FIRST HOLDIE FLIES IN…

In Dec 22, one of our former Halton Airfield Holding Officers landed at Halton Airfield for the first time. Flying a Juno helicopter from 60 Sqn, 9 Regt AAC, 1 FTS, RAF Shawbury, Flt Lt Connor Frampton flew in support of the DE SNCO Graduation on 15 Dec 22. Following the flypast the Juno landed for trg purposes and Flt Lt Frampton (far right) is pictured with Sgt Youngs (currently holding at the airfield), the Airfield Manager, Mr Mark Devlin (who was in post during Connor’s Hold) and the aircraft captain, Maj Tom Fineman.

Connor left his hold at Halton in Apr 17 to carry out Elementary Flying Training on the Tutor and Prefect.

He then undertook Basic Rotary Training on the Juno followed by Advanced Rotary Training on the same aircraft. Then followed the Maritime Ops course at RAF Valley also on the Juno before returning to Shawbury as a Staff Pilot while he awaits the Puma OCU. His role involves flying the Rearcrew, both instructors and students as they complete their course and this is done as a solo captain which is quite rare for his stage of training.

It’s great to finally see those who have held here, some for up to 2 years, flying back in. Hopefully this will happen more frequently as the Holdies become part of various flying squadrons.