Project Propeller on Armed Forces Day

[cessna152towser]

Last Saturday was Armed Forces Day when I once again took part in Project Propeller, hiring a plane to fly a World War II flight crew veteran to his re-union. We flew to Bruntingthorpe, about ten miles south of Leicester, in England, which is a former USAF base from the Cold War years when the Americans had a substantial military presence in Europe. My passenger again this year was Tyson. I had just been checked out on the Arrow three weeks earlier and had not taken it away from the airport solo yet and it was a misty day. Paul, on the left, is an executive jet captain who kindly gave of his time to accompany me as navigator and radio operator, enabling me to concentrate on the flying.

The Arrow is the same basic airframe as the Cherokee Warrior which I had been flying, but the addition of a more powerful engine, variable pitch propeller, and retractable landing gear makes her 30 knots faster in the cruise.

We were fortunate to meet Polly Vacher, first woman to fly solo round the world and first pilot to fly solo round the world via the north and south poles.

We also met Syd and Arthur, who had been my passengers two years previously and I introduced them to Tyson. Despite being in their late eighties they are as frisky as ever!

This year there was a Ford Model T for the old boys to ride around the airfield.

The Spitfire arrived and performed a display.

Some of the veterans watched the flying display while others mingled with today's pilots or with their old squadron mates, and all too soon it was time to head for home.

[pdcorlis]

Well done Alex! Not only were you a great help to Tyson, it looks like you had a grand time!

[caig]

Well done , Alex on another grand day with wonderful pics.

[Lady M]

Great photos, thanks for sharing!

[KFCarter]

Good to see those fellows getting some well-deserved attention and good on you for lending them a hand. Another great set of pictures and a wonderful event.

:ootd:

[skauwt]

thanks for the pics
you cant beat the sight of a spitfire even in this day and age

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

thanks for the pics
you cant beat the sight of a spitfire even in this day and age

P-51 Cadillac of the Sky!

[Highlander31]

P-51 Cadillac of the Sky!

I have to agree. The P-51 was one of the best aircraft ever developed.

[Jock Scot]

P-51 Cadillac of the Sky!

Powered by a Rolls Royce Merlin engine(built by Packard(?) under licence). I might add.

[McClef]

What a wonderful thing to do for the veterans and looks like a great day out.