Simon recently had a flight experience in the T6 Harvard. His review below sums up his experience perfectly!
“Growing up I heard many stories from my Dad who served in the RAF as a Pilot Officer in Canada. His role was to fly Harvards. He was 19. It never dawned on me that one day, I too, would take the controls of this iconic War Bird.
Bought for me as a gift by a great friend, to celebrate my 60th Birthday, I was taken to meet the incredibly professional crew at Anglian War Birds, Earls Colne Airfield in Essex. Airfield and Harvard owner, Kevin Barber, was there to greet me, as was my instructor and ‘Co-Pilot’, Nigel Willson. After a flight briefing, we climbed on board the aircraft and set off. Taking off was an emotional moment because, as we powered across the airfield, standing below was my Dad, now 90 years old.
We flew North along the Essex Coast and it was at this point that Nigel allowed me to take the controls of this T6 fighter aircraft. What a fantastic feeling and a privilege. What must it have been like as a 19 year old?
Nigel gave the most informative tour of the area, pointing out local places of interest, especially those with a military and Airforce connection. He was the perfect host and made me feel very relaxed, even when he demonstrated the more extreme manoeuvres the aircraft was capable of. Nigel also performed the perfect landing, and all too soon, the experience came to an end.
An incredible day and an experience I will never forget. Thank you to everyone involved.”