Bruce Dickinson, lead singer of Iron Maiden and pilot for The Great War Display Team , flew into IWM Duxford today (Tuesday 9 September) in his reproduction Fokker Dr.I Triplane. He was accompanied by Gordon Brander, team leader of The Great War Display Team, who flew his Sopwith Triplane. The full team will take to the skies at The Duxford Air Show this weekend (Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 September). Bruce said: “First World War aircraft are what I would term “unfailingly interesting” in their flying characteristics. The triplanes in particular are independent-minded on the ground. In the air it is a pure dogfighter. Best described by its best-known exponent Baron Manfred von Richtofen: “It climbs like a monkey and turns like the devil.” “My Godfather, Flight Sergeant John Booker, was one of Trenchard’s apprentices and is buried at RAF Cranwell. He is responsible for my love of aviation. I sat on his knee with his engineering models and listened to stories about the siege of Malta, in which he took part. I have his medals and service bible. My uncle was also a Flight Engineer on Hercules and Tri-Star’s in the RAF before joining Caledonian and British Airways, finally retiring with Dragonair.” “This will be my first Duxford as a display pilot, so it’s a big thrill and I hope we stir the passions in the audience. It’s quite a sight, nine First World War fighters mixing it up, close and personal…” Advance ticket sales are now closed for The Duxford Air Show. Visitors can purchase tickets on the gate but please be warned that unusually large crowds are expected this weekend and its highly likely the event will sell out, so aim to arrive early.
Posted on: Tue, 09 Sep 2014 17:17:54 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015