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Operators Themed Articles

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.
NOV092010
Paying Homage to the Hurricane on its 75th Birthday While 2010 has seen the Battle of Britain's 70th marked in style, last weekend saw a further significant anniversary - 75 years since the first flight of the legendary Hawker Hurricane. Huw Hopkins takes a look at this iconic British aircraft with contributions from Hurricane owner and display pilot Peter Teichman and renowned historian Dilip Sarkar MBE. Images as credited.
NOV022010
British Airways' 757s Bow Out Saturday October 30th, 2010, saw British Airways operate its last ever revenue earning flight with the Boeing 757, bringing to an end more than 27 and a half years of operations of the type. Karl Drage looks back at the British Airways association with the venerable 757.
OCT262010
Bringing Back the Beast - Fairey Gannet XL500's Return to Flight While best known for its restoration and ongoing support of the majority of the UK’s Hawker Hunter operations, Exeter-based Hunter Flying Ltd is also nurturing something rather special back to life, as new recruit Paul Fiddian reports in his debut piece for GAR.
OCT192010
Strategic Defence and Security Review Today finally saw the Prime Minister David Cameron announce the result of the government’s Strategic Defence and Security Review (SDSR). Gareth Stringer reports for GAR with independent analysis from Dr Peter Gray, Senior Research Fellow in Air Power Studies at the University of Birmingham.
OCT052010
Wildfires In Colorado This year the wildfire season in Colorado has been a relatively quiet one but in the week beginning 6th September it changed in an instant with a pair of back-to-back fires needing aerial support. Paul Filmer reports from his home state on the people and machines that are used to fight the fires.
SEP212010
Final Colombian Air Force T-37 Deliveries The final four T-37Bs pulled out of AMARC for the Colombian Air Force (FAC) left Marana Regional Airport on 11th August to join the 11 that have already been delivered. Paul Filmer reports from Arizona where he was invited to shoot the final delivery.
AUG242010
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.
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
Airshows >> Europe: 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.
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.
AUG032010
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.
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.
MAY252010
Warbirds >> 'McDougall' Douglas TA-4J Skyhawk N518TA 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
Airshows >> UK: 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.
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.