GAC Members’ Duxford Fly‑Out

Landing just after 10:30, the first pit-stop was for a drink and a slice of cake. Then the group split in two, half going to explore the museums various buildings. The other half went off to visit building 425, the home of The Aircraft Restoration Company & Historic Flying Limited which although is situated on the site of Duxford operates completely independently from the museum.

This was the first time the club visited this hangar and we were met by Mark Parr – Historic Flying Limited Engineer who then took us round the hangar to explore both businesses and what a place it was.

There were spitfires everywhere. In various stages of repair and build, Mark explained how the company build both new spitfires for customers directly but also have planes brought in from various locations that need repairing in one way or another. Engines in, engines out, there were shells of planes scattered around all in various stages of repair or build which was absolutely fascinating to see. Whilst one half of the group had their tour, the other half spent their morning exploring the various different hangars that are situated on the site of Duxford, including the newly re-opened American Air Museum which was filled full of memorabilia and stories from privates to presidents whose lives were shaped by experiences in the First World War.

Another fantastic hangar we visited was Airspace which houses some of the most famous aircraft in the world, including a Concorde and Vulcan. Some of our members had actually flown some of the planes in this exhibition which was fascinating to hear. After a lovely lunch, the groups swapped over and the day concluded around 1630hrs where we all clambered on board our aircraft for the short trip back to Goodwood, landing around 1730hrs.