"First Flight"
WK562 (now F-AZUR)

On a hot summer day in July 1974, this green and wet behind the ears 15 year old aviation mad air cadet who’s feet had hitherto remained firmly planted on ‘terra firma’ was waiting in a state of nervous excitement on the flight-line in front of the control tower at RAF St.Athan.

Not being helped by the relentless baking hot sunshine, the sweat trickled down behind the stiff collar of my shirt and tie as Flying Officer Earl’s words rang in my ears “don’t touch anything and don’t speak to the pilot unless he speaks to you first!”

Encumbered by the heavy parachute with straps done up so tight that it necessitated walking at a stoop, the heavy woolen serge battledress trousers chafed against my legs as I waddled towards the waiting ‘Chippie’, engine running, to be strapped in by the ground crew for my first ever air experience flight (AEF).

Soon after, with the throttle wide open and the aircraft picking up speed, the grass beneath the trailing edge of the wing quickly became a blur, a few lurching sensations as the control surfaces began to ‘bite’, and moments later the ground was gently falling away below. I was airborne for the first time in my life!

On that day, I was bitten by the bug of a lifetime, and this then, will be my 'homage' to that unforgettable first-time experience.

Postscript:

De Havilland Canada DHC-1 Chipmunk T10 WK562 was delivered to the RAF on 17/03/1952 and in July of 1974 was serving with the Universities of Wales Air Squadron. After service it was de-mobbed and sold to France in March of 1996 being re-registered on 26/11/96 as F-AZUR. It is now based at the Musée Aéronautique de la Presqu'île Côte d'Amour La Baule - Escoublac, France.

Finally, a little over 33 years later I would have another first-time experience - my very own ‘first solo’ flight, but that’s another story and another model!