Pilot September 2017

http://www.pilotweb.aero Pilot September 2017 | 69

Old Timers | Peter R March

Back on the display scene,

BBMF Lancaster PA474

leads in the ‘Thompson

formation’ at Fairford

Marty’s Meteor

In 1975 a former Royal Navy Meteor TT20 was placed on

the US civil register and ferried to the USA for Al

Letcher, who then operated it for a while from Mojave.

It was later donated to the Flight Test Center at

Edwards AFB where it remains as a static exhibit. So it

could be over thirty years since an American last flew a

Meteor. This was rectified in June when the former

Classic Air Force Meteor T7 WA591/G-BWMF was flown at

Coventry by Marty Tibbitts with test pilot Dan Griffith in

the rear seat. Marty is passionate about classic jets

and has obtained this iconic aircraft for the World

Heritage Air Museum of Detroit, Michigan, which

focusses on keeping airworthy examples of military

jets from the 1950s-70s. Its Chief Pilot Zach McNeill

subsequently checked out on the Meteor with Dan.

Only two other Meteors can be found in the USA, both

Mk 4s exhibited statically in museums. G-BWMF is in a

different league, as it is in superb condition and

reputed to be the oldest completely original airworthy

jet. It will be transferred onto the American register

with the aim of being displayed next year. In readiness,

the aircraft will be shipped by sea to the United States

later this year.

In addition to the Meteor T7, Marty has purchased

three other ex-CAF jets: Meteor NF11 WM167 and a pair

of Venom FB4s. He has yet to announce plans for

these aircraft. The two Venoms are out of permit so

cannot currently be flown, but during his visit one was

successfully fired up.

Report & photo: Tim Badham

Marty Tibbitts with test pilot Dan Griffith in the rear seat for his first flight in Meteor T7 WA591 at Coventry

trainers bring the fleet total to twelve of
which two or three are usually undergoing
or awaiting major servicing, particularly
in the winter.
To mark its sixtieth birthday the BBMF is
flying a quartet of its fighters at a select
number of airshows this summer. They are
known as the ‘Thompson formation’ after Wg
Cdr Peter Thompson, DFC who, as Station
Commander at RAF Biggin Hill in 1957, formed
the voluntary historic flight. Three Spitfires (IIa
P7350, Vb AB910 and LF XVIe TE311) and a
Hurricane (IIc LF363) were displayed at RAF
Cosford on 11 June and at RAF Fairford during
RIAT 14-16 July, where Spitfire Vb AB910 was
replaced by PR XIX PS915 and they were led in
by Lancaster PA474.
At the private anniversary celebration at
Coningsby on 11 July HRH The Duke of
Cambridge, Patron of the RAF BBMF and
veterans watched a Thompson formation
display by two Hurricanes (LF363 and
PZ865) and two Spitfires (P7350 and PS915)
and the Lancaster. The BBMF is now actively
preparing for its important role in the RAF’s
centenary celebrations that commence in
March 2018.

Shuttleworth’s Military Pageant at Old

Warden on 2 July produced a number of

fine aerial performances and, as is now

customary, some unusual display

pairings. With an apparent Royal Flying

Corps/Army Co-operation sub-theme,

the appearance of the Bristol M1C and

the BE2, the Bristol Fighter and

Lysander flying together, the visiting

Army Historic Aircraft Flight Trust and a

pair of Austers flown by Kevin Hale and

Trevor Bailey, were noteworthy.

With calm conditions the Bristol

Boxkite and Avro Triplane put on a

splendid performance, with the Avro

accelerating past the Boxkite on the

flyby having kept together in the turns.

Report & photos: Nigel Hitchman

Another fine day at Old Warden

WWI RFC pair — BE2e and Bristol M1C

The Avro Triplane and Bristol Boxkite