I can see how it seems a joy to fly a Lancaster every weekend I’m sure that after a full weeks work of the normal job being away from family and friends yet again can become a nuisance, particularly for those that have already been away from home serving in recent times. No offence meant towards your view Matt, I too feel envious but I can see how sacrificing yet more time away can take the shine off the job, as enthusiasts we probably lose sight of these things.
CIRCUS 6 and Beaufighter VI can I ask when you were with the BBMF as the policy regarding crews having ‘chutes seems to have changed in the different periods and I just a little curious as to when this was. My visit to climb around inside PA474 was in 1998.

I was privilaged to have a look around inside PA474 when I won a competition. I got to sit in all the crew positions and hand crank the turrets as I was sat in them. Anyway, something else that doesn’t work and is for show only are the parachutes stowed on board. I was told that if anything goes horribly wrong (which is very unlikely) those on board will be staying with it.

I was reading this topic on another forum as well. I do not have an official clarification for it but apparently the Police have found skid marks 50 metres long!

Was that the driver of the first vehicles underpants or someone elses? (Sorry everyone but someone had to say it).

It does seem that people think they are safe because of all the new equipment on modern cars. Of course the easy way to get people to drive carefully is to fit every car with a very sharp spike protruding from the steering wheel towards the drivers chest.

I believe one of them has a brother who became the youngest solo wing walker at the age of eight. I think it was a couple of years ago. I think it’s a great thing for them to be doing. Although obviously it was all properly arranged as a parent I have to admire the whole family because they are having to put a lot of faith in the aircraft, which at the end of the day is a mechanical machine that could go wrong no matter how well it’s maintained. It would turn what’s left of my grey hair completely white if it was my lad up there but he would love to do it.