Steve Jones – Airfield reactivation 1979
Steve Jones – Airfield reactivation 1979

Steve Jones – Airfield reactivation 1979

I was on the first 7FTS Sqn that reopened the site in ~ March April 1979 as a Pilot Officer under training doing the 60Hrs Group1/Phase1 JP5a course.

Memories include:

  • Posing in flying garb at the flying display 1979.
  • Married quarters opposite the gate not ready for occupation on arrival
  • The death of a friend FlgOff Thomas Dirk Bayliff, in a flying accident outside Lancaster. He is buried in the church yard on the right of the Ulleskelf to Tadcaster road [Kirby Wharfe].
  • Trying to avoid the Church Fenton church spire on westward takeoffs.