FO 'Bear' Helier: Civvy Flying

Wednesday, 24 September 2008

Civvy Flying

Today i had my first experiences of Civvy flying, in a Flybe Dash 8 Q400 and Blue Islands Jetstream 32. Enjoyed clocking up over four hours flying time in one day. The Dash was called the Matt Le Tissier, and had a picture of him on the side. Imagine my suprise when i saw the passenger manifest and discovered he was on board. We had our picture taken together and he signed my logbook.

Please look after this bear ~ thank you!

Flying Officer “Bear” Helier began his auspicious aviation career in September 2007. His mission, now he’s chosen to accept in is to fly on behalf of the Jersey International Air Display. It is his dream to fly 1500 hrs (perhaps he’s a ATPL wannabee) and circumnavigate the globe.

All aircrew are asked to help him on his travels, by taking him flying and logging the trip. They put any squadron stickers or patches, stories or photographs of his trip in his log book (Section 3). In addition any qualifications, renewals, medicals, sim training and periodic summaries, are also completed the relevant sections of the log book, by appropriately qualified personnel.

Already with several hours under his collar, he is eager for more. He now speaks several different languages, and thanks to 617 Squadron is combat ready. He has experienced 7.5g, but found that a little tame and thinks he is capable of much more. He flies in both the military and civilian worlds, loving any type of aviation experience. Currently the only desire he has expressed is not to fly in the F22 Raptor, as he says he doesn’t trust those American flyboys (must be the St Ouen’s breeding).

Crew's have been warned: He is very partial to a drink now and again, and has been found eating animal crackers and slurping Guinness in someone’s flight bag.At the end of his career; Helier, his log book, patches, badges, stickers, photographs and short stories will be auctioned to raise money to help fund the Jersey International Air Display.

For further details on FO "Bear" Helier, or should you wish to help him on his travels please contact Leanne Bass by email: bear@jerseyairdisplay.org.uk.

Also if FO Helier has turned up on your doorstep and you wish to return him to base please also email Leanne and she will give you details of how to get him home.