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Whilst never actually wanting to be a Pilot (eek, I crash Flight Sim Planes), I have held a great interest in
all things Aviation from the Wright Brothers, particularly Second World War
Aviation to current days including Aviation Spectaculars like
Oshkosh! This interest of
course extends to Space Research, and appropriately this Website's initial
development commenced in NASA's 50th Anniversary Year!!
In 2009 I attended the Biggin
Hill International Air Fair, a tremendous show over two days, indelibly
linked to the Battle of Britain and the dark days that followed for the British
Isles. Later in the year I toured more areas of England and in Herne Bay I found
some marvellous records commemorating the life of
Sir Barnes Wallis.
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BIGGIN
HILL 2009:
Everything I had hoped for, my second
viewing of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, (Lancaster, Spitfire and
Hurricane). My first ever sighting of a Vulcan Bomber and the 25th
Anniversary Celebration flypast of one of Sir Richard Branson's Virgin
Atlantic 747-400 Jumbo Jets.
Of course the obligatory Red Arrows did
not disappoint, performing regular displays throughout the weekend.
The 'clickable' image depicts two of the
Red Arrows Aerobatic Team, performing a fly by routine...
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BROOKLANDS:
Steeped in history, Brooklands was a real
eye opener to me, Wellington, P1127 Jump Jet, Concorde and so much related
to Mr Barnes Wallis.
The 'clickable' image depicts the Hawker
P1127 massive air intake.
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SIR
BARNES WALLIS:
Huge admiration for this man, a brilliant
Engineer. His determination won through against so many detractors, total
respect.
The 'clickable' image (web pic) depicts
Barnes at his desk.
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RAF
MANSTON MUSEUM, KENT:
The RAF Manston Museum in Ramsgate, Kent,
England is dedicated to the memory of the Pilots and Aircrew of the RAF that
performed heroically throughout the Battle of Britain and continued their
commitment throughout the Second World War.
Two separate exhibition halls commemorate
the Supermarine Spitfire and the Hawker Hurricane, both aircraft played a
pivotal role in the Battle of Britain.
The 'clickable' image is the propeller of
the Museum's Spitfire exhibit.
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NASA:
NASA, where does one begin, so much has
been achieved by some very brave individuals. The history of NASA is
somewhat chequered but the overall accomplishments, just staggering.
The 'clickable' image (web pic) is a
group shot of the original NASA 'Seven', very special men trained to become
Astronauts, they ultimately achieved success in the Mercury, Gemini, Apollo
and Shuttle programs, John Glenn (third from left) went on to become a US
Senator. |
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OSHKOSH:
Maybe, one day I will get to Oshkosh, a
huge Aviation Event.
The 'clickable' image (web pic) depicts
some 10,000 aircraft at a recent Oshkosh Airshow... |
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