I was recently very privileged to be invited by Group Captain Terry Jones, RAF Linton-on-Ouse station commander, to visit RAF Church Fenton for a guided tour. The day also included a flight in one of Church Fenton’s Grob Tutor fleet.
Following the morning Met Brief, I was then given a formal brief on Church Fenton’s current role, by 85(R) Sqn and Yorkshire UAS personnel. Next on the agenda was a safety brief on the aircraft, followed by a trip to the survival equipment section for flying suit and helmet fitment.
The flight itself lasted 1 hour, routing in the region of the old RAF stations of Elvington and Driffield, and I was able to experience the Tutor’s handling characteristics first hand over the Vale of York. Returning to Church Fenton, I was given the opportunity to fly a circuit of the airfield, before landing on Runway 24.
Following the flight, I visited 85(R) Sqn’s operations building and Air Traffic Control, as well as taking a look at some of the WW2 airfield defences which are still in existence at Church Fenton.
My thanks go to Gp Capt Jones, Sqn Ldr Paul and Flt Lts Jones, McKenzie and Williams for allowing the visit and hosting me during what was a very enjoyable day. Some photographs from the day can be seen below, all are © Crown Copyright:
