May 25th is a date to be noted, as it marks the debut for the Vickers VC10 fast taxi display at the Cold War Jets Open Day at Bruntingthorpe aerodrome in Leicestershire, England. The RAF finally retired the last of the breed in September 2013, and many of the surviving airframes came to Bruntingthorpe for spares recovery and eventual scrapping. However, one example joined the collection of classic ex-RAF jets based at the airfield and lovingly maintained by a dedicated band of talented volunteers. It is the very last operable VC10 in the world.
Bruntingthorpe Aviation organizes two open days a year when the public can see the collection of “live” jets strut their stuff on the runway. During the event, which is a great day out for the entire family, the other resident aircraft (including the Nimrod, Comet, Lightning, Canberra, Buccaneer, Jet Provost, L29 Delphin and Hunter) will also perform spectacular “fast taxi” runs. They all played a significant role in keeping the peace during the Cold War, and this is about the only place in the world to see them move under their own power.
Dave Walton, the event’s organizer said recently, “This is a great opportunity for the public to see what a totally unique event this is, and to witness the VC10 for the first time at Bruntingthorpe. The public will have the chance to experience, and in some cases relive, the unique, and spectacular sights and sounds of our collection of aircraft, all of which have long retired from active service, but which helped to keep us all safe during the Cold War – the War that, thankfully, was never fought.”
The home-based aircraft will carry out spectacular high speed runs throughout the day along the aerodrome’s 10,000′ runway. Visitors will also have the opportunity to tour the cockpits of the other static aircraft in the collection, including the Super Guppy, Comet, Sea Vixen and Lightning. A wide range of souvenirs and memorabilia, including those of the Lightning Preservation Group and the Vulcan to the Sky Trust, will be available, in addition to hot and cold refreshments. It will be a fabulous day!
Born in Milan, Italy, Moreno moved to the U.S. in 1999 to pursue a career as a commercial pilot. His aviation passion began early, inspired by his uncle, an F-104 Starfighter Crew Chief, and his father, a military traffic controller. Childhood adventures included camping outside military bases and watching planes at Aeroporto Linate. In 1999, he relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, to obtain his commercial pilot license, a move that became permanent. With 24 years in the U.S., he now flies full-time for a Part 91 business aviation company in Atlanta. He is actively involved with the Commemorative Air Force, the D-Day Squadron, and other aviation organizations. He enjoys life with his supportive wife and three wonderful children.
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