On 25th April we had the pleasure of making two special flights
during the North Weald Gathering of Veterans and Warbirds.
The
first flight was with Ben Montgomery, the winner of our 2009
photo competition. Ben’s picture of WZ507 performing
a night engine start-up won the competition and as a prize,
Ben received a flight in our Vampire.
The weather was overcast during the morning, with poor visibility
and drizzle. However, as the day progressed the weather improved
rapidly, allowing for Ben to have his flight. After strapping
in, it was time to take to the skies.
Ben filmed the take off and posted
the video on YouTube.
Once airborne, we departed to the east and put the Vampire
through its paces, with a varied selection of aerobatic manoeuvres.
Soon it was time to head back to North Weald, for a run and
break before landing.
The
second flight was with Bill Green, a former Battle of Britain
pilot and a true gentleman. Bill had celebrated his 93rd birthday
just two days previously and thoroughly enjoyed his flight
in our Vampire.
“It was so very good of you to take a 93 years
old, yesteryear pilot on his first jet flight and I am sure
that you are more than aware of what a thrill it was for me.
I LOVED every split-second of the flight, and especially the
aerobatics. You made an old goat very happy in providing such
a memorable event. One that will be talked about with gusto,
long after I am gone.”
It was a pleasure to take Bill and Ben up for a flight in
WZ507 – a day which will be remembered by all concerned.
To be in with a chance of winning a flight in our Vampire,
please visit our photo competition
page.
The
first flight was with Ben Montgomery, the winner of our 2009
photo competition. Ben’s picture of WZ507 performing
a night engine start-up won the competition and as a prize,
Ben received a flight in our Vampire. 
The
second flight was with Bill Green, a former Battle of Britain
pilot and a true gentleman. Bill had celebrated his 93rd birthday
just two days previously and thoroughly enjoyed his flight
in our Vampire.
