Chipmunk, he felt it was time to
develop a pairs team with Jon.
David told Flypast: “It all
happened very naturally. The more
time Jon and I spent together, we
realised this was something we
definitely wanted to pursue, and
the idea of forming a display team
didn’t seem far-fetched at all. We
also wanted to offer something
unique with the flying.”
The Vintage Pair routine thus far
includes close echelon and line-
abreast formation, as well as timed
breaks/turns and opposition passes.
The display was developed over
time, as David explains: “Jon set
about formulating the manoeuvres
on paper, then we got together and
fleshed it all out in several sessions.
We do find that walking
through the display on the
ground is invaluable,
and I even find myself
doing it mentally while putting my
daughter to bed!”
They also take turns in the lead
position during practice flights, so
they equally develop the requisite
experience. Both pilots have high
hopes for the Chipmunk display,
which should be ready for the
public by next year’s airshow
season. And, with thousands
of former RAF aircrew and Air
Training Corps cadets having flown
the type, there is much fondness for
the classic de Havilland trainer.
While the Chipmunk
project is the first rung on the
ladder, David and Jon appreciate
they have to put in the work to
pursue their ultimate ambition. Jon
said: “Sure, we want to fly vintage
fighters, but I also really enjoy
flying the Chipmunk as I have great
personal history with it. Many
people would give anything to have
this opportunity, and I know that
I am incredibly lucky to find
myself in this position”.
“Warbird flying is a
hard world to get into,
but as Charlie said to
me “you’ve got to be
in it to win it!”November 2018 FLYPAST 113