2008 Photographic Competition –
Prize Winner’s Flight
(14 August 2009)
After a delay caused by scheduled winter maintenance and
inclement weather, the winner of the 2008 Vampire Preservation
Group photographic competition
was finally about to arrange their flight. Nick Spall, who
took the winning
photograph of WZ507 on the apron at Cranfield, kindly
offered to donate his prize to a friend, as he had already
experienced a flight in WZ507 during the summer.
 The
flight was arranged for the 3rd May, immediately after WZ507’s
return from the Abingdon
Air and Country Show. The weather was perfect, with blue
skies and scattered cloud. Sue Gee arrived at North Weald
with Nick as WZ507 was being prepared.
 After
getting kitted up in a flying suit, Sue took her seat in WZ507
and was given a comprehensive safety briefing by Matt Hampton,
the pilot for the flight. Once completed, the canopy was closed,
the engine started and WZ507 taxied out to the runway. After
take-off the Vampire headed east to remain clear of controlled
airspace, then a variety of aerobatic manoeuvres were flown,
including rolls, loops, barrel rolls and wingovers.
 Sue
had a go at flying the Vampire as it routed past Chelmsford
and back towards base. After landing, WZ507 taxied to the
apron, to be greeted by Nick and the Vampire’s ground
crew – from the smile on Sue’s face we trust she
enjoyed the experience!
Congratulations to Nick for winning the 2008 competition.
To have a chance of winning a similar flight in WZ507, please
visit our photographic competition
page for details of how to submit your pictures of WZ507.
Note to Editors:
For more information, or to arrange to see this aircraft,
please contact Matt Hampton via the VPG web site.
The Vampire is often flying and will visit several airfields
during the year.
You will be made most welcome if you come along to see us!
To be included on our mailing list for all future Press Releases,
please contact us.
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