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History was made when two journalists, John Kay of the Sun newspaper and Sky News’s Derek Tedder became the first members of the media to fly in the British Army’s Apache Attack Helicopter.
Sun Chief Reporter Kay and Sky’s correspondent Tedder spent a day at the Headquarters of the Army Air Corps at Middle Wallop in Hampshire, where they were given briefings by Brigadier Richard Folkes, Director Army Aviation, and a short, sharp training session on the Apache’s controls and safety features by their pilots for the day.
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After the high-tech Apache helmet was personally fitted to each of them, Kay and Tedder were shown round the state-of-the-art Apache pilot training facility provided by Aviation Training International Limited. They were then handed their flying suits and after last-minute briefings from the pilots and a few photographs were taken, the pair were strapped into the front seats of their respective Apaches.Minutes later they were airborne, accompanied by a Lynx helicopter with Sky’s cameraman and the Sun’s photographer on board. They were given a full demonstration of the Apache’s awesome speed, manoeuvrability and power during their hour-long flight over Salisbury Plain.
Both returned to earth exhilarated from the experience and full of praise for the skill and dedication of the Army’s pilots. You can read John Kay’s piece in the Sun by clicking here. |
