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Operators Themed Articles

FEB012012
GAM Previews: USS George H.W. Bush Following on from GAR’s visit to “The Bush” on its Liberty port visit to Portsmouth, UK, we were privileged to accept an invitation to join the carrier at sea. Paul Dopson reports from the United States Navy’s 6th Fleet area of operations, somewhere in the Mediterranean Sea.
JAN132012
Aviation News >> Air Spray L-188 Electra from Honduras Air Force It's always nice to see an aircraft that everyone assumes will never fly again get a new lease of life against all the odds. This is exactly what has happened to an L-188 Electra that has been rescued from Honduras by Air Spray of Canada. Paul Filmer reports from Casper, Wyoming where maintenance issues forced an extended stay.
JAN042012
GAM Previews: High-Altitude ARNG Training Site - HAATS Paul Filmer, a Colorado resident, travels into the mountains near the popular ski resort of Vail to find out about the Army National Guard’s training camp designed to teach rotary wing pilots the secrets of operating at high altitudes and in difficult surroundings. This is HAATS - High-Altitude ARNG Aviation Training Site.
JAN042012
GAM Previews: The 100th ARW and Operation Unified Protector Between March 16 and October 31 2011, the United States Air Force’s 100th Air Refueling Wing from RAF Mildenhall in Suffolk, UK, provided KC-135 tanker support for Operation Unified Protector - the name given to a NATO operation enforcing UN Security Council resolutions 1970 and 1973, which authorised the use of all necessary means to protect those civilians in Libya under the threat of attack from Colonel Gaddafi’s forces. Glenn Beasley was given the chance to join them.
DEC192011
Special Events >> UK: Air Atlantique Classic Flight Night Runs 2011 Christmas nears and the weather begins to chill, setting the scene for the annual Air Atlantique Classic Flight Night Runs at Coventry Airport – now in its 4th consecutive year. Huw Hopkins froze for GAR.
DEC092011
Aviation News: 29(R) Squadron Unveils English Electric Lighting Gate Guard 'XP765' 29 (Reserve) Squadron today rolled out English Electric Lightning F.6 XS897 in full 29 Squadron markings during a private ceremony at the Squadron's RAF Coningsby home station. The aircraft has been modified and painted to represent Lightning F.3 XP765 that served with 29 during the 1960s and '70s.
DEC072011
GAM Previews: The 250th Presidential Airlift Wing, Philippine Air Force There may not be a large number of military or government aircraft based at Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila but what is there is pretty interesting. Following on from his article on the airport’s civilian operators for Global Aviation Resource, Paul Filmer reports from the Philippines on the other Ninoy Aquino residents.
DEC072011
GAM Previews: The Fighter Collection's (TFC) Curtiss P-40B Warhawk, 41-13297 With the first in a new series of features titled Warbird Histories, and timed to coincide with the 70th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, Huw Hopkins details The Fighter Collection’s Curtiss P-40B Warhawk, 41-13297.
DEC072011
GAM Previews: WZ507 and The Vampire Preservation Group If you're a regular British airshows attendee, there's a good chance you'll have seen de Havilland Vampire T.11 WZ507 being displayed for your viewing pleasure at some point in the last decade. Those seven minutes of entertainment come at an awfully high cost to the individuals who maintain and operate the Vampire; a cost which stunned Elliott Marsh when he met with Vampire pilot Mark Hooton for a chat about exactly what goes into keeping this lovely vintage jet flying.
NOV042011
Aviation News: Deputy Prime Minister Visits RAF Waddington to Pay Tribute to UK Armed Forces’ Role in NATO’s Campaign Over Libya With NATO declaring the end of sanctioned military operations over Libya, the Royal Air Force, Army Air Corps and Royal Navy air assets are now home from what the UK titled Operation ELLAMY. Gareth Stringer was at RAF Waddington as Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg dropped by to welcome some of them home. Images – Karl Drage.
SEP292011
Civil Aviation >> Mauna Loa Helicopters, Hawaii Mauna Loa Helicopters operates across the Hawaiian Islands providing flight training and pleasure flights. Rob Edgcumbe paid them a visit to find out more about the company's operations and to experience the island of Kauai from the air.
SEP152011
Military Aviation >> Royal Naval Air Station (RNAS) Culdrose - Then & Now GAR staffer and former Royal Navy Sea King pilot Chris Wood recently paid a nostalgic visit to his old stomping ground of RNAS Culdrose in west Cornwall, 25 year after he left. Here he describes how things have changed.
SEP052011
Special Events >> USA: N999BW - Classic Jet Tours' BAC1-11 Charter Flight A unique opportunity was presented to enthusiasts a few months ago to fly on one of the few remaining BAC1-11s that are capable of carrying passengers, and, on Saturday August 27, that day dawned. Paul Filmer reports on this unusual flight from Dallas Love-Field, Texas.
JUL262011
Airshows >> UK: Bill Ramsey and Vulcan XH558 - Part Two Having joined Bill Ramsey in the cockpit for his first Vulcan trip in 34 years, he now brings us up to speed with his training and then the experience of displays from the cockpit of XH558 at RAF Waddington and RNAS Yeovilton. Images as credited.
JUL252011
Airshows >> UK: Brendan O'Brien and his Flying Circus - One on One Brendan O'Brien is one of the UK's most experienced and charismatic airshow personalities, with O'Brien's Flying Circus being the most instantly recognisable element of his current repertoire. Gareth Stringer caught up with him recently for an interview that covered a multitude of airshow and flying related topics. Images as credited.
JUL112011
Military Aviation >> Royal Air Force: Hawk T.2 Gathers Pace at RAF Valley After more than three decades as the RAF's sole advanced jet trainer, the Hawk T.1 has now been joined on the flightline at RAF Valley by its younger and much more modern incarnation, the Hawk T.2. Gareth Stringer reports with images as credited.
JUN282011
Military Aviation >> USA: Colorado Army National Guard (CO ARNG) LUH-72A Lakota Transition The Colorado Army National Guard's D Company 3rd Battalion, 140th Aviation (D/3-140 GSAB) has recently received four LUH-72A Lakotas (EC145) to replace its OH-58 Kiowas. Paul Filmer reports from Colorado as he takes a look at these new helicopters.
JUN242011
Warbirds >> Boeing B-17G N5017N Aluminum Overcast - Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) B-17G Flying Fortress N5017N 'Aluminum Overcast' is the flagship of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) and is based at the famous Oshkosh airfield in Wisconsin when not flying all over the USA and Canada on touring schedules. Paul Filmer reports on its latest visit to Colorado.
JUN232011
Airshows >> UK: Royal Navy Historic Flight (RNHF) Update The Royal Navy Historic Flight (RNHF) has endured a series of recent setbacks but now has a flyable Swordfish, a powerhouse of a Sea Fury T.20 routine and the prospect of great things to come in the 2012 season. Paul Fiddian provides the latest from RNAS Yeovilton, with additional photo contributions as credited.
JUN212011
Military Aviation >> USA: Vertical Transition - Marine Aircraft Group 16 In these days of limited military spending and austerity, new aircraft types don’t exactly enter service on a regular basis, so the appearance of a new type is always interesting. It is almost unheard of, however, for that new type to be of an entirely new form of aircraft, but that is exactly what the Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey represents. Paul Dunn visits the United States Marine Corps at MCAS Miramar to see firsthand the incredible MV-22B and learn more about Marine Air Group 16.
JUN142011
Military Aviation >> USA: The 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing The 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (3rd MAW) is the aviation combat element of I Marine Expeditionary Force (I MEF) and takes command of most of the USMC aviation units on the west coast of the US. Ahead of a series of detailed articles on the component groups of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, Paul Dunn provides an introduction to the unit and its place in US Marine Corps tactics and planning.
JUN032011
Military Aviation >> US Navy: CVN-77 USS George H. W. Bush The entry into UK waters of a United States Navy (USN) aircraft carrier always causes something of a stir and the first visit of CVN-77, the USS George H.W. Bush, was no exception as it rested in Stokes Bay, Portsmouth between May 27th and May 31st after its participation in Exercise Saxon Warrior 2011. Glenn Beasley went aboard to find out more.
MAY032011
Space Exploration: Boeing 747 Stratospheric Observatory For Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) Survey of the heavens has moved up a gear with a Boeing 747SP fitted with a huge infrared telescope that provides unseen views of our universe. Mark Broadbent reports. Images as credited.
APR262011
Airshows >> Europe: Cool Precision - the Breitling Jet Team The Breitling Jet Team is the world's largest civilian aerobatic team operating jets. Mark Broadbent talked to the team's founder and leader, Jacques Bothelin, about what it takes to operate the team. Images as credited.
APR262011
Balloons & Blimps: A Goodyear for Road Safety The iconic Goodyear blimp recently returned to the United Kingdom to commence the 2011 Goodyear Safety Tour, promoting the company's road safety initiatives across 20 European countries. Elliott Marsh goes blimp hunting for GAR.
APR192011
Airshows >> UK: Spitfire PL965 - Diary of a Warbird Restoration Spitfire PR.XI PL965 will be a familiar sight to many airshow goers, having been a regular participant at airshows throughout the UK and Europe for the best part of 20 years. Under the ownership of Peter Teichman and the Hangar 11 Collection, PL965 recently underwent a major overhaul to reinstall the aircraft's original Merlin 70 engine. Hangar 11's Steve Atkin reports for GAR.
APR122011
Airshows >> UK: Vulcan training day at Wellesbourne - XM655 Helps XH558 With the airshow season rapidly approaching, the aircrew who will display the world’s only flying example of the Vulcan recently completed a vital day of training using another airframe for the job. Gareth Stringer was there for GAR.
APR122011
Military Aviation >> US Navy > Grumman F-14 Tomcat: Landing...and then stopping Grumman's F-14 Tomcat was one of the most iconic of jet fighters, made even more famous in the mid 1980s by the movie 'Top Gun'. A small number of British pilots got their hands on it, with Royal Navy pilots going to NAS Miramar in California and Royal Air Force pilots going to NAS Oceana in Virginia. Lt Cdr Clive Baylis RN was one of them, and here he describes his experiences flying Grumman's finest.
APR122011
Airshows >> Asia: Team Viper Does Al Ain Having performed at the Al Ain Aerobatic Show in 2010 as an all Strikemaster team, Team Viper's return in 2011 gave the UAE public a first chance to see the Team flying its formation display with the aircraft they chose to replace it - the legendary Hawker Hunter. PlanesTV's Iain Campbell guest reports and delivers a first public airing of Team Viper's new promotional video for 2011. Imagery from Jon Windover / SkyFury.
APR082011
Airshows >> UK: 2011 Royal Air Force Hawk Display Scheme Revealed Continuing our series of Royal Air Force airshow exclusives, Global Aviation Resource reveals the scheme to be worn by display pilot Flt Lt Jules Fleming’s Hawk T.1 aircraft. Gareth Stringer reports.
APR052011
Aviation News: Welcome Home - Vulcan XH558 returns to Doncaster On the 29th March 2011, Vulcan XH558 moved to her new home, Robin Hood Doncaster Sheffield Airport, formerly RAF Finningley where she served with the RAF during the Cold War. Glenn Beasley was there for GAR to witness her arrival.
APR012011
Airshows >> UK: 2011 Royal Air Force Tucano Display Scheme Revealed Global Aviation Resource is delighted to exclusively reveal the scheme that this year’s Royal Air Force Tucano Display aircraft will be wearing at airshows across the UK and beyond. Gareth Stringer reports with images as credited.
MAR082011
Emergency Services >> Air Ambulances: The Wales Air Ambulance celebrates 10 years of service Launched on St David’s Day 2001, the Wales Air Ambulance has carried out over 14,000 missions to date. From being the last country and region in Europe to have an air ambulance service the Wales Air Ambulance is now one of the busiest. Paul Dopson goes along to share the birthday cake.
MAR082011
Getting a real buzz from the Baltic Bees It was quite early when I woke up on Saturday 5th February, the last day of the Al Ain Aerobatic Show 2011. Given what would possibly happening in just a few hours’ time, it was reassuring to note that I (genuinely, honest!) felt much better than I had on the preceding few days. Karl Drage describes his first fast jet ride – one that will stay with him forever, featuring as it did the Baltic Bees, the Turkish Stars and the sights of Dubai and Abu Dhabi from above.
MAR012011
Warbirds >> Flying With The Collings Foundation Every year, the Collings Foundation takes a selection of its aircraft on tour throughout the US, giving thousands of people an opportunity to taste a little of what life was like for WWII aircrew. Paul Dunn joins up with them for the flight of a lifetime aboard B-24 Liberator 'Witchcraft'.
FEB222011
Airshows >> UK: RedHawks Duo Spreads Its Wings. While fast and noisy jet aircraft and historic warbirds are clearly popular at airshows, equally stirring performances can be given by less lauded aircraft. Mark Broadbent talks to the pilots of the RedHawks Duo, which débuted on the display circuit in 2010.
FEB082011
Warbirds >> Fairey Firefly WB518 / N518WB - Capt Eddie The beautiful southern Californian city of San Diego is probably one of the last places you would expect to find a rare example of a classic British fighter, but hiding away in a busy suburban airfield there is just such a gem. Paul Dunn catches up with Captain Eddie to take a look at his magnificent warbird, Fairey Firefly WB518 / N518WB.
FEB012011
The British Airways-Iberia Merger Last week British Airways and Iberia merged, creating a new force in the European airline industry. Mark Broadbent looks at the reasons for the merger and the issues ahead. Images as credited.
JAN252011
Dominie departs after 45 years service While last October's Strategic Defence and Security Review announcement was quite clear about the future for certain types and fleets, a number of other knock on effects have, unsurprisingly, cascaded down the supply chain. One of those is the earlier than planned retirement of the Dominie T.1. Karl Drage was present at RAF Cranwell on January 20th to see them off and took the opportunity to speak to Dominie people, past and present. Images as credited.
JAN182011
Hyakuri Revisited Hyakuri Airbase is well known to most aviation photographers throughout the world for the superb photo opportunities around its perimeter. Paul Dunn has visited on four frustrating occasions in the past – would it be a case of fifth time lucky?
JAN042011
Air-2-Airs from a B-25 Last Autumn Mark McGrath travelled to Dallas for his first air to air photographic sortie, with a B-25 Mitchell as camera-ship. Mark makes his GAR debut as a guest writer to tell us about an altogether unforgettable experience.
DEC212010
The F-14 Tomcat at 40 The 21st December 2010 marks the 40th anniversary of the first flight of the F-14 Tomcat. Looking back on the history of the type with input from those who were fortunate enough to fly her, Glenn Beasley celebrates the birthday of a US Navy icon. Additional imagery from John Higgins.
DEC212010
The Harrier: Memories With the UK's Joint Force Harrier commemorated with its retirement last week, GAR decided to gather together a number of memories from those who know the aircraft best and have experienced, or in one case still experience, the legendary Harrier from the cockpit. Compiled by Gareth Stringer with images as credited.
DEC212010
The Harrier: The Final Weeks Of An Icon With Joint Force Harrier It's over - the Harrier has been retired from RAF / RN service. After a hectic, emotional and rumour strewn drawdown, Gareth Stringer talks us through Joint Force Harrier's final weeks from GAR's perspective and both inside and out. Images as credited.
DEC212010
Shattering the Evening Calm - 2010 Classic Flight Night Runs Glorious engine noise, striking propeller arcs and healthy banter – Paul Fiddian reports and reflects on the 2010 Classic Flight Night Runs at Coventry, with additional comments and imagery from Elliott Marsh and Huw Hopkins.
DEC142010
Warbirds >> Consolidated PB4Y-2 Privateer N2871G Flies Again The Consolidated PB4Y-2 Privateer served with the US Navy between 1944 and the early 1960s and was used mostly in the maritime patrol mission. Paul Filmer travels to Wyoming to document the final test flights of the only airworthy PB4Y-2 after a long period of being firmly on the ground.
DEC142010
Hangar 11 Collection Supporters' Day With the airshow season consigned to memory, temperatures dropping to arctic levels and the days drawing in all too quickly, the late Autumn can be a depressing time for aviation enthusiasts. As November crept to a close, a select few supporters of the Hangar 11 Collection at North Weald were afforded a brief respite to their aviation withdrawal symptoms when Peter Teichman opened his hangar's doors to the public for the first time, allowing unprecedented access to his magnificent fleet of Second World War fighters. Elliott Marsh reports from the heart of Essex.
DEC072010
Mississippi Thunder: Lightning T.5 XS422 With Thunder City in South Africa now closed for business after recent tragic events, one might think that the chances of seeing an English Electric Lighting in the air are again a thing of the past. There is a loyal band of volunteers who fly to Mississippi periodically whose goal is to prove this wrong. Paul Filmer visits the Anglo American Lightning Organisation (AALO) to catch-up on the progress made to date.
DEC072010
Exercise Vega 2010 Eagles with strange nobbly bits, majestic looking brown, green and sand camouflaged F-16s and the most interesting looking Gulfstream you ever did see; Chris Wood guest reports from the Italian island of Sardinia as the Israeli Defence Forces take up residence for Exercise Vega 2010.
DEC072010
The Harrier >> David Morgan Part Two: Sea Harrier Engagement at Shag Cove In this, the second piece kindly supplied to GAR courtesy of Lt Cdr David Morgan DSC, we continue our look at the Sea Harrier's success in the skies over the Falklands during the conflict of 1982. In this thrilling tale, David relates an encounter with rotary elements of the Argentine Air Force on the 23rd May. Images as credited.
DEC072010
The Harrier: Overseas Service With the illustrious career of the Harrier with the RAF and Royal Navy shortly to come to an end, it is easy to assume that this is the final chapter in the history of this remarkable aircraft. However, the Harrier will remain in service in other parts of the world for some years to come. Paul Dunn takes a look at the remaining Harriers in worldwide service, images as credited.
NOV302010
Flying the 'Fish - LS326 The full return of a Fairey Swordfish to the UK airshow scene has been long-awaited and, now – after a successful series of test flights last month – it will happen in 2011. Paul Fiddian visited the RNHF to find out just what the Swordfish is like to fly, and discuss the type’s arrival back onto the display circuit. While he looks forward, many of the images that feature here journey back in time, to revisit some of the highlights of the aircraft’s airshow past.
NOV302010
The Harrier >> David Morgan: The Sea Harrier's Baptism of Fire For many the Falklands War of 1982 was the Sea Harrier's finest hour. Lt Cdr David Morgan DSC served with 899 NAS during the conflict and tells that story in a vivid memoir entitled
NOV232010
The Harrier: The History of an Icon It's a name instantly recognisable to many, regardless of their interest in aviation, but one that will soon be consigned to the history books in this country when, after more than forty years service, the aircraft is cut from the UK military as a result of the Strategic Defence and Security Review. Gareth Stringer looks back at the Harrier's development and distinguished career with the Royal Air Force and Royal Navy. Images as credited.
NOV232010
Guardians of the Golden Gate - CGAS San Francisco The city of San Francisco is located at the mouth of a large natural harbour. The area has developed into one of the busiest port facilities in the United States and also sees a huge amount of recreational activities. The task of maintaining the maritime safety and security of the area falls to the US Coast Guard, with air support being based at Coast Guard Air Station San Francisco. Paul Dunn reports for GAR.
NOV162010
Vulcan XH558 - An Interview with Dr Robert Pleming The plight of Avro Vulcan XH558 has remained at the forefront of many minds since the aircraft's incredible return to flight in 2007. With yet another last minute funding drive recently completed, GAR approached THE VULCAN TO THE SKY TRUST (VTTST) to talk through the project's past, present and future. Gareth Stringer sat down with Chief Executive Dr Robert Pleming. Images as credited.
NOV162010
Team Merlin Reflects on the End of an Era With Team Merlin’s Manager MACr Gareth Attridge moving on to pastures new a fresh face will be taking over at the helm of one the most popular RAF airshow attendees. MACr Attridge sat down with GAR's own Gareth to take a look back at the past five years and they were joined by the former’s replacement to see what the future might hold in this exclusive report for GAR. Words by Gareth Stringer, images as credited.
NOV162010
Under a Bomber's Moon: East Kirkby's Lancaster Night Run Each November, the Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre at East Kirkby stages a night photo shoot and taxi run, courtesy of their famous Avro Lancaster ‘Just Jane’. Elliott Marsh was there to soak up the atmosphere of this exceptional event. Additional imagery from Glenn Beasley.
NOV092010
The Harrier: 41(R) Squadron’s Harrier Flight Disbands With the early disbandment of Joint Force Harrier announced in October’s Strategic Defence and Security Review it became only a matter of time before GAR started covering the sad demise of this legendary aircraft’s career in the British armed forces. 41(R) Squadron was the first to give up its jets and Gareth Stringer reports on a sad day for this proud unit. Images as credited.
NOV092010
Airshows >> UK: Behind the Scenes with the RV-8tors The high-powered and fast-moving RV-8tors team of two Vans RV-8s have proved a welcome and highly popular addition to the British airshow circuit. GAR's Paul Fiddian goes behind the scenes to discover more about the RV-8tors, and looks back at the past few months through the eyes of team pilot Andy Hill. Additional imagery courtesy of Rob Laker.
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