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By: - 7th November 2018 at 12:57 Permalink
Where/when/what? No Twitter here in outer space.
By: - 7th November 2018 at 17:56 Permalink
Actually, you're a bit premature. They've only issued the Permit to Fly; it hasn't actually flown yet.
By: - 7th November 2018 at 18:05 Permalink
Interesting, I thought that several complete aircraft had become unsaleable after Westlands declined to continue DA suppport some years ago?
By: - 8th November 2018 at 08:19 Permalink
What I know about helicopters could be written on the back of a postage stamp in huge letters, but I'd always understood that the Wessex (and Whirlwind?) couldn't be certified for civilian use.
I must have read it, or something that suggested it, somewhere but I haven't a clue where.
By: - 8th November 2018 at 11:36 Permalink
Does anyone have any info on this? Which aircraft, where etc?
By: - 8th November 2018 at 12:51 Permalink
"What I know about helicopters could be written on the back of a postage stamp in huge letters, but I'd always understood that the Wessex (and Whirlwind?) couldn't be certified for civilian use.
I must have read it, or something that suggested it, somewhere but I haven't a clue where."
i can recall a private restored whirlwind at Biggin several decades ago now.
Terry
By: - 8th November 2018 at 13:48 Permalink
For the sake of Sabrejet, this is Westland Wessex HU.5 XT761, which is one of two aircraft owned by Andrew Whitehouse somewhere near Crewkerne, Somerset, under the project name "Navy Wessex". I believe the same guy owns the Whirlwind HAR.10 XJ729 which has been rattling around the airshow circuit for a couple of years now. Navy Wessex is affiliated with Navy Wings, the umbrella organisation which has taken on the old RNHF aircraft. Quite exciting for me as I'm too young to have seen a Wessex fly in service!
https://www.navywings.org.uk/aircraft/all-aircraft/wessex-5/
By: - 8th November 2018 at 15:31 Permalink
Tin Triangle is correct, we have 1 x Whirlwind, 2 x Wessex and 2 x Sea King! The long term plan is to have a Wessex (RN SAR) and a Sea King (RAF SAR) airworthy to accompany the world's only airworthy Westland Whirlwind.
Why not come for a look around, food, drink and a very interesting talk on Wednesday 21 November (postponed from 15 Nov)? See below for details:
By: - 8th November 2018 at 22:22 Permalink
And that's what it's all about Tin Triangle, just as the Vulcan was, bringing our Aviation Heritage back to life for current and future generation to enjoy.
Well done Historic Heli from an ex RAF Wessex engineer who has worked on, flown in and had a several goes at flying the mighty Wessex during my service career..
hats off to you all for bringing this to fruition. I enjoyed your Whirlwind demo a couple of years back at Cosford.
By: - 9th November 2018 at 06:44 Permalink
Nice one: also a Wessex bod and great to see this happening. Will try to make it for the 21st too!
By: - 9th November 2018 at 10:35 Permalink
Thanks TonyT and Sabrejet,
Please be aware that, for catering purposes, tickets for the Talk and Open Evening must be booked and paid for in advance. For booking, payment and further details please contact Mark at the e-mail address below.
Additionally - We are currently in the process of establishing a Visitor Centre and small museum to complement this astonishing collection of Historic Helicopters. The primary focus of the displays will be to chart the history of Royal Navy & Royal Air Force Search and Rescue and the history of the Commando Brigade Air Squadron, the Commando Helicopter Force and the “Junglie” Helicopters.
We would be most grateful to receive donations of artefacts, photographs, models, documents, badges, flying clothing, uniforms and equipment related to Royal Navy/Royal Air Force SAR and Commando Aviation. Thank you for your support!
Please contact: [EMAIL="mark@historichelicopters.com"]mark@historichelicopters.com[/EMAIL]
By: - 15th November 2018 at 08:39 Permalink
This is to confirm that Andy Strachan and Richard Folkes will deliver their talk on Wednesday 21 November between 6.30pm and 10pm.
Please be aware that, for catering purposes, tickets must be booked and paid for in advance. For bookings, payment and further details please contact:
[EMAIL="mark@historichelicopters.com"]mark@historichelicopters.com[/EMAIL]
By: - 15th November 2018 at 15:57 Permalink
There was a flying Whirlwing HCC12 a few years back if I recall correctly
By: - 15th November 2018 at 17:14 Permalink
Great to hear. Flew the Wessex on the last 2 AFT Sqn course at Shawbury - a lovely old girl! After several years flying Chinooks, I flew the Sea King HAR3/3A a bit as well - reminded me of the Wessex in many ways. I can't make the 21st, but as I'm just up the road in Somerset I look forward to seeing the old girl(s) soon. Best of luck to all concerned!
By: - 16th November 2018 at 14:53 Permalink
Apologies everyone,
Due to unforeseen circumstances, we must CANCEL the Open Evening and Talk by Andy Strachan and Richard Folkes which was due to take place on Wednesday 21 November between 6.30pm and 10pm.
The new date will be publicised ASAP but it is likely to be during February or March 2019.
By: - 21st November 2018 at 13:28 Permalink
This is to reiterate and confirm that the Open Evening and Talk by Andy Strachan and Richard Folkes which was due to take place this evening (Wednesday 21 November) between 6.30pm and 10pm IS CANCELLED.
The new date will be publicised ASAP but it is likely to be during February or March 2019.
Posts: 8,983
By: TonyT - 7th November 2018 at 12:23 - Edited 7th November 2018 at 12:25
Well done all involved, Navy Wessex issued with its permit to fly.
https://twitter.com/NavyWessex