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Aviation History – ‘A life in the air – the amazing untold story of Noel Barker’
When one of my dad’s oldest friends sent me his own father’s aviation story I quickly realised that it was one of the most fascinating tales I had read for some time and, amazingly, had never been before been published. Knowing it had to be shared, I asked Peter Barker, for that is who wrote the words you see below, if he would entrust Global Aviation Resource to do just that. I am eternally grateful that he said yes. So, we present to you a great, until today untold, aviation story – that of Noel Barker and his life in the air.
More features
Aviation History – ‘A life in the air – the amazing untold story of Noel Barker’
When one of my dad’s oldest friends sent me his own father’s aviation story I quickly realised that it was one of the most fascinating tales I had read for some time and, amazingly, had never been before been published. Knowing it had to be shared, I asked Peter Barker, for that is who wrote the words you see below, if he would entrust Global Aviation Resource to do just that. I am eternally grateful that he said yes. So, we present to you a great, until today untold, aviation story – that of Noel Barker and his life in the air.
Classic Jets – Retirement of the NASA DC-8
Earlier in 2024, NASA finally retired its DC-8 that had provided years of service sampling the atmosphere and participating in research programs. With it gone from service but having had a chance to see it one more time before it retired, Rob Edgcumbe takes a look for GAR at the end of the career for this iconic airframe.
Military Aviation – Royal Air Force Puma Retirement (Part 4) – The 1990s and Operation TELIC
Continuing our coverage of the long career of the RAF’s Puma Force, we turn our attention to operations in the 1990s and into the 2000s. Paul Dunn talks to two former Puma pilots to get their perspective on flying the helicopter in combat.
Military Aviation – Royal Air Force Puma Retirement (Part 3) – Flying the Puma in the 1980s
The RAF in the 1980s was a large and diverse force, primarily tasked with preparing for a potential war with the Soviet Union, but also dealing with domestic problems with the Troubles in Northern Ireland being a long running and bloody conflict. Friend of the site, Ron Gridd*, was a Puma pilot in that era, having previously served on the Westland Wessex. Here he gives us a glimpse into the joys and challenges of the Puma Force in the 1980s.
Military Aviation – Royal Air Force Puma Retirement (Part 2) – The History of the RAF Puma Force
After 54 years of sterling service, the Royal Air Force’s Puma helicopters completed their final flights last week as the type headed into retirement, in the UK at least. Gareth Stringer looks back at the Puma’s history with a selection of photography from the GAR archives and friends.
Military Aviation – Royal Air Force Puma Retirement (Part 1) – The Flypast
The RAF has just retired its Puma helicopters, with a fitting tribute to a very well respected and significant type. Here at GAR, we kick off our own tribute to the Puma with a look at the final flypast which took place on the 26-27th March 2025. Words by Paul Dunn with photos by the GAR team and friends.
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