Easter Wings & Wheels Charity Fly In Halfpenny Green April 13, 2009

A number of classic aircraft were attracted to this friendly fly-in over the Easter weekend at the former RAF airfield. The International Auster Club took the lead and encouraged a good selection of member's aircraft, including one from Denmark painted in its former RAF markings.

Auster J/1N Alpha (G-BLPG / 16693) inscribed on tail of  Auster (G-AGXN) is 'Auster The Gentleman's Aerial Touring Carriage'.

Left to right: Auster J/1N Alpha (G-BLPG painted as RCAF '16693' ex G-AZIH).

Left to right: Auster J/1N Alpha (G-AGXN).

Left to right: Taylorcraft-Auster AOP.3 (G-BUDL ex NX534, RNeAF R-17 and PH-POL). Taylorcraft Aeroplanes (England) based in Leicestershire developed the US designed Taylorcraft Plus C and D models in 1940 to produce the Taylorcraft-Auster Army Observation Post (AOP) aircraft. This light and manoeuvrable aircraft could operate from small airstrips and could evade enemy fighters by flying at very low-level. It was used to advise field commanders of enemy troop movements and artillery. Taylorcraft Aeroplanes (England) later became Auster Aircraft and its AOP aircraft formed the basis of the modern Army Air Corps.

Left to right: Taylorcraft-Auster AOP.5 (OY-EFI / TW477 ex G-AOSL and D-ENIR) and Taylorcraft-Auster AOP.4 (G-AJYB).

Left to right: Auster J/2 Arrow (G-BEAH ex OO-ABS) and Aeronca 7AC Champion (G-BPGK).

Auster J/1N Alpha (16693) and Taylorcraft-Auster AOP.4 (G-AJYB).

Left to right: Chrislea C.H.3 Skyjeep 4 (G-AKVR)

Left to right: Air Atlantique - Classic Air's DH.89A Dragon Rapide 6 (G-AGTM) was doing the occasional pleasure flight.

Left to right: Thruxton Jackeroo (G-AOIR).

Left to right: Stinson 108 Voyager (G-BPTA), Piper PA-17 Vagabond (G-BSMV ex N4696H on tail) and DHC.1 Chipmunk 22 (G-CBJG / 1373) in its former Portuguese Air Force colours.