Over the weekend we had the annual Wings & Wheels model show. This year it featured pyrotechnics, bringing back memories of the old Fighter Meets.
The Fire Crew halped to damp down the grass, which had caught fire. Not a fun job in the heat!
After the show on Saturday the Norwegian Historical Squadron T-133 Silver Star arrived from Kristiansand.
On Sunday marning the BBMF Lancaster gave us a flyby on its way the the Bomber Command Memorial in Green Park.
The local village of Fyfield hosted a Night Landing Ground as a satellite facility for 39 (Home Defence) Squadron when it was based at North Weald during World War 1. On Friday evening this was commemorated when a special plaque donated by the Airfields of Britain Conservation Trust was unveiled on the village hall during the Summer BBQ evening. The Landing Ground was situated to the south west of Fyfield, set up in late 1916 and used from 1917 to 1919. It had no permanent buildings and was quite small, consisitng of just 25 acres, with a flying area of 370 x 350 yards. The plaque was unveiled by F/Lt John Hawkins after a short speech from John and the Chairman of the Parish Council, Les Lamb. The ceremony was also supported by the band and colour of 2317 (Harlow) Squadron and the colour of 414 (Epping & North Weald) Squadron of the Air Cadets.
We are on the fringes of the Normandy Daks event, but ‘Drag-Em-Oor’ went off to Headcorn on Sunday, returning in the afternoon.
The Jet Provost G-BKOU was also out on four sorties during the day.
Aero Legends’ Spitfire Tr9 NH341 came in yesterday for a quick fuel stop.
C-47 Drag-Em-Oot came back from Cherbourg on Monday. Another DC-3 in Raf markings is due in from Coventry some time next week.
Pete is keeping his DA and may still do few few outings. The Spitfire went to Headcorn on Saturday.
C-47 Drag-Em-Oot came back from East Kirkbyon Sunday afternoon for fuel before departing to Membury.
Our L29 Delfin did some taxying practice, then went off on a couple of local sorties. The Jet Provost G-BKOU was also doing some taxying.
The Spitfire PRXI was out on Monday 13 May. It now has its original wing camera blisters refitted. Peter reckons they make about a 5mph difference to the cruising speed.
Tuesday 30 April saw the Gnat G-RORI on a local flight with some missed approaches on return. The Huey was out again. The Scout XW613 returned to Middle Wallop and the visiting Nanchang was ferrying another pilot back to White Waltham
The Huey doing a some general handling on Wednesday 24 April.
The NPAS helicopters coming are the three ex- Met Police EC145s from Lippitts Hill and the Essex Police Ec135 from Boreham
Both Gnats were out again on Friday for more continuation training.
The were two Scouts on the Hangar 6 Apron, and the Army Historic Flight’s Scout also came in for maintenance.
The Aero Legends Spitfires NH341 and PV202 gave us a flyby on their way from Duxford to Headcorn at around 1830.
The Gnats flew again on Saturday once the cloud base lifted in the afternoon. G-MOUR was out first for a local flight and some missed approaches.
This was followed later by G-RORI doing the same.
The C-47 ‘Drag-Em-Oot’ was parked up on the grass.
On Thursday the former Red Star Rebels L-29, G-BYCT, arrived from St Athan. It will be based at Weald Aviation.
Westland Wasp G-RIMM is also a new resident.
Sorry for the lack of posts from me so far this year. I take leave over the winter period, so have not been around much. With the weather not being great either, there has not been much happening when I have been on watch. I could have retired this month, but have opted to continue until the end of the year.
The Squadron has been taken over by Aero Legends, so we will be having Spitfire and other related pleasure flights operating from North Weald soon. The C-47 Drag-Em-Oot has already arrived.
Last Sunday we had some visitors from Leicester, including a smart Bücker Bestmann. Our based Stearman was flying too.
Saturday 29 December
Jet Provost Mark 4 XR673 / G-BXLO departed for Tatenhill after routine maintenance. It was due to leave a couple of weeks ago, but both the potential crew ferry aicraft went tech.
The construction of the new NPAS helicopter hangar and base facility is now underway and is due to be completed next Augast. In the meantime the police helicopters are using us for regular training, including fast roping.
Thanks to everyone who has takien an interest in North Weald over the past year. Our latest newsletter still has some copies available. If anyone wants a copy PM me and I can post one out.
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