WW11 Pilot, 99, Returns To The Skies (ITV News)

A 99-year-old American war veteran has returned to the skies after a chance meeting with a local pilot at the airfield he flew missions from 80 years ago.

Lieutenant Ray Hobbs returned to Horham Airfield, in Suffolk, as part of a reunion trip organised by the 95th Bomb Group Heritage Association.

When the group took a tour of the airstrip in a convoy of WWII vehicles, it prompted local Sling Aircraft pilot, Rod Wheeler, to abort landing his Sling 4 light aircraft.

But after Mr Wheeler did manage to touch down, he discovered that Lt Hobbs had once flown B-17s from the airfield – and offered to take him up.

Lt Hobbs’ family watched on in tears as the pair flew several circuits of the airfield. Mr Wheeler said, “At 1,000 ft up, Ray took control of the plane and he flew it perfectly. I was struck by how calm Ray was, he was totally aware.”

Read The ITV News Full Article Here

Ray Hobbs and his family with local pilot Rod Wheeler.
Ray Hobbs and his family with local pilot Rod Wheeler.

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The Tedderfield Sling Camping Fly-In

THE TEDDERFIELD
SLING CAMPING FLY-IN!

Slingers, join us next Friday and Saturday, 7th and 8th November, at Tedderfield for a weekend of aviation, camping, and good vibes! Camp out with us on Friday, enjoy drinks, dancing, and a lekker braai — then kick off Saturday morning with our Breakfast Fly-In and a behind-the-scenes Sling HQ tour. Everyone’s welcome — fly in, drive in, or just pop in for the fun! Fur-aviators welcome too!