 YORKSHIRE
HELICOPTER PRESERVATION GROUP (Y.H.P.G)
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PROJECTS XJ398
WHIRLWIND
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Helicopter Weekend 2000.
The first ever helicopter weekend was held at Elvington over 15th/16th April under auspices of the Y.H.P.G. Proceedings started on the Friday evening (14th) when a Bell Griffin helicopter from the search and rescue-training unit (S.A.R.T.U) arrived at the museum from RAF Valley. Crewed by Steve Garrod and Graham Andrews was with us all weekend leaving early on Monday morning and was one of the major attractions.
Wing Commander Trevor Price D.F.C the former C.O of 225 Sqdn, presented a very interesting lecture 'The Helicopter At War' on the Saturday evening. The lecture encompassed a brief history of rotary winged flying and many anecdotes of 225's operations over the jungles of the Far East. On Sunday the day was a busy one, with the arrival of a number of helicopto include a Bell 47 but this was unable to attend due to its owner, Bob Heald, being involved in an accident (Get well soon Bob).
Our own helicopters were open for inspection and whirlwind XJ398 undertook three engine starts over the weekend. This we believe was the first time a MK10 has been started at a U.K museum. The engine runs were made possible by the generosity of pilot Derek Jones who travelled from Aberdeen to show us 'How it was done'. Derek has flown Whirlwinds (including our own XP345) with the RAF, Bristows Helicopters and pilots some of the preserved airworthy examples around the U.K. Rotary types didn't hog all the limelight; the Victor was also in action, thanks to owner Andre Tempest and his crew.
Thanks also to the Fire crew and many other 'backstage' workers the weekend would not have been possible. Don't forget to put the weekend in your diary for 2001 when we have pledged to make it an even bigger and better event. | ||||||||
