Bader Braves take to the air in memory of WWII ace

‘Bader Braves’ in 2013 – the weather was much knder this year!

Kinloss Barracks was host to the fifth annual ‘Bader Braves’ day at the weekend, providing flight experience to 16 youngsters from throughout Moray.

The young aviators day event was founded to provide children with disabilities a unique opportunity to experience flight, during which they can take control of aircraft either in the air or on a flight simulator.

Hosting the event once again was the Moray Flying Club who made their pair of double-seated Cessna 152s available for the day alongside a four-sea Cessna 172. Helping look after the youngsters for their memorable day was Chris McHutchinson, a technician at RAF Lossiemouth.

Chris said: “The children really enjoyed themselves and to see the look on their faces was great – the weather was also nice so that was a bonus.

“Each child had half an hour flying time, on the day the club carried out 30 flights in total flying over the local area so they could spot local landmarks as well as flying over their homes which was really special and added to the experience.”

The day is organised under the guidance of the Douglas Bader Foundation, a tribute to the most famous of Britain’s second world war fighter pilots. Bader lost a leg in a flying accident before the war but still went on to lead Spitfire and Hurricane squadrons into battle.

The foundation in his name exists to advance and promote the physical, mental and spiritual welfare of persons who are without one or more limbs or otherwise physically disabled.

Bader Braves days take place at nine different venues throughout the UK.

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