War veterans take flight at airfield

A flying club is giving lessons to war veterans who lost limbs fighting for their country at one of North Yorkshire’s most historically important airfields.
By The Newsroom
Published 3rd Oct 2011, 12:12 BST

At noon today the former soldiers will take to the skies with Burn Gliding Club instructors in twin-seater gliders as part of an adventure holiday funded by the British Limbless Ex-Service Men’s Association.

They will soar above Burn Airfield, the wartime Halifax bomber base, near Selby, and will be given the opportunity to fly the glider themselves.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Tony Flannery, chairman of Burn Gliding Club, said: “We are delighted to provide this opportunity to those who have unfortunately lost limbs in serving their country. There is no reason why these veterans should not be able to fly suitably modified gliders or any other aircraft on a regular basis. We hope that not only will they enjoy the day but also that some may decide to take up the sport in the future.”

Burn Airfield was one of 12 major airfields operating in the country during the Second World War. It was used to launch Halifax bombers in vital raids against Germany’s largest cities.

Related topics:North YorkshireHalifaxGermany