Clocked up some more time formation acrobatic flying with the Patrouille Tranchant boys and this time they remembered to sign my log book, those Fouga’s are so much fun and Hughes and Jaques really know how to look after a bear like me. I would very much like a moustache like Jacques; although it tickles a bit when he hugs me. I was a bit worried that someone might get some vomit stuck in my fur as my passenger looked a little green with some of the aeros, but it was all good….. even inverted. 
Nigel and Jonny made me get up at 05.00 on Thursday (although after a year’s kip I am pretty well rested) and took me up to the airport to catch a ride in the Merlin. It was well worth the early start, we watched the sun rise and I joined the crew for their ingress into the park. I was glad when Auntie Naomi collected me though, the crew were threatening to make me meet all the children in People’s Park for the day, but I was keen to get more flying in. 
I then flew in the Guernsey air display with the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight in the Lancaster. I have flown the Lanc before, but trust me, it never gets dull. The crew were really wonderful and they clearly have a passion for their aircraft. Later in the week I was privileged to watch the crew show some veterans around the aircraft. There is a certain kind of smile when a pilot or crewman is smells aviation fuel again, climbs aboard (with a little bit of help) and is returned to their own platform of combat. Gentlemen I salute you all!
I joined the Jersey Air Display first with the Sea King Mk5. I was relived to see paramedic Florry aboard because then I knew whatever happened my stuffing was in safe hands. Just as we were due to take off, we got word of a possible tasking in Guernsey, but display ready the powers that be instructed us to proceed with the display but be ready for further instructions when we landed back on. The boys did a full demonstration winching and performing a Naval Ensign flypast. They even put me in the winch which was a little scary.
My final flight of air display week was with Stellen in the Viggen. I was given the choice, Saab 105, J29 Tunnan or the Viggen. It just had to be the Viggen, what a cloud pleaser and what a hair raising display. I loved every second of that 40 minutes!
I am already looking forward to next years show. I was sad to see my Air Display friends go. This year Leanne has promised me some Winter flying. This bear is not going back under her desk without a fight. 
From Popham I also jumped into Melvyn’s lovely Rearwin Cloudster for a flight to Panshanger airfield near Hatfield (home of the famous de Havilland company) for a vintage car and aeroplane do. We were ushered into the static park rather than parking with the other light aircraft which was fun. There were two Spartan Cruisers there too and I rather fancy a go in one of them, they are from 1939 (like Melv’s Rearwin) and are sleek and fast looking. There were also some nice looking cars at the event and one or two rather nice ladies who seemed to like a well-dressed bear…..
I have visited Jersey twice now, but it was before I had been introduced to you; however, it would seem that you don't spend a great deal of time there these days as you are busy hurtling around the sky. I have been doing that for a number of years now but as I get older I find I much prefer the more sedate aircraft as pulling lots of g tends to affect my fur now. I still keep my hand in, mind you, and a reheat run down the runway in a Lightning F.6 just after seeing you was great fun. 
