Page 37 - Linkline Autumn 2015

trainer with so many air arms over the years and why it remains common in myriad ying clubs even today.
It would be remiss of any account not to mention the father and son displays of Gerry and Harry Humphreys who ew two distinct types of aircraft over Bray, an Aviataka Mai 89 and a Vans RV7, the latter made by Gerry’s own hand over a ve year period. His was the initial Vans to be constructed and own in Ireland and it sports a distinctive “Flying Cow” colour scheme because he has a ne herd of cows on his farm. Prior to becoming a farmer Gerry was pilot in the RAF, ying the Harrier with No 1 Squadron amongst other military types.
Harry’s aircraft is a genuine Russian export, a pre- production open cockpit biplane powered by a Rotax water-cooled engine yielding some 65HP. It is painted in the subdued grey shades of an air superiority ghter but its cruising speed is a sedate 70 mph! As for the pilot, Harry received his PPL some ve years ago at 16 years of age and is currently nishing commercial pilot training in Cork with the Atlantic Flying Training Academy.
Irish military ying was very much in evidence with
an opening formation comprising a quartet of Rheims Rockets or Cessna 172s to most observers. Incredibly, the Air Corps’ commentator reminded the crowd that these venerable aircraft entered service as long ago as 1972, implying that if they continue ying until next year they will have equalled the Alouette’s record of forty-four continuous years. At 43 years old, they are twice as old as most of the young pilots who y them! Rumour has
it that there are no plans to replace them, even with the updated versions which are now in production.
Other Air Corps types included the CASA CN235 maritime patrol aircraft, which itself is in service since 1994, but remains a very appropriate, not to say spritely, performer over the sea. Also on location from Baldonnel was Eagle Section, a foursome of Swiss-made PC-9s whose formation ying was second to none and from whom the singleton appeared and gave the nest Air Corps aerobatic performance for many years. It is no wonder that this type, or advanced versions of it, are in widespread military service in all parts of the globe.
Helicopters had not been neglected on the programme as the EC135 from Baldonnel was impressive, displaying semi-aerobatic manoeuvres that would have defeated older rotary-winged machines, not to mention
A member of the Black Knights Parachuting Team gracefully descends to the beach at Bray.
22 The CharTered InsTITuTe of LogIsTICs & TransporT
Helicopter performer was the remarkably agile EC135, one of two in service with the Irish Air Corps for training and liaison duties.
BRAY AIRSHOW 2015