Flashback: Memories of West Malling 1982
In our brand-new series, “Aviation Chronicles”, we dive into the private archives of our readers to relive iconic moments in aviation history. We kick off with a nostalgic journey back to the summer of 1982. One of our followers Greg Bills shares his personal involvement with Air Atlantique during the Great Warbirds Air Display at West Malling—a weekend defined by the roar of vintage engines and a look behind the scenes. Guided by original clippings from the November 1982 issue of Air Pictorial, we travel back to a time when aviation felt just a little bit more magical.
When you have a story from your Aviation-past and think it might interest our readers? drop us a line!
My trip to W. Malling 1982
My third flight aboard Air Atlantique DC-3 G-AMPO was from Blackpool Squires Gate airport on Sunday 19th of September 1982, T/0 8.45 AM landing at West Malling 1hour & 50 minutes later @ 10.35 AM.
What a fabulous way to arrive at an airshow, on board a 1944 built vintage DC-3 aircraft, owned and operated by Air Atlantique.
Douglas C-47A Skytrain (DC-3) In Ruskin Air Services livery at RAF Church Fenton in Yorkshire. This Dakota’s real registration : “G-DAKS”, was owned and operated by Aces High from North Weald airfield, who supplied the aircraft for the filming of the Yorkshire Television series Airline, which was being filmed at the RAF Church Fenton location.
A duo air display was carried out in the Afternoon by DC-3 G-AMPO and G-DAKS in the Ruskin Air Services livery, G-AGHY from the popular 1980s Yorkshire Television series “Airline” with the theme tune music playing from the loud speakers during the air display.
Douglas C-47A Skytrain (DC-3) In Ruskin Air Services livery at RAF Church Fenton in Yorkshire. This Dakota’s real registration : “G-DAKS”, was owned and operated by Aces High from North Weald airfield, who supplied the aircraft for the filming of the Yorkshire Television series Airline, which was being filmed at the RAF Church Fenton location.
After a wonderful day it was sadly time to leave the airfield, taking off at 18.58 and arriving back at Blackpool at 20.32, a slightly faster time of 1 hour & 34 minutes, another memorable day out courtesy of the DC-3 flying club & Air Atlantique.
Greg Bills.
Follwing the article in Air Pictorial, November 1982.
Photo’s provided by Greg Bills were enhanced by Google Gemini ‘Banana 2’
Historical Note The archival clippings featured in this story were kindly provided by our reader as part of their personal collection. These fragments from Air Pictorial (1982) serve as a visual record of the events described. Aviationnews.eu acknowledges the historical copyright of the original publishers and creators. (Key Publishing Ltd).