Airfield Action

Station News AIRFIELD ACTION

As we move from Spring into Summer, activities at the airfield always increase rapidly. We had the usual winter months with little flying due to waterlogging and bad weather, but ops are increasing now, especially with the re-commencing of Air Experience Flights (AEF) for Servicepersons Awaiting Trade Training (SATTs) and the arrival of the first of this year’s scholars learning to fly with Halton Aero Club using the Junior Ranks’ Pilot Scheme; Chiltern Gliding Club also has pilots learning to fly through a Junior Ranks’ Scholarship Scheme. All Flying Clubs can be contacted through Ops Flt, Ext 6367/6666.

SATTS AEF RECOMMENCES

On 25 Apr 22, after a gap of more than 2 years, Halton Microlight Club (HMC) recommenced AEF for SATTs, being contracted to fly the SATTs on 30-minute flights which vary in nature but often fly near the Henderson site or route around Aylesbury. These flights are extremely popular, and the club are incredibly excited to be able to offer this opportunity once again. HMC CFI Dave Seath explains:

“It’s been an absolute delight to return to the skies with RAF Recruits at RAF Halton Microlight Club under the Air Experience Contract. It’s such a pleasure to see how they react, from the moment they arrive mostly shy and retiring, to the moment they leave with wide beaming smiles on their faces and waxing lyrical about what they have just experienced. For most, their only previous experience of flight has been on an airliner going abroad on holiday. For some it’s the very first time they’ve even been in an aeroplane! But for all it’s an eye-opening experience, which promotes air mindedness and offers an early insight into what the RAF exists to deliver.”

FLIGHT OF THE NAVIGATOR

In February 2014 Gp Capt Mark Manwaring, OIC Halton Aero Club, started building an RV7 aircraft with an intent to set a World Speed Record for Circumnavigation of the Earth! The build started in his garden shed and has progressed to the hangar at Halton. Some 8 ½ years and 3500 hours of work later, the first engine ground runs successfully took place at RAF Halton Airfield. Once the inevitable (and complex) paperwork is complete, the first flight and the start of a lengthy test schedule will follow. For full details of this aviation challenge go to www.raffton.org.uk/

HALTON MODEL AIRCRAFT SOCIETY

Model aircraft flying at Halton probably began as early as 1917 when RFC technicians arrived; however, it went on to become a keen Aircraft Apprentice past-time in the 1920s. The Halton Model Aircraft Society (HMAS) inspired many that went on to work at the forefront of aviation technology. The earliest known reference to HMAS is in 1925, making the HMAS 97 years old and the oldest model flying club in the RAF Model Aircraft Association (RAFMAA).

Following storm damage a couple of years ago, the HMAS building has now been re-roofed and refurbished and the club is about to start operating again. Club members will be flying all types of models, fixed-

wing and rotary-wing as well as drones. As Halton, like all MOD property, is a ‘No Drone Zone’, the only

way to fly a drone legally in the RAF Halton area is to become a member of HMAS. Anyone interested in joining HMAS should contact the club through Ops Flt.

60th ANNIVERSARY OF VULCAN LANDING AT HALTON

The legendary landing of three Vulcan V-bombers at Halton Airfield is one of the more amazing stories of our airfield. The following is taken from ‘100 Years of Flying at RAF Halton’ by Wg Cdr Gary Coleman. RAF Halton was the home to No 1 School of Technical Training and its Aircraft Apprentices, and these specially selected individuals needed to train on the very

latest aircraft. In the 1960s, this was the V-force, and the apprentices needed a Vulcan to work on to ensure they had the skills and knowledge needed for the sharpest end of the RAF’s front line.

The Vulcan was a 4-engine delta-wing nuclear bomber designed to deter the growing menace of the Soviet Union. With a wingspan just shy of 100’, an approach speed of 130kts and an empty weight of 85000lbs, landing a Vulcan on RAF Halton’s grass runways was not going to be easy! However, it was deemed worth the effort and risk to fly one in compared to transporting one to Halton by road, especially as a Comet had successfully landed here previously.

Following preparation which included closing the public road and cutting the grass, XA892 flew into Halton on 21 June 1962, with all non-essential equipment stripped out and arriving with the absolute minimum of fuel to divert to Benson, Brize or Bovingdon. A flavour of the undertaking can be gained from the captain of a later Vulcan landing at Halton who wrote an article entitled ‘Landing a Vulcan on 3000ft of grass’!

An RAF Halton Apprentice launches his model in a competition, 1927 Vulcan landing at RAF Halton Airfield, 21 June 1962

A later Vulcan landing on Halton’s grass runway, 26 August 1964.

HALTON HOLDIES DAY

Some of the Halton Holding Students have been flying at the airfield recently, as part of a Flying Day, with a varied programme including a briefing by Gp Capt Manwaring about his forthcoming Round the World flight in his self-built RV7 aircraft. The Holdies then ‘flew’ the Halton Microlight Club’s simulator before taking to the skies with Chiltern Gliding Club for actual flying. The two airfield Holding Students also managed to hop on a Chinook flight on another occasion, where Fg Off Soar took this late-evening shot of a Chinook interior!

Anyone wishing to book a Section FD Gliding Day should contact the club through Ops Flt.

Chinook Sunset, by Fg Off Soar.