Following the kind invitation from Sqn member Wg Cdr Chris Pote to attend the RAF Valley Fiends & Families Day, the Sqn manage to field a team of four, Chris Gilbert in his Cavalon gyrocopter, G-CLZV, Tony Gibson, Rans S6 G-CBTO, Chris Law C172, G-HSVI and myself, RV4, G-RVIV.
We had agreed that we’d all do our best to aim for the 1830 landing slot and It was good to hear familiar callsigns as we approached RAF Valley from the various directions and we were all on the ground within a few minutes of each other. Having planned the route half to death I found myself with quite significant tailwind so rather than being early took a little wander around the Welsh hills looking for some interesting walks to do in the future.
On arrival we were met by Flt Lt Luke Bowman who, with his team of helpers welcomed us in. Once all the visiting aircraft had arrived, they were put to bed in the hangar, apart for a couple of larger types that remined outside. With the other invited guests, we had a very interesting mix of aircraft that formed part of the static display. Once installed in the mess we were able to enjoy a pleasant social evening and it was great to catch up with some of the students and instructors who hosted us on our visit in May. The following morning, we were briefed for the event, then arrange the static display aircraft on three outward facing circles that looked great and worked really well with the visitors. It was a very hot day but our every need was catered for including sun cream as well as the usual food and drink. The afternoon saw the air display that opened with the RAF Falcons and closed with the Red Arrows. In between with the sky was filled with a variety of displays including a very spirited solo display from the Irish Air force in a Pilatus PC9 turboprop aircraft. There was a barbeque in the mess on Thursday evening and another chance to mingle and chat staff, students, and other pilots and guests. Prior to departure on Friday morning, we were given a comprehensive briefing before flying home in conditions that were as close to prefect as they’ll ever be. Huge thanks to Wg Cdr Christ Pote, Flt Lt Luke Bowman and the rest of the team that made our visit another very memorable occasion.
