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Operator Themed Articles

AUG172010
The Last Time - DC-3 Meet, Whiteside Airport, Il As yet another milestone slides by involving the Douglas DC-3 and while many still ply their trade, a gathering just before a mass fly-in at Air Adventure at Oshkosh was a very ambitious and fitting plan. Paul Filmer reports from Whiteside Airport in Illinois where The Last Time event took place.
AUG172010
The Apache is Back! - KLu Apache Solo Display Team 2010 After a four year break, the Dutch AH-64D Apache returned to the skies of RAF Fairford during RIAT 2010. Having supplied an image from RIAT 2005 for the team to use in their promotional material, Glenn Beasley caught up with the team for GAR.
AUG142010
South African Air Force 90th Anniversary Airshow The South African Air Force is the world’s second oldest independent air arm, and recently celebrated its 90th Anniversary. As part of the celebrations for this milestone, the SAAF Museum hosted an airshow at its Swartkop base. Paul Dunn attended the airshow, and reports for GAR.
AUG102010
Preparing for the worst - Colorado National Guard Exercise From 5th to the 7th August the Colorado National Guard, along with the West Metro Fire District and Colorado Task Force-One (CO-TF1), conducted a large scale emergency response exercise in Lakewood which is a South Western Denver suburb. Paul Filmer reports from a field on one of the last elements of the exercise.
AUG102010
Royal Navy Black Cats 2010 The Black Cats is the Royal Navy’s official display team and this year set out to impress airshow spectators with a brand new line up and a brand new routine. Gareth Stringer caught up with them to see how it’s going. Images as credited.
JUL202010
Vancouver Harbour Water Airport Floatplanes are essential for keeping the Canadian city of Vancouver moving. Paul Dunn visits Vancouver Harbour Water Airport and takes a look at some of the major operators there.
JUL132010
JGSDF Kasumigaura One of the main training bases for the Japan Ground Self Defence Force (JGSDF) is Kasumigaura, located to the north of Tokyo. Paul Dunn reports for GAR.
JUL062010
Day and night at AAC Middle Wallop - Hampshire's Fort Apache Global Aviation Resource travelled to 673 Squadron at Middle Wallop to take a closer look at the mighty WAH-64D Apache and how its pilots are trained - a visit which would allow us to see the Apache in action by both day and night. Words Gareth Stringer / Images as credited.
JUN082010
Wings of Freedom – Collings Foundation on Tour Every year, the Collings Foundation takes some of its aircraft on tour, in order to allow members of the public to experience flights in these magnificent machines. In doing so, they honour the men who fought in these aircraft during WWII and also educate a new generation about the sacrifice of those who went before. Paul Dunn caught up with the tour in Long Beach, California.
JUN062010
Exercise Halifax Shadow Sgt Tony Hibberd guest reports for GAR on 78 Sqn's long-weekend of special events, dubbed "Exercise Halifax Shadow", aimed at commemorating the Squadron's personnel and their achievements over the course of their 94 year history to date.
MAY252010
"McDougall" Douglas TA-4J First Flight 10:40 on the 18th of April 2010 marked a major milestone in a small corner of Arizona as TA-4J Skyhawk N518TA made its maiden flight after a thorough and lengthy build and restoration. GAR's own Paul Filmer was there.
MAY252010
Zulu Glasstek Swift Aerobatic Display Team aside, the gliding sphere is one element of aviation that has been slightly overlooked on GAR. Karl Drage redresses the balance with a report from Pete Wells' Zulu Glasstek operation.
MAY252010
Old Warden Evening Airshow 1 Elliott Marsh reports from a glorious Old Warden on the first of the Shuttleworth Collection's Evening Air Displays in 2010.
MAY182010
First in, last out - The 493rd Fighter Squadron In an exclusive for GAR, Glenn Beasley visited RAF Lakenheath and the 48th Fighter Wing to find out about life with the 493rd Fighter Squadron and their F-15C Eagles.
MAY182010
Nimrod arrival at Coventry Airport signals AIRBASE opening for Classic Flight Gareth Stringer reports from Coventry Airport where the delivery of a newly retired RAF Nimrod coincided with the launch of the Air Atlantique Classic Flight’s new aviation attraction – AIRBASE. Images as credited.
MAY042010
The name says it all - Ultimate High Formed almost ten years ago, Ultimate High gives its customers the chance to experience the adrenalin buzz of simulated air combat and high performance aerobatics. Gareth Stringer went to visit them at their Cotswold base.
MAY042010
Red Flag 10-3 The latest Red Flag exercise (RF10-3) was the normal two-week affair and took part between 22nd February and 6th March at Nellis AFB. Paul Filmer reports on the highs and lows of shooting at this time of year.
APR272010
The Breitling Wingwalkers Reveal All Having exclusively revealed the team's new scheme for 2010 at the back end of last year, Global Aviation Resource was delighted to receive an invite to The Breitling Wingwalkers press launch ahead of the new airshow season. Gareth Stringer reports from RFC Rendcomb. Images as credited.
APR132010
1 EFTS at RAF Cranwell - the home of the Royal Air Force Gareth Stringer travelled to RAF Cranwell and spent a fascinating and informative day with 1 EFTS in whose Grob Tutors all RAF, Royal Navy and Army Air Corps pilots will start their flying careers.
APR062010
"The Nimrod is Dead. Long Live the Nimrod." March 31st 2010 saw the earlier-than-planned withdrawal of the Nimrod MR.2 from service with the Royal Air Force. This was due to the "need to concentrate scarce resources on deployed operations", creating with it a capability gap in both long-range maritime reconnaissance and search and rescue (SAR) roles. Karl Drage takes a look back at the history of the 'Mighty Hunter', much of the recent past of which has been understandably clouded in controversy.
APR062010
Farewell to RAF Uxbridge The RAF ensign has flown over the parade ground at RAF Uxbridge for over 90 years, but was recently lowered for the last time. Paul Dunn reports for GAR on the past and future for this historic RAF station.
MAR162010
RAF Linton-on-Ouse - Where aircrew earn their wings Global Aviation Resource travelled to 1 FTS's home base of RAF Linton-on-Ouse to spend a day with the students and instructors of 72(R), 207(R) and 76(R) Squadrons. Responsible for taking future fast jet pilots and Weapons Systems Operators (WSOs) through the next stage of their training, Linton provides an invaluable service for both the Royal Air Force and the Royal Navy. Words - Gareth Stringer / Images - as credited.
MAR122010
EXCLUSIVE - 2010 RAF Tucano Display Scheme and Interview Global Aviation Resource is delighted to exclusively reveal the two very special schemes that will adorn the 2010 Tucano display aircraft and, following a recent visit to RAF Linton on Ouse, present pilot Flt Lt Tom Bould's first interview ahead of the forthcoming display season.
MAR022010
At the Cutting Edge - 29(R) Sqn, Typhoon OCU Global Aviation Resource travelled to RAF Coningsby for an inside look at the work of 29(R) Squadron, the unit tasked with training pilots to fly the RAF's most potent aircraft ever - the Eurofighter Typhoon. Words - Gareth Stringer / Images - as credited.
FEB232010
Mriya, you've gotta see her! - The An-225 visits Robin Hood With a 3000 metre runway, Robin Hood Doncaster Sheffield Airport is capable of handling the biggest of aircraft. This was put to the test when the biggest of them all paid a welcome visit on 16th February for a much needed cargo operation. Glenn Beasley was there for GAR.
FEB232010
Siberian Odyssey – Part 4, Oyok DOSAAF After the obligatory lunch it was time to visit a complete unknown which could easily turn out to be the biggest bust of the trip. Paul Filmer takes us on part four and day three and a half of his Siberian trip.
FEB092010
Classic Flight at Coventry Airport Air Atlantique's Classic Flight owns one of the most impressive collections of airworthy and potentially airworthy aircraft in the UK and, for many years, has dedicated itself to displaying these aircraft at airshows and giving people the opportunity to fly in them. Global Aviation Resource travelled to Coventry Airport to learn more. Words - Gareth Stringer. Images - as credited.
JAN292010
2010 RAF Hawk Display Scheme Revealed Global Aviation Resource is delighted to exclusively reveal the chosen colour scheme for the 2010 RAF Hawk display aircraft.
JAN262010
Views from the Viper's Cockpit “Vipers in the Storm”, Keith Rosenkranz’s personal account of flying the F-16 in the first Gulf War, is one of the most fascinating titles on the subject of modern air warfare. Gareth Stringer made contact with ‘Rosey’ and took the opportunity to ask him for some thoughts on flying the legendary Fighting Falcon. Images – as credited.
JAN192010
Chinook Mk.3 Unveiled at RAF Odiham Global Aviation Resource travelled to RAF Odiham, home of the Chinook Force, to attend a press event for the long awaited entry in to service of the eight ‘new’ Mk.3 airframes. It was a day that allowed GAR to learn about more than just these new additions to the RAF fleet. Words - Gareth Stringer, Images – Karl Drage.
JAN122010
The Swift Aerobatic Display Team Few acts on the airshow circuit have the ability to literally stop the public in their tracks. The roar of Typhoon, the howl of Vulcan, or the precision formation flying of the Red Arrows are notable exceptions; but another team who regularly do so are a very different three-piece outfit who go by the name of the Swift Aerobatic Display Team. Karl Drage caught up with them to talk about their motivation and how they envisage the display developing.
JAN122010
RS Warbirds A generation of RAF and RN pilots have had their first taste of high performance flying courtesy of the Shorts Tucano. Now a company in Arizona is offering civilian customers the chance to purchase one of these aircraft and experience its delights for themselves. GAR visited RS Warbirds to find out more. Words by Paul Dunn, images as credited.
JAN052010
208 Sqn at RAF Valley - A Day in the Life. Global Aviation Resource travelled to RAF Valley on Anglesey to visit 208 Squadron and take a close look at how the combat pilots of the future are trained. Words Gareth Stringer / Images as credited.
JAN052010
The Metropolitan Police Air Support Unit Since its formation in 1980 the Metropolitan Police Air Support Unit (ASU) has been providing invaluable helicopter support to the Force's police officers on the ground. Karl Drage and Geoff Hibbert visited and flew with them from their Lippitts Hill base as they sought to find out more about the vital role they play. Words - Karl Drage, images as credited.
DEC292009
Classic Jet Aircraft Association The tradition of jets and military trainers being owned and flown by civilians began in the United States in the late 1950s when some of the first aircraft operated were surplus British Vampires and Meteors. These days, former Eastern Bloc trainers are the new favourites, and Paul Filmer takes a close look at the Classic Jet Aircraft Association (CJAA).
DEC222009
South Atlantic - The Early Years Shortly after GAR published Gareth Stringer's feature on Typhoon's arrival in the Falklands we received an email from one Andy Matheson who, it turned out, had worked on the construction of Mount Pleasant Airfield. Andy subsequently sent GAR some images of his time in the South Atlantic and we quickly realised that they were more than worthy of a wider-audience, asking Andy if he would like to contribute some words to go with them. This feature is the result. Words and images courtesy of Andy Matheson.
DEC222009
JASDF Hyakuri Japan is one of the last remaining operators of the venerable F-4 Phantom II, with the airfield at Hyakuri housing the greatest concentration and variety of the type. Paul Dunn travelled east to visit this famous airfield.
DEC222009
Air Atlantique Classic Flight Evening Photoshoot Despite concerns over the future, brought on by the sudden closure of Coventry Airport, the Air Atlantique Classic Flight once again opened their hangar doors for their second evening photoshoot, with a variety of aircraft being displayed under the lights. Paul Dunn reports for GAR, photos as credited.
DEC152009
Milton Keynes Flying School Global Aviation Resource paid a visit to Cranfield Aerodrome recently to drop in on the Milton Keynes Flying School (MKFS), a thriving business which does more than just teach people to gain their coveted Private Pilot's Licence.
DEC082009
Detroit, Willow-Run Cargo Operations Back in the late 70s early 80s, Detroit Willow-Run was the place to visit with herds of propliners resting by day and working at night. Paul Filmer reminisces on those trips as a teenager and compares the operations from then and now.
DEC082009
One of a Kind - Golden Apple's F-86A Sabre The UK airshow scene is blessed with many jet warbirds which entertain thousands of paying spectators each year, but it has been uniquely fortunate to have enjoyed the company of the only 'A' model North American F-86 Sabre flying in the world today since 1992. Glenn Beasley speaks to Willie Felger, Golden Apple's Director of Operations, about their resident classic.
DEC012009
From the Heart of the Hub - DHL Express at East Midlands Airport When Global Aviation Resource travelled to East Midlands Airport for a guided tour of DHL's UK international hub it proved to be an impressive and fascinating experience. Words - Gareth Stringer. Images - Karl Drage and Geoff Hibbert.
DEC012009
Beaufort County Mosquito Control C-131s In a sleepy corner of South Carolina is a unique spray operation - one that never ventures out of their immediate area. Beaufort County Airport is home to the Beaufort County Mosquito Control (BCMC) aviation arm, operating a fleet of 1950s aircraft. The airport is also known as Lady’s Island, and to the locals as Frogmore International Airport; a name derived from the proximity of the Frogmore Plantation and Frogmore Manor that Queen Victoria once used as a retreat. Paul Filmer reports for GAR.
DEC012009
Missionary Flights International Amongst the organisations providing assistance to communities in impoverished parts of the Caribbean are Christian missionary groups. Many of these groups rely on aircraft to keep them supplied. Paul Dunn visited one of the largest operators of such aircraft, Missionary Flights International.
NOV252009
Introducing The Breitling Wingwalkers AeroSuperBatics Ltd, operators of the world’s only formation wingwalking team, is delighted to announce an exciting two year sponsorship deal with prestigious watch manufacturer Breitling.
NOV122009
The 2010 Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team - The Red Arrows The 2010 Red Arrows have commenced their work-up for next year’s public display season. With a new team leader and new pilots, media interest in the 2010 team is high, and GAR’s Glenn Beasley attended the unveiling of the new line-up at RAF Scampton.
NOV102009
Merlin Force - Exercise Merlin Vortex Earlier in the year, GAR published two pieces focusing on the RAF Merlin Force as they began to prepare for their deployment to Afghanistan in support of Operation HERRICK. As part of this process a detachment recently deployed to Southern California to take advantage of the superb training environment there. Paul Dunn visited NAF El Centro to catch up on how preparations are going, and offers an exclusive insight for GAR.
NOV052009
Maintaining High Standards – Lt Cdr Matt Whitfield and NFSF(FW) Global Aviation Resource was privileged to visit the Naval Flying Standards Flight (Fixed Wing) at RNAS Yeovilton; a visit which allowed us to look closely at the unit’s work and get a progress update from the boss – Lt Cdr Matt Whitfield. Words – Gareth Stringer / Pictures – as credited.
NOV052009
From Black Cat to Wildcat - Lt Dave Lilly RN Having just completed two seasons on the airshow circuit with the Royal Navy Black Cats, Lt Dave Lilly is now looking forward to playing a central role in the development of the new AgustaWestland Wildcat. Gareth Stringer and Karl Drage sat down with Dave to have a look at the recent past and take a glimpse into the future. Words – Gareth Stringer, images as credited.
NOV052009
Royal Navy Historic Flight - Hangar Tour As part of a recent visit to RNAS Yeovilton, GAR was given a closer look at the aircraft of the Royal Navy Historic Flight (RNHF), with Sea Hawk pilot Lt Ian Sloan as our guide. Gareth Stringer reports.
OCT272009
Airshow Season 2009 - Review Gareth Stringer takes a look at some of the highs and lows of the 2009 UK airshow season – not a vintage year by any means but also one not devoid of highlights. It has also been one that, as always, gives us much food for thought as we look ahead to 2010.
OCT272009
National Center for Atmospheric Research The National Centre for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) was formed as a non-profit organisation in 1959 to serve the atmospheric and related science and education community, operating alongside the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR). Paul Filmer investigates.
OCT232009
RAF Shawbury - Fly Navy 100 Photocall The concluding event of this year’s Fly Navy 100 commemorations saw HMS Illustrious dock in Liverpool for five days, the highlight of which was the massed flypast on Friday 23rd October. Gareth Stringer and Karl Drage travelled to RAF Shawbury to see some of the participants.
OCT182009
DHL's Latest Addition The launch of a new aircraft is always an exciting time for aviation enthusiasts. Being only ten miles along the motorway, Geoff Hibbert, on behalf of Global Aviation Resource, kindly accepted DHL's invitation to attend the press day to take a closer look at their all new Boeing 767 ERF.
OCT172009
1435 Flt Says Goodbye Tornado, Hello Typhoon With the Eurofighter Typhoon replacing the venerable Tornado F.3s of 1435 Flt to police the Falkland Islands, Gareth Stringer takes a closer look at the history of this long-standing RAF commitment.
OCT132009
Up and Running - Lt Ian Sloan and the RNHF Sea Hawk After a frustrating season, blighted by serviceability issues, the Sea Hawk made a late, but extremely welcome, return to the airshow circuit in this Fly Navy 100 commemorative year. Gareth Stringer sat down with the aircraft's new display pilot, Lt Ian Sloan.
OCT132009
Kaneohe Bay - Marine Corps Base Hawaii The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941 was one of the pivotal events of the twentieth century. However, Pearl Harbor was not the first target to be attacked on that day. Paul Dunn visits Marine Corps Base Hawaii at Kaneohe Bay.
OCT042009
RAF on Display 2009 - Season Wrap Up Part 1 Having interviewed eighty percent of the RAF's solo display assets in 2009, Gareth Stringer headed for the Southport Airshow to revisit the aircrews and ask - how was it for you? This is part 1 of 2.
OCT042009
RAF on Display 2009 - Season Wrap Up Part 2 Having interviewed eighty percent of the RAF's solo display assets in 2009, Gareth Stringer headed for the Southport Airshow to revisit the aircrews and ask - how was it for you? This is part 2 of 2.
OCT022009
"It's very sad, poignant, to see the Squadron close" - 23 Sqn Disbands The parade has marched off the square, the Standard has been handed over to the receiving party and has been taken from RAF Waddington to be laid up in the chapel at the RAF College, Cranwell. On October 2nd, 2009, 23 Sqn disbanded for the fourth time in its 93 year history. Graham Platt was there to cover the ceremony for GAR.
SEP292009
RAF Puma Upgrades Back in 2007, Eurocopter was awarded a UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) Assessment Phase (AP) contract for the Life Extension Programme for the RAF's fleet of Puma HC.1 helicopters. Now, some 27 months later, the MoD have announced that they've signed a deal worth £300m to carry out the required work to bring the aircraft up to HC.2 standard. Karl Drage reports.
SEP192009
"We are Family!" - The RAF Families Day Families Days are a significant date in the diary for RAF stations across the country, playing an important role in maintaining morale in these busy times for our armed forces. In the face of recent tabloid criticism surrounding the events, Gareth Stringer decided to investigate further.
SEP172009
Phoebus Apollo Aviation Based at Rand Airport, Johannesburg, Phoebus Apollo Aviation is an established aviation operator which has recently entered the world of scheduled jet services. Paul Dunn profiles this new name in Southern African flying.
SEP122009
Panavia at 40 With two RAF aircraft specially marked to commemorate the 40th birthday of the consortium from which they came, Gareth Stringer takes a look at Panavia, the tri-national group that gave us the Tornado.
SEP082009
Historical Flight Foundation DC-7B Corrosion Corner used to be the place at Miami International Airport (MIA) to see the old round engined aircraft still operating mostly to the Caribbean, until the city had a clear-out to develop the airport. Opa-locka Airport has taken over that mantle since and Paul Filmer paid a visit to Historical Flight Foundation's facilities there.
SEP072009
"Nomads" Say Goodbye to the Eagle One of the USAF’s best known fighter units is in the process of trading in its F-15 Eagles, in preparation for a new role as the training unit for the new Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II, bringing to an end more than 30 years of Eagle operations. Paul Dunn reports for GAR.
AUG242009
Aeronavale Panthers Eurocopter's Panther has been quietly serving the French Navy for well over a decade with 36 Flotille, Tony Osborne reports for GAR on what the squadron has been up to in recent years, and what the future holds for the aircraft in this changing Air Arm.
AUG232009
It's the Goodyear Blimp! It is one of the most instantly recognisable sights in aviation and has reserved a place in popular culture and the media. Paul Dunn stops off in California to visit an aviation icon.
AUG232009
Coast Guard Air Station San Diego The waters around the port of San Diego are some of the busiest in the United States. Patrol of these waters and Search and Rescue in the area is the responsibility of the US Coast Guard. Paul Dunn visited Coast Guard Air Station San Diego to find out more.
AUG182009
Skyclass Aviation - A Touch of Class OR Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg is the home to the last operator certified to carry passengers in the classic Douglas DC-4 Skymaster. Paul Dunn sampled the delights of Skyclass Aviation.
AUG112009
AFSOC Skytrucks The USAF Special Operations Command (AFSOC) is poised to accept the first of ten Polish built PZL M-28 Skytrucks (licence built An-28) for the covert insertion of small teams of Special Forces. Paul Filmer reports.
AUG062009
VMA-311 Tomcats win top USMC Accolade One of the most distinguished squadrons in the US Marine Corps recently added another award to its collection. Paul Dunn reports for GAR...
AUG052009
Merlin Force Exclusive - From TELIC to HERRICK Part 2 In this second feature on the Merlin Force at RAF Benson Gareth Stringer looks at the challenges of maintaining the Merlin with MFES SEngO (Merlin Force Engineering Squadron, Senior Engineering Officer) Squadron Leader Paul Rose and also hears from 28(AC) Squadron 2nd In-command, Squadron Leader Simon Reade.
AUG052009
Merlin Force Exclusive - From TELIC to HERRICK Part 1 They've been in the spotlight of late with their forthcoming deployment to Afghanistan hitting the headlines, as the UK's helicopter force comes under the media microscope. Gareth Stringer and Karl Drage travelled to RAF Benson for GAR to take a close look at the Merlin Force.
JUL312009
Goodbye Tweety Bird At the end of July 2009, the USAF quietly said goodbye to one of its longest serving types, the Cessna T-37 Tweet. Paul Dunn caught one of the final T-37 missions.
JUL192009
2009 Royal Air Force Hawk Display Pilot - Flt Lt Matt Barker The Hawk has been one of the Royal Air Force's most consistent performers on the airshow circuit for more than two decades, both with the Red Arrows and as a solo display aircraft. Gareth Stringer caught up with this season's solo display pilot Flt Lt Matt Barker...
JUL192009
Royal International Air Tattoo 2009 Two weeks have passed since RIAT '09 and with the dust just about beginning to settle on this year's show Gareth Stringer travelled to Fairford to sit down with Rob Windsor, Deputy Director Aircraft Operations. The purpose; an open and honest chat about this year's Air Tattoo and some of the discussion points it raised. Here's what happened...
JUL152009
CQWI Course 2009 The Combined Qualified Weapons Instructors' (CQWI) Course is designed to provide today's front-line RAF squadrons with thoroughly trained and prepared Qualified Weapons Instructors (QWIs) and with the 2009 edition marking the culmination of a two-year long overhaul of the course, Karl Drage travelled to Scotland to report on how it all panned out.
JUL112009
The 2009 Royal Jordanian Falcons Regular visitors to the UK since their formation in 1976, the Royal Jordanian Falcons first visit this season was the Yeovilton Air Day on 11th July. Gareth Stringer grabbed an opportunity to chat with Team Leader, Major Mohammed Qoul.
JUL042009
Creese is the Word - 2009 RAF King Air Display Pilot - Flt Lt Leon Creese Flt Lt Leon Creese is in his second season of displaying the Beechcraft King Air B200 for the RAF and his stunning demonstration has caught the eye of airshow goers and experts alike. Gareth Stringer caught up with him at RAF Waddington for GAR.
JUL012009
493rd Fighter Squadron Deploy to RAF Coningsby The skies above RAF Coningsby rumbled even louder during the past week with the arrival of F-15Cs from RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk. Glenn Beasley checks out of the action for GAR.
JUN232009
Saudi Typhoon Deliveries Commence After more than ten years in the offing, the Royal Saudi Air Force have received the first of their 72 Eurofighter Typhoons that are on order. John Higgins was at BAe Warton to report on the handover ceremony and delivery for GAR.
JUN192009
Lucky Man - Lt Cdr Matt Whitfield on the Sea Vixen One the most important post-war aircraft remaining in an airworthy condition, Gareth Stringer sat down (on the jet!) for a chat with the man lucky enough to display De Havilland Aviation’s mighty Sea Vixen ..........
JUN142009
2009 Royal Air Force Tutor Display Pilot - Flt Lt Bill Ramsey Flt Lt Bill Ramsey is one the RAF's most experienced display pilots and this year he's displaying an aircraft that any student beginning basic training will encounter, the Grob Tutor. Gareth Stringer went to meet him.
JUN132009
2009 Royal Air Force Typhoon Display Pilot - Sqn Ldr Scott Loughran The 2009 Royal Air Force Typhoon Display pilot is Sqn Ldr Scott Loughran, an instructor with 29(R) Squadron, the Typhoon Operational Conversion Unit, based at RAF Coningsby. Gareth Stringer went to meet him for GAR...
JUN132009
New Kid on the Block Neil McCarthy and Jet Provost T.3A XM479 (G-BVEZ) have been airshow regulars for some time now but this year he decided to take the leap from static display to airshow flying programme. Gareth Stringer went to find out what it’s like being the new kid on the block..........
JUN052009
XV Squadron – Interview with Wing Commander Mike Saunders The largest and busiest squadron in the RAF, XV(R) Sqn has operated the Tornado for well over twenty years and is responsible for training all RAF GR.4 crews. Gareth Stringer sat down with the Squadron’s Commanding Officer, Wing Commander Mike Saunders, to talk Tornado, training and tactics..............
JUN012009
Engaging Reverse? With its display assets further reduced for the 2009 season, Gareth Stringer considers the impact that will have on the RAF's public engagement strategy.
MAY262009
Au Revoir Alouette The Swiss Air Force is currently in the process of modernising its utility helicopter fleet, with the venerable Aerospatiale Alouette III being replaced by the highly capable Eurocopter EC635. Paul Dunn visits Alpnach Airbase, Switzerland to report on the final days of the Alouette III in Swiss service.
MAY072009
RAF Northolt Fly Navy 100 Photoshoot Air Trafficker Phil Dawe's RAF Notholt Photoshoots have been taken to a whole new dimension in the last six months or so, and the latest in a long line of successful events was held to coincide with the massed Royal Navy Flypast over London to mark the 100th anniversary of the service's aerial exploits. Karl Drage was there to report for GAR.
MAY052009
Twenty-First Century Puma Based at Cape Town International Airport, in South Africa’s beautiful Western Cape region, Thunder City is well known throughout the world as an operator of classic British jets. There is, however, now another side to the operation at Thunder City, with the company putting its expertise in restoring and maintaining classic jets to a new use in refurbishing and updating the Aerospatiale Puma helicopter. Paul Dunn reports from Cape Town, with additional photography by Karl Drage.
APR162009
The Future of Fire Tankers? After a couple of fatal crashes in the last two years involving P-2 Neptunes the project that Minden Air Corp are working on could seem all the more relevent. Paul Filmer reports from Nevada.