July 14th proved to be a great day for the group of five cadets, two officers and three children. We were awakened at 6 am and, after washing and dressing, we boarded the minibus at 6.15 am. After picking up various members of the party, we left Cheadle at 6.30am. We arrived at Fairford at 9 am after a fairly good journey.
First of all a group photograph was taken alongside a Chipmunk, then we went our separate ways exploring. We looked around the ground displays and occasionally to the sky to `spot the plane'. We saw Mirages, Hercules, a C5 Galaxy, Harriers, Tornadoes and our favourite, the Blackbird. After that we went to the Marines' display and all had a turn on the assault course. During this time we saw an
A10 Thunderbolt doing some amazing low-level flying. After visiting some Army regiments we went back to the minibus to eat our packed lunches.
After lunch we went to see the civil planes, then at 2 pm all eyes were once again raised to the sky to see the Red Arrows and Concorde. The former gave an amazing aerobatic display. Just before we left we saw a joint aerobatic display with a Spitfire and a Tornado, to illustrate the old and the new. It was a great day and all who went are hoping to return next year.
A McFarlin, Junior Corporal
Still undergoing development, this British designed and constructed dirigible air-ship is the most advanced and most manoeuvrable aircraft of its kind in the history of aviation. For certain types of coastal patrol, for example, it has economic and operational advantages over conventional aircraft which have gained it a potential market in several countries, including the USA.
"Concorde' and the Red Arrows in a fly-past before guests of honour who included Mr Trubshaw (just retired), who test-piloted "Concorde" throughout its development, and King Hussein of Jordan.
This little aircraft was General Montgomery's "Air Taxi" during the World War II Africa Campaign.
