Historic Helicopters at Chard Open Day - 18 May

From Historic Helicopters at Chard:

Can I commend to all the open days shown below held at Chard to visit Historic Helicopters ‘hangar days’ and move amongst a varied collection of ex Military and civil helicopters at the equestrian centre. Yes, we share the ground with a show jumping and dressage venue. Coffee/tea are provided prior to an introductory talk, parties are led around the two hangars in an informal manner whilst being appraised of the vitals of the exhibits and war stories told aplenty by both staff and visitors. Lunch provided on completion. Children are very welcome.

On display are 7 Sea King, being two Mk 3, two Mk 4, one Mk 5 and two Mk 48, one Wessex Mk 5, one Whirlwind Mk 10, one Lynx AH7, one Wasp HAS1, a Widgeon and sometimes an executive S76. Most if not all are available to view, along with pilots, crewmen and engineers to chat with and swap stories. These open days have proved very popular and interesting, and it matters not if you have or had a direct connection with the types or no connection at all, your interest is all that matters. Most of the aircraft have been designed, developed and served operationally within our lifetime but now put out to grass. All of the above are potential flyers and many do fly regularly, being used at airshows and in various films. One ex RAF Sea King Mk 3 sports the colour scheme of the US Presidential ‘Marine One’, to appear in Netflix films. The Widgeon is a bit longer in the tooth and was in ‘When eight bells toll’ back in 1971, dressed up as a Royal Navy rescue helicopter. She is currently a bit ‘careworn looking’ but is in the queue for a complete restoration to flying condition in due course. Both our Wessex 5 and Sea King 3 have featured in the ‘Warbird workshop ‘ TV series.

Please do book to attend through Peter Williamson at: [email protected]

Planned open days at the moment, but there may be more:

4 March 0930 – 1300

14 April 0930 - 1300

18 May 0930 - 1300 (plan to run and spread/fold a Sea King).